How do you pronounce...

Kahlen (Kay-len). This name was one I had picked out for a daughter but Callaway vetoed. I actually first heard the name years ago on America's Next Top Model. Just below is the model herself, but (besides a mysterious quality she has) nothing about her physical appearance is in my Kahlen. Mine is shorter, curvier, and deeply brunette. 

Marilyn (Mer-a-len). I was just looking for a classic name, and this was the one that stuck. Marilyn means descendants of Mary. I think that's fitting since she is a very motherly figure. I'm not sure if it's a properly British name, but I liked it.

Aisling (Ash-ling). I originally chose this name because I thought it was pronounced "ice-ling" and I thought it sounded like a hard enough name to fit the character. By the time I learned how it was properly pronounced, I associated the name too much with the person to change it. Aisling means vision or dream. I wish I had known that right off the bat because I have another character in another story who could use such a meaning in her name. Aisling is not a Swedish name exactly; it's of Gaelic origin. I took a liberty there.

Miaka (Mee-ah-kah). I chose Miaka's name because I thought it sounded sweet. I didn't realize at the time I chose it that Miaka was an artist. It sounds strange, but characters reveal bits and pieces about themselves as they grow. It took me several times through to know just who she was. The Japanese characters used to make the word for Miaka are beautiful and red, or truth and red.  I love that she is made up of beauty, truth, and color.

Ifama (If-ah-mah). With a cast of sisters from all over the world, the greatest thing is the opportunity for diversity. Ifama is an African name meaning all is well. Again, something I didn't know when I chose it, but it suits her. I am glad she was at peace with her decision, but I was sad when she chose to go.

Elizabeth. You can pronounce this one; it's an American standard! It's no secret that I borrowed this one from my co-heart in crime, Liz. Elizabeth means consecrated to God, which is hilarious to me considering what a trouble maker she is and how her belief in things bigger than herself is very pliable. More than what her name means, Elizabeth's personality grew from her namesake: adventurous, flirtatious, and good.

Akinli (Ah-kin-lee). Quite possibly my favorite name in the bunch. Akinli's name was another one I picked out for a baby but Callaway wasn't fond of. I used it here because I felt it was equal to Kahlen's. They are both unique names that have no meanings as far as I've searched, and I think (at least to one another) they are absolutely one of a kind. How did I find Akinli's name? Here in Blacksburg I saw it as a surname on someone's mailbox. You may notice the homage to that discovery in the text.

Ben and Julie. American classics. Ok, Ben is also sort of based off a real person. He's a smartass, but when things really matter, he pulls through. When I told him that's how I wrote him, real Ben laughed. Julie... ok, Julie is my go-to fake name. Like if I'm messing around. So it just came to mind. But (TRUE STORY) when I went to Port Clyde to research the town, I did a sunset kayak tour and a couple was with me. The girl's name was Julie. And she was pregnant. VERY! I told her about the story and took her picture, but it's incredibly blurry, and I'd like to protect her privacy. Anyway, it was cool moment for me.

Others...

Bex. It just came to me.

Jillian. I wanted a name that sounded innocent. Jillian means youthful.

Evan. Actually, I knew a girl growing up named Evan, and she always seemed cold to me. Evan means young fighter. Again, I didn't know that until after I chose it, and that kind of froke me out.

Amelia. In planning out the story, I have a timeline of sirens. Actually, it's visible in the background of some of the TwiCurls videos. I know the names of the sirens that left just before Kahlen came, and I know who is coming after she leaves. Amelia had been a siren for over sixty years. Her story came to an end in 1859. All things considered, it was that long before Kahlen's own story unfolded.