Monday, November 9, 2009

Changes, Changes, Changes

So I've been making a lot of changes lately, changes to my story line, changes to my characters quirks and actions. I've even gone so far as to change one of my characters names, something I haven't done in ages. I haven't changed a name so far into a story idea in years. The idea for my Current WIP came to me ages ago, back when I was in about sixth grade, so these characters have been in my head for about five years. My female protagonists name, for as long as I can remember has always been Jessie, I don't ever recall even considering another name for her. But as of recently changes I've made to her character have made me start to second guess myself, something I do quite a lot to be honest.

Jessie's character has grown and changed in the past five years, one could argue she grew with me which I guess she did. But so as she and Declan have been chattering about in my head I've decided that she needs a new name. His, his fits perfectly, but as of recently I've noticed that he doesn't call her Jessie anymore, and I believe her changes are what's been making writing this new story so hard. Now that I know how she's changed, grown stronger I think, I can properly address her by her rightful name and work with her. I was focused on the old Jessie, and the new Jessie, she didn't want to be that weak character anymore, she wants to be strong. Really what writer would argue that? Of course I'm still kind of on the fence about the name change, not so sure about it yet, but if it doesn't work out I can always change it back if need be.

I know I'm not the only one making changes, Kat not three days ago changed the entire tense of her NaNo novel The Plural of Love and Jade is setting herself goals for the remainder of the year, something she said she's never really done before. Nothing seems to be going as planned this November.

Oh so Jessie's new name is Ashlyn, Ash for short, I like it, it's stronger and it taps into her fathers culture, something she prides herself on through her story. I'm going to go back and change it, soon. I like her name, it's one of my favorites I've used it in a bunch of sort stories. I can't wait to get back to her story, Declan has got to be one of my favorite male protagonists of all time. (Shh...don't tell the others boys that, they'll get jealous).

Anyone else making changes? I've noticed it's quite the trend recently.

7 comments:

Mariah Irvin said...

I like the name, but have you read "Wicked Lovely"? The character has the same name (spelled Aislinn) and goes by Ash.

Hayley Lovell said...

Mariah-Yeah I've read "Wicked Lovely" it's a great book. But I never thought to pronounce it like Ashlyn, more like As-linn like in the Narnia books. I actually stumbled across the name while searching for another characters name and it just stuck with me.

Mariah Irvin said...

Then go for it!

Jade said...

Woo! A shout-out. I feel famous!!

Just follow you're gut, it's usually right.

My pony was called Jessie if that's at all helpful. No? Didn't think so.

Unknown said...

Jade, clearly we're both super famous.

But it's cooler if we don't comment on it. Like, it's such an everyday event to get blog shout-outed, it's not even a big deal.

:)

I think changes can be really good! Sometimes it's all you need to kick life and passion back into your novel.

Candice said...

I just found your blog through Renee's and thought, wow she's sixteen and writing and networking! Good for you.

I constantly make changes to my books. I cut characters, add characters, change names, etc, etc. I probably cut a good 40,000 words from my first book and changed names of places and people (though my MC stayed the same). Once you learn it's okay to cut and change things you become more liberated in your writing. At least that's my opinion. ;) Good luck!

Hayley Lovell said...

Jade of course you get a shout out. :)You're famous!
Kat-Yeah that's what I thought, its just been so long since I changed a protagonists name its still all iffy. It was on my mind forever and your brave change of tense totally inspired me. Yes you're famous too!
Candice-Thank you, for the luck and being supportive.