Monday, February 8, 2010

IT'S A START

Last week I spent a little time playing with some ideas for a new book. I actually outlined the first eight chapters, then life got in the way. One of my cousins died unexpectedly and we went to Idaho for the funeral. Today I tried to get back in the outlining mode, but it just didn't work. I'm not really an outline type of writer even though I know I write faster when I work from an outline, and when I only have small blocks of time in which to write, I find the story flows more smoothly if I have a rough outline to follow. Yet for some crazy reason I like to surprise myself as I go and find it more fun to just write than follow an outline. So instead of staring at my outline and trying to decide what chapter nine is going to be about, I did what I usually do. I jumped in and started writing. I actually made it to 1500 words. This one is shaping up to be a murder mystery. We'll see how that goes.

How would you like to help me name my heroine? Reading back over my rough outline I discovered I was using a name I've used before. I changed it to a similar name, but it just doesn't feel right. She's single, 27 years old, shoulder length brown hair and hazel eyes, 5 feet 7 inches tall, an executive at an advertising firm, and enjoys running. She's smart, grew up as an Army brat, recently bought her first home, and has been called as a den mother in her family ward. I'll consider any reasonable suggestion. If I choose the name you suggest, I'll give you two entries in my current contest (three if you're also a follower.)

16 comments:

Robin said...

Kira sounds like a name that might fit into your story. I wouldn't get too tired of reading that name.


I'm a follower also.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

How about Shelby?

Melanie Goldmund said...

I have no idea why, but when I read this entry, I found myself thinking of a girl I remember from one of my seminary classes half a lifetime ago, and her name was Brooke, so that's my suggestion.

Jackie said...

Sounds like it'll be good...My suggestion is Carly. I've always liked that name.

Elizabeth Morgan said...

I think Alexis Wellington would be a good name. It seems to fit the part you have outlined for her. She could have a nickname of Lexi.

Candi said...

I think she sounds like a Jessalyn.

The Novelist said...

There is a woman who just moved into my ward with the coolest name ever. Clixie Keller. I kid you not. I love it.

How about Karina or Corinne (Cori for short).

Personally I'd use Clixie.

Heidi said...

I love thinking of names. I love the names Amy, Shirece, or Bailey. I can't wait to read this book it sounds good already.

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

Jennie, boy I know what you mean about writing an outline. Not one of my favorite things either.
Let's see about the name, hmm, Charlene, but all her friends call her Charlie/Charly. Sounds a little old though, how about McKenzie or Cooper? Good luck! Sounds like you have a wonderful start.

Haiku Amy said...

Oh yeah, Amy is a great name. Hey, someone else suggested it first . :-D
The character you described made me think of my friend Candi. Her name is Candida, which I think is pretty original. Other than that I can't really think of a good name. It's like trying to name your children.

Haiku Amy said...

Ok I just thought of another one. It was inspiration. Since you're reading for the Whitney awards...how about Whitney. Ha ha. Seriously, I always liked that name.

Ethatch said...

Tenlee is a great name for a runner.

Tarmy said...

I'd suggest Melissa, Megan or Lauren. I looked at popular names of girls born in 1983 and those are my favorite 3 that are still pretty commonly given today. I have a hard time with characters that are supposed to be born in the 70's or 80's that have names that would likely have only been given in the last decade. All of the strange spellings, etc.
I'm excited to read another of your books!

Jennie said...

Hmm I've already used Cara, Carly, Amy, Charlie,and Megan. I* haven't made up my mind yet which name to use so I'm still calling her Callene, though that's awfully close to Karlene which I used in Shudder. Anyway I put all of your names in the drawing twice. Thanks so much for all of your suggestions and if you come up with more ideas, I'd love to hear them.

Jolynn_Reads said...

I'm a little late commenting,but I would like to try these name suggustions.
Jessie shortened for Jessica
Lindsay,
Courtney
Maybe if you still can't decide we could vote.

Unknown said...

The first name that popped into my head with that description was the same as a previous post Alexis or Lexi.

So to be original I also thought of Sari or Serena.