2021 A + E = D

To start off this year's challenge, not only a different approach to a title, but also to showcase a work-in-progress. During the final edits of Windmaster Golem (Book 4 of The Windmaster Novels,) I discovered that I used the same name for one of the archmage's twin daughters and I did for one of the main characters in "Hatchling's Guardian." I inadvertently broke one of my naming conventions.

Now that would not normally make much off a difference because "Hatchling's Guardian"was a short story with limited  circulation. However, when the short story became the basis for my current novel, working title Fire and Amulet, one or the other characters had to receive a new name so as not to confuse the readers.

Whether to rename the work close to publication or one that had not yet begun? The decision of which character to rename was obvious... Denai of "Hatchling's Guardian" had to get a new identity. But I really liked the name and the Denai (and her parents Lady Ellspeth and Lord Dal) from the world of Windmaster werequite adamant that that was her name. So what to do?

In the work in progress, the character's name was created from those of her parents, her mother Adais and her father, Enae. The calculation A + E = D was reworked. Right now the dragon slayer sent out on the final quest is called Deneas.  While the spelling is still similar, the pronunciation is different enough that hopefully the readers don't get confused.

If you want to learn more about Denai,
her tale is part of Windmaster Golem.

Windmaster Golem - one click to estores

 
If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

To make following the hop easier, here is the link to all my posts. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.

~ till next time, Helen