Name Calling

What's in a name?

I know my Mom and Dad argued about what they were going to name us. You’d think since they had nine kids, they could simply take turns. Nope. One of my brothers actually came home from the hospital with “Boy” listed on his birth certificate because Mom and Dad couldn’t agree.

Dad wanted to name him Shenandoah. Mom didn’t. She wasn’t going to give in. And so “Boy” is the name shown on his birth certificate.

My sister and I have rhyming names. I kind of think Mom was running out of ideas and at the bottom of her list, when we came along. People sometimes think we’re twins because our names are so similar. I think it’s funny because I’m older ;) She doesn’t.

But as writers we all have to ask ourselves what is in a name? How should the name reflect on our characters? Should they sound strong and forceful or meek and mild and can names do that for a character? It’s like predisposing our characters to certain traits simply because of their name.

Harry Potter, for instance, was a rather mundane name for a wizard but there must have been hidden meaning in his name…right? I looked it up to see what it means. Can you guess?

It means "Army Ruler". Or according to the UK, it comes from the name Henry, which was a name for Kings. So, maybe it's not so unusual for a special wizard.

This is just to remind all your writers and/or parents out there: names have a huge impact on people and we should consider them strongly when we are writing and/or planning how we want to portray or pre-dispose the "people" in our stories.

Earth-Friendly Friday

Reknit - have you heard of it?

It's a site where a guy's mom will take your old, worn out sweaters and knitted things and turn them into new sustainable items--for a fee of course. But, I think it's a cool way to reuse, recraft and redo.

How 'bout you?

What do you think? Would you be willing to try such a site?

Tyrannosaurus Rex - the true meaning

The true meaning behind the giant of a name is Tyrant Lizard King. If you don't believe me, check it out here.

And, thanks for playing.

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY

What does it mean? Can you guess?

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Put you guess in "comments", come on and play.
Then come back around 3 to see, if you were "write" or wrong.

Newbery, Printz, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King,

The Winners have crossed the finish line. The awards have been named.
You might want to pick up a copy of the books that made the list(s):

Newbery
Printz
Caldecott
Coretta Scott King

So many books - so little time

Decorating for the Day of Love

Just beginning to decorate the special day.


How 'bout you? Do you decorate for the day of Love?

Baby Mouse

Matt Holm was sharing his talents and creating magic with a little mouse: Baby Mouse.

He drew pictures for the kids, having them help him come up with ideas. The kids loved it - almost as much as me. I enjoyed seeing the kids all get so excited to use their imagination and then watch it come to life with Matt's Magic Art!

It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Baby Mouse is a Graphic Novel for kids and if you have a little one, and even if you don't, you should go to the Green Bean Bookstore and check it out. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.