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| Frau Blucher! |
Luckily I found a random name generator that did exactly what I wanted it to do. It spewed infinite pairings of first and last names taken from the U.S. Census, all geared to my "obscurity factor" preference, which I could set numerically from 1 (least obscure) to 99 (most).
You want personalities that jump off the page? Back stories that appear almost effortlessly? Horses that whinny at the mere pronunciation of―never mind.
The old lists you see above show some of the names I considered. Notice that I generated Ina Strub, who evolved into Ida Strub, a minor character. Seeing that I had Clifford Bisbee pegged as the short order cook makes me laugh. He ended up playing a far different role.
I'm busy using the random name generator again as I plan my sequel, DEATH UNDER THE RADAR. Who will get the roles of Tony's wife and his business partner in the thriving upscale restaurant he left?
10 comments:
Names can be such a time drain. We always do want the perfect names, and you certainly have created some terrific ones! Love your new project title, and, of course, special thanks for the random name generator. Happy 4th weekend, Toby. It's bucketing down here.
Hey Toby! For some reason, I've been forgetting to stop by. How cool is that random name finder thing?? And a huge congrats on completing your book!! Woo hoo!!
Very fun, Toby! Congrats on completing DEATH OVER EASY to your satisfaction! Tipping my hat to you :-)
Clara, you should see my latest list of names. I ran off a quick 100 and see a few I'd love to use. Bucketing -- sounds like a good day for me to be sitting on your deck again. Miss you. Happy 4th!
Becky, I've just started posting again, so you haven't missed a thing. Thanks for your warm words!
Thanks, Tabatha. It's weird, but you just somehow know when something's finished or not. Two revisions ago I told myself it was done, did my best to convince myself, but now I feel I've told the story the best I could.
Hi, Toby! I just wanted to stop by because I miss you and wanted to have a spot of tea at your place. :) Congratulations on your new engagement in the family...perhaps there will be new names all about soon! I hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer. I'm thinking about you and wishing we could visit. 'Any chance you'll be at SCBWI in NYC in February? A.
Hi Amy! So glad you stopped by. I just happen to have some banana bread on hand to go with our tea. Look for an email from me today.
Congrats on finishing DEATH OVER EASY, and I'm so glad you found my blog through QT! I can't wait to explore your site some more! :)
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa! My blog is going through an identity crisis as I shift genres and will probably have more of a mystery look and feel in the future.
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