Writerly stuff.

[Myndi]

Wanna talk about the writing process? The agony and ecstasy of self-publishing? Ask here!

[Melissa]

How do you decide on characters names? Do they have hidden meanings?

[Myndi]

Naming characters is both fun and agonizing. Sometimes I want a name to mean something; other times I just want a name that seems right for no particular reason. Isaac was that way. Even though I know the name itself is fraught with meaning, I didn't choose it for that reason. I just thought he seemed like an Isaac. Aydan's name actually means "little fire", which I love, but if you remember, in the first book when she and Rein are head-talking on the horse, she says it means something else...it's actually the first hint that we get that Aydan can understand the Alta language. Check it out! Part one of Shrilugh, Chapter fourteen.

[Chris]

how did you find a good editor? Or did you?

[Myndi]

Chris wrote: "how did you find a good editor? Or did you?"

As far as content goes, I do the editing myself. I have great beta-readers who offer fabulous feedback, and I take what they say into account (although I don't live and die by it), but I do the actual editing on my own. It's not a stance I've taken out of any kind of weird pride thing or stubbornness - it's just what my budget allowed for. It's definitely tough, though - being as hard as you need to be on your own work in order to see its flaws (and then have the courage to fix them) can definitely leave me feeling battered and useless. And I'm sure I don't do it perfectly. I try, though.

In terms of copy, my sister has a pretty good eye and has edited both books for me. I'm wicked grateful for her help.

[Melissa]

:)