NAME IT!

Naming things (places, streets, people, creatures, events, etc.) has got to be one of my favorite things to do. When I was a kid, I told my mom that I wanted to be the person who names all the streets (what’s the job title for that?). One of the most asked questions I’ve received regarding my book, When the Tree Calls is, how did you come up with all those names? Let me tell you, it was nothing short of unadulterated euphoria. Truly.

Granted, some of the names I chose were ordinary/common, and I just liked them (Aron, Iyla). But some had their roots in other languages, one in particular just had special meaning to me, while still others had subtle ties to other things within the book itself.

Let’s break out my notes and explore a few!

Isthmus of Asopo – remember that place? It’s where Levryn and Miranda met and married. “Asopo” actually means “connection” in Yoruba, which is a language from West African/Nigeria. A-SO-po. I like saying it. Say it with me.

Morcego wraiths – those things were terrifying, weren’t they? Morcego means “bat” in Galician (autonomous community in northwestern Spain). Remember how Bander described them?

Speaking of Bander, I altered a name from a character in The Shannara Chronicles, a television series based on The Sword of Shannara trilogy fantasy novels by Terry Brooks. I don’t remember if that character was actually in the books. I last read them when I was a kid. But I liked the name.

“Rikki pala” means “broken piece” in Finnish. Hence, the name of the third moon, Rikkipal. I kinda want to roll that “r”, but no.

Isn’t this fun? There are so many more! For some, I just threw some letters together and liked how it looked and sounded. Are there any names that you’ve been wondering about? Ask in the comments section below!

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SO MUCH GREAT FEEDBACK!

When the Tree Calls was released on both Amazon and IngramSpark on June 2, 2023. This is what the readers have been saying:

I read this book in a week. I could not put it down. Ms. Wahlne has created characters that you will cheer on as the adventure unfolds. You know you have read a great story when those characters stay with you long after you finish.

Reader Quote #1

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I found a lost joy through your book. I found myself sucked into it and flying through the pages and totally captivated. Thanks for helping me fall in love with reading again.

Reader Quote #2

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Omg I just finished the book last night. So freaking good. I’m so invested in the characters.

Reader Quote #3

Are you as excited as I am? Follow this link and get your copy now!