For any novelist, many factors go into choosing a good name for each character, including: Culture or ethnicity, Physical appearance, Personality, Temperament, History, and Rank within the story. These comprise the broad swath of identity which a name is meant to convey. Sometimes, an author will want to run counter to stereotype with a name that intentionally defies the conventions. Even so, the character “Maximus” is unlikely to be a shy, effeminate pacifist READ MORE >>>
Tag Archives: Book of Names
The Magical Imagination, pt. 2
As mentioned in my last blog, parents must be discerning about what their kids read, now more than ever. My approach? I try to be 1) as cautious as necessary for wisdom’s sake, and 2) as liberal as possible for imagination’s sake. Each mom and dad must be led by the Holy Spirit. The seductions of this age are both too great and subtle to blindly follow popular fiction simply because it is thrilling, fun, helps your child get over his/her reading hangups, etc.
Yet we must not timidly retreat, either. The potential for redeeming and expanding your child’s imagination is too powerful to ignore. A great fantasy novel can imbue in your child’s/teenager’s spirit a breathless sense of magic and wonder that actually enhances dynamic discipleship. Yep, you read that right. Then why do so many Christians remain troubled and fearful? I think, to them, the word “magic” feels like a land mine, and therefore magical books feel like dangerous mine fields. How do you weigh the risks? READ MORE >>>






