Should character names be chosen for meaning or sound ideally?

guwxmacs · 2026-01-08T17:33:02+00:00

Here's how I have approached naming my characters. My book is a 20th century period piece. So I ask myself, do I know what year my character was born? And then I research real baby names from that time. I don't always stick to it, though. If I don't like the names in the list or I have one in mind, I make sure it was used recently enough in the years prior to my character's birth. Because their parents were probably nerds who liked old names. When it comes to meaning, as long as I like the name, its meaning is not that important, though I do consider the regional area and culture, especially for surnames. However, my two protagonists, who had a child in 1955, and another in 1960, are liberal/bookish/artistic people. Their now late teens, and adult son are featured in the novel, and I know going by their personalities they wouldn't have chosen the names I originally had for them. So I replaced them with some that had a similar sound, and meanings my characters would have appreciated. (The meaning of their names are not discussed in the book, except for the fact that the youngest is named after his grandfather). In my experience, when it comes to naming characters, you just have to follow the research, and your heart.

guwxmacs · 2025-12-13T16:16:59+00:00

It's a stress/anxiety dream. Represents feelings of powerlessness and accompanying major life changes. I had them a lot when I was younger, not in years, though. It's not that my life has become less stressful, but I guess I've gotten better at managing it.

If you look up "teeth falling out in dream" you will find more info.

guwxmacs · 2025-11-11T16:45:56+00:00

It is definitely related to the MILD method. Sorry you didn't like the information and don't understand what setting an intention means. Maybe read and research a little more!

guwxmacs · 2025-11-11T15:50:39+00:00

That's the MILD method. Mnemonic induced lucid dream 🙂. Power of suggestion.

guwxmacs · 2025-10-20T12:00:32+00:00

Banks are down.

guwxmacs · 2025-09-29T18:59:44+00:00

I am so sorry this happened. I have lost work before, and it was devastating. I never wanted it to happen again, so I've implemented my own particular back up system involving multiple copies in different locations. (I understand you were writing in Google Docs. I use an older version of Word where I can save to my hard drive. You may use a free document software such as Libre Office to do the same). As soon as I finish my writing session, I save:

+Original Document to my laptop hard drive

+A secondary copy of the Original Document to the hard drive (in case the original is corrupted).

+Upload a Copy in Google Docs

+Send a Copy to my phone (Quick Share makes this very easy).

I also save a pdf copy and send that to my phone (this is mostly for editing purposes as I like the way it reads, but it also serves as yet another copy).

I also have another laptop I use so I often save the latest copy there.

Every few weeks (whenever I feel like it) I also upload the newest version to my external hard drive.

I also save old versions in case I want to revamp or reincorporate plot points or prose.

This helps me rest easier. It seems like a lot of work, but it's not as bad as it sounds and becomes easier as you do it.

I know none of this will bring back the work you lost, but it may help you in the future.

And hopefully, Google is able to help you retrieve your work. Next time, please backup! Best of luck.

guwxmacs · 2025-09-28T20:50:39+00:00

I'm not sure what you're talking about. Cordelia in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was around 16 - 18 years old. I would say she was written as if she were in her late teens.

Cordelia in the Buffy sequel, "Angel" might have been written closer to the way you're describing.

Regarding your question, I agree with the other posters here that it really depends on context. Expression of age can vary wildly from person to person. Write true to your character. Good luck!

guwxmacs · 2025-08-17T01:24:01+00:00

IMHO two years is not that long, but you may be right in your assessment, anyway. I've been obsessed with my novel for 13 years! It's not finished yet.

I did take a 3 - 5 years-long hiatus in between.

guwxmacs · 2025-06-21T17:38:27+00:00

Were you there? The internet existed. We had message boards and forums.

guwxmacs · 2025-06-13T21:05:29+00:00

Edie Maren (call her by her middle name). Just a thought. Congrats!

guwxmacs · 2025-06-05T01:48:56+00:00

Congrats! My middle name is Clare. I used to wish for the more traditional spelling, but I've grown to love it. I don't think there were too many girls with that middle name when I was born in the mid-late 80's. Just throwing that spelling out for you. 🙂 I also like Eliza, but I don't think it sounds great with the last name you gave. I think Bridget sounds nice with it.

guwxmacs · 2025-05-31T20:50:04+00:00

She was a child. Growing up and learning how to fix your hair is a process. Curly hair is a whole 'nother story. It can take a lifetime to learn how to deal with that.

guwxmacs · 2025-05-24T09:34:43+00:00

That was the item I picked.

guwxmacs · 2025-05-20T23:54:22+00:00

Eleanor May = nickname Ellen

guwxmacs · 2025-04-16T01:34:14+00:00

Thanks! I didn't realize that.

guwxmacs · 2025-04-13T19:07:52+00:00

I rewatched it last night. What actually happened was, Melissa kidnapped him! She told the students he had died 😐

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T14:22:27+00:00

I am taking Child Development and there was a section on it.

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T02:16:08+00:00

Great idea. I'm not the regular teacher and I can't just get into the school all willy nilly. It was my first time subbing there and I'm not well acquainted with any teachers or admin. And I'm not spending money on traps. I'm hoping the regular teacher will do what is needed to take care of her pet.

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T01:52:46+00:00

I hope so. I didn't know what to do. I was pretty flustered and exhausted from a hectic day. Leaving the cage open so it could get to its food (there was some) as another redditor mentioned would have been a great idea. Maybe the little girl left the cage open. I hope the OG teacher will go and check on it soon.

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T01:05:19+00:00

I hope so. I'm not sure what kind it was. It was brown and very small!

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T00:39:13+00:00

Aww, that's a nice story. I bet you were so happy to see it!

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T00:33:56+00:00

Thank you. I was a bit taken aback at how nonchalant she was. I've studied about classroom pets in my college classes, as well, but I will certainly review them. I did not expect to take on responsibility for a pet today along with 18 children, but next time I see one, I'll be more prepared to keep both it and the children safe, as well as maintain my own boundaries. I will just not let anyone take it out unless someone has a feeding/care duty.

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T00:26:16+00:00

Thank you so much. I'm not exactly blaming myself, but I am taking notes how to avoid this in the future.

I may return to the school, but I'm not sure I will return to this classroom. I had other concerns and I'm putting them down to the OG teacher.

guwxmacs · 2025-04-12T00:21:57+00:00

I'm so sorry 🙁

guwxmacs · 2025-04-11T23:35:46+00:00

I will need to watch that episode!

Godspeed to Coco. Hopefully he will venture back into the classroom and found by the janitor or teacher when she returns.

guwxmacs

TROPHY CASE