In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to...

Writing?

Not quite what Tennyson had in mind when he penned that famous phrase but as I was mentioning to fellow author KS Augustin last weekend, the warmer weather is turning my 'fancy' to writing.

I find that I write best when I am not sitting at my desk. The Gender Divide was partially written on plane trips but mostly written at a cottage that we had rented from friends of ours. During the day I'd sit on the deck or the dock and write but my favorite time to write was early in the morning or late at night, when it was quiet and cool. I'd sit in the living room on the sofa, with my feet up on the coffee table, and let my characters take me away into their world.

We haven't gone to the cottage in a while but last year we took advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit and had a deck built off the back of our house. We back onto storm water ponds and despite the traffic from the nearby road, the view is quite soothing. When the traffic dies down the sounds of birds, crickets, and the rubber-band twang of frogs can be heard quite clearly.



When I was let go from my old job last summer, my focus became a) obtaining a new job and b) keeping said new job. As a result my writing got put on the back burner. Being able to spend time on the deck again has inspired me to start writing once more. I have an as-yet-untitled manuscript that I am working on and I recently reached the 70% mark, based on a target of 80,000 words.

In order to keep me on the path of righteousness (or at least on the path towards publication) I found a simple progress Bar that I will be including in future posts. If it proves to be counter-productive then I'll drop it but in the meantime it will prove to be an interesting experiment.

56000 / 80000

Hopefully my post next month will show the progress that I've made. Until then, the deck is beckoning me.

David

Posted by David Boultbee

Managing Procrastination

I'm an author, and I love to write. Most of the time. But, then, there are the other times when I find every possible thing to do except write. I tell myself I'll take a break and get back to the manuscript in an hour, or a day…or next week. I'm not talking about writer's block when one simply cannot form a thought fit for paper. I'm talking about the times when I sit with a zombie-like stare at my laptop screen, then flip into email or Facebook or Twitter or the refrigerator. (I'm definitely 'growing' as a writer :D)

Many of you, like me, hold down a 'regular' job, in addition to writing. Time is golden for us. The key is how we manage the time and manage our tendency to put off doing what needs to be done to solidify our writing. Here's what I've learned about myself in this regard:

1) I tend to procrastinate more when the work at hand is to rewrite. I hate rewriting—just ask my critique partners. I want to write the book once and be done with it. But we all know a book isn't finished with the first writing. What I've learned to do is to set up a timeframe for myself for rewriting. Then it has a beginning and an end. And, at the end, I can move on to writing something new and (hopefully) exciting.

2) I love the instantaneous connection of email, Facebook, and Twitter. I can talk with a friend across the country or outside the country at a moment's notice. Therein lies the trap: the notice. I've learned to turn off my email notification while I'm working. Otherwise, I'm tempted to respond to that 'ding' like the proverbial Pavlov's dog and, the next thing I know, I'm back on the net and my manuscript is shoved to the background.

3) It also helps to have a writing space that is free of clutter. I would say that one thing that has helped me with clutter is watching the TV show about hoarders. Makes me want to toss out everything I own. But I find that, in my writing space, if I'm not surrounded by stacks of mail, other books, used cups and plates, I'm less likely to feel the need to tidy up the area first. The trick is to keep the writing space free and clear—sacred.

Lastly, my muse, bless her heart, can be mean--a true temptress--teasing me with a swirl of new story ideas. Since I'm not fond of rewriting, it's easy to pick up a new idea to run with. What I end up with are four or five stories in the starting phase, all of which—like needy children—keep calling to me. I'm always writing more than one book at a time, but keeping myself limited to one primary story and one other that I can jump to when I need a shift of focus helps keep me motivated and moving forward.

Now, stop browsing blogs and get back to your writing!

Linda Rettstatt
Writing for women—stories of strength, love, humor, and hope.
http://www.lindarettstatt.com/
http://www.lindarettstatt-author.blogspot.com/

5. THE BATTLE - The process

Michael W. Davis

Davisstories.com

“The Battle” is a series of articles related to my real life trip through a minefield to survive cancer. My purpose is to share my thoughts in the hope others may find counsel in the journey.

