I picked Katja as the name of Avril’s missing friend because I thought it was unique enough that it would make Avril suspect Lily knows her when she names the baby Katja. But when naming characters, it’s important not to have two names too similar or readers might easily get confused as to who is who.

Jo’s friend Keisha also has a unique name and while maybe both names are unique enough that it won’t be confusing, I see no reason to risk it. Therefore Katja is now Zara, specifically Zara Rose.

“Zara? Zara Rose? I haven’t seen her for months. I thought you two were friends. Why come here looking for her?”

The name works on another level, too, since Zara is transgender and would have chosen her new name, one that she identifies with due to the Algerian heritage in her grandparents’ cultural background.

What do you think of the new name? And don’t forget to check out the latest excerpts posted in my Birthing the Next Street Story blog.