Worldbuilding: How to Make Names That Don't Suck

Summary

In this video, fantasy author Jed Hearn shares seven essential principles for creating compelling names for characters, places, and objects in fantasy writing. He emphasizes using placeholders to avoid procrastination, ensuring names reflect a character's traits, and differentiating characters through unique naming. Hearn also discusses the importance of developing linguistic rules, avoiding rookie mistakes like overly exotic names, and leveraging tools like random name generators and AI for inspiration. Ultimately, he encourages writers to not obsess over names but focus on crafting a great story, with names serving the narrative rather than hindering the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use placeholders for names during the first draft to avoid procrastination and focus on writing the novel.
• 😀 A character's name should suggest a defining trait, but avoid being too obvious or on the nose.
• 😀 Differentiate characters' names to ensure they are distinct and memorable, avoiding names that sound too similar.
• 😀 Develop linguistic rules for naming, like cultural or thematic consistency, to add coherence and realism to your story.
• 😀 Random name generators and AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be a great starting point for brainstorming names, especially for secondary characters.
• 😀 Avoid using overly exotic or difficult-to-pronounce names, as they can confuse readers and break immersion.
• 😀 Refrain from using main character names that might annoy readers if repeated frequently, especially in audiobooks.
• 😀 Don't rely on external references or symbolism in character names that readers won't easily recognize or appreciate.
• 😀 The 80/20 principle applies to naming: spend 80% of your time on 20% of the most important names, and don’t obsess over the rest.
• 😀 While names are important, don't let them distract you from the more essential aspects of your story, such as plot and character development.

Q & A

Why do many early writers struggle with naming characters, places, and things in their fantasy novels?

Many early writers struggle with naming because they often overthink the process, leading to procrastination. They may feel the need to come up with the perfect names before writing, which delays progress on their actual story.

What is 'naming disease,' and how does it affect writers?

'Naming disease' is a term used to describe writers who procrastinate on writing because they are fixated on coming up with the perfect name for their characters or places. This can prevent them from completing their stories.

How can using placeholders benefit a writer during the drafting process?

Using placeholders allows writers to focus on the story without getting bogged down by the need to find perfect names. Placeholders can easily be replaced later, and they help prevent distractions from the actual writing.

How do character names relate to defining traits, and what is the benefit of this approach?

Character names can suggest or establish defining traits that help readers quickly understand the nature of the character. This creates an instant impression and can even be used to foreshadow character development or reveal hidden traits.

Can you provide an example of how a character name defines a trait in literature?

One example is Neville Longbottom from 'Harry Potter.' His name suggests that he may initially be seen as a loser or underdog, but over time, his character develops into someone much more capable. Another example is Luke Skywalker, whose name evokes a sense of greatness that is later realized through his adventures.

What is the importance of differentiating character names in a story?

Differentiating character names is crucial to ensure readers can easily tell the characters apart. Similar-sounding names can confuse readers and hinder their ability to engage with the story.

How can developing linguistic rules help with naming in fantasy stories?

Developing linguistic rules gives names in a story a sense of coherence and realism. For example, using distinct cultural naming conventions can differentiate groups of characters, such as in the 'Across the Broken Stars' series, where one culture has Spanish-sounding names, and another uses English-sounding names.

What are the potential benefits of using random name generators in fantasy writing?

Random name generators can be helpful for brainstorming character names, particularly for secondary characters. They can provide a variety of options that fit the story’s thematic and cultural context, saving time and helping to find the right name.

How has artificial intelligence like ChatGPT been used to generate fantasy names?

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT can be used to generate fantasy names by providing specific prompts. These tools can offer a range of creative names that fit certain themes or linguistic styles, which can then be refined to match the story's needs.

What are some common rookie mistakes to avoid when naming characters in fantasy stories?

Common rookie mistakes include using overly exotic or difficult-to-pronounce names, using names that sound too similar to each other, and choosing names that are overly reliant on obscure references readers may not understand.

What advice does the author give about not obsessing over character names?

The author advises against obsessing over names, suggesting that the focus should be on the story itself. Names are important, but they should not prevent writers from completing their novels. The 80/20 principle applies: achieving 80% of the result often requires only 20% of the effort.