So Aleksandr Voinov and I are spiraling closer to writing the Market Garden book that we know a lot of you have been waiting for: Rolex's story.
We know his story. We know who we're going to hook him up with. (It's going to be hot, y'all. So hot.)
Yesterday, we were pondering what to call Rolex, since presumably his parents didn't name him after a luxury watch brand in hopes he would eventually become successful and develop a taste for the finer things in life. And it occurred to us that we could turn this into something fun for you, our readers.
So.
Here's how it works:
Rolex needs a name. I guess in a way he's kind of like the childlike Empress in The Neverending Story. The story can't go on until he gets a name. Except he's not childlike, not an empress, and no fantasy worlds will actually fall apart if he doesn't get a new name. Though I suppose he does live in an ivory tower of sorts. (This is what happens when I write blog posts before I've had caffeine.)
Anyway. Where was I? Right. He's an American businessman, and his name could very well determine things about his background. We're hooking him up with a guy named Jason, so...we can't name him Jason. I mean, we could, but it would be really confusing, and Aleks and I are easily confused as it is. So no Jasons.
What's in it for you? A dedication in Rolex's book, plus a signed copy of If It Drives or Capture & Surrender (winner's choice) and an ebook off each of our backlists.
What do you have to do? Name Rolex. It's that easy. Comment on this blog with a name -- as many as you can think of -- and we'll select the winner. It's entirely possible that we might pick a first name from one entry and a surname from another, in which case both winners will receive prizes and a nod in the book. If there are a bunch of really awesome names and we remain undecided, we might even have y'all vote on the finalists! (And if you seen an entry you really like, feel free to comment to that effect!)
Deadline for entries: June 11, 2014.
Judges: Aleks and L.A., with the possibility of voting if there are numerous awesome entries.
Go forth, brave readers! Name the man we all know as Rolex!
Funnily enough, I always thought of Rolex as Gerald (or Gerry) - don't know why :)
ReplyDeleteBut a nice posh surname also suits him; possibly Montgomery, or Buckingham, or similar.
(OK, I'm cr*p at this, so won't be offended in any way)
*Hugs* to you both, Lori and Aleks
Carole-Ann
Rolex strikes me as someone who would have an older fashioned name, so I'm suggesting Alexander, Frederick, Geoffrey, Humphrey, Rupert, Victor, and William.
ReplyDeletePersonal preference is Rupert, because that names always makes me think of Buffy's Giles and it amuses me to think of him as a kinky bastard.
I think his name is Eric James Calloway. Eric after Eric Burdon (of the Animals) and James after Jim Morrison, as his parents were big fans of both. ☺
ReplyDeleteHanne
David Olson
ReplyDeleteChristian (or Kristian) Becker
Aaron Hodges
Eli Kellman (Was he cut? (can't remember) He could be a nice Jewish boy)
Will Dunnigan
James Alexander Burton - names not really my strong point as you can tell :)
ReplyDeleteIf he comes from money, I would like him to be a Gabriel, Jerome or maybe Atticus. Surname: Wentworth, Hollingsworth or MacAllister (and of course a "II or III" in the end;-). If he worked his way up (I don't see like that though), he would need another name;-).
ReplyDeleteI think his name should be "John". That's a classic name, but also insinuates his status in the MG business - a john. So, that would be like an inside joke. Or not so inside, since I'm posting that here for all to see. Anyway... John has my vote. ;) His full name - John Francis Madison IV.
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DeleteI've pictured a name that he is almost embarrassed about but decides to rock it out, instead. Like Giles, but growing up he was teased and called Jill, hence the embarrassment. Giles Miller, two incongruous names. He doesn't come from "old money" but his parents wanted better for him so he took his frustration at being called Jill and turned it into a kick ass work ethic.
ReplyDeleteMarten van der Bas........I went to school with him in the 70's and that's who I have pictured from the first book
ReplyDeleteCharles Yarbrough
ReplyDeletePosh and a bit unusual.
Jack Spencer. Just because. :)
ReplyDeleteEddison
ReplyDeleteHe seems like he'd have a classic name, and always go by the full name.
He's not just an American - he's from an old American family. Very old. Revolutionary. His last name is Hancock. The relation is very tenuous - but his parents, history buffs, decided to bank on the famous and named him Paul William Hancock. He goes by Paul. It becomes his soft inner nature.
ReplyDeleteCarole-Ann has something here...
ReplyDeleteI think he's a Raleigh. Raleigh is such a great name... it's kind of rich. I was thinking of Rolex as a Raleigh Montgomery. The name rolls out of my mouth like a fine wine. The name seems very American to me, maybe from the south. It's a mouthful... just like he is.
