When I was asked to write about the importance of character names, I giggled. Why? Because I have a book that is a running joke for some readers. Disco, Paine, Goose—really? Where is Iceman? How about Maverick? I get that a lot. In retrospect I should have name them Dhisco, Phaine, and Ghoose. I would have made a killing. *grin*

I’m not too keen on being cutesy with character names. Those I mentioned (with the exception of one) are nicknames. The protagonist of that particular series, Rhiannon, loves to toss them out at random. She sees, she evaluates, she bestows. It’s her style. However, when I’m writing someone aside from her, names can be rather taxing. Romance? Gotta make sure the guy has an alpha vibe. Floyd doesn’t strike me as fierce and deadly. Neither does Fred. The heroine? She needs to be strong but attractive. Therefore Ethel or Lucille won’t really work.

So what’s an author to do when you need a name to fit a character? Write them down as they come and keep them handy. I have a list of potential character names, and it’s saved me from more than one migraine. When you have the image of the person in your head, you have to ensure the name matches the personality. Of course, you also have to consider the history of a character and create accordingly. It’s all about balance, and if you get it just right, you can’t go wrong (and I say this as an author and a reader—trust me, I have TONS of favs! *cough* Sterling Packard, anyone?).

Share with me via a comment below! I can’t wait to see what names keep you returning to a book or series. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Jaime AKA J.A. Saare

BBT Photography

About the Author:

J.A. Saare is a multi-published author in varying genres and has written stories featured in horror magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and have been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath of fresh air.”

Currently she is penning numerous projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and of course, paranormal romance categories.

Those interested in her “naughtier” side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com

Places to find Jamie: website, blog, twitter, facebook

About the Book:

Vampires, and werewolves, and demons, oh my.

Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.

Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.

After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.

Goodreads, Mundania Press, Amazon