writing – Sharon Palmer Books

There are some things I need to explain to my readers about being an Indie Author.

It’s great!

I’m having a ball writing new things for you to read. You know why? Because I get to hear from you, my readers. It tickles me pink when you tell me what you think about what I wrote. Especially if you like it.

I love to see mothers and daughters are bonding over “Falling for Macie” and mothers and SONS are also bonding over my book. Sometimes entire families share a laugh when reading about Macie and her adventures.

I love finding out what your favorite parts are. They’re usually my favorite parts too!

I sit at my computer and get excited when I imagine you reading what I write. It’s a wonderful life.

I want to thank you for your support, for your encouragement, and for spreading the word about my book. I love and appreciate all of you.

The unknown part of being an Indie writer is we are review addicts. Not only because we want compliments but because the behemoth that is Amazon will only recognize our ads if we have ten or more reviews.

If we have 50+ reviews, well hoo boy!

Amazon will actually go out of their way to help us get our book out to a worldwide audience.

When I ask you to leave a review on Amazon it’s not only because I’ll have in writing what you think of my book, but also your voice will contribute to finding more readers, just like you, who love my books. Even if you think my book is horrible–LEAVE A REVIEW.

Thank you to those who have already left reviews. I appreciate it more than you know. I have read every one and am grateful for them all.

I’d like to do something for you, my elite group of readers and friends.

Saturday, August 1, 2020 (next week) is the launch day for my new book “Porridge and Prejudice.” I am putting it out for free only on Saturday August 1st and only to my elite group of readers–you.

Goldie Callahan takes a job as cook for the Three Behr Brothers. She meets challenges with chairs, beds, porridge and with the Behrs themselves as she works out her feelings for each of the men. Who will she choose as being “just right?”

In return (Yes there is always a catch), would you LEAVE A REVIEW on Amazon for “Porridge and Prejudice” and if you haven’t yet, also leave one for “Falling for Macie”?

Reviews are as good as royalties in an Indie Author’s world. I want you to have the opportunity to get “Porridge and Prejudice” first and free.

(Those of you who want a free paperback you’ll have to get them straight from me. Text or PM me and I’ll get them to you ASAP.)

On Saturday August 1st download “Porridge and Prejudice” for free and leave a review…for me.

love you all!

As Shakespeare pointed out “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” When it comes to naming characters, does it matter what you name them?

Character names can help define the character. For example, J.K. Rowling named the Herbology Professor, Pomona Sprout. Pomona is the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance. Her name is Latin for “fruit” specifically orchard fruit. The last name “Sprout” of course has a gardening meaning. Pomona Sprout is a good example of the character’s name helping to define the character, before we even meet her.

In my first book based on “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” the main characters names were chosen specifically for the roles they play. In Porridge and Prejudice, Goldie Callahan is Goldilocks. Her last name means “Bright headed child” in Gaelic. The three bears are played by Max, Armel, and Theodore Behr. These brothers’ last name, Behr, means “bear” in German. Max’s name means “greatest.” Armel is a Celtic name meaning “Bear Prince.” Theodore was named after the most famous bear of all. The entire book he is either “Teddy” or “Theo.” Read their names and imagine their personality. My goal is that you are able to tell which one is papa, mama and baby bear just by their names.

Yes I spent a lot of time choosing those names. Naming your characters is a lot like naming children. I have to admit, I do more research naming my characters than I ever did naming my children.

The characters in Falling for Macie were named much like my children. The name Macie Eldridge came to me before I started writing. Her mannerisms, her looks, everything, arrived fully formed with her name. POOF! as suddenly as magic. Her roommate, Brittany, reminded me of one of my daughter’s roommates, so I named the character after her. Poor Ben and Xavier went through many name changes as I tried to find ones that fit their looks and personality. Ben didn’t even have a last name until I wrote the last scene. *Spoiler alert*.

As you read books keep in mind that authors love to leave Easter eggs and create double meanings. Some of those may be the names of their characters.

If you notice a connection, no matter how obscure, the author probably did it on purpose. It’s just how I feel about it. What do you think?

Category: writing

Life of an Indie Author

Characters–What’s in a Name?