The Name's the Sweet Thing–Sometimes

Two-thirds of the way through my novel yesterday, I needed to introduce a minor character who was getting a massage from my heroine (a massage therapist).  Because massage is an intimate experience, many therapists ask for the client’s name. So I needed a name real quick.

Did I mention my client weighed over 300 pounds?

Does that make a difference with the name?  You tell me.

The first name that swam to my head was easy, until I remembered that friend recently had weight-loss surgery and probably wouldn’t appreciate her name being used, even in a fictional setting.

Same with the next one. What was going on here? What was my mind doing?

The client was about 40 years old and nervous. I needed to find a name that would help my reader understand the type of woman my heroine was assisting.

That means she was born about 1972. Could she be a Jessica?

But aren’t all Jessica’s svelte and curvy like in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?  (Or tall and slim like the beautiful Jessie I know?)

I didn’t want to give her a name like Elda or Gertrude, because my point wasn’t to make fun of her (Alas, those two names are seldom regarded as beautiful any more. Sorry). Indeed, it’s a poignant scene where the woman doesn’t want to undress because she’s embarrassed by her weight. My heroine, Amy, treats her with respect and courtesy. I actually wanted to play off type, if I could only get my brain engaged.

Choosing names is difficult when you’re a writer. That sounds ridiculous, but I don’t know how many times I’ve turned to my family and said, “Give me a name. Any name.”

I probably would have better luck just opening the phone book and pointing. I’ve done that, too. (And then rejected the name for not meeting whatever my criterion were).

In some cases, the best place to visit is a baby name book or website.I like a site like this one, that gives you meanings, provides lists of different nationality names and sometimes even makes me laugh.

Years ago, I reviewed charts as part of my job. Pregnant at the time and scouting names for my baby, I paid close attention to the names. And couldn’t believe what I read.

(Note to parents: an unusual name CAN be a beautiful gift, but PLEASE, for the sake of your child, give the name a simple spelling. Even basic names–I’ve been spelling Michelle my entire life).

Back to my story. I ran through people I knew, or sort of knew, or had seen, or my kids knew and finally chose a name that would work. I may switch it–any suggestions from you?

But in the meantime, this precious woman who is so vulnerable and needs to be relaxed through the work of a massage therapist who tells her she has value no matter what her size, shape, color, age or creed is–

Camilla.

(But wait! Does that make you think of Prince Charles’ wife . . . ooh, I may have to change it . . . )

How do you choose a name? And do your characters smell just as sweet no matter what their name is?  🙂