Well don't you look stunning! All dressed up and ready to participate in the A HEART DECEIVED Anniversary Soiree. Yeah, I know. The word soiree is a bit pretentious, bringing to mind poofy ball gowns and tuxedoes. I feel a little out of my league using it because I'm a jeans and tee-shirt kind of gal with dirt under my fingernails and a fine sprinkling of dog hair to boot. Nevertheless, I chose the word soiree because it invokes the Regency era of A Heart Deceived.

As a writer, implementing the right word is important, but even more so when deciding upon character names. The names you choose should reveal something about your characters, who they are at the core of their being or a foreshadowing of who they will become.

5 Things to Consider When Naming a Character

1. Tone
The tone of the name Winky Beaverson brings to mind a skinny kid with buck teeth, not a strapping hero to save the day. Instead, use stalwart, courageous names for heroes or heroines. The flip side of that is to go for ugly, wicked words for villains.

2. Creativity
Go ahead. Make something up. That's what writing is all about. Try combining two words together. Dickens was a master at this. My personal favorite is Mr. Smallweed from Bleak House. Note: This works better for last names than for first.

3. Historicity
Even if you're not a historical fiction author, you still need to think about and research whether the name you chose would be appropriate decade-wise for your character. Sometimes writers make the mistake of using a name that is popular now for an adult character, a name that wouldn't have been used around the time of that character's birth. And if you are writing historically, whoa baby. Do the research or you will be crucified by readers.

4. Meaning
Readers love to ponder the bigger picture of a story, especially character names--and especially junior high literature teachers. Why not give them something to work with? Think of ways to incorporate meaning into your character's name. Example: if your heroine is a botanist, it would be too obvious to name her Flower, not to mention stupid, but dig a little deeper and name her Sage or Linnea.

5. Endearment
Try something outside the box and go with a nickname instead of the usual. A unique name can lodge itself pretty deep into the grey matter of a reader, making your story memorable. Who doesn't remember Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird?

Naming characters is one of my favorite parts of creating a new story. . . and yes, I had a heap of fun with the names in A Heart Deceived. Now then, here is your chance to get your name entered into the grand prize drawing. Simply answer the question in the comment section and I'll toss your name into the hat.