Lee Edward Födi – What’s in a name? Building a backstory for our characters

How do you pick your characters’ names? Is it a considered, thoughtful approach? A decision made by gut instinct? Or do you choose names to honour real people? 

Next to our appearance, our name is one of the most significant aspects of our personal identities—and it’s no different for our characters! In this presentation, author Lee Edward Födi explores fun and meaningful strategies that will add history, texture, and complications to your characters’ journeys across the pages of your manuscript. A short writing exercise will also be presented. And, who knows? You might even find some inspiration for how you present your author self to the public!

Lee Edward Födi is an author, illustrator, and specialized arts educator—or, as he likes to think of himself, a daydreaming expert. He is the author of several books for children, including Spell Sweeper, The Secret of Zoone and The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar. He has taught programs in Canada, the United States, South Korea, China, Thailand, and England. He has a degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia, and is a member of several organizations dedicated to children’s literature. Lee lives in Vancouver with his wife and son.