Feature and Follow Friday 2

Feature and Follow Friday, hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee, is a great way to discover new blogs!

This week's featured bloggers are Le Grand Codex and Beefcake and Babes.

Today's question is:

Q: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What's the most unique character name you've come across?

My answer: Great question! I love unusual character names. Sometimes I sit down to blog about a book and totally blank on the main character's name. (Please tell me I'm not the only one!)


My opinion: First off, "unusual" is relative. I spent some time in Zurich and this is the name my hosts thought was the most hilarious American name ever... Bob.  LOL.


Second, as creative as authors try to be, great minds think alike. Katniss (Hunger Games) and Katsa (Graceling) appeared on the YA scene around the same time. And -- YA Trivia alert! -- did you know that the main character in Matched had to have a name change (from Calla to Cassia) because Andrea Cremer was using the name Calla for her Nightshade series.


This is my secret for coming up with great, memorable character names: try for the "uniquely familiar." Cassandra Clare is particularly genius at this. Her names are different enough to set her characters apart, but not so unfamiliar that you can't remember them. Clary. Jace. Tessa.

Whether you're new here or an old-timer, thanks so much for visiting!

While you're here, challenge your memory in my YA Couples Trivia Contest. Even if you get the questions wrong, you could win a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card.

I'm also participating in the I Love YA Hop -- giving away one of four new February releases (Fever, When The Sea is Rising Red, Wings of the Wicked or The One That I Want.) Enter here!

I look forward to visiting your blog too!