The Writing Life -- character names

Character names can add or detract from a story.
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When you're writing and you don't know what a character should be named, don't let that stop you -- just insert NTK (name to come).  Why NTK?  It's a combination of characters that is rarely used so it make it easy to use the search and replace function to add in the name you come up with later.   
I learned this too late, in the case of the sticky Bob.  I used the name Bob for a character who I introduced in my second novel, Unexpected Impact, then decided to change his name to Chuck.  I never realized how many words have "bob" in them until I tried to do a search and replace. I resorted to  the old fashioned way, Bob by Bob.   
After publishing, I got a note from a reader that pointed out several Bobs remained.  It was nice of them, and I always appreciate hearing from readers! But it  still was a bit embarrassing since I thought between myself and my beta readers, we had found all of them.  

If you'd like to see who Chuck is (and check if you spy any remaining Bobs) click here for links to where you can buy the ebook. Or join my mailing list and I'll let you know when I have special promotions running. :) 

Note: those are not what my nails look like. But the reading glasses are similar!


Thanks for reading and have a great day!

​Nancy