Groop met a couple weeks ago or something like that and I took notes and here they finally are.
We are still getting used to Jen's gorgeous couches. We don't know what to do with ourselves. Sometimes someone has to fall off the couch just to feel normal again.
Marika turned in and basically our biggest concern (or so say my notes) was the name of her main character. My current vote is for Tamara. Other suggestions? We think it needs to be three syllables. Someone else remind me of the other criteria...
But names are important. Take our very own group. Marika's name means "faggot" in South America, and not referring to a bundle of twigs. Ben's mom's name, Suki, means "bitches" (that's more than one) in Russia.
Just think of the novelistic possibilities these very names present! Nick's response was: "I want Ben's mom and Marika to meet a Russian in South America." That sounds like a writing assignment to me.
Names. Pretty important.
My favorite reference for character names is Babyzone, particularly because you can look up names by ethnic and regional origin.
Jeremy admitted that he just keeps a baby name book on his shelf. We know he also has the book so as to get the girls. Now, if I had it on my shelf? See Jeremy's last post.
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In case anyone is wondering where to get a baby name book, I found mine at the checkout counter of a grocery store. It was wedged between the astrology scrolls and the Weekly World News. Which should tell you something about it's intended audience (and is frankly part of its charm and potency).
However, it does only contain first names. Coming up with interesting, memorable last names is much tougher. For that I often resort to the phone book. In the yellow pages they even come tied to a profession. Need a credible name for a lawyer, doctor or plumber? Let your fingers do the walking.
One other note: If you're looking for names for characters from specific countries or with specific ethnic backgrounds, Wikipedia and/or Google can both be excellent resources for lists.
Or, if you're 36 going on 24, as I apparently am, then you can also find your friends on facebook who have, like, 248 additional friends, and start puzzling together new firsts and lasts. Totally works... ;-)
ps yay for groop meeting summaries - let's make this a trend!
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