I’m going gangbusters on my new Jackson novel (#9), but I keep getting stuck trying to decide names. So I often throw something in—so I can keep writing—and tell myself I’ll think of the right name later.
Well, 20,000 words in, it’s time to settle on some names. And readers are always so helpful, I’m asking everyone to pitch in again. I’ll make it worth your while, of course, by giving away a print copy of Crimes of Memory, Jackson #8 to my favorite submission, or if you prefer, an ebook when it’s released on Oct. 15. I also have print and ebook ARCs of The Trigger, a standalone thriller coming out January 1 to other entries I like. Winners get to chose their prize.
In this new (nameless) story, Jackson investigates the death of a young woman who works as a caregiver but has a shadowy existence and no connections to anyone. I need a name for her and her three-year-old son, who becomes quite attached to Jackson.
My first thought for the boy was Cory, but I already have too many K sounds in Jackson’s personal world (Katie and Kera). So I switched his name to Milo, which I really like, but sadly, I decided the name is too much like Micah (Kera’s grandson). I try not to confuse readers. So I’m looking for something sweet—for the boy, that is. (I'm personally trying to give up sugar...again.)
And being one of my complex mysteries, there’s a second victim, a star UO football player, a quarterback with emotional baggage that I really can’t reveal. So I need three young male names of varying ages.
Feel free to submit for all, or just one…if it seems perfect. You can leave a comment or email me with your submissions. Thanks for participating.
Cory=Will
ReplyDeleteJosh=Anthony/Tony
second victim=Art
I thought about Tony too! But the skater is a Tony Hawk fan, so that might be a little weird. Thanks for participating!
DeleteIf I may make a comment about "Will," although I really like that name, sometimes it can be awkward in a novel, like "Will Will like that?" or "Will will be coming, too." etc.
ReplyDeleteGood observation!
DeleteOh! A diversion!!!
ReplyDeleteYoung & Cute: Benjamin; Danny
Potentially Twisted Teenager: Elliott; Ross; Nelson
Football Player: Alex; Buck; Kevin
Caregiver: Tyne; Melody, Nicole
Thanks! I like Bengi for the boy, and Buck is fun for the football player.
DeleteJustin, Dylan, Joe
ReplyDeleteAll good! Thanks for participating.
DeleteFor the little boy: Jacob
ReplyDeletethat's all I've got for now...names are hard!
caregiver Carmella
ReplyDeletethree-year-old son, Gregory
skater skitter
UO football player, zachary
Seems like a murky background should have a name that fades into oblivion.
ReplyDeleteMom - Mary Smith
Son - Johnny Smith
Neighbor boy - Trip
Players - Carlos, Logan, Niles
Caregiver: Scarlet
ReplyDeleteLittle boy: Oliver
three year old: Brian, Devon, Jason, Stevie, Adam
ReplyDeleteskater: Nicholas (Nick), Martin, Carl, Desean, Garrett
football player: Sean, Jared, Glenn, Darren, Jed
(Let me get a bit more food and liquid in me after the Yom Kippur fast, and I may have some more for you.)
There's my grandson, Joey. You can call him Joseph when you're mad at him. :-)
ReplyDeleteI keep a spreadsheet of names organized by letters of the alphabet so I don't repeat too many that start with the same letter--your reminder that sound is important too is a good one.
Terry
Terry's Place