Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday season, whatever you are celebrating

 

It's raining in Phoenix this Christmas. Not exactly snow, but the closest we'll ever get, so it's fitting. The sun is taking a well deserved vacation. Hope Santa won't get too drenched. Time to stay inside with Princess Jasmine, and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

Princess Jasmine has inspired many of the cat characters in my books over the past fifteen years, with her indomitable spirit and determination. She still has it despite her age. I understand it's a common trait for calico cats like her. 

Although Christmas is the most common celebration in the Western world at this time of year, there are many other holidays being celebrated here and around the world.

Here is a list with a few more:

Saint Nicholas Day Dec. 6
Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican)
Lucia Day (Swedish) Dec. 13
Hanukkah (Jewish)

Winter Solstice
Christmas Day (Christian)
Boxing Day (Australian, Canadian, English, Irish)
Kwanzaa (African American) Dec.26 to January 1st
Yule (Pagan)
Saturnalia (Pagan)

Omisoka (Japanese New Year)

New Year's Day - for all using the Western calendar

Three Kings Day/Epiphany - January 6th

Above all I wish you all a good health in these pandemic times, and peace on earth. May we learn to live in harmony with each other, as children of this beautiful but endangered planet. 

Love and peace.

Vijaya

Funny and clever swear words and expressions in Science Fiction

 

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This trend has been going on for a very long time. Many authors and screenwriters have used this tool to avoid vulgarity and spare the sensibilities of readers and viewers. We all remember Starbuck saying Frak. To me, it’s an opportunity for creativity. Adapting the words to the world you created is also a fun challenge.

Holy Motherboard from Angel Fierce. This expression is unique and fitting, in a futuristic world where no one would know what a motherboard is… except maybe a nerd who studied ancient technology, like Maksou, the skilled hacker and god’s gift to women.

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By the frozen hells of Laxxar – Many mentions of Laxxar in my sci-fi novels indicate it’s a mining colony in a frozen world, where they send lifers, criminals, and political prisoners, to die in forced labor. I will definitely explore this world in a future novel.

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Fark – This one is close enough and far enough to the contemporary word, so that readers can understand it without explanation.

Holy Mackerel from Akira’s choice (a contemporary expression which becomes weird and funny in a child’s mouth, on a space station where no one has ever seen a mackerel, or even knows what it is).

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Also in Akira’s Choice, since she is Samurai, I used a few Japanese expletives, which just sounds funny to the ear of an English speaker.

Fire-breathing volcano goddess! – Suggests a Polynesian inspired culture in the third book of the Azura Chronicles, ANGEL BRAVE

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But I’m still writing, and thinking up new worlds and new expressions for my characters to express their frustration.

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By the bountiful tits of Helsara – By the land of many waters - Coming in the new Blue Phantom series Book 1, ANGEL SHIP (October 2022 release)

In the meantime, happy reading!

Vijaya Schartz, author

Strong Heroines, Brave Heroes, cats

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

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