I have discovered something the internet is good for. I say that as if previously I was not aware of ANYTHING the internet is good for. That’s not so, but this is one very important function, at least as far as I’m concerned:
When you are writing, and you have to give your characters names, or have them work for a company, or go to a church, or anything like that which requires specific information, you can go online to see if what you are thinking of already exists. It would be awfully embarrassing to think you were making up something very original, only to then discover that everybody else in the world is fully aware of something that is already called that. For instance, I had to create a profitable business for my hero’s family to be in, so I came up with Griffith Financial Services. Sorry! Already taken, not once but twice. So I had to come up with something else, and decided to put them in Griffith Sportswear—NOT taken. And not only that, but it has added greater dimension to my characters, since now the dad is this real “tennis, anyone?” kind of guy, and the son is more interested in music and art. So, sometimes a misfortune can be turned around into something even better.
And by the way, I’m actually thinking of changing their last name from Griffith to Griffin, so that on the polo shirts, where you usually have the alligator, there would be a “griffin” which is a mythological beast with the head of a bird and the body of the horse, and claws that are so big that people use them for drinking cups (I guess after they fall off, because I wouldn’t want to try to clip one off while the griffin could see what you are doing). Don’t believe me? I found it on the internet.
What else is the internet good for? Is it mostly for information? Or for communication? Hmmmm? What do you think?
I think you could get away with using a griffin even if their last name is Griffith. You could change it too, but the Family Guy family is Griffin. I guess that doesn’t matter, but I’m a naming fiend who worries about things like that. ^_^
The internet is great for things like that. I printed out a bunch of maps of the Western coast of Europe for my pirate stories. Also, if you want to give your characters a meaningful name, go to Baby Names I love that site. I use it all the time. Among other things, the internet is great! If you want your character to be a Llama enthusiast or something, you can go look up info on llamas online! I love the internet!!! 🙂
“The internet is really really great! I’ve got a fast connection so I dont have to wait” ~Avenue Q