3T Writing Tidbit - What's in a Name?

I recently wrote a rant post on repetition, how over-repetition drives me nuts, and techniques to avoid that. Avoid over-repetition, not driving me nuts.

Here is one place to break that rule. When first establishing a character, do repeat the character's name several times.

 Back when they had TV intros, several took advantage of this. Whatever you think of the set tensions, I can still remember "Who am I? I'm Rick Castle Castle Castle" and "Every writer needs inspiration and I've found mine Detective Kate Beckett Beckett Beckett".

Now, this doesn't have to be a straight repeat like Nixie Nixie Nixie (or Beetlejuice... nope, not saying that one 3 times). You can change up how you get your character's name in the reader's mental ear. Make it part of the title (Biting Nixie) or have established characters talking about her before or after she shows up. Make it explicit by having her introduce herself or make it implicit by weaving it into the scenery (a lawyer or banker on a billboard; a singer's song streaming in the background).

Mix these approaches up to make sure your character's name stays with the reader.

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.  

2T Repeat Performance - Style...And More

I've done a number of blog tours over the years, posting on different sites. Now I'm bringing them to you!

Originally published August 29, 2013 for What's on the Bookshelf

Thank you to Jen and What’s on the Bookshelf for having me here today!

1. What is your favorite line from BEAUTY BITES?

I love banter, and many of my favorite lines are quick back-and-forth. Here’s an exchange between Synnove (“I”) who has done a favor for her cousin Twyla, asking sexy ad man Ric Holiday to handle Twyla’s ad campaign. But Ric has said no. Synnove and Twyla review over a glass of wine.

“This is more than wine can handle.” I set my glass down. “Where’s your chocolate?”

“S’mores?”

“No. Straight up.”

“You’re going to do it.” [Twyla] smiled. “You’re going back.”

“Don’t sound so happy. You’re going to owe me so bad you’ll be my Favors [B**ch] for the rest of your life.” I rummaged around in the cupboards, caught the sting of cacao and found the giant extra-dark bars between a box of graham crackers and a bag of marshmallows. I cracked one in half without opening it, tore the paper in two and handed one to Twyla.

“Favors [B**ch]?” She took her half, unwrapped a corner and bit into it appreciatively. “Aren’t you forgetting the time I bailed you out of the principal’s office after you greased Anna Versnobt’s ‘back’ vibrator with heat rub?”

2. Describe Synnove in three words or less.

Substance over style.

3. Describe Ric in three words or less.

Style…and more.

4. What was the hardest thing about writing BEAUTY BITES?

The near-tragedy that sets the end in motion. I write my stories with a very light emotional touch for sensitive readers. But this scene needed to be gut-wrenching to honor what happens in it. Synnove does warn the reader so that she can skip ahead to the next chapter if she needs to.

5. Can you tell us what's up next?

I’m very excited that Downbeat, Biting Love Book 7 is releasing in March 2014. It’s Rocky’s story, and I actually started it before the first Biting Love book was even published. But its place in the series arc meant I didn’t get to finish it until this year. I’m glad it was delayed though, because it’s one of my favorite projects, and my readers, editors, and the writing community has made me a better writer and the story benefits from that.

I’m also in the planning stages for Book 8, Aiden’s story, and frankly that one will be a hoot because it pairs the sleek, smooth assassin with an inept but loveable Ruffles.