A Not-Quite-Random Poll

[rj_anderson]

I need to change the name of a minor character in Knife, because her present name is depressingly common in fantasy literature, and it really isn't giving me any idea of what she's like. Since she's going to become a major character if I write a sequel, this is a potentially serious problem. And yet... since I don't really know what she's like at this point, I'm having difficulty choosing a new name for her.

Therefore I have decided to -- you guessed it -- take a poll.

Before you vote, here's all I know about this character:

- she's got medium brown, curly hair, and brown or hazel eyes;
- she is not particularly tall;
- she's a faery, of the small and winged variety;
- she's intelligent, thoughtful, and somewhat quiet (I think); and
- she's going to have to leave her home (reluctantly, I think) and strike out on a long, dangerous journey, to look for something her people need.

I won't tell you her present name, because those who've read Knife probably know it already, and those who haven't won't find it helpful, I'm sure.

[Poll #874744]

Comments

[ozratbag2.livejournal.com]

I picked Rowan because it's a name that rolls off the tongue very easily, but I also thought something like, Elspeth or Clover are pretty name as well.

Or, how about looking at names and the attributes for you character? Lavender for calming, Rosemary and/or Sage for memory, and Sage particularly as a plant that enlivens the senses.

Just thoughts.

[kizmet-42.livejournal.com]

I like Rosemary, myself.

[rj-anderson.livejournal.com]

I agree, but alas, james_bow has used it for his YA fantasy trilogy, so I can't think of the name as anything but derivative. Likewise "Clary", which others have suggested but which is the name of the heroine of epicyclical's upcoming YA fantasy.