Karen Hesse: Hello, my name is Karen Hesse. In Germany, it would be pronounced Hessa, but since we're in the United States, that final E is silent. It's actually my husband's name. I was a big fan of the writer Herman Hesse when I met my husband, and so I was delighted to acquire the name Hesse when I married him. I think part of me wished that with that last name, perhaps it would bring me luck as a writer, and it did! Thanks for your support, and keep reading. Bye.