When writing a short story or other piece of fiction, it can be frustrating to feel "stuck" on something as simple as a character's name. This is especially true if you have to name some minor characters for whom no name has sprung to mind yet. ...
There are many places where you can practice writing online. There is of course here, WriterShelf. I like it the best because of the ability to have multiple pen names. Still, it's good to have different places to write in addition to WriterShelf.