In an unexpected twist, I received an email that struck a nerve, filled with palpable anger. My young adult novel addressing the issue of teen cyberbullying had just been published, and one of my closest friends was clearly upset. “How could you?” she began, and with each word, my heart raced as I searched for the source of her distress.
The crux of her outrage? I had unwittingly used the same nickname for a character in my book that her seven-year-old daughter goes by. Stunned, I sifted through the narrative, questioning whether I had indeed borrowed her child’s name for one of the “mean girls” in the story. After a thorough review, I discovered that the character was merely a superficial figure—a striking Abercrombie model dating the book’s charming pop star—mentioned in passing and never integral to the plot. Although I described her as shallow, this was purely from the perspective of my jealous teenage protagonist.
The thought that my character’s name could be mistaken for her daughter’s had never crossed my mind, yet perhaps I had unintentionally overstepped a boundary.
What Significance Do Names Hold?
When crafting characters, which names should remain off-limits? As I wrestled with this dilemma, I envied authors of historical fiction who could rely on names like Beatrice and Mortimer, or those in the realm of science fiction, who can invent names such as Zorak and Blip that have no prior association. For contemporary writers, however, the pool of names becomes restricted if we must avoid the names of every person we’ve encountered throughout our lives—friends, classmates, teachers, and family members.
The truth is, I often can’t pinpoint where I derive the names I select. Writers tend to amass names from various sources, like gathering rare collectibles. Some are inspired by beloved characters from movies and books, while others stem from names we’ve cherished for our own children but couldn’t convince our partners to adopt. Occasionally, a name might even be a nod to a childhood bully whose memory lingers.
Unspoken Guidelines for Mother-Authors
This unexpected conflict reminded me of the “baby-naming controversies” I faced over a decade ago, where unspoken rules dictated the acceptable use of names for our future children. I vividly recall the protectiveness I felt when a close relative claimed a name I had cherished for years. Did she not understand that I had already laid claim to it as an homage to my childhood toy? Similarly, I felt a twinge of irritation when friends chose the same name as my toddler for their newborn, though this was somewhat mitigated by the distance that separated us.
For mother-authors, are there unspoken guidelines regarding naming characters after the children we know? I found that other children’s authors have varied perspectives. Some believe common names should be fair game, while others exercise caution. One colleague shared that they avoid using the names of anyone they know, while another borrows from their children’s friends but only in positive contexts.
Amidst this reflection, I noticed a well-known YA author seeking character names through social media. Many eager respondents expressed their willingness to have their names featured, even if it meant portraying a villain or a character with a tragic fate. Sadly, my morally questionable supermodel character did not meet a dramatic end; rather, it was my friendship with the offended mother that ultimately faltered.
Conclusion
In summary, this experience opened my eyes to the complexities of naming characters in literature, especially when personal connections are involved. For those interested in exploring home insemination, you can read more on this blog post, which provides valuable insights. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of vaccinations and fertility treatment, check out this authoritative resource. If you’re seeking further information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.