Name problem

[jackokent]

Has anyone else had the problem of finding out that their character's names are not origional.

I have recently found 2 of my character's names (my favorite ones as well) in another book. I know I haven't subconsously copied them as the book I've found them in (JV Jone's Fortress of Grey Ice) is quite new, in fact it's newer than my book, which I have been writing for 10 years.

And although it's a flattering thought, I am not convinced that JV Jones copied me either.

Does anyone think it matters that we have shared names? Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[mosaix]

Hi Jacko, I don't think it matters.

BTW I bet JV Jones copied yours.

 

[Talysia]

It's happened to me, too, with characters I'd written years ago and then seen the names quite recently in a book I was reading. I'd like to think that it was just a case of great minds thinking alike, but I'm probably wrong.

 

[Culhwch]

So long as it's not too recognisable - say, Aragorn, or Hermione - I say it's fine to keep using it. I've plundered other works for my names on more than one occasion, though I stick to background characters to avoid that recognition.

 

[monomaniac101]

I've never had that happen to me, that I can remember, but here's an easy solution. You can change a few letters or sounds to make it your own. I knwo you've probably thought of this already, but that's what I'd do.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Names repeat themselves in the real world (a lot), and sometimes even names from different languages and cultures are spelled the same (but pronounced differently) or pronounced the same (but spelled differently).

In other words, I agree with those who think it's not a problem you should worry about -- unless it's a name unique to one specific work of literature and instantly identifiable as such.

I agree with Culhwch that something like Aragorn would be an unfortunate choice. But I think a name like Hermione would be just fine -- I still think of Shakespeare instead of Rowling -- unless, of course, you bestowed it on a brainy little girl. Just because a popular author has chosen to use a real-world name I don't see why that name should be off-limits unless the character you have in mind is similar as well.

(Although, come to think of it, something like that could work in, say, a contemporary setting, if it was a nickname bestowed on that character because of those very similarities. This is what is known as self-referential literature, and some people think it is super-cool. )

 

[jackokent]

Thanks everyone

I feel better about keeping my names now. After all I feel I've practically lived with these people for 10 years, it wouldn't seem right at all suddenly changing their names. Unfortunately they are not real world names, more obviously made up Sifi names but I am sticking with them. I am even loath to change the spelling as they are short names and it would just make them silly. It was just weird having two of my names crop up in the same book.

Just hope JV doesn't copy me again in her next book

 

[Laura Stamps]

You know what they say...nothing is original. So that's why it usually isn't a big deal for your characters to have names simliar to those in other books.

But if you really want to blow your mind, look up your book title ideas on Amazon. I did that for one title I swore was an original one, and there were already 120 books by that title on Amazon. Wow! I got rid of that title idea fast!!!