I was up at Fighting Words again today – 2nd class from St Patrick’s in Blanchardstown this time – lovely gang! They got me thinking about interesting characters – the importance of names.

In the story they wrote, they named their talking dog, Max; and the talking horse, Miley – both great names! Phoenix was another good horse name.

And the children had great names too – Trinity, Morrison – fab names!

When you are writing, think long and hard about your characters before you name them. Christian name and surname. Christian – now that’s a good name. My cousin’s name in fact – and he’s a pet.

I always have great fun naming my leading men – I’ve had a Jack Wiseheart, a Max, a Sam, a Matt (lots of short, snappy ones!); and in Amy Green, a Seth and a Bailey (named after a friend’s dog in fact!).

Have fun naming your own characters . . .

Yours in writing,

SarahX

Here’s an exercise I do with my writing workshops on naming:

Give the following characters a good name: (the names in brackets are some suggestions that children recently came up with)

A kind, sweet granny who likes to bake (Nan Baker)
A bitter, twisted woman (Edele Brittle)
A mean, shouty teacher (Davina Daggers)
A black and white cat with only one eye (Popeye!)
A dragon with no fire (Damp Dillon)
A surfing vet (Ned Narley)

Now you try it!

And finally I’ll leave you with a quote:
You must write for children the same way you write for adults, only better.
Maxim Gorky