It is my belief that much of fear is derived from uncertainty. From the outside looking inward, the mind will play with your emotions, amplify the true negative implications of things you have never experienced before. I know that was the case for me. Each time I sunk deeper into the halls of the medical process to cure my cancer, a new procedure or process would be inserted into my schedule and for days I would ponder the scope of the new experience. For that reason, I will share my perception of the actual solution process to outcast the demon from my throat. This article is very direct so if you want to remain in the dark, you might pass it by. For each step in the process, I will provide my assessment of the degree (0-10) of yuck (pain/discomfort) that I endured.

Nose probes – To explore why my voice had disappeared, the throat doctor inserted an optical tube into my nostril and extended it down into my throat. They enter the nose because of the gag reflex. I had heard all kinds of horror stories about this procedure, but my first nose probe was only a 1 on the yuck scale. I felt nothing going in and only a slight movement coming out, no pain at all. The doctor clearly had the gift. He did use a numbing squirt in my nose ten minutes before insertion and that worked very will. The second nose probe was by a different doctor and he did NOT use a nose spray. This time my misery rose to a level 6. I’m going to talk to this doctor next time and strongly encourage the nose spray. I don’t lament nose probes now if I know they are going to use the numbing spray.

Needles – I’ve always been one that hated needles. By the second week, I had been poked so often, it became routine. I would just sit down, extend my hand, “Here” turn my head, and that was it. The yuck factor declined from 6 to 1 after the first six intrusions.

PET scan – I had heard real horror stories on this one. For me personally, there was very little discomfort except that derived from my large shoulders. I was required to wear a straight jacket device on my arms which was slightly discomforting after 30 minutes but no real big deal. I had also heard that the isotope they shoot into your body burned; not for me. I felt nothing. Even the medieval restraining mask was a piece of cake. I closed my eyes and could breathe fine. I would put this as a 2 yuck a meter only because of the problem for me to go 40 minutes without a nature call. I’ve decided next time to tell them I need a nature call half way in and I’m sure they will accommodate. I no longer lament PET test now that I’ve experienced one.

Chemo treatments – I had been told that chemo treatments could be rough because many become nauseous from the treatment. In my particular case, the chemo was administered once every three weeks for the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the radiation treatment against the tumor. I was given medicine before the treatment to fight off nausea. For 6 hours I sat in a lounge chair with about 25 other people lined in a row as three liters of liquid was dripped into my veins. There was no discomfort. You are allowed to work on your laptop as wife and family sit by your side. The nurses and doctors were truly compassionate, understand what you’re going through and did every thing they could to easy the mental anguish. Other than being hooked to a tube for 6 hours, this was a 1 on the yuck scale and I did not lament follow on treatments. The process may be applied differently at other facilities or for other forms of cancer but this was nothing (negative) like I expected. You do have to monitor yourself post treatments since, I presume some, toss their cookies, and the doctors become extremely worried about such incidences (dehydration). For that reason we spent the night of chemo treatments at a local motel near the hospital since they warned if things came up, we should race to the hospital. In terms of my reaction to the chemo, I will admit that I’ve never experienced anything so difficult in my life. For 7 days, everything that touched my lips, every smell made me gag, even with four different medicines in my body to fight that reaction. I also sleep 20 to 22 hours a day. Each chemo treatment became worst and when coupled with the burning in my throat, it was difficult to crawl to the top of the mountain near the end of my treatments, but I will. This part of the experience I would classify as 10 on the yuck scale. Note that many chemos do not cause this reaction at all and are barely registered by the patient’s body, but not mine.

Radiation treatments – In my case, I received 8 x-ray bursts ranging from 14 to 42 seconds 5 days a week for 8 weeks. I would lie on a table with a mask formed specifically to my ugly face and clamped to a rig in the table to immobilize my head (any movements would be a major no-no). In preparation for these treatments, every person I know, every doctor I saw, expressed those treatments would be a dip into the pits of hell, and they were right. The reason? The x-rays literally burn the flesh outside and inside your throat; a very tender part of your body essential to the daily function of eating and drinking. The mask is to minimize collateral tissue damage, but it still occurs. The side of your neck exposed to the beam experiences severe sunburn and your throat becomes sore to such an extent that they install a feeding tube in your stomach to bypass your throat. Experience has show that many patients suffer to such an extent, they refuse to swallow and stop taking in food or liquids. The tube is installed prior to the treatments as a contingency in case you shut down your intake. Was the pain as bad as every one predicted? Hard to believe, but yes, it was horrendous. By the final series of burns and chemo, I didn’t really know who I was anymore. My entire existence had diminished to surviving another hour of razor blades in my throat, and every 30 minutes stopping my violent coughing sessions which in turn would lead to a severe gagging response. This too became a 10 on the yuck scale near the end.

