Julie Anne Long:

So I’m in the process of mapping out my next series of books, and I’ve been reflecting on how important and evocative names are. I mean, a romance hero is more likely to be named Lord Derek Rockhard than Lord Percy Throckmorton, though I suppose Lord Derek Rockhard could be masquerading as Lord Percy Throckmorton by day and robbing the rich to give to the poor by night or something (and no, that isn’t the plot of my next book). But a whole host of things, some subtle, some overt, some singular, influence the way we feel about a name—among them strong consonant sounds, ingrained assumptions, and whether or not someone named Derek dumped us for our best friend in high school. So naming characters is a funny little science.

I love metaphor and symbolism in general and I always sort of reflexively look for it, so I’ve always been fascinated how strangely prophetic or poetic names often turn out to be. For example, there’s Helen Gurley Brown, the founder and Editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine. “Gurley” sounds like “girly.” And how much more “girly” can you get than Cosmo? Or…Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue. When pronounced correctly, her name contains two very powerful words—“win” and “tower”— and she certainly towers in her industry. And remember that incident a few years ago, where 118 men were trapped in a Russian submarine and died? That submarine was called the Kursk, which sounds an awful lot like “cursed” to me. When I walk down the main street in my neighborhood I pass the offices of Dr. Chu the dentist and Dr. Vu the optometrist. I recently noticed that the last name of the wardrobe designer for one of my favorite television shows is “Rayment,” like “raiment.” And do I really have to mention Lorena Bobbitt, who's infamous for, er..."bobbing" it? Anyway, it’s kind of fun to think about.

And because I can never leave well enough alone and always end up digging a little deeper no matter what I’m doing, I like playing with the Anagram Genius, which can be both hilarious and downright eerie. If you haven’t heard of it, when you plug your name into the Anagram Genius it returns words and sentences created from the letters of your name. Here’s a fun example of what happens: last year when I decided to move to a new agent, just for fun, I plugged my agent’s (the one I have now) name into the Anagram Genius, and it returned the words “trade,” “love,” and “novel,” among other intriguing selections. And since his “trade” involves selling romance novels, I thought this was pretty bloody funny. Maybe he was born to do it.

During the infamous dog mauling trial here in San Francisco a few years ago (two people were on trial for murder because their enormous dogs killed a San Francisco woman), I plugged the name of the defendant, Marjorie Knoller, into the Anagram Genius, and one of the words it returned was “killer.” A little shiver, there.

My own name, sadly, contains words like “alien,” “jungle” and “nun,” which might go a long way toward explaining something, but I'm not sure what. I should have changed my name to Julie Anne Filthyrich long ago. (or Julie Anne Superhot. Or Julie Anne Buythisbook.)

Here’s what comes up when you plug some celebrity names into the Anagram Genius:

Jerry Seinfeld—Friendly Jeers

George Clooney—Energy, Cool Ego

Michael Jackson—Manacle His Jock

Jennifer Aniston—Fine in torn jeans

Ashton Kutcher—Suck her hot tan

Angelina Jolie—I join anal glee

Anderson Cooper—Coarsened Porno.

(The program came up with these, folks. I'm just reporting them.)

So I thought you might have some fun playing with the Anagram Genius…the link will take you to a page with a light sample version of the program. You can download a larger trial version if you really get into it. Tell me if you come up with some funny anagrams, and if they fit you! And do you know of any fun or prophetic names?

In June I held a "Pearls of Wisdom" contest in honor of both the June birthstone—pearls, naturally—and in an attempt to replenish my own store of wisdom, temporarily entirely spent on finishing THE SECRET TO SEDUCTION, the third book of my trilogy about the Holt sisters (it'll be out in February of '07, kids!) Many, many of you rose admirably to the occasion, as I'd suspected you might—judging from my letters and all the comments I receive in my contest form, you're a generous, sage, witty and frequently eloquent bunch, and clearly you all listened to your mothers and grandmothers when you were growing up as well as accumulated your own unique wisdom. And I'm guessing you did much of that the hard way, which is pretty much the best way to get wise. :). Below I'm sharing with you some of the wisdom pearls you shared with me, sorted into categories just for fun: We've got Practical Everyday Advice; Relationships, Kids and Families; Advice Featuring Food; Witty Ones; Perennial Favorites; and Inspirational. ("I'll take "Witty Ones" for 400, Alex!") Obviously, some Pearls belong in several categories (e.g., the one about cooking bacon naked). But in general, I think you'll find a little something for every occasion down below. :) Thanks so much for sharing, and have fun reading!

PRACTICAL EVERYDAY ADVICE:

Perfume attracts mosquitos.—Betty Breithaupt

Putting a smoke alarm too near the stove will give you lots of exercise — and give your family lots of giggles!—Lynn Bushey

Keep cool—lower the window shades.—Raymond Isadore

My bit of advice to everyone is never cook bacon naked.—Amy Linsley

Don''t gossip!—Joanne Quarz

Reading calms the soul.—Joanne Willey

My advice? Get a mammogram every year!— Melissa Lawson

Always say "Thank you!" Thank you!—Sheryl SoRelle

Do it Now. This bit of wisdom saves me so much time and energy. Rather than procrastinating, I do it now!—Allison Stefanov

Life is too important to worry about housework!—Cherie Michale

Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.—Hannah Beck

Never trust someone who doesn't like your dog.—Joan Novak

When dancing: The sillier you feel, the more fun you will have and the better you look. And never forget to smile.—Lauren Cherry

Personal experience is worth far more than any knowledge we may gain from a book.—Karen Lewis
(Note from Julie: but have you read pps. 224-228 of BATS, Karen? LOL. I think a few men can learn a thing or two from those pages).

