Podcast Episode 210: The 3 Laws of Baby Naming, and Surprising Writing Advice from an Author

Nov 7, 2015 | In The Loop

In The Loop with Andy Andrews, hosted by David Loy

Click here to download the transcript of this episode.

 

On this week’s episode, I answer a listener question about how Polly and I determined the names of our boys; we also discuss how incorrect writing can become your style.

 

We all have seen names where we think, “What in the world? Did you not think this through for a second?”

  • I love names, but there are some that should no longer be in use (you don’t see any little Attilas running around anymore).
  • You don’t want to name your kids:
    • Something someone is going to make fun of.
    • A name that has a weird connotation.
    • Something they’ll have to spell out for the rest of their lives.

 

I told Polly that she can name the boys whatever she wants, but they have to start with an “A.”

  • We always liked “Austin,” and his middle name, Gray, was one of my grandfathers’ names.
  • When Adam was about 9 years old, he asked where his name came from.
  • It just came out of my mouth: “Well buddy, we named you Adam because it must be God’s favorite name.”

 

The second question I’m answering in this episode is, what advice do you have for young writers on how to perfect their craft?

  • This sounds silly, but one of the major things to do is to write.
  • I don’t know any profession that doesn’t benefit from repetition and deep thought.
  • What others may see as incorrect may develop into a style.
  • For instance, because I try to write in a conversational way, I’ll sometimes start a sentence with “And…”
  • Editors used to mark this out, but now they leave it because they understand that’s part of my style.

 

Tune in to hear about a family that named their son after a character from one of Andy’s books, and find out what milestone an Andrews family member just reached.

And please share this free content with any family, friends, or co-workers who might be inspired by it!

 

Questions for Andy

Would you like to run something by Andy? Contact us and your question might be featured on the show!

  • Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY
  • Email: InTheLoop@AndyAndrews.com
  • Facebook.com/AndyAndrews
  • Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

If you have questions or comments for THE PROFESSIONAL NOTICER, please contact us at: TheProfessionalNoticer@AndyAndrews.com

Explore

  • The AI Conversation: What’s Real…And What’s Next?
    The AI Conversation: What’s Real…And What’s Next?

    Tune in to hear Herb and Steve join Andy for a fascinating–sometimes unsettling–conversation about how much of today’s technology was first imagined in science fiction.

    Read More »
  • Leading in Disruptive Times with Tom Ziglar
    Leading in Disruptive Times with Tom Ziglar

    Tune in to hear Tom discuss how business has changed as a result of the pandemic, and what he believes are the biggest challenges facing businesses today. Listen as he and Andy talk about why one in four people quit their jobs, what a Coach Leader is, and how they…

    Read More »
  • I’m Not Going Anywhere with Kelly Lang
    I’m Not Going Anywhere with Kelly Lang

    Tune in to hear Andy and Kelly discuss how she became an oil painter (she’s amazing!), how she got started in the music business, and which of the songs she’s written are her favorites! Listen as they discuss her battle with cancer – detailed in her new book I’m Not Going…

    Read More »
  • A Thanksgiving State of Mind
    A Thanksgiving State of Mind

    This week, Andy reads a classic Thanksgiving story from his book Return to Sawyerton Springs. Through this story, you’ll learn a method to find thankfulness when you’ve lost your grateful spirit. After that, we take a listener question on the characteristics you should look for when hiring someone and why…

    Read More »
  • How to Maximize Your Morning
    How to Maximize Your Morning

    Do you ever ask yourself how you could possibly fit everything you need to do into a single day? How about whether you’ll be able to fit all the things you want to do into the rest of your lifetime? I hear questions like these all the time. And when…

    Read More »

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This