Esophageal penetration – From start to finish I encountered two sedated (in hospital) insertions of equipment down deep into my esophagus or stomach. I expected this to be about a 5 yuck factor, but afterward I would rate this as a 2. I was put to sleep and other than a significant sore throat for one day, it was minor. I did find the stomach tube discomforting. It was always there and difficult to protect during showers. I became sensitive to movement of my center torso because I was physically aware of its presents. I did not like the stomach tube at all.

I’ve tried to provide a fair assessment of the process and discomfort I experienced during my four month treatment period (from diagnosis of cancer to post processing). The next post will be the last in the series and offer my take on the ultimate cost (impact) to myself and wife to cure my cancer and to deal with post treatment side affects. Till than, have a good month.

The Case For Fan Fiction

I attended a literary (i.e. not genre fiction) book camp last weekend. One of the hot buttons there was fan fiction. Is it good or bad, legal or illegal?

I think it is a great place for aspiring-to-be-published writers to start. No, I wouldn't publish my fan fiction (that's copyright infringement, writers own their characters) but it is a wonderful learning tool.

There are an overwhelming number of things a writer must learn before she can write a publishable story. If we can borrow a world and then concentrate on plot or character growth, it can make those first writing exercises more manageable.

I borrowed fairy tales when I started writing romance. I would write a beauty and the beast story set in the wild west or I would set a story in Snow White's world and have the wicked witch be the heroine or I would swap the prince and princess roles. Leaning on these crutches allowed me to write full stories yet these stories had the focus of a writing exercise.

Once I had a handle on the components of a good story, then I put them all together in a completely original story. That one wasn't publishable because putting the components together is also a skill to be learned. The next two stories weren't publishable either (I was a slow learner). The fourth one was Breach Of Trust.


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Every month, Kimber Chin gives away her favorite romance eBook read the month before. To enter, visit http://businessromance.com/

Roadblocks

One could assume that after writing a few books, and doing promotions, research etc I'd ibe comfortable working on a new project...

Nope, not me. I must like to take the hard road - because after almost six months I'm no closer to being done than I was back when I started the project...is it something outlandish or different then what I'd normally right? Naw, but if there's one thing I've learned about myself is that I like to throw an obsticle or two in my way.

I've got huge quantities of research, a great story line and nineteen chapters written - and my characters are pulling me in two different directions...sigh - if only it were easy. Lol - but that's half the fun finding out tiny little details about myself and my goals that I never looked at in any details.

I now know what my 'self-induced roadblocks' are...how about you? I'd love to know what your thoughts are.

Top 10 Writing Mistakes

I ran across an article (link below) regarding common mistakes authors make and wanted to share some highlights.
Interesting that most well-known & seasoned authors are guilty of making these errors... I see them often and have to wonder how they get away with the constant switching of POV, as well as the following 10, while aspiring authors can not.

1. REPEATS-- 'crutch words' that become distracting to the reader. For instance, using 'he/she said' over and over.
2. FLAT WRITING-- a sign that you’ve lost interest or are intimidated by your own narrative. It says your brain is fatigued, that you’ve lost your inspiration. When you see flat writing on the page, it’s time to rethink, refuel and rewrite.
3. EMPTY ADVERBS--Actually, totally, absolutely, completely, continually, constantly, continuously, literally, really, unfortunately, ironically, incredibly, hopefully, finally – these and others are words that promise emphasis, but too often they do the reverse. They suck the meaning out of every sentence.
4. PHONY DIALOGUE--using dialogue to advance the plot. Readers can tell when characters talk about things they already know, or when the speakers appear to be having a conversation for our benefit. You never want one character to imply or say to the other, “Tell me again, Bruce: What are we doing next?”
5. NO-GOOD SUFFIXES--Don’t take a perfectly good word and give it a new backside so it functions as something else. The “ness” words cause the eye to stumble, come back, reread: Mindlessness, characterlessness, courageousness, statuesqueness, preciousness – you get the idea.
6. THE “TO BE” WORDS--Once your eye is attuned to the frequent use of the “to be” words – “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “be,” “being,” “been” and others – you’ll be appalled at how quickly they flatten prose and slow your pace to a crawl.
7. LISTS--“She was entranced by the roses, hyacinths, impatiens, mums, carnations, pansies, irises, peonies, hollyhocks, daylillies, morning glories, larkspur…” Well, she may be entranced, but our eyes are glazing over...
8. SHOW, DON’T TELL--Handsome, attractive, momentous, embarrassing, fabulous, powerful, hilarious, stupid, fascinating are all words that “tell” us in an arbitrary way what to think. They don’t reveal, don’t open up, don’t describe in specifics what is unique to the person or event described. Often they begin with cliches.
9. AWKWARD PHRASING--Awkward phrasing makes the reader stop in the midst of reading and ponder the meaning of a word or phrase. This you never want as an author. A rule of thumb – always give your work a little percolatin’ time before you come back to it. Never write right up to deadline. Return to it with fresh eyes. You’ll spot those overworked tangles of prose and know exactly how to fix them.
10. COMMAS--Compound sentences, most modifying clauses and many phrases *require* commas. You may find it necessary to break the rules from time to time, but you can’t delete commas just because you don’t like the pause they bring to a sentence or just because you want to add tension.

