As I begin writing the next book in my Everyday Goddess series, I’ve decided to introduce some potential new inductees to the women’s sacred circle. (Just in case I don’t want the series to end.)

Every name I’ve chosen to this point has come from some mythical legend. Minerva, is the Roman equivalent of Athena, Gwenhwyfar, is a Celtic warrior goddess, Cerridwen, Irish queen of the underworld, Inanna, Sumerian goddess of love, fertility and sensuality. Lilith comes from Jewish mythology. Rhea is the Titaness daughter of the earth goddess Gaia, and mother of the Olympians. Old Irish myth brings us Brigid, ruler of higher dimensions. Hina is a Polynesian goddess, who represents the powerful female force. Miko is the Japanese goddess of protection. I’ve tried to represent a variety of cultures, pull from a broad spectrum of ancient myths that still echo from the past. I have also attempted to tie the myth to the chosen profession of my characters. Minnie is a judge, Lil is a fierce advocate for women and children, Rhea feeds the community, Ina is a gardener, Cerridwen is a forensic anthropologist who deals with the dead. Gwen is ex-army, Brigid a tale weaver, Hina an empath and horsewoman. (My original eight everyday goddesses.)

Yesterday I spent a few hours playing with names, meanings and professions and think I’ve developed four new characters who will find their way into Eden.

Eve Milan is Ina’s mid-wife. Eve is mother goddess, giver of life. Milan means kind, loving, gracious. (Gardens of Eden)

Jord Sheafson is a carpenter who’s hoping to become part of Derek’s staff. She renovates Ina’s house and helps decorate the nursery. Jord is from Old Norse mythology and the mother of Thor. Sheafson is the last name of a great warrior in Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon epic adventure.

Qadesh Bishara is Zain’s mother, professor of women’s studies and Jungian psychologist. Qadesh is the fertility goddess of the late Bronze Age. (Remains to be Seen)

Selene Sass is a Homicide detective who works with Niall Graeme. Selene is the Greek moon goddess, sometimes identified with Artemis, goddess of the hunt. She’ll see some action working a cold case in The Girl from Nowhere.

Naming characters is an important first step to a believable story. The name has to fit who it represents, something only the author knows for sure. Gwen’s last name is Cronun, a play on Cronus, the King of the Titans. Iraklidis, Simon’s last name is associated with Heracles. Sheafson means warrior. Milan means loving and with grace. The hero of The Girl from Nowhere is named Gabriel. Appropriate because he’s a reporter and Gabriel is a well-known messenger.

If you’ve been reading the series, you might not have noticed the significance of each name chosen, and that’s the way I like it. I love hidden messages and add a bit of mystery whenever I get the chance. I have fun checking root meanings, name derivatives, translations, definitions, all while making sure that most of the names have different first initials to keep it from getting confused. It gets harder with each additional cast member you bring in. I’ve got a few letters left to work with for the series and have two male names to come up for my most recent female additions. (Two are already in place)

I’ll be working on them later today.