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Group:  Writer-readers ignore
Topic:  Place names 0 / 3 read

Nov 5, 2009, 7:24pm (top)Message 1: Leli1013

Hi, I'm writing a fairy tale and I'm having trouble coming up with names for the kingdoms. Can you guys give me some advice on how to come up with them? Thanks!

Nov 6, 2009, 2:29pm (top)Message 2: lshelby

What languages are spoken in these kingdoms?

Nov 7, 2009, 1:55am (top)Message 3: OttoMeyton

You could start with thinking of the age group you are writing for and the tone of your fairy tale. Younger children might enjoy more funny or whimsical sounding names that more directly connect to your theme. The older the age set you're writing for, you might want to either go for more mystical sounding names or for more subtle humor or thematic references in them.

It also might help to think of how much "work" you want the names to do in your fairy tale. If it's not so important to you that they highlight your theme, it's fine that they just have a feel to them that conveys the character of the kingdom. I would assume that you're a fan of fairy tales yourself so let that give you confidence. If you think they're good names from a reader's perspective and they fit the tone of your story, then they're most likely good names.

For some helpful fun you could read some fairy tale theory books. I've read "The Witch Must Die" by Sheldon Cashdan which focuses on the psychological aspects of fairy tales and I found that to be a good read. Jack Zipes is a big name in this category and Mary Louise von Franz has a few though I haven't read any of them so can't steer you to their best.

Sorry if this overcomplicates it for you but hopefully it helps :).

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