Authors' Helpline discussion

How often do you name things around you after objects or people in books?

Those that follow my Facebook page will know that I woke up yesterday to the sight of a huge rain spider against the ceiling above my bed. The spider was promptly named Aragog, after the monstrous spider in the Harry Potter series.

Similarly, friends of mine recently adopted a little black cat which they had to nurse after the kitten’s mother rejected him. He’s as dark as the night, and was named Nox, which is the spell that switches off the light of a wizard’s wand.

Another one which I have heard over and over again in the past few years in Binky, the name given to any horse if the owner is a Terry Pratchett fan.

Share your pet names derived from books, and tell us what characteristics made these names so endearing to you.

My cat's name is actually Oliver, but ever since I started reading The Dresden Files last year, I started calling him 'Mister' (non-fans, that's Harry D's cat). XD Now my parents call him Mister too.

Also, not sure if this counts, but I named my mom's car Bianca (vampire from The Dresden Files) and my dad's Leansidhe (evil fea from The Dresden Files).

I used to have a cat named Barney. (From "Barney & Friends")