This is a very random blog topic. Actually, going off on a tangent - most of my posts for this blog are somewhat random. Why? Because I’m inevitably writing these late at night in my timezone. So, please excuse any not-making-sensititus. 
Alrighty then, moving on to today’s actual topic. Have you ever seen those charity auctions where an author gives readers the right to bid to have their name in the next book? Pretty cool, huh? But…what if the author makes you a serial killer or something else equally gruesome? Or maybe they just make you blah.
As a reader, would you care? For the writers out there, would you ever consider doing this - I mean, you might end up with a name that totally does not fit your story - for example, something very modern when you write historicals. I can’t quite see a Buffy in a Regency!
(Oh and total plug: visit my blog on Thursday to get your name in a book…just kidding! But something cool’s going down. Make sure to drop by.)
Seeing my name in a book is very cool and I don’t care what kind of character I am. I’m in two books. Lori Avocato put my name in one and Jennifer Dunne’s story in R.S.V.P. has my name as Mistress Melissa.
Comment by Melissa — February 19, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Hi Nalini,
I hope you feel better! It’s an interesting idea - putting a real person’s name in a book. As a reader, I have many favorite writers and would love to see myself in their books (as pretty much anything but a murder victim!). The only thing that freaks me out about doing something like that (putting a fan’s name in the book), as a writer is making absolutely sure there’s no issue with copyright ownership and permissions. Is there a way to get that permission in proper writing without hiring a lawyer to draw up the proper contract? If so, I’d be up for trying it. Otherwise, I’d be really worried about the person changing her/his mind and making things legally sticky down the road. (I know, I know, I’m probably too cynical for my own good. My dad says I worry too much - and I’m high strung. Lovely combo for my husband to put up with.)
Luv,
Cleo
Comment by Cleo — February 19, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
I think it would be very flattering and cool to be in one of your favorite authors books. And to be honest I don’t think I would care if I was good, bad, indifferent, or killed off just to say you were in a book is enough for me.
So, you know, if you ever need a victim to kill off or a psycho ex girlfriend or whatever floats your boat, my name is most certainly up for grabs.
Comment by Jenn L — February 19, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
Wow, Melissa! How cool! Did you win a comp or do you know the authors?
Cleo - yeah, I’d worry about that, too, but I guess in most cases, permission would be a condition of entry…maybe I’ll google it next time I’m procrastinating!
LOL Jenn!!
Comment by Nalini Singh — February 20, 2007 @ 5:46 am
Lisa Gardner runs a ‘Kill a friend, Maim a buddy’ Sweepstake where the winner gets to name/be a murder victim and get a free signed copy of the book (as does the victim) She’s on the 4th competition and so far it’s been greeted in good fun. I could see people not appreciating the gesture though.
I always think it’s strange when I come accross a heroine with my first name let alone a victim! Watched Heroes last night (new to UK) and the cheerleader got called Clare-Bear which people in work call me, and it felt wierd…not that I’ve any impulse to leap of bridges or run into fires, promise
Comment by Clare Roach — February 20, 2007 @ 12:18 pm