Fun Stuff
DRAVEN LAST-NAME CHANGE CONTEST
Some feedback I’ve gotten suggests that the last name of the MC in my YA series needs to be changed to something different. With the name of “Atreides”, my readers are somehow going to assume that this series is going to be about a family member from “Dune.” Also, there’s a possibility that readers might trip over Draven’s last name and how to pronounce it. So, I would like to hear from my target audience:
Should I change Draven’s last name or should I keep it? If I change it, what should I change it to?
THE DETAILS
~ This contest is open to teens only, ages 13-18.
~ Entrants may post as many times as they want.
~ If you are suggesting a new last name, it has to start with the letter “A” and be as cool as, or cooler than, “Atreides”.
~ Name and valid email address are required.
~ DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2009. MIDNIGHT MST
THE PRIZES
For the best “YES” suggestion - $50 Gift Card: Barnes and Noble.com or Amazon.com.
For the best “NO” response - $25 Gift Card: Barnes and Noble.com or Amazon.com
Let me know what you think!
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Becky E says:
I think with the name “Draven” which is quite uncommon, maybe you should have a more simple surname. “Draven Atreides”. I quite like the name, but here are some suggestions.
Draven Manefique (it kinda sounds mysterious, but it may be hard to pronounce, which is defeating the object. I like it, though. I say it Man-euh-feek).
Draven Bellamont. It means beautiful mount, and it may signify her past, that even though she has had hard times, she’s a beautiful person.
Draven Blackbird (It sounds mysterious and also her first name sounds like Raven, so it fits with a bird theme).
Danya Bush says:
Hi, Celise.
I love the way “Atreides” looks, especially juxtaposed beside “Draven”, but I think that the pronunciation confusion might get in the way of its awesomeness.
Here are my suggestions:
Draven Ayer or Draven Ayers
Draven Arrais or Draven Arraiz
Draven Addair
Draven Albrecht
Draven Ames
Draven Antoine
Draven Auxier
Kayley says:
I actually know nothing about “Dune”, but I do see the problem with pronunciation.
As for suggestions…I think my favorite is “Draven Azarola”. But anyway, these are just some ideas I had.
Draven Addens (”Addens” means “noble”, which could tie in with the fact that Draven says she is ratting people out to be a good citizen (even if she is being sarcastic))
Draven Agnar (”Agnar” means “sharp”, which could refer to the fact that Draven is observant and has a keen perspective on what goes on around her)
Draven Aling (”Aling” also means “noble”)
Draven Allegri (”Allegri” refers to being quick and lively, which could represent how Draven goes out and uncovers crime, something which requires a person to be quick and lively)
Draven Alles (also means “noble”)
Draven Amalberti (”Amalberti” means “heroic”, which could refer to Draven since she is out investigating crime. However, it depends on how you write her)
Draven Aquila (”Aquila” refers to “eagle”, which would, as Agnar would, relate to how Draven is able to perceive the secrets of others. as if she were a bird that is always watching.)
Draven Arrington (”Arrington” came from a town named “Earningaton”, and the town’s namesake “Earna” meant “eagle”, so it would relate as the previous suggestion would)
Draven Azarola (”Azarola” was a name used to describe people who acted like a fox. In this case, it would apply to Draven because she is sly and cunning enough to get the secrets she is going after)
However, I also think it would be okay if you kept it the same, unless the “Dune” thing (which I am entirely unaware of) would be extraneously bothersome. You could fix the pronunciation problem in the manuscript by simply having a character ask Draven how to pronounce her last name, since it would be a reasonable question to ask a person; if you’ve already written that in, I don’t think there would be a huge problem.
I don’t know if this is a “yes” or “no” answer, but I hope it is of some use to you. :] These are just some thoughts I had about your predicament that consider both sides of the issue.
Becky Paul says:
I like the name Atreides, but I did find it difficult to work out how to pronounce it, and from looking at it I immediately assume it’s a Greek name, which might confuse the reader a little - unless she has some Greek roots somewhere. Some suggestions:
Draven Angelo - Angelo means messenger, which could tie in with the story nicely.
Draven Ayden/Aiden/Aidens/Aydens. I’m not too sure on the rhyming here, but ‘Aiden’ means ‘little fire’, which I thought might match her personality as being fiery.