Can anyone help me?

[Laiden]

I agree with a PLAIN name. I use a lot of odd names because they are memorable and luckily the names arent in the phone book , but the one name I use in my story where there are probably a bizzillion (dont quote me on that one, there are a lot though) people by that name is Jeremiah Jones. I may consider changing in the future, but I doubt I will unless a publisher tells me that its too common, but I dont think they will.

[Jan]

Sigh...yeah. Sometime, somewhere some judges didn't take the opportunity to tell some idiots that they were idiots and look where it got us.

Jan

[Spoo Junky]

I know why they have to do that, but I always get a laugh. As if there were a Real John Smith who was hit by a cosmic particle and as a consequence was turned into a three headed green monster who ate New York

[Jan]

Exactly. The same reasoning that applies to the blurbs in books and on TV and films that "All the characters and events portrayed in this ________are fictitional, and any resembance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental."

Jan

[Andrew_Swallow]

That is the other way of doing it. Pick a common name so anyone sueing will lose.

[Jan]

Valid names. Check the telephone directory - if it is in there do not use it. The modern equivalent is an internet search.

Extremely unlikely, Andrew. Can you imagine how many John Sheridans there are in the world? There are over 30 just in my area. There are 6 John Mathesons. In fact, probably the *more* common a name the better since that would preclude anybody claiming that they were being portrayed inappropiately.

IMO....

Jan

[Andrew_Swallow]

Valid names. Check the telephone directory - if it is in there do not use it. The modern equivalent is an internet search.

[Jan]

One thing to remember when naming characters is that it's probably a good idea to have an alternate name ready. AFAIK, all names and company names have to be checked by the studios for 'clearance'. Matthew Gideon on Crusade, for instance, started out as Matthew Drake. I don't know what could constitute a clearance problem but it could have something to do with names that have been newsworthy at some point.

Jan

That's perfect! Dr. Richard Biggs. I cant believe I never considered that! Richard Biggs it is. Thanks Willie, I appreciate your suggestion. I hope Mr. Biggs approves. I will do my very best to make him a lovable and honorable character.

Jess

[David Panzer]

Dr. Richards will be a perfect name. As long as he's not leading an expedition into space and is endowed with the ability to elongate, stretch or extend any part of his body to fantastical proportions. Dr. Biggs, well, I keep thinking of a friend of some chap named Skywalker who got fragged in an attempt to destroy a large, spherical space station with the ability to annihilate planets with just the flick of the fader on a TV control room board.

Removing the tongue in cheek, seriously Dr. Richards would make a good name. But to avoid any chance of any glances from Marvel, don't name him Franklin Richards. Imdb has a listing of all the roles Mr. Biggs appeared as. You can use different combinations of his roles as well as actual name for the name of your good doctor. Or just name your doctor, Richard Biggs.

I have decided to name a doctor in my pilot after Richard Biggs. I know it's not much, but in my own way I'd like to honor the man. Anyone have any ideas? Dr. Biggs? Dr. Richards?

Jess

[Jan]

Laiden,

Save that last post. Someday, somebody may just be quoting you using it.

Jan

[Laiden]

JMS is totally correct with that quote. thank you for posting it Jan.

I too am attempting to be a writer. I am currently working on a series of science fiction books, but the ideas and metaphors I use are based on personal experiences and views on the world in which we live in. I never realize how true the things I have placed in my book are until I have written it. It's amazing to see your passion and work form into something that even non-Science Fiction fans would want to read.

[Jan]

Wow, I'm honored. Thanks. Of course you'll need to be sure to let us all know when/where 'my' episode airs!

Hope you'll hang out too as you can. Nice folks around here.

Jan

Thanks Jan. I printed the quote and pinned it up above my desk. I have another from JMS there as well. They are both very inspirational. Thanks for all your help. In tribute to you, I shall create a character named Jan. She will be a wise encouraging helper. I dont know how she will fit in yet, but I will find a way. Perhaps, she will be the focus in her own episode. I will never forger those who aided me in my dreams. Thanks again,

Jess