What's In a Name?
Apparently a lot.
Writer's craft stories, create worlds, knock-off bad guys, celebrate heroes, and believe in happily-ever after. We want readers to know these places and people we create. We invite readers into these worlds in hopes of sparking a smile, perhaps a tear, or just to escape from work, bills and reality for a few hours.
Yet,a writer's job doesn't end with typing the words and creating these visionary places, oh no, in today's literary jungle our task has merely begun.
First and foremost is story - if you don't have a good story nothing else is going to help. However, all writers are painfully aware that if you don't have a great, dynamic, stand out cover well, your perfect prose probably isn't going to get read by too many people, unless you are bragged on by the likes of Stephen King or Barry Eisler. (Hey Barry, Stephen, hellooooo)
Even then, most readers scan that cover and if they aren't instantly intrigued I mean in 7-seconds or less - back to the cyber or print shelf you go. Sigh.
Recently, I've come across several blogs that tell me my name is a key factor in getting published. Seriously, now I have to consider what the heck my name is? All writers have, I'm certain, considered using a pseudonym at some point in their career or in their fantasies. Many do use them, but even those names can be a burden if they aren't the right name for the book.
A recent NYT article about author Patricia O'Brien who couldn't sell her latest book until she changed her name hammers home the point.
As a life-long, voracious reader, I can honestly saw a fancy cover has turned my head, but a name? I never really gave an authors name that much thought. Perhaps its just me.
I'd just like to know - Does an authors name really give an indication to the reader that it is a good book? Does a name date you? Do certain names turn readers off of an author or a book? If I write a thriller will readers be less likely to read if I am a woman?
Through literary history writers have employed pen-names to sell books - think Mark Twain. Today, however, it is harder to hide your true identity. It is also harder to stand out amid the glossy covers,and the beautiful websites and tip-toe into the land of "I sold my book", much less hit any bestseller list - now I gotta find the perfect name too?
I wonder if I could find a good numerology site to help me? Hmm, how about Shakes Peare?
May All the Write Words be Yours,
Linda
4 comments:
Some character names have thrown me for a loop. I read an entire book where the girl's name was Bridie, and I'd read her name as Birdie until like the last few pages and I thought, "Well who's Bridie?" Similar experience with a character named Grania - I mean, what kind of name is that? I saw it as Granola. Okay, so it was the 70's, but seriously! As for getting a pseudonym - it can get wicked confusing remembering who you are! Great post, Sister!
There are some names in stories that make me crazy trying to pronounce them. If I know the author, sometimes I email them and as for a phonic spelling of how to pronounce it. OK so I am a dweeb, but it stops me from enjoying a story if I stumble over it. On the other hand, if someone mispronounces one of my character's names, it hurts my feelings. ;)
My pseudonym was fun to put together. I used a family last name and one of my favorite Scottish towns to come up with Paisley Kirkpatrick. It has amazed me at how well people remember it and say they love it. One friend even asked if she could use my name in her next book. Of course, I said yes, but with a condition. The hero had to be a gorgeous Scot. ;)
I couldn't read the NYT article about Patricia O'Brien because I didn't want to create an account. Is it related to names dating you? I am sensitive to that issue because I have a dated name, Barbara. Very few Barbaras under 50. I blame it on Barbie. Who wants their daughter to have to measure up to such an icon?
However, other boomer names like Patricia, Jan, Mary Anne, and, sorry, Linda suffer with the same datedness. Younger readers are aware and those who are ageists may think we are out of touch. I've seen the reaction to character names in critique sessions. It taught me to check online for names popular in the years my characters would have been born.
The recent documentary Freakonomics has a section on how the choice of first names can limit opportunities and confine you to certain economic mobility for life.
It's too late for me to change my name for writing, but I should have.
Yes, some of those character names really throw me! Particularly foreign names, I am so bad with them.
And Paisely - I love the name!!
Yes, Barbara I know that dated-ness. Perhaps in upcoming books I can find a name that screams "bestselling author" LOL
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