I grew up in the archetypal hometown. In fact, my parents live in the same house on the same street to which they brought me home from the hospital, though the house has grown a bit since then through various additions and renovations.

But I realized the archetypal nature of my town afresh tonight while writing. I wanted to give a nod to a place I love. Problem is, nothing I remember in my town has a name. Rowling has her Honeydukes and Madam Puddifoot’s. I grew up with The Sweet Shoppe and The Book Store.

What’s a writer to do with that?