Nick is on my mind. Repeating character names.

 When I first started writing way back in what seems like dinosaur years, I made myself a spreadsheet with character names I used and in what story. Over time, this list became longer, then longer still. But, I thought I had a good grasp on the names I used, how often, and how they fit my characters.

Apparently not, as when I went through and updated the list the other day, I was mortified to see I have repeatedly used more than a couple of first and last names more than couple of times. I had a list! Heck, I went above and beyond and even checked my list. But somehow, I still managed to have some favorites I needed to use again.

My writing has waxed and waned over the years, usually depending on the status of my eyes and the assortment of surgeries and recoveries involved. And wile Goodreads has 46 works listed for my author name, I only have six that are currently available. Do you think things would be easier?

 Heh. Not quite. 

I want to state for the record that I, have never dated or otherwise been involved with anyone named Nick, or any variation of that name. Yet, when it comes to characters I really like, guess what my go to name is?

JMS Books recently published a novella rewrite of 3rd Times the Charm featuring my favorite character, Nick Davros. I am also working on a rewrite of a holiday novella that, to my surprise, also had a main character named Nick.  Why do I love the name Nick so much and more importantly, why did it take me to almost the end of the rewrite to realize I've just released a novella featuring a character with that name?

I won't give the name of the holiday story rewrite away just yet. But I do hope if you read a previous version,  you won't be too disturbed by the change in character names. The beauty of rewriting and republishing older stories is a getting a second chance to do the characters justice. And, in some cases, not naming them the same as my other characters.

Does it bother you as a reader to find an author has re-used (accidentally or otherwise) a character's name? Do you think you even notice? Is it good enough if the character's description and voice are different? And, if you're an author, do you have a go to name for characters?