Join me today as I welcome back author Carole Brown, as she shares insight into how she chooses names for her characters, and leave a comment to enter a random drawing for an ebook.

Writing is my life.

I love getting the inspiration for new ideas, for finding the right names for my characters that speak to me, writing The End, seeing my book in print, and reading or hearing the pleasure from readers when they read my books.

I get plenty of questions about my writing too. Like how do you do it? What inspires you? And how do you choose the names? Now, that last question is one I'd like to address today.

Choosing names for my characters is one of the most fun things I do. How do I do that? Well, I have two major ways to do so.

• listening
• a baby name book

One thing I realize is that the name needs to match the personality of the character I'm creating. Some names are a little old fashion like my Emma Jaine in Book One of my WWII series Music in Their Hearts. Another example is in the first book of my Appleton series: Sabotaged Christmas. The primary character is Antonietta—an Italian name that I shortened to Toni.

1. Many times I hear or read names that catch my attention. I'll jot those names down, keeping them in mind for that someday when I'll need them. Along with this, are names that I use to honor certain people.
2. Another way to find names that suit my characters is my baby name book. It's been a lifesaver for me when I just didn't know what name I needed for a certain character. That trusted book is never very far from my reach.
3. One more way—that's not normal and something I don't depend on most times—is having a name pop into my mind. If this happens, I almost always realize that that's the name. I've had this happen quite a few times.

Now in my newest book that just released, Believe in Christmas, I have several names in this book that are primary. The reason? It's an anthology with four different novellas in it. Let me give you an example:

A Christmas Miracle is set in the early 1800s, with a leaning toward the Hebrew. With that thought, when I searched for Hebrew names, I came across the name of Noam which means tenderness. It was the perfect name for the little orphaned child who was tender, precocious and wise in his own way. In contrast, I decided on Hamman and Judas for the two trouble makers.

As I mentioned before, writing is a big part of my life. All parts of it and especially creating my characters, finding their names and allowing them to shine in my books. 

Giveaway: Do you, writers, find certain ways to name your characters? Do you, readers, enjoy new and unique names? I will gift an ebook copy to one person who leaves a comment (if there are 5 or more comments, please.)  Leave a comment with your cleverly disguised email address, and we will choose a winner.

About the stories in BELIEVE In CHRISTMAS

A Christmas Miracle:  An early 1800's Novelette
Can a rich, but troubled, married couple find happiness again through one little homeless, precocious lad? Will a real miracle save Christmas this year?
 
Christmas Angels:  A WWII Short Story
Abigail had always been a strong young woman, but living in a boarding house, with a baby girl, and no way to give her daughter a real Christmas what is she to do? Without money and worried sick over her husband who is a missing-in-action soldier, her hope is gone. But...her Christmas Angels are watching over her. The question is: who are these angels?
 
One More Christmas:  A contemporary suspenseful romance, A Bittersweet Novella

A young woman who lost her family in a devastating wreck while still a child, has only her Grampa as the only living close relative in the world who she trusts fully. But when Grampa goes missing, Bella must accept help from her best friend, Lewis, who is secretly in love with her. But will she accept that love? Will Grampa be found? And will one promise really come true?

The Case Of The Missing Christmas Trees:  A Present Day Novelette
Newspaper journalist, Thane Wainwright, is always ready to tackle a detective job. When some of the good folk of small-town Beechnut come up missing their Christmas trees, the Chief of Police calls on Thane to solve the case. There are a lot of suspects, but Thane is up to the task. But is he up to the task of romancing the love of his life, Evelyn Keyley?

About Carole:

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-four, some of which are best selling, award-winning books, she loves to weave suspense, mystery and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She's also published two children's books and is in two anthologies. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

Connect online: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

FB Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/183457429657732/

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Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1nFS0og

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

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