Jennifer
Jennifer asked Charlie N. Holmberg:

I am really enjoying the Paper Magician series - what was your inspiration for the story? And how did you come up with such whimsical names? Do you have any suggestions to a hopeful (budding?) future author? :)

Charlie N. Holmberg I remember always wanting to have a character who could make paper cranes come to life. I pictured him (later to become Emery Thane) as a side character to another story, but later just made that the story's main focus. :)

I keep a list of names I like. Sometimes they're ones that pop into my head (Such as taking the flower, Peony, and changing one of the letters), sometimes they're captcha codes! When I start a new story I browse through the list. (Aviosky I got from a man named Abe Yospe. When I first head his name, I thought they said "Aviosky.")

As for "budding" authors, ask a lot of "what if" questions and write down any ideas you get, big or small. All stories stem from little seeds! :D

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