My characters (in my science fiction/climate fantasy novel) have names that are meant to dredge up the 1800's in the reader's mind. And, since the setting is a different world, the names are currently uncommon on our own planet. I am trying to convey other-ness and the industrial age at the same time.
For example, some of the more unusual names are Ardelle, and Ephriam.
These are names - but I bet you don't know anyone with these names.
I thought this was absolutely fine, but so far everyone down to the last person that has read my story has asked 'where do you get your names?' and when I finally asked one person back, 'why do you ask?' I was told, 'Because I get hung up on them, I don't know how to pronounce them.'
Should I be worried about this? I feel like this is completely out of left field, since I have read occasional fantasy with names along the lines of Kraeylin or Shi'androth, (as examples). I see those names and have no problem.
But to a one, people ask about my names. Will it be a red flag for publisher?
For example, some of the more unusual names are Ardelle, and Ephriam.
These are names - but I bet you don't know anyone with these names.
I thought this was absolutely fine, but so far everyone down to the last person that has read my story has asked 'where do you get your names?' and when I finally asked one person back, 'why do you ask?' I was told, 'Because I get hung up on them, I don't know how to pronounce them.'
Should I be worried about this? I feel like this is completely out of left field, since I have read occasional fantasy with names along the lines of Kraeylin or Shi'androth, (as examples). I see those names and have no problem.
But to a one, people ask about my names. Will it be a red flag for publisher?
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