Character Craziness

So I'm in the process of writing a futuristic action novel. Well, technically, I am in the process of preparing to write the novel. I have a LOT of outlining left :/

Anyway, so a few weeks ago, I started creating the critical characters, and ended up naming the four most important characters Anberlin Mosley, Markovi Mosley, Stephen Andrews, and Revere. A few days later, it hit me that Stephen needed a more interesting name. So, I went to my friends' house to study like I do every Wednesday and Brian and I got done earlier than everyone else. I started going crazy thinking of a name while Brian just kind of went "yup.... cool... don't bother me, I'm playing my drums." After a few hours, I came up with a brand new name: Damian Echo. I was very proud of myself, of course. But then, a week or two later, it hit me that I should Google the various character's names to make sure that there isn't someone famous that has the same name that a homeschooled nerd doesn't know about. Moral of story: Google BEFORE you set the name in stone. Turns out that Damien Echols, a similar name, is the name of a guy who killed three kids in the 90's. yikes! With advisement from my friend Meagan, we changed his name to Damian Parks.

The logic behind the name Anberlin Mosley: Steven Christian, lead singer of the band Anberlin said that he named his band Anberlin because if he ever had a daughter, he would want to name her Anberlin. When the band became succesful, he said he wouldn't be able to name any future daughters that because then it would seem like he named her after the band. Well, I thought to myself, "Anberlin is a pretty name.... I could name my character that!" So I did. (Interesting note: The character is also named after Lacey, the lead singer of Flyleaf. Her maiden name is Mosley) Then, I realized I just sounded like a crazy music nerd (which, I am) who is so obsessed with a band that she named the main character after that band. So, back to the drawing board on that name too! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Arizona Mosley, leading lady of Bethany Chase's yet-to-be-titled-debut-novel.

Also, when writing a villain, don't list his favorite hobby as "collecting model cars." It makes him a whole lot less threatening. (how did I come up with that?! Thanks, Brian for helping me change that. Collecting medieval weaponry is much cooler)

Oi vey.....