Do you ever change your mind? When you\u2019re writing a novel, do you change names of your characters, place names and such in mid-stream? If you\u2019re like most novelists, you love some of the names you choose\u2014they work. Other times, you get stuck on the name each time you bring that character into the story. It just doesn\u2019t feel right. Or you determine that you\u2019ve given two characters similar names. Now that\u2019s a way to confuse your readers\u2014name friends Jan, Jen, and Jean, for example, and you\u2019ll leave your readers guessing. Name their husbands or lovers Jim, Tim, and John and their mothers Joan, Jane, and Jo and you\u2019ve really created a challenge for readers.<\/p>\n
This is another lesson in always, always keeping your reader in mind as you\u2019re writing the book.<\/p>\n
If you decide to change a character\u2019s name for whatever reason, make sure you make the change throughout the manuscript. I can\u2019t tell you how many novels have come to me for editing with character name and name-change mistakes. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n
If you are writing novels and you don\u2019t believe the details matter, you could be dabbling in the wrong field. Details rule in novel-writing. Even though you\u2019re writing fiction, your readers crave truth, reality, accuracy, and authenticity. Even a fantasy must ring true to readers. Sure, you can use your wild imagination, but if you maintain that the creature can only fly or was born with no wings, then you\u2019d better stay true to your facts. If you want to change a fact, make sure there is a legitimate transition.<\/p>\n
For those of you who have enjoyed my Klepto Cat Mystery series, I hope you\u2019ve read all 8 on your Kindle. If you prefer holding a book in your hands, you might be pleased to know that The Colony Cat Caper<\/i>\u2014book 5\u2014is now in print. http:\/\/amzn.to\/1kAI8I2<\/a><\/p>\n Let me evaluate your novel or nonfiction book, contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com<\/a>. Learn more about me and my work here: http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Do you ever change your mind? When you\u2019re writing a novel, do you change names of your characters, place names and such in mid-stream? If you\u2019re like most novelists, you love some of the names you choose\u2014they work. Other times, you get stuck on the name each time you bring that character into the story. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t