Here's the link to the complete article:
http://www.holtuncensored.com/hu/the-ten-mistakes/

Until next time,
Angie
http://www.angelaashtonbooks.com/
http://www.champagnebooks.com/
Amulet of Fate
Once A Rebel (Book 1 in The Orphan Train series)
Corsair Cove
Adrian's Angel (coming August, 2010)

I'm No Longer A Virgin

You see, I went to this writer's conference. It was my first time, and it didn't hurt a bit.

Two weeks ago I made the hour's drive to Ajax, Ontario for the Ontario Writers Association Conference, a one-day extravaganza of workshops, panels, food and friendship.

I hesitated to part with my New York City savings to attend this conference, but Kevin, a fellow Absolute Write member and one of the organizers of the conference, convinced me to attend. I signed up for three workshops and had a 'blue pencil' session with an established author.

The workshops taught me things like how to wring a plot out of random ideas, and how to develop a character. I learned that popular fiction is nothing to turn your nose up at, and that memoirs can be freakin' hilarious.

Along with Kevin, I met two more AW members, and made a few new friends. While in line for dinner, I chatted with a dynamic looking woman about Buffalo. She said, "My first book is about Buffalo."

I discovered later she was the author of Too Close To The Falls, a humorous memoir about growing up in the 50's in Lewiston, NY. She spoke at dinner, cracking us up with tales about her precocious childhood with a non-domestic mother and a pharmacist father. Her delivery reminded me of Jean Shepard's dry wit. I bought her book and while she autographed it, we talked about childhood memories and how time can mold them into something different from facts.

My Blue Pencil Session was with Martin Avery, a multi-published author and writing teacher. He seemed positive about the opening pages of my manuscript, so I think I'm on the right track.

After dinner, there was a publishing panel, taking questions. We had a lively discussion with best selling authors, an agent and editor, covering everything from submissions to poetry to Book Espresso machines. I didn't have a chance to meet personally with the agent on board, but later sent her a query and she asked for the full manuscript.

Several authors gave readings, and one gentleman mesmerized us with his rhythmic poetry. I met a hockey writer who asked me to send her a copy of Bad Ice.

I had a great time, came away with some nice books and a cool pen. I had a pleasant drive home and was only slightly tired from a sixteen-hour day. I highly recommend this conference, and I have a feeling it will grow in the years to come.


Pictured above: Caroline Wissing, Me, Kevin Craig and Danielle Gaudet Boldt. Photo courtesy of Kevin Craig.

The Romantic Hero

I have an unusual view of the romance novel hero. Sure, he’s honorable, noble, fights for those he loves and the things he believes in. But as far as physical characteristics, my heroes are sometimes….well, different from the norm.

In Stranger In His Bed, Angus French is socially shunned by those who don’t yet know him. He friendships are solid and lifelong, yet they are made up of people who have looked deep enough to actually know him. There’s a lot more than meets the eye with Angus French. Call it cliché, but you can’t always judge a book by its cover.

I get tired of the gorgeous romantic hero. Tall, dark and handsome makes a cover none too hard on the eyes, yes, but I want a heroine who isn’t attracted to him right away. Maybe his appearance makes her see anything but a future with this guy. Maybe he’d be the last man on earth she’d be caught with. Added conflict perhaps? I think so.

Of course not all my books are void of a drop dead gorgeous hero. Call me shallow, but as a reader, I do appreciate my eye candy.

