This reference for writers provides meanings for some 25,000 names and surnames from 45 countries, listed by origin. An explanation of naming practices and historical context is provided for each origin section, and there is a reverse lookup of names by meaning, as well as an alphabetical index of names. An introduction gives practical advice on naming characters and places plus tips on naming for specific genres, and sidebars within the entry sections tell how published authors solved their naming dilemmas. Kenyon (whose name means Blond from the White Meadow) is a fantasy author. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Sherri's contribution: The Search for Spike's Balls ** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED ** This collection of irreverent and surprising essays about the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer includes pieces by leading science fiction and fantasy authors. Contributors include bestselling legend David Brin, critically acclaimed novelist Scott Westerfield, cult-favorite vampire author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and award-winner Sarah Zettel. The show and its cast are the topics of such critical pieces as Lawrence Watt-Evans's “Matchmaking in Hellmouth” and Sherrilyn Kenyon's “The Search for Spike's Balls.” An informed introduction for those not well acquainted with the show, and a source of further research for Buffy buffs, this book raises interesting questions concerning a much-loved program and future cult classic.

Setting: Richmond, Ichidian Universe(SF), Nashville, Middle Ages. Available Formats: Mass Market Paperback, ebook New York Times & USA Today Bestseller This is the anthology that compiles all of the short stories Sherri wrote for Berkley. It contains: Dragonswan which is the first Were-Hunter story every published. Scholar Channon MacRea has spent years studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry, devoting days and nights to deciphering the impenetrable Old English symbolism. Then one evening the unnaturally seductive Sebastian appears. He claims to hold the key to solving the tapestry's mysteries... He also claims to be a dragon slayer trapped between two worlds. For Channon there's only one way to finally uncover the secrets of the intricate embroidery-by following this stranger into a fantastic alternate world of magic, danger, and adventure. Fire & Ice The League story with Adron (son of Nykyrian and Kiara). Adron Quiakides was the fiercest of the League Assassins. As his father before him, none could touch him until the day he traded himself for a pregnant hostage. Butchered and left for dead, he barely survived. That single act of kindness cost him everything and left him emotionally and physically crippled. Livia typpa Vista is a noblewoman trying to escape a horrifying marriage her father is forcing her into. When she mistakenly sits down at Adron's table while fleeing her pursuers, she has no idea that by running from her fate, she meets her destiny. Knightly Dreams Sparhawk is conjured from his book and finds himself alive in our world and in the hands of woman who is the only hope he has of escaping his death should he return to his novel.

Setting: Richmond, Space (SF), Nashville, Middle Ages. Available Formats: Mass Market Paperback, ebook New York Times & USA Today Bestseller This is the anthology that compiles all of the short stories Sherri wrote for Berkley. It contains: Dragonswan which is the first Were-Hunter story every published. Scholar Channon MacRea has spent years studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry, devoting days and nights to deciphering the impenetrable Old English symbolism. Then one evening the unnaturally seductive Sebastian appears. He claims to hold the key to solving the tapestry's mysteries... He also claims to be a dragon slayer trapped between two worlds. For Channon there's only one way to finally uncover the secrets of the intricate embroidery-by following this stranger into a fantastic alternate world of magic, danger, and adventure. Fire & Ice The League story with Adron (son of Nykyrian and Kiara). Adron Quiakides was the fiercest of the League Assassins. As his father before him, none could touch him until the day he traded himself for a pregnant hostage. Butchered and left for dead, he barely survived. That single act of kindness cost him everything and left him emotionally and physically crippled. Livia typpa Vista is a noblewoman trying to escape a horrifying marriage her father is forcing her into. When she mistakenly sits down at Adron's table while fleeing her pursuers, she has no idea that by running from her fate, she meets her destiny. Knightly Dreams Sparhawk is conjured from his book and finds himself alive in our world and in the hands of woman who is the only hope he has of escaping his death should he return to his novel.

Setting: Medieval England and Scotland Available Formats: Mass Market Paperback The Saint Cast to the mortal realm by an evil sorceress, Arina (a messenger angel of Death) had more than her share of problems. She was trapped as a human, tormented by human emotions and doomed to loose anyone she loved. The Sinner The villagers said Daemon was the devil's son, but he was only a man plagued by strange dreams-- visions of a woman taking him from battle. But in order to keep his angel safe, Daemon will have to battle demons-- within and without-- and risk his very soul for her.