Some great suggestions so far -- keep 'em coming, folks!
ReplyDeleteL.A.
Don't care which name ... just make it an 'American' name ... English names don't equate over here ... we don't know posh as opposed to ? ... also he would have been teased unmercifully if not a blue blood, old money from the East coast. He would also be known by a nickname if any of the above English names are used. A simple name like: Steven Quinn or Bill Lane .... simple let's you take him anywhere. Just my opinion. Course if I wrote a book ... my main character would be named Aleksandr!
ReplyDeleteJackson Montrose McAllister IV
ReplyDeleteI think (hope) he is a self-made man, not a scion of old fortune.
ReplyDeleteHis full name is Robin Christopher Johnson, but he doesn't like "Robin" and "Robin Johnson" seems not professional enough for him, so he uses his second name. And his bussiness card states "R. Christopher Johnson" (may give some opportunity to play with R. as Rolex vs R. as Robin).
Robin because his mother was Robin Hood's fan, Christopher after his grandfather.
Initially i went for strong, elite sounding names like Bradford or Alston maybe with Montgomery as a surname. I liked Katepavelle suggestions. Then I started thinking that maybe he now had all the trappings of wealth, including that watch, but was from more humble beginnings with a more straight forward name - David, John, Mark, Robert with a simpler last name such as Green, Black, Smith, or a McLeod, McKay for scottish roots!
ReplyDeleteI think his name is Victor Brightmore or Ashton Ellwood IV ;)
ReplyDeleteBogusia
I agree with @Sandra...
ReplyDeleteHis name should be John.
He has always been a john to the MG RBs... Now he can be THE JOHN...
It is a popular American name... And you get all the fun nicknames like Johnny...
How about:
John Lawrence
or
John David Greene
Oh, Meme, my mind went to some weird places when I initially read 'Robin Christopher' as 'Christopher Robin'! What would Pooh have to say about his friend's adventures these days?! Hee!
ReplyDeleteI am terrible with names...Donovan Mitchell? Kyle Findlay?
Oh, my, how could I not see that! *grins* Well, that _does_ give some more opportunity to play with his name 8)
DeleteI would have to say he strike me as a Lance Knight or a Raven Nightwing. I always like the name Roger (lol)
ReplyDeleteI always like name David, Derrick , William, and Sean
ReplyDeleteIt sounds sexy .
I vould go for David Sean Michaels. Its so American.
I always like name David, Derrick , William, and Sean
ReplyDeleteIt sounds sexy .
I vould go for David Sean Michaels. Its so American.
Roland Alexis McAllister. Hence the parts of his name that make up Rolex. He hates the name Roland.
ReplyDeleteRolex---
ReplyDeleteRex
Roland
Shane
Neil
Matt
Seth
Rustin, Malcolm, Alan, Elliott, Theo, Evan, Russell, Art, Chet
ReplyDeleteI kind like Ben, Laurent, Thorn, Gunner, Pierce, or Zander.
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ReplyDeleteHate to say this, but I have not read any of the Market Garden series...yet! I could not resist submitting some names though!
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of Elijah, Dwight, Warren, and Dusty.
Though the founders of the Rolex company names were Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, so maybe he found inspiration there for his nickname...
Use Voinov as the last name, that will earn some chuckles.
ReplyDeleteSelf made man from middle class background. Tough with a razor sharp mind. A shark in the boardroom and understands the working man. Jacob Matthew Stevens
ReplyDeleteMmm here's my attempt at it...
ReplyDeleteRurik Aleksandr/Alexander (tho I prefer the Russian way of spelling that) Aquila
I've not heard Aquila used as a surname before.. If its ever used as one.. But I think its very unusual.
Vincent
ReplyDeleteMagnus Scott or
ReplyDeleteSimone Bowne
Just because...
Rolex:
ReplyDeleteMaxwell
Dante
Jameson
Duke
Hennley
Harrison
Alistair
ReplyDeleteTrenton
Rhys
Last name...Millard.
Lucas Sutherland.. Not sure why?!?!
ReplyDeleteOr Frederick
ReplyDeletePreston Shepard
ReplyDeleteHe's never called Preston, though, because that has always been pretentions sounding. Anyone who knows him well enough calls him Pres--pronounced "press"--or Mr. Shepard.
I think Shepard suits him because he is an excellent leader and managerr but also feels completely responsible for anyone under his care--even for an evening.
He's so busy and has to sign his name so often that it has simply become a bold "PS".
Per. I think his first name is Per, last name possibly Lawson or Webb or Phillips.
ReplyDeleteFrank. He just seems like a Frank to me.
