What is in a name?

What’s in a Name?

Readers and authors alike may have pondered this question many times. What exactly is in name, and does it really matter?

Speaking specifically as an author, a great deal of thought has gone into naming the characters, and title of a book. We just want to get it right.

Just suppose that Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind had been called John Butler. Would we have still thought him the hero?

Margaret Mitchell the author of Gone with the Wind had originally planned to call her story ‘Pansy’, after the main female protagonist. She later re-named her ‘Scarlett’, and re-titled her book, Gone with the Wind.

I deliberated long and hard on naming my current novel and characters.

The male lead had to exude authority. I wanted to show his English heritage. I chose Robert Tremayne. For the female lead, I actually chose a French name. I called her Marielle Stevens, hoping to bring a little intrigue and mystery.

The title of the book eluded me. What to call it? After much deliberation I decided on The Return.

Robert Tremayne is held hostage for two years, and then returns to Britain, and freedom. Unfortunately, Robert is a very changed man. The story concentrates on the emotional turmoil, as he returns eventually to the man Marielle knew and loved.

Blurb: Whilst on assignment in Iraq, English TV presenter and journalist Robert Tremayne is captured by the Islamic Jihad, and held hostage. His soul mate, Marielle, can barely come to terms with her loss but tries to move on with her life.

Two years later Robert is discovered alive. Marielle is overjoyed, but her life has changed beyond all recognition, and the man she loved is now very different. His time in Iraq has left him cold, emotionless and detached. There’s much to tell, and each wants desperately to return to the way things once were.

With the past always there to come between them, will they be able to recapture their lost love? Will they ever be happy again?

To find out more about The Return: VISIT HERE