This morning, I picked up "The First King of Shannara" by Terry Brooks and upon turning the second page was very disappointed to find that one of his characters has the same last name as my favorite female MC. I don't know if great minds think alike or what, but I really don't want to change it. The character is Nakine Ravenlock and her last name adds as much purpose and meaning to her character as her story does to my plot. Would it be a major faux pas to leave it the same? Having not gotten far in Brooks' novel, I have no idea how major of a character Kinson is...
Here are just a few reasons why Nakine is my favorite character. The first is how real she is to me. She's a piece of me. The piece that would have totally been out of control if I didn't have the gospel of Jesus Christ to ground me. She is sassy, resourceful, intelligent and unafraid. The last definitely is not a quality I possess, but something I would absolutely love to be. She doesn't have the gift of discernment, however. She's curious and a bit devious. Her wrong choices make her hard and she develops a quick temper. She also lusts after gold like nobody's business. It's a passion for her, which leads her to join the thieves' guild. All in all, she's a very endearing character. Hopefully, everyone else will see her that way as well!
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I'd keep it. :D Things like that happen. Your character sounds very interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Windsong! :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry about changing the last name, especially since you didn't do it deliberately. Your character sounds great too - with a great mix of both good and bad qualities!
ReplyDeleteKeep it! Your editor will tell you if you need to change it later. Then you can fight about it, and all sorts of fun things! Yay! :P
ReplyDeleteThanks y'all!
ReplyDeleteSade, can I hire you to fight for me? I'd be sure to win then! ;)
We just did a whole post about this last week! I read a book that shared a few random similarities to ours, but thankfully they were minor. I guess this stuff happens, but I'm always worried that people will think I'm plagarizing or stealing from the other author. The reality is that I didn't read their book until well after our book was written, but unfortunately the readers don't know that.
ReplyDeleteI definitely wouldn't change it though. Chalk it up to great minds think alike!
I wouldn't change a thing...I think there is only so many original ideas out there...what makes something "fresh" is when you use your premise and bring to it an authenticity of voice...and it sounds like you are nailing that piece beautifully!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine. I'm certainly trying!
ReplyDeleteLisa and Laura, I'll have to go back and read that post. Thanks for your input! Great minds do think alike. Now if only my books could be as likable as his!
I'll fight for you anytime. :)
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