1. Each time a new telephone book is delivered, I spend time going through it. I look for interesting first and last names. Because this would be time consuming if I were to go through every single page, I only look at two or three pages for each letter of the alphabet. I write down names I like in my journal.
2. During my work at The Inn, I check a number of people in and out of the hotel. Because of this, I encounter a number of interesting names. I make note of the occasional first or last name, and actually tell the guest I'll probably be using their name in an upcoming book. I've never had a guest who didn't like the idea.
3. Sometimes I'll be watching a television show or movie, and notice a name in the beginning or end credits (Yes, I read these!) that I particularly like. I immediately add a memo in my phone, so I can add it to my journal when I have a minute.
4. I also use baby name websites to look up names for characters, if I don't see a name that will work in my journal.
5. And I do online searches for popular names for particular time periods.
6. I also put out on Facebook what types of names I am looking for, and let friends and family members offer up suggestions.

When using names of real people, I try not to match the first and last names for any given character.

The journal I use is a small hardcover one, separated into three sections with Post-It tabs: Female, Male, and Surnames.

Keeping names in my journal makes finding them easier when it comes down to starting a new story. Between that and my laptop, I can always come up with what I need.

Shannon L. Buck is a fiction author and blogger. Check out her blog here, and learn more about her published works here.