An Open Letter from Loretta Ross
Dear Nichole,
Congratulations on the impending birth of your son! I understand youre having trouble deciding what to call the little angel. Tell me, Nicky, have you considered naming him Death?
No, really. Death.
Death as in Death Bogart, the hero of my mystery, Death and the Redheaded Woman.
It would make a lovely baby name!
For one thing, its versatile. You can say it "Deeth," like Death Bogart. Or, you can do like Dorothy Sayers classic detective, Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey, and "pronounce it to rhyme with breath."Its short and easy to spell, and yet its unique. Its unlikely there will be seven Deaths in his kindergarten class. Teachers would remember it. He wont get bullied (who would bully Death?) and you can discourage telemarketers by introducing yourself as "Deaths mother" and say things like, "if youre looking for Death, youve come to the right place."
And, since its only one syllable, it would be easy to shout out the back door at dinnertime. Im sure the cops would stop showing up too.
Eventually.
Why are you giving me that look?
I sense youre having a craving. Possibly blood.
Possibly mine.
Okay, okay, so it is a bit...exotic. I understand. You want something traditional. One of the classics, perhaps.
Tell me, Nicky, are you familiar with the classic Johnny Cash song, "A Boy Named Sue"...?
Loretta Sue Ross
Loretta Ross shared an open letter to her niece with us in our February publicity newsletter. To sign up, please email publicity (at) midnightinkbooks.com.
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