question for readers

[splix.livejournal.com]

Hi, all,

A couple of years ago I wrote an original novel featuring Sean Bean and Viggo Mortensen as physical models for my heroes [it's a romance, set in America in 1905]. For various reasons I've decided not to attempt to publish it professionally, but thought that the folks here and at Sons of Gondor might enjoy it.

My question is this: my heroes' names were Colin and Daniel, but it wouldn't be a matter of much difficulty to change them to Sean and Viggo. I know 'alternate' names can be offputting, so - would you prefer I left them as Sean and Viggo? I'd have to change a couple of ethnic details, but again, not a major issue.

I'll go with the majority preference, according to comments. It'll take me a few weeks to hammer everything out, but it is complete, and I hope you'll enjoy it in any case. Thanks!

Alex

Comments

[sveta-111.livejournal.com]

It would be wonderful! I'll wait to read it!

[splix.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Do you have any preference on the names?

[sveta-111.livejournal.com]

I'm voting for Viggo and Sean...)))

[splix.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[bluegerl.livejournal.com]

Oh Splix, dear lady. You are UP and RUNNING again! Well done! Happy news.

You know me, Sean and Viggo PLEASE... in 1905.... oh terrific.

[splix.livejournal.com]

Nice to see you up and about as well. :)

Thanks for your input!

[rifleman-s.livejournal.com]

1905 - a wonderful era in which to set a story.

My own preference is for 'Sean' and 'Viggo', simply because the images spring immediately to mind . . . as long it's not too much trouble!

Looking forward to reading.

[splix.livejournal.com]

No, shouldn't be much trouble. Thanks for weighing in!

[stormatdusk.livejournal.com]

i know i'm no help, but i will happily read it regardless of the names: colin and daniel, sean and viggo, bert and ernie, simon and garfunkel... *g* yay!

[splix.livejournal.com]

Hee! i'm glad to know you'll read it, thank you!

Now I want to call them Simon and Garfunkel. :D

[alex-quine.livejournal.com]

This sounds grand. I'd vote for Sean and Viggo simply because it helps me keep the
characters sorted out in my mind.

[splix.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your inpul. I hope you'll like it. :)

[blooming-fan.livejournal.com]

Sounds wonderful, can't wait. I'd prefer Viggo & Sean, just because it makes the pictures easier.

[splix.livejournal.com]

Thanks for letting me know! Hope you'll enjoy it.

[msilverstar]

I'd be happy either way.

[splix.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[mooms.livejournal.com]

So pleased that you are sharing this with a wider audience on LJ. It is a beautiful story and I would love to read it again. I felt quite comfortable with Colin and Daniel, because I could still visualise them as Sean and Viggo. I also think that Colin was a more appropriate name for a Yorkshireman in 1905, as Sean was not a popular name in England then. Daniel's family was also Irish in origin and that seemed historically authentic for the setting. I know that you said you would need to change a couple of ethnic details and it wouldn't be a major issue, but it seems to me from what I recall that a lot of changes would have to be made and their names in the story were not just random choices, were they? It is very clear from your wonderful descriptions that the characters are basically Sean and Viggo and I think that the people who voted for those names might have had a different view had they known the background and settings to the story, which I know that you researched very thoroughly.

Just my 2 cents and I know that your readers will love it, whatever you call them. *Hugs*

[splix.livejournal.com]

I hear you and in principle I agree. On the other hand, I want people to read it, and I know that a lot of people get put off by other names, and I don't really expect anyone to flex that particular muscle of imagination when they're reading fanfic. It's not just here - it used to happen in The Phantom Menace all the time. If someone was writing an AU, Qui-Gon was Quinn or Quentin, Obi-Wan became Ben....I'm pretty used to it. And maybe it'll be a fun challenge to tweak the boys' backgrounds just enough to make the names fit. I think I can do it. [so I say now, ha ha!] I'm delighted that you'd read it again, thank you so much! *hugs*

[painted-horse.livejournal.com]

I've read other stories where Sean and Viggo "acted" under different names and it was no problem at all. But more important, I trust Mooms' judgement in this, as she knows the story and the background and so I'll vote for "Daniel" and "Colin". Good to see you again!

[splix.livejournal.com]

Thank you for replying! :)

[govi20.livejournal.com]

It's a wonderful idea to share that great story and I am all for it! I will happily read it again and again. Daniel and Colin are okay, you know I like those names, but I would still prefer Sean and Viggo. *hugs you in excitement*

[splix.livejournal.com]

Viggo and Sean it is, I think. Thank you, sweetie!

[shegollum.livejournal.com]

I will love it however you chose to share it but will definitely see Viggo and Sean in them so do what seems like the most fun for you. I am still mourning the loss of Box 1663 so I will happily read whatever you share next. You're a wonderful writer!

BTW, did I ever share this link or have you seen it otherwise perhaps? It's very interesting: Annie's Box 1663 (http://box1663.com/).

[splix.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you so much!

I've never seen that blog! I'll check it out. Many thanks. :D

[evocates.livejournal.com]

Whatever that suits you best, lovely. Names mean very little to me, really, so whether it's Viggo-and-Sean or Colin-or-Daniel, it doesn't matter because you wrote it and it's pretty much guaranteed to be an awesome fic. All I can say is that I can't wait to read it. ♥!

(I think there's a fic you wrote once, a multichaptered AU, of Sean and Viggo, and you took it down because you were going to publish it and you were meeting with agents and publishers for it? Have you managed to publish that, lovely? I will love to read that too.)

[splix.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you! Nothing's come of that other story yet, though I am hopeful. :)