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Writing / Research Tip Tuesday

Today's tip comes to you from Samantha Clark who has a fabulous writing blog where she talks about her works-in-progress, the craft, and posts great author interviews. Please, stop by visit her!

"I've found that movie credits are one of the best places to find odd and interesting names for characters. When watching a movie, I'll try to note down any that stick out as great character names. When I need a name, sometimes I'll browse through the cast and crew lists of movies on IMDb.com, and not just the actors' names, the behind the camera crew too. For example, Rhett Reese is a writer on Zombieland. Rachel Kick is a makeup artist. Toby Sells is a special makeup artist. Heather Wusterbarth is a second assistant director. Cat Rowe is a digital colorist artist. These are all from the same movie, and all interesting names -- true last names -- that I might not have thought of or found in a phone book."

Thanks Sam! I just love this tip. I always catch some great and unusual names in movie credits as they scroll by!
on Tuesday, October 27, 2009

11 comments:

  1. Ann FinkelsteinOctober 27, 2009 at 7:18 AM

    What a great excuse to watch more movies. I find interesting names when I volunteer at my sons' Tae Kwon Do tournaments, but unfortunately, I'm usually working so hard, I don't have time to scribble them down.

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  2. Christina FarleyOctober 27, 2009 at 8:36 AM

    Great idea! I'm struggling with naming my characters for my new book. Sigh. I guess I'll have to go watch a bunch of TV!

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  3. Sherry Dale RogersOctober 27, 2009 at 11:26 AM

    Also there are thousands of name generators for just about any character. Just simply type it in search and all kinds of stuff will come up. I have actually found some really cool names through those plus they are fun.

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  4. J.A. PalermoOctober 27, 2009 at 2:11 PM

    I'm still in search of a name for my main character in my WIP. I'm on my way to search movie credits!

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  5. Hilary WagnerOctober 27, 2009 at 3:30 PM

    Oh, names and titles are just the best fun! It seems like people either love or hate making them up!

    Movie credits is a great idea for finding interesting names. Very cool tip!

    xoxo -- Hilary

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  6. Samantha ClarkOctober 27, 2009 at 5:10 PM

    Thanks for using my tip. I'm so glad you like it.

    I saw another great one the other night, but now I can't remember what it was. Shoot! Should have written it down.

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  7. Heather ZundelOctober 27, 2009 at 9:40 PM

    I love looking for names in movie credits. It is one of my favorite sources. The phone book is also a surprisingly great resource.

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  8. PJ HooverOctober 27, 2009 at 11:22 PM

    Very good thought! I love it and will watch them with interest now :)

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  9. Keri MikulskiOctober 28, 2009 at 10:18 AM

    Great tip!! Thanks. :)

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  10. Lee Wind, M.Ed.October 28, 2009 at 12:33 PM

    Okay, I LOVE this tip!
    Cool site, too!
    Namaste,
    Lee

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  11. J.TuttleOctober 30, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    That's a great tip! Thanks!

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