What's In A Name?

Naming my characters is not difficult, but it is a long process. Not just any name will do. I f I name a character something that doesn’t fit right, the characters will let me know it. They will protest and not tell me their stories. Therefore, I have to make sure that I’m picking the right name or else I get stuck.

I use several online naming sites to help me pick the names. One site is for first names and I have a couple that I use for last names. I also have a site that gives random names, in which I can choose for it to give me both first and last names. Sometimes, I’ll find just one name this way but I’ll find gems that I can use for secondary characters as well.

I’ve also been known to go through the phonebook and pick names. The problem with that is that some of the names are regional and not something that would work in a different state.

Sometimes I’ve been lucky enough that my characters will tell me their names flat out. That doesn’t happen very often, but it does occur once in a while. I also have to take into account whether or not the name is appropriate for a hero or heroine. Sometimes, names may be unique, but just not fitting for the character part.

I also don’t like to reuse character names, so I keep a list of the one’s I’ve used to prevent me from picking a name again. I just have to remember to keep it updated. If I get carried away with a story, sometimes I forget about everything else but it.

This is my method of naming my characters. Do you have a different method that you use? I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Writing sex scenes

Sex scenes. They're pretty much a given when writing romance, but we don't want to just read about the mechanics of "the act." Personally, if I wanted to read about that, I'd find a sexual education pamphlet or read a hardcore erotica story. As Sierra mentioned on Monday, there has to be a balance to these types of scenes. The reader has to feel like they are there with the characters and experience what it's like to be the heroine and/or hero, instead of feeling completely like a voyeur.

I agree that writing a love scene can be hard. It took me a while to feel confident in writing them. I still struggle a little with them. There's always the thought of when I get this published, what will so-and-so think of me? I had a scene that I wrote once several years back that I couldn't bring myself to keep because of that pressure. Now I kind of kick myself for completely deleting it.

Also, there are times when I just have to be in the mood to write one. Writing comes from the imagination, and sometimes I just don't feel very imaginative when it comes to that area. I find that I can always write a fight scene, but GOOD sex scenes come harder (no pun intended). At those times when I'm not feeling into the scene, I tend to go on with the next scene, or write an outline of the sex scene and then move on.

So, how do you find the inspiration to write sex scenes? What do you like most about them? Least? Let me know what you think. =)

Please Welcome Author...Cynthia Rayne

The Deadly Vixens would like to welcome guest author Cynthia Rayne. Thank you, Cynthia for joining us this week.

Without further ado...


The Appeal of the Bad Boy

Romance novels are peppered with bad boy heroes. I think it may have started with Jane Austen's Willoughby. Technically, he was the villain, because he leaves the heroine high and dry but sometimes men like this can be irresistable. Willoughby had several bad boy characteristics: charm, recklessness, unpredictability, and a wicked sense of humor.Remember though, he ultimately wanted to marry her, but he would have been cut off completely. What kind of bad boy could do without his family fortune? Don't tell anyone, but I much prefer him to the dry (and let's face it) kind of boring Colonel Brandon. I always thought she should have had an affair with Willoughby at least.

Note: Now, I know to many Jane Austen fans, those are fightin' words, but it is just my opinion. :)


This bad boy phenomenon happens across the board in the romance genre. Most historicals are peppered with reformed rakes, lecherous lords, and irrepressible highwaymen. Paranormals have vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural studs that are brimming with bad boy behaviors (including some killers -- with a purpose of course!). This list goes on and on.

So why do we like these bad boys?

1. They don't make you fall asleep (see above!). Things are always exciting with a bad boy. Now, this excitement may include running away from the police, but...hey, at least you won't be bored, right?

2. Alpha Male Characteristics. They are "mad, bad, and dangerous" to know, just like Lord Byron (who is another bad boy) and he still thrills women today (just read his poem, "She Walks in Beauty, Like the Night" to find out why). They don't always do the right thing. They are aggressive, a little domineering (but in a reaaaallly sexy way), and do whatever the hell they went to do.

3. They Need You. Underneath all of this masculine behavior is a deliciously soft and almost completely hidden vulnerable side. Maybe they were hurt in the past by some woman (mothers, lovers) and are wounded. Nothing brings out a woman's nurturing side more.

The downside? They don't call when they say they will, they may not bring their wallet with them to dinner, and they may make "booty calls" late, late at night. Not to mention the risk of a heartache for you.

Maybe that is why women are so fascinated with them (safely within the pages of a romance novel of course). It is good to observe them from a distance and see a heroine ultimately reform them.

So...what about all of you? Who are your favorite "bad boy" heros? Why do you think women are so captivated by them?"

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Disclaimer (because we don't have a choice): The views expressed by the guest blogger do not necessarily reflect those of The Deadly Vixens.