Naming Your Characters

I’m back from my whirlwind trip to Alabama. It was so fast, it’s sort of a blur of highway. Won’t do that again in basically four days. Next time, it’s at least a week, with stops along the way.

I didn’t take my laptop and as you might imagine, the majority of the time was spent in the car. But I did notice something during all that driving: Towns could make really great character names.

I’m not kidding. Check out the names of cities. You don’t even have to go on a butt-numbing road trip, just pull out your map or atlas. Around here in central Texas – how about Kyle Buda? Or Granger Niederwald? I envisioned a character, Southern of course, from the highway sign for two cities – okay, no one steal this ‘cause I’m gonna use it – Tallulah Vidalia. Can’t you just see that woman? Tallulah Vidalia – the name even conjures up her posture.

Usually we dig out our baby naming books when we should also consult the atlas. And don’t forget your own city maps for street names. I just glanced at the map of Austin. How about the name Willow or Trinity? What about Perlita or Sevan?

That atlas or city street guide book is good for more than just directions.

But, remember, Tallulah Vidalia is mine.