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

[jtree.livejournal.com]

Due to some limited internet time lately I'm not entirely familiar with the concept of this story on yours, but with the descriptions you've given I eventually settled for Dittany. It's seems a plain, nondescript, diminutive name that doesn't outright promise much flamboyance or even grace or virtue from the character, but rather gives the impression of a quiet person who would need to prove her value by her actions. Both Rowan and Bracken have some air of harshness in them, like a little bit of both ignorance and fool-hardiness, and, unfortunately, that's also common in fantasy.
Hope you enjoy your writing.