Problems with Anglo-Saxon names!
I see the Anglo-Saxons as glamorous, blood-thirsty, passionate and exciting, but they have the most awkward, off-putting names. Queen Ethelburgh's daughter was Eanfleda and her children were Alchfrid, Alchfrida, Elfled and Ecfrid. These names don't trip off the toungue easily and yet, as a writer who tries to research the subject well - I DO want to use the proper names - it might be patronising not to.
One publisher remarked 'these names give me a headache.'
Perhaps if they were used often enough, readers would quickly adapt to them - after all we did get used to Gladriel,Gandalf, Reepicheep and Smaug.
Might it be possible to get used to Fridgyth, Begu, Ethedreda and Eadfrith too and even grow to love them!
One publisher remarked 'these names give me a headache.'
Perhaps if they were used often enough, readers would quickly adapt to them - after all we did get used to Gladriel,Gandalf, Reepicheep and Smaug.
Might it be possible to get used to Fridgyth, Begu, Ethedreda and Eadfrith too and even grow to love them!
Published on August 17, 2012 10:47
No comments have been added yet.
One idea leads to another
I became attached to many of the characters in my Anglo-Saxon novel WOLF GIRL, but especially that of the old herbwife Fridgyth. I decided that I wanted to write another novel with Fridgyth as the mai
I became attached to many of the characters in my Anglo-Saxon novel WOLF GIRL, but especially that of the old herbwife Fridgyth. I decided that I wanted to write another novel with Fridgyth as the main character and I'm now looking forward to publishing A SWARMING OF BEES, in which Fridgyth will be a sort of Anglo-Saxon Miss Marple.I'm describing the new book as adult, as the protagonist is about 60 years old - but I don't think there is anything in it that would be unsuitable for Young Adults to read - just a few gruesome details as it is a murder/mystery!
...more
- Theresa Tomlinson's profile
- 127 followers
