This will be a blog for my writing, maybe with (too much) personal thrown in. I am hoping it will be a little more interactive, with me answering questions, helping out and whatnot. If it falls this year (2024), then I may stop the whole blogging thing, but that's all a "wait and see" scenario.
That's a great idea, keeping a list of all previously used names.
I also try to avoid using names that sound similar in the same story, like Mary and Marie, Mark and Marty, etc. It can get confusing to the reader (me, included!)
Character names are important. Thank you for posting this!
The choice between James, Jim, Jimmy, Jimmie... contrasts with James Edward the 3rd (a.k.a. Third-Wheel or less flattering... Da Turd).
Attitude matters!
The choice between Jaime, Jamie, Jamal, Jan, Jan-Anders... also makes a slight difference imho. Both Jaime and Jan can be non-gender.
I don't want a story longer than 300 words with names that sound the same. In novels it's easier if none of the names start with the sane letter: Angie, Max, Xenobia (shorter, longer, different sounds) is better than Mick, Mack, Mork.
But... I've also dispensed with names altogether. In conversation the characters know who they are talking to.
— Didja see how Third-Wheel butted in when Xenobia was batting her eyes at Angie?
— Rude. Da Turd still think he hot shit. Ain't true. His crap be old.
Even without names the reader gleans some insight into speaker 1 vs 2.
As a reader, my brain just skips over descriptions. They're like ads to me: obstacles that get in the way of what I'm there for. Occasionally, I'll come across a description that speaks to me, but it's rare, and I don't recall any that used "all the senses" (and I agree there are many more than five) without seeming contrived.
Clicked and read them all. They were all great and I am most thankful for the list of horrible holiday movies. I found a couple I can recommend to my brother as payback for making me watch "The Lobster".
Dairy may be great for children, not so great for adults (my sister was lactose intolerant since childhood).
Processed dairy... like cheese... has its uses. Thailand has fresh local food year round. Montana and areas of extreme weather or supply chain issues do not and need preserved staples (pickled, sugared, salted, dried). Many cheeses keep well.
I have panic attacks! do.not.polygraph.me
Evolution however... may I add that just because I don't have offspring doesn't mean I haven't contributed to the next generation (or change).
Theory (some of which evolve over time)... and traditions (some of which evolve over time). Ignorance, however, doesn't evolve without some sort of experience or education.
Brains... how much is consciously being used may not be 100%. I'm sitting so my sense of 'balance' may be sleeping in the background. However, it better wake up when I stand up! Had issues with numbness yesterday (not fun).
Ancient knowledge and ancient 'knowledge' need to be rethought. The Earth evolves, so do humans. Well, some do. People still stuck in Leviticus... seems to be an American issue.
Kåre เลียม Enga - As I said in the post, if the message is a part of the story and integrated all the way through, it's fine. It's when you get these diatribes in the middle of something where they don't belong or don't fit that I was having a go at.
Narnia being Christian allegory is fine. I mean, I never liked the books (I only read 3), so whatever.
IMO Anne McCaffrey does this well with the parallel Dragonriders of Pern and Harper Hall trilogies. Adults-with-dragons; youth with fire-dragons. Memorable world building. Wonderful characters.
Kudzu the plant... only a curse for those who don't know its uses: forage, food, fiber.
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