Book on the Bright Side

Author Meghan Ciana Doidge has graciously offered up a guest post for us today! Hope you all enjoy it :)


What inspired Spirit Binder: Character names

The name of a character is always very important to me as a writer when I am building the world of a story. I envision a character based on their function, strengths/weaknesses, and physical attributes. Then I search for a name that represents that image. I usually make a short list, but some times a name just doesn’t sound right in my head, as if the character knows his/her name and I just have to figure it out. Here are some examples from my newly released novel, Spirit Binder:

The main character’s name, Theodora (aka Theo), is the feminine version of the name Theodore, which means, “gift of god” (Greek). It was also the name of a number of saints, and two popes. The spiritual connection of the name was what appealed to me as a storyteller. The nickname is also important, because Theo feels divided throughout the story, as if she is two different people.

Hugh’s name means, “heart, mind, spirit” (Germanic). This was everything I wanted Hugh to be, and everything I think he is underneath all the charm and secrets.

Ren (aka Renard) means, “brave, hardy” (Germanic) and “fox” (French). Ren is the ultimate version of “hardy”, but I don’t want to spoil the story by further elaborating. And, interestingly enough, the Elite Guard, under Dougal’s command, uses the flag of a fox.

Rhea, who is Theo’s mother, means, "to flow" or "ground". However, more importantly for the story, Rhea in Greek mythology was a Titan and mother of Zeus. This fits Spirit Binder, as Rhea believes that Theo is a godlike “manifestation of spirit”.

Dougal means “dark stranger” (Gaelic). And Theo’s uncle certainly is a stranger in more than one way, but perhaps more significantly his surname is Rudan, as is Rhea and Theo’s.

Rudan means “red-haired” (Irish). This familial line is exceedingly important in the world of Spirit Binder and in the hierarchy of Cascadia.

Hopefully, that provides a little insight when reading Spirit Binder.

Meghan
Author of After The Virus, Spirit Binder, and Time Walker (Fall 2012)
http://www.madebymeghan.ca

Theo woke severely injured, covered in blood, and missing ten years of her life.

Just to complicate matters further, Theo was born under a prophecy; one that has rabid followers with three different interpretations, all of whom are willing to sacrifice her in order to fulfill it.

Not knowing if she can trust the stranger she’s betrothed to, the warrior visiting her dreams, or even her own mother, Theo tries to piece together her past only to find that her present is far more dangerous.

It’s the power of her own blood that scares her most of all. This is a responsibility Theo never wanted, and a destiny she cannot deny, “All because of a prophecy she was trying not to believe in, but kept fulfilling.”