But if the hero is just as attractive on the inside, doesn’t that make him gorgeous in her eyes?

Thanks for reading.

~ Nancy

Website: http://www.nancyhenderson.com
Blog: http://www.nancyhenderson.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nancyehenderson

KETCHUP, KETCH-DOWN

Angelica and Zi work full time as authors. The mundane and monotony are held at bay by one very practical quality. Whereas we take our writing serious, we seldom take ourselves so. Back when we were going through the idiosyncratic process of creating the tone and texture of SNAKE DANCE, a fantasy piece, there were days that boredumb bit not out of any other reason but self-defense of our sanity.

Recalling:

A: There are some days that you have a craving that just won’t quit. You know yours and we know some of you and what you crave, well... I'm ending it there but there's one lady who may have banana split issues, innuendo intended. Yesterday was one of those days, and for some reason the craving remained elusive, all because of Zi.
Z: Don’t believe her, wasn’t my fault. She's a blamiac. Evil raisin-dropping vermin who says, "That was not me." But it was. Every faux raisin was diddley squatted by you. Weasel-woman. (Grabbing Macmillan Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia and pointing to the page with the common weasel)
A: Right. (She did the Olympic eye-roll... scored... 9.7... 9.6... 9.0 by the Russian judge)
Z: There are just codes one lives by that should not be broken. Men must leave the buffer urinal when possible, never date your brother's ex-wife, and don't blame Zi when it was all your fault. (Zi did the symbolic finger over finger affixed cross implying Angelica was the spawn of Dracula, mouthing back, back, back)
A: Can I tell the story, now? (She finished tying a bandana about Elmo's neck)
Z: If you must spin your subterfuge... spin crazy woman, spin. Get dizzy... Gillespie... with it. (He did a bad funky chicken)
A: Must. It started when Zi wanted to send out for lunch. (She responded with the perfect rendition of the hand jive)
Z: The body has its own time clock. The coffee at 6:00, my morning constitutional at precisely 7:30, and lunch at 11:30. All must do's.
A: When I started working with Zi, and for the first time in over 34 years, I had to think about preparing midday meals. We tried cooking for several months, but our partnership agreement did not specify a lunch clause. Knowing what I know now we would have never been able to negotiate it. He can be annoying about food. Hellmann's real mayo, no dill pickles, no salt, no crackers, no toast, no fish but tuna, cheese sandwiches, mind you not grilled cheese, and fruit need not be fresh just juicy.
Z: I eventually found the fairness fairy-godfather, made my own meals, and did not ask you to eat mayo and pepper sandwiches though offered. Found myself feeling bad as you continually disinclined my generous gestures. (Turned his head as if hurt, offering his ring to be kissed... he the fairy-godfather)
A: You did adapt. Additionally, I liked eating out with Zi because early in the partnership he'd consistently pick up the check. It was a week after one of my more overt complaining sessions, I do do that, we went out to this Chinese place we liked. He looked at the young waitress and said, "Separate checks, please." He made his point. Now we order in, split the bill. Yesterday, I wanted a hot dog.
Z: (Zi's face raced with that feces-eating grin that bespoke a quip was coming after she mentioned wanting a hot dog) Figures...
A: (Angelica interrupted as a pre-emptive strike against what could have been raw adolescent humor and scolded as a good mother might) Don't you dare say a word!
Z: I was going you say you always want hot dogs. Why? Huh? Phallic overdose? For me... cheeseburger? (He feigned sincerity) I'll call.
A: Hot dog with ketchup.
Z: No.
A: What do you mean, no? (Face stunned but she expected to be stunned daily and there was no real getting use to Zi's brand of astonishment)
Z: Hot dogs come plain or with mustard. (He held the face and certainty of a professor)
A: No, they don’t. You can get loads of stuff on one, including ketchup.
Z: I repeat, mustard or plain. Putting ketchup on a hot dog just isn’t right. I lunch at this place often, I just will not allow them to think I participate in such an atrocity. I've a rep.
A: A deli rep?
Z: You've a rep with your beautician, you having to do your hair before you go to have her do it.
A: Fine, then, just have them throw in some ketchup packets.
Z: No.
A: Another no? (She growled and pulled up the loose floppy lips of Elmo to demonstrate her frustration... Elmo driveled but seemed to enjoy the attention) Why?
Z: Cause then we’d have to order fries to go with the ketchup.
A: Then order them.
Z: (He shakes his head.) Not healthy. Too much salt. Forget it.
A: Like a double cheeseburger is healthy?
Z: So do you want a hot dog plain or with mustard?
A: (Sighs) I’ll have a cheeseburger.

