Hey, everyone. Time for another WIP Wednesday. Today, I’ll share an excerpt from Cold Dark Night. But first, let me introduce you to someone and explain how I got her name.
I’ve used various methods for coming up with character names—random generators, popular name sites, keeping of a list of ones I encounter. However, this one came about unexpectedly while driving to work. Well, maybe I should have expected it since I am a Beatles fan and my favorite album is Abbey Road.
As usual, I was listening to music. Suddenly, the idea popped in my head. Characters named Abbey and Penny.
Not the “real” Abbey Road but a residential street in my hometown.
Abbey Lane grew up in the town of Madeira, went away to college, then returned to take a job as the local librarian. She has an older sister named Penny.
And yes, we have a Penny Lane (Funny I don’t see a barber shop or firehouse.)
Yes, her sister’s name is Penny Lane and no, Abbey will not marry someone with the last name Rhodes. She does, however, have a special “gift” in that she’s often warned of impending danger through dreams.
However, she doesn’t talk about it often as someone from her past hurt her deeply when they refused to heed her warning. Penny is the only one she confides in.
Abbey is a friend and neighbor of my protagonist, Tami.
Excerpt
Abbey Lane sat at the breakfast table, hoping a second cup of coffee would revive her. She’d tossed and turned for the latter part of the night. It had been a long time since she’d had one of those dreams.
Most of her visions were vivid and easily recalled. This time, she couldn’t grasp all the details no matter how hard she tried.
She rubbed her forehead in an attempt to remember. Someone was lurking outside a two-story house. She couldn’t tell if the person was a man or a woman, only that they were intent on harming whoever lived there.
Last night’s dream meant something. She hadn’t felt this strongly about one in years. If only there was someone to talk to. Maybe she’d tell Penny.
Abbey glanced at the clock on the stove. There was much to do before the library opened. Sleeplessness or not, this was no time to dawdle. She rinsed her coffee cup in the sink, grabbed her purse, then walked outside.
Across the street, Tami sat in the porch swing, watching as Jason drove away.
Abbey called out to her, “Taking advantage of the mild weather?”
“Yeah. I hear it won’t last long, so I thought I’d enjoy the outdoors while I can.”
“Don’t blame you. I need to run, but I’m looking forward to lunch.”
“Me too.”
“I’ll meet you at Maria’s at noon. It’s on Main Street. You can’t miss it.”
“See you then.”
As Abbey got into her car, a chill enveloped her. The house… older… two-story…
The memory faded as quickly as it appeared. Tami’s house was similar. No. The house in my dream didn’t have others nearby. I’m sure of it.
But when she drove away, she couldn’t shake the feeling someone close to her would soon be in danger.
While Abbey is a minor character, don’t be surprised if you won’t see more of her. Matter of fact, she’ll be the protagonist in the second book, Blood Red Dawn.
23 Responses
Fascinating way of finding names, Joan…
I have to say these names came about by accident, but I like them. 🙂
I love how you came up with those names, Joan. And no marrying a Rhodes! lols 🙂
No, I have other plans for Abbey. Besides, Rhodes would be too much!
I loved the excerpt, wanted to read more! How does Abbey’s premonition play out?
Let’s just say she’s very intuitive. Thanks for visiting today, Priscilla.
I love the play on the names. I do that too. I have a notebook full of possibilities.
The excerpt makes me want to read more.
I have a list of potential names. I kind of liked how I came by these.
I’m not surprised the Beatles made it into your story in some fashion. 🙂
And I love the excerpt. Portents of doom are always intriguing to me. Great job.
It shouldn’t have come as a surprise.
I do like writing foreshadowing and look forward to revealing more about her dreams.
That is so cool there are actual streets in your town with those names, Joan! As one Beatles fan to another–I love it!
I love the excerpt too. Mysterious and hinting of danger to come. Excellent job!
Our Penny Lane is older than the Beatles song. When the new housing development went in, the developers capitalized on the name. I do think it’s cool.
Glad you enjoyed the excerpt.
I love the weight of that dream. Gives a real sense of foreboding. I wish names came easier to me. I tend to change them as I write.
I’ve been known to change character names, especially with my first book. This idea just stuck with me.
What a great way to come up with names! The excerpt draws us in just enough…to want more. 🙂
Thanks, Gwen. I had fun with these character names.
I love the names, Joan. Of course I singing the song now;) I really enjoyed the excerpt and can’t wait to read more.
Thanks, Denise. Hope you enjoyed the song. 🙂 I always have one in my head.
I always enjoy a Beatle song:)
I enjoyed this, Joan. Looks like Abby is headed for an adventure (Or someone is headed for danger)
Definitely danger lurking.
I enjoyed this excerpt, Joan. It left me with a chill – foreboding. Well-done!
Thank you, Jan!