My Pen Name
Almost everyone I talk to has questions about my Pen Name, so I thought I'd answer a few common ones here.
How is it pronounced?
The H is silent, the rest is simple; it looks more intimidating than it is <3 - Mah-oh-lin.
Why not use your given name?
I'll be honest, my graphic art and formatting brain just really doesn't like the way McMillin looks on a book cover.
Why did you choose it?
I wanted a name that still reflected my father's name and my family name. The name McMillin is an English variant of the ancient Mac Maoláin, which has both Scottish and Irish origin. The root word maol refers to someone who is bald, but more precisely, tonsured, meaning a voluntary haircut which represents a separation from the world, and a devotion to a specific faith. In other words, the Clan of Maol were originally sons of Celtic monks.
I've said for a while that if the non-denominational Christian church had nuns, I think that's the occupation I would've chosen. That's not to say I've never wanted to be married, but after being single for 33 years, I think it's safe to assume I would've been a much more successful nun. The missionary field can offer that kind of life of service and fulltime ministry, but after pursuing that in vain for some years, God made it clear my mission field is closer to home.
So not only did I like the name, but I felt the meaning was very fitting to my path: to pursue to Him and minister to those He's given me, both in my day to day life, and my writing.