I really don't have trouble with names anymore. I don't think it's a problem to use names that have already been used in books, except for distinctive names, as has been mentioned before, like Frodo and Aragorn.

But I wouldn't let the famous-ness of Lord of the Rings' Sam deter me from using that in a book, and I wouldn't go google searching names that I've made up/that I like to see if they've been used in some obscure book ten years ago.

The focus of writing a story should be just that: the story. It is the heart and the core, and no reader will care if your name has been used before! I've read books with Hans and Leias and Lukes, but if they were good, I haven't complained. The names don't matter (unless they are ridiculously hard to pronounce, like my childhood Star Wars character's name: Liaswverasz Sdquirbrea).

Too much time can be spent worrying that you are copying a name from a well known book and too little spent on creating a beautiful world and a splendid story. Worry about names little, if at all. Some authors use them for symbolism-- that's great. But I'm pretty sure that the average reader doesn't care that much. They care about the personalities of the characters and their story, not their names.

I heartily agree sweeetlilgurlie!!

Using names for symbolism is awesome and something I love that can add more meaning- but it can't be used as a cheat to not have to have the meaning in the story!

Thanks for that, Sweeet. I'm feeling a lot better about my names now that you've said that - you have no idea.

Speaking of names...I have a rather unique problem with one of mine. I can't spell it. Not that it's unpronounceable or anything - I literally CAN'T spell it without people pronouncing it the wrong way. I've been through so many different spellings, but none of them are working. Every time I try to get someone to say it, they pronounce it as a more commonly known name that doesn't fit my character. It's the strangest thing. Oh well. In the end, I'll probably end up taking my own advice and changing the letters slightly.

What's the name, Silver? Maybe we could give you some help with the spelling. Try writing it out phonetically, and we can give you spelling suggestions.

Thanks FF! I really wish you could help, but as it's a name I created myself, I'm a bit hesitant to post it on the internet. Nothing against you guys or anything!

^^ You could PM it to me, if you'd like. I don't know if that would make a difference or not. I'm pretty good at finding ways of spelling things that are difficult in that way. I deal with a lot fantasy names like that in my own books.

You could also include a pronunciation guide in your book.

~Riella

Thanks FF! I really wish you could help, but as it's a name I created myself, I'm a bit hesitant to post it on the internet. Nothing against you guys or anything!

That's okay, I understand perfectly.

I've had to stop writing my novel for now I don't have the time with all the school I have to do. I am working on a series of stories for children (little children, ages four to seven ) I hope to start writing my novel again as soon as I finish school, and I'll do a lot of writing in the summer

I'm in the same boat. Since Saturday I have spent three days with 12 striaght hour periods of working on my Senior Project stuff. "Last night" went until 1:30am until I had to call it quits because I do have test this afternoon. I just have to push through Friday mid-morning then I can relax and get back to my sequel. I really want it finished before I go on my 2nd trip to Colorado this summer in mid-June.

It's hard to find time to write. I'm a full-time student, so it's challenging; I don't write in novel as much I wish I could. I'm hoping to write a lot more this summer.

Something I do and that helps me is to keep track of how many words I write. That way, it make me feel like I'm getting something done in my book. I also set a writing goal for each month: I want to write X amount of words for May. Something that works for me.

~Arya

I'm not much of a 'planning' writer. I'm one of those hyper-focus guys where once I get started on something, I go after it until it's done. And right now my Senior Project has my attention. I've spent about 36 hours since Saturday working on the final report and document and I will shortly be down to 48 hours until I can let up. After that, it's cruise control for me.

But that being said, once I get started on writing, there is little that will keep me from going at it until it's done. I really want my draft done before mid-June so I have time to let it get read by a select few people for feedback while I go on a two-week trip. I really want my sequel ready to approach a publisher by end of the year.

FencerforJesus, what's your book about?

~Arya

See the link in my signature.

My novel and sequel are fictional stories with a heavy Christian spiritual warfare theme. I haven't come across anyone yet who's read the whole thing and not liked it. I have come across a few who have read just a little and didn't like it because of the strong Christian themes. I can't please everyone and the only one I am trying to please is my Lord. But as one reviewer for my book (see link as well) puts it: "This book will change your life."

Oh, I see the link. I feel silly now. Good lucking with your writing! Keep us posted.

~Arya

Fencer, I think it is interesting that some people are put out by the strong Christian themes in your book. I'll probably run into the same problem, because not only am I a Christian, I am Mormon as well. (For some reason, people just don't like that).

There was this interesting article I just read that was an interview with Orson Scott Card (author of Ender's Game) asking him about how he deals with being a Mormon author. It's really interesting, not just for Mormons, but for Christian writers in general (okay, it does focus more on Mormons, but I felt that some of the issues apply to Christian writers in general).