Enjoy your week!—Marilyn Wons

(Note from Julie: I wasn't sure whether this was a wisdon pearl or a comment, Marilyn, but I think I will enjoy my week, thank you very much!)

ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS, KIDS AND FAMILIES:

You know it's time to get married when you can't think of any way to complicate your own life.—Julie Cuniglio

I have no wisdom as I currently live with two teenagers. I am lucky to remember my name.—Maureen Emmons

Advice from a teenager's Mom...When your teenager talks...you better listen...I mean really listen!!! There's no telling what you might find out!—Margaret Murray—Evans

I've told my children that any relationship is not 50—50. Its 100—100. You give everything you can offer on the table. Anything extra you may get is icing on the cake. People seem to think that life is a score board, especially when it comes to relationships. I asked them if I needed their dad, their answer was "no". They know I want to be with him. But when asked if their dad needs me? A resounding "yes!". My husband said, "I thought you guys were on my side". Just be yourself and be happy! —Arlene Kauffman

Kids grow up way to fast. Make sure you take time with them now, you can't go back and give them that time later.—Mark Kraus

Laughter will keep a relationship healthy!—Mical Holcomb

In love, be happy with what you had, not what you lost.—Joanne Sandes

ADVICE FEATURING FOOD:

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.—Amy Downs

Chocolate makes you lovely.—Juna Homrighausen
(Note from Julie: God, I sure hope you're right, Juna. If so, I should be exquisite any minute now.)

A Little Sauce now and than is Relished by the Wisest of Men.—Larry Wedick

Life is short, eat dessert first! —Mary Mccoy

WITTY ONES:

The world is full of willing people: some willing to work and some willing to let them.—Marcia Hodge

Timing has an awful lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.—Karen Haas

Here is a funny pearl of wisdom that I read in a book(a romance of course :): "Ladies, when climbing the ladder of success make sure no one is looking up your skirt!"—Patricia Evans

Remember, amateurs built the Ark—professionals the Titanic.—Gail Leinweber

PERENNIAL FAVORITES:

Good things come to all who wait.—Kathy Boudoin

For every door that may close, may another one open.—Kathleen Evans

My favourite bit of wisdom? "What goes around, comes around." I truly believe it.—Barbara Liptak

Here is my pearl of wisdom even though it is not an original I try to live by it — "Learn something from everyone you meet."—Laura McLendon

My favorite bit of wisdom is "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive."—Monica Stokes

Treat others like you would want to be treated—to me if everone lived there life with this in mind the world would be a lot better place to live in —I always try to keep this in mind when i get upset at someone.—Carolyn Todd

"Patience is a virtue, apply it if you can, is seldom found in women, and never found in man."—Christine Womack

Never let them get your goat, that's what my grandmother always said when somebody was trying to make her mad.—Vicky Boackle

My little bit of wisdom: Lead each day as if it's your last!—Audrey Burke

Live before it's too late.—Katharine Davis

Never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing! My mom's advice to me!—Michele Guinsburg

Always remember, tomorrow is a brand new day, live it that way.—Brenda Howard

No honey for me if it comes with a bee!—Selina Williams

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.—Teresa Sheaffer

Don't sweat the small stuff!—Margery Yeager

Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without. God Bless—Melissa Goodman

Keep your eye on the prize.—Julianna Lowchy

Never Assume.—Tamra Acheson

Never judge a book by its cover. LOL—Ayreann S.

THE INSPIRATIONAL:

My favorite advice is from the Dalai Lama..."It's always a good idea to know the rules. That way, you know how to break them properly." —Sandy Yashnyk

Life is a risk. all you can do is live it the best way you know how and be happy doing it.—Cassie Hodgin

Life is a journey, not a destination.—Barbra Schaener

Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary.—Christy Hawkes

Always reach for the moon; the worst that can happen is you'll fall among the stars.—Donna Hunt

Believe that you can do anything because you can.—Beverly Brown

"Laugh and the world laughs with you, Cry and you cry alone." (Laughter is actually physically and mentally better for you.) —Patricia Cochran

Don't dwell on the past or obsess about the future. Both of those are surefire ways to ruin today.—Kathy Hafeez

Life is one big circle — the more adventures, the bigger the circle.—Pam Sixkiller

Remember to laugh every day——especially if it is at yourself. Life is too short and precious to take yourself too seriously.—Michelle St. James

Sometimes the truth hurts. If you don't like what the truth is, take steps to change it.—Jeanne Stonge

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."—Laura Watt

My pearl of wisdom is actually a Dr. Seuss quote: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." It is important to remember this!—Jennifer Yates

When seeking an answer to a question always remember you might not get the answer you want and you might not like the answer you get but above all strive for truth and all will be good in the end.—Shirley Hodge

Each day is a new beginning.—Belinda Moore

Know you're always going to be challenged with something new that isn't easy to accomplish.—Nancy Kashdin

Make a concerted effort to learn something new every day and to find one positive quality in everyone around you.—William Denney

Take a giant step outside your mind!—Patti Bartosch

Being is possibility!—Jean Frink

My own life wisdom "Laugh when you can, Cry when you must & Live life to the fullest!"—Mina Gerhart

Life's like a roller coaster — enjoy all the twists and turns that come your way, because that's what makes it fun and interesting.—Kristy White

Well, I'm in short supply of wisdom, but I'll share what I have: If you want to be heard ... listen. If you want kindness ... be kind. If you want love ... be loving. If you want trust ... be trustworthy. If you want to make a difference ... do not be afraid to do things differently—Zara Heflin

And on that lovely note from Zara, I just wanted to thank you all again! These pearls will find a permanent home on my website, soon. And if you have any more wisdom to impart, or if you'd like to expound on the wisdom above, by all means use the comments form below. :)