ReplyDeleteRobert Trent
ReplyDeleteTrent Roberts
Davis Trent
Trent Lewis
(I'm really liking Trent for some reason!) :)
Hi, I have four names. They are: Walton, Marshall, Pierce, and Brandice. Thanks, Denise A.
ReplyDeleteSebastian
ReplyDeleteRussell
Coleman
Solomon
Carrington
Duncan
Nate Willoughby. Best businessman name ever, right?
ReplyDeleteI kind of love the name Sasha. It would fit him, according to me, but so would Leon. I'm also inclined on Xander, or Alexander, Ruben, Howell, Daniel, Christopher and Michael. William, Dale or Glenn. As for surnames I can't think of any besides Young and maybe Eander or something like that.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Wentworth, Kenneth Livingston
ReplyDelete--Trix, vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
Julius Caradoc Trevelyan - this should give you bucketloads of inspiration for both personal and family history.
ReplyDeleteI feel like he's a Cameron, possibly Cameron Andrews. Usual enough of a name that he could've started from Small Town America with nothing but the clothes on his back, but Cameron Andrews could just as easily come from old money with a shiny pedigree.
ReplyDeleteMaverick Sanders or Thomas Henderson... not sure why but I always thought both names fit... :)
ReplyDeleteI always imagined Rolex was called Kristian. If I was looking for a surname, maybe Jacobson. So...Kristain Jacobson
ReplyDeleteRaulf Goerber or Wolf Kerner -- both seem like powerful names to me and I picture him as being powerful, not necessarily physically, but definitely in the business world.
ReplyDeleteAsher Phillip Christiansen. I like that it sounds a bit pretentious.
ReplyDeleteHe is Calvert (Cal) Worthington!
ReplyDeleteJohn Henry Quincy Or Samuel jjohn Adams
ReplyDeleteI love the name Lincoln......
ReplyDeleteDonovan Phillips
ReplyDeleteBryson Nemeth. Exotic enough without being extreme. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteNames :
ReplyDeleteBlake , Heath ,Keaton , Travis , Charles , Aaron , Adrian , Blaine , Dermot , Elijah ( means The highest ) , Keegan , Neal , Quinn ,Rhett
Surnames:
Hughes , Galtney, Kramer , Lecroy , Leland , Monteith , Reeves .
Take a pick !
Antonia Kydonaki
I don't know why, but when I thought of about his name the first that came to mind was Rolland.
ReplyDeleteAnd then i decided to browse a list and just pick the ones that "caught my fancy" when thinking of Rolex:
Alistair, Benjamin, Harrison, William, Jonathan, Lawrence, Tremayne, Anthony, Conrad, Leroy, Seamus, Cohen, Greyson, Carson, Hayden, Aldrich, Jackson, Manning, Montgomery, Reeves, Monroe, Galen, Ealdwine.
Choose well even if no from this list, I've seen good ones all around.
Cooper Meagher Fox - makes a great monogram,
ReplyDeleteI say Devlin Hunter. He has a bit of the devil in him and he is definitely a hunter. A hunter of big business and of big coc.....er......men. i can kinda see DH on his rolex from here. Have fun judging!
ReplyDeleteOops, I forgot to give you my name. Cathye C. (And I have to sadly report my car died. So my plate RYNANGL is not driving around VA Beach ar the moment. Now you know who I am.teehee.
DeleteAnthony Ingram or Jack Dahl are the two that worked their way into my mind.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love naming stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think posh names, I think Grayson. But since he's sneaking off to London... I'd call him Gray.
Grayson "Gray" Theodore Ainsworth
Matthias Wolfe
Justin St. Claire
ReplyDeleteMaxwell Robertson
Levi Anderson
ReplyDelete*wistful sigh* Rolex is Ralph for me. But I can see his as Garreth (or Garrett), too. I just feel like he has to have an R in his name somewhere. :) His surname could be Fraser or Macinroy. :)
ReplyDeleteHenry James x
ReplyDeleteI don't know why but I see him as Maxine. He doesn't like to use it b/c though is a neutral name he thinks it's too femenine.
ReplyDeleteAnd for surname...i don't know maybe Banister, Harvey, Rennold, Terrel.
The contest is officially closed. :) Thank you to everyone who participated! Aleks and I will go through the results, and announce a winner (or a vote if necessary) soon!
ReplyDeleteL.A. Witt
Did this ever get announced?
DeleteNot yet -- real-life decided to throw us a few curve balls, and we had to put MG on hold for a little while. We're going through the names, though, and there WILL be an announcement soon! Thanks for being patient, everyone!
DeleteSorry to hear about the real life PITA, but glad to know that things seem to be settling down. Best of luck. Can't wait for Rolex's story!
ReplyDelete