Michelle Hubbard
asked
Caragh M. O'Brien:
Hello! I have listened to the birthmarked trilogy on Audible, I am an avid reader, but am having some problems with my eyesight. Anyway, the problem with listening is that I’m unsure if some of the names, etc. I’m listening to the series for the second time and the names I’m having trouble catching are mix/max? Etc. Dinah/Josephine Leon’s last name: Bladder/Blatter/Vlatter etc. The Cousine/Coosine/etc (meaning?)
Caragh M. O'Brien
Dear Michelle,
As you've probably realized by now, I like to invent words to fit the status of people in my futuristic dystopias. Two of the words that sound unfamiliar fall in this category. Mx. Josephine and Mx. Dinah have titles that distinguish them from the mladies, the female ruling class in Prized. The ruling women are also known as the cuzines, a term which I hope suggests cousins in a feminine way, like a sort of sisterhood.
Questions around Leon's last name pose potential spoilers, so for those who have not read Prized and would rather not know, stop here. For others, Leon's last name is Vlatir. That's made up, too, and I had no special intentions behind it. In fact, I rather casually named a minor character in the first book Vlatir before I realized his lineage would matter and the name would resurface. Writing is full of surprises.
Thanks for writing to me!
All best,
Caragh
As you've probably realized by now, I like to invent words to fit the status of people in my futuristic dystopias. Two of the words that sound unfamiliar fall in this category. Mx. Josephine and Mx. Dinah have titles that distinguish them from the mladies, the female ruling class in Prized. The ruling women are also known as the cuzines, a term which I hope suggests cousins in a feminine way, like a sort of sisterhood.
Questions around Leon's last name pose potential spoilers, so for those who have not read Prized and would rather not know, stop here. For others, Leon's last name is Vlatir. That's made up, too, and I had no special intentions behind it. In fact, I rather casually named a minor character in the first book Vlatir before I realized his lineage would matter and the name would resurface. Writing is full of surprises.
Thanks for writing to me!
All best,
Caragh
More Answered Questions
Patricia
asked
Caragh M. O'Brien:
Is there one particular book that had a big influence on you growing up? What are some books that you would recommend to a young girl/woman to peak their interest in reading and perhaps writing? You are such a thoughtful and gifted author, and I look forward to your reply.
Sarai Rayne
asked
Caragh M. O'Brien:
I was wondering how you created your characters, and how you make them seem so relatable? I know some authors base their's off of real characters. Also, have you ever done a book signing in Illinois or Missouri, and would you think about doing one again? I would really love to get a signed book and just meet you.
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