Writing with someone is just like the afore piece. One must embrace adaptability in the face of rampant ideology. If we don't flex we don't accomplish diddley squat. And we all know DS-ing has great import.

Some days you get the dog and some days the dog gets nixed. So, what are you… a ketchup or mustard on a dog sort?

KILLER DOLLS IS AVAILABLE: Unaware that bio-terrorists are using her handcrafted dolls to attack the innocent, Letti Noel finds herself falling for Taut Johnson, an undercover FBI agent. Even as deceit is a growing barrier to their love, it's the stalking terrorists that are a threat to their lives.

SNAKE DANCE IS AVAILABLE: On the planet Starling wRen defies her heritage so she can be with VeIper, an outcast bent on freeing his species from ethnic cleansing. Mong, a slayer, quells their ambition as he plots the subjugation of wRen and the death of VeIper.

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.

Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS ~ September 2009
SNAKE DANCE ~ February 2010
CHASING...CHASING...CHASING ~ July 2010
angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com
angelicahartandzi.com

KILLER DOLLS and SNAKE DANCE can be purchased at
Champagne Books
http://www.champagnebooks.com/

Re-inventing myself

Amazing what a short break will do for your publishing career. Baffled yet? Well, it's true. I've sorta taken a break of sorts from promotion with the exception of a few things. I didn't plan it that way; it just happened.

I took on another job 2 1/2 years ago and was managing teaching full time, writing and art director quite well until the magazine continued to grow and along with it my responsibilities. I'd quit but I love it too much. We started at 40 pages. Our last issue was 64 pages. We expect to be at 70 pages this summer. And me? I layout the entire magazine and do some of the graphic pages.

With so much going on this fall, I just fell out of the habit of chatting, blogging, etc. I did do several booksignings and sci-fi conventions, and I kept up with the Magic Maven newsletter, but folks, that's really not enough to keep your name fresh and in front of your reading public.

So, I suppose this is my summer resolution. Once I return from Scandinavia, I plan to get back into the groove. New movie - How Ciara Found her Groove. Ha ha. I may need help, but I know I can do it. Why? For one, I have a new book coming out in December, and I want to be sure and let readers know well in advance. It's my baby, you see.

I know, every book is our baby, but this is "the" one, the one closest to my heart, even more special than Celestial Dragon. Moonlight Magick is a Victorian fantasy romance complete with mysterious wizard, elves, gnomes and even trolls. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

NAMING YOUR CHARACTERS

Naming characters in a historical novel, in any novel really, takes a lot of thought. Of course when you are writing a historical novel, there's more than the character's personality to consider. First, of course, you have to determine if the name was even used in the time period about which you're writing.

Nationality counts as well. There are Irish names the English would never have used during certain time periods. Other times when certain names were favored. Let me give you an example. During the time of Cromwell, in England's history, biblical names were often chosen for children.

Then you have to consider the character's personality, their background, even their birth origin. A boy born of Russian parents might chose the name of Alexander, where a baby girl born of African American parents might not want a name like Irene of Elizabeth.

If you are writing a contemporary the location of the story matters with a character's name. A southern villain might be a Bobby, not a Robert.

I write historical romance, so where do I get the names I use in my books? Surprisingly, I refer to my ancestors. I have a list of the names of family members going back many years and I've used then on more than one occasion when writing a story set in the US. I used both the first and last name of my great, great grandmother for the heroine of my very first book.

Also, and this may sound creepy, but I also visit cemeteries when we travel to new destinations. I look at the age of the deceased and the year of his or her death and note the information in my notebook so I now have a list of common names appropriate for a certain region of the country or a certain time period.

Of course, if you write fantasy or scfi, you have it made. You can make up the names. But if you write contemporary or historical fiction, you have more about which to worry.
My list of names have made naming characters a lot easier for me. I go through my list,
get an idea of what the name mean, think about my character and usually I can find a
name that fits to perfection.

Naming characters however, can become a real challenge, worse even than naming your baby. Like my current WIP. My hero has changed his name at least six times. One of these day, he'll tell me what he wants to be called, until then I've used my list. After all, characters are almost real people to the authors who write about them. Like I said, I'm waiting for him to tell me what he wants to be called.