One thing Niclas, from Stubbed Toes and Dating Woes, and I share is a love of words. In school, I took Etymology as an elective for a couple years, mostly because I loved the subject. Studying the origin and meaning of words was fascinating to me–then and now.

Grammarly emails me once a week with updates on my writing stats, and it’s never a surprise to be informed that I have a ‘unique’ vocabulary. I’ve always inhaled books and absorbed words. I think it comes from being autistic.

So, in writing Niclas’s character, I knew I wanted him to use some very old words. Ones that no one uses anymore. It required a lot of research on my part. I wanted to find the obscure and rare because that made it more fun.

And felt more like something Niclas would use.

My favourite, aside from the swear words, is myne owne hertis rote. The literal translation is mine own heart’s root.  Macabre and romantic.  A medieval term of endearment which just really struck me as perfect for Niclas and Falk.

It was sweet and weird so perfectly Niclas.

1. He’s adorable.
2. Obsessed with old words.
3. A little cinnamon roll.
4. Hordes language like a dragon hordes treasure.
5. Also, he has a small treasure horde.
6. More likely to stumble off a cliff or accidentally drown than the average person.
7. Loves preserving history.
8. Spends his vacation hunting for ancient artefacts.

1. Protective of those he loves.
2. Basically a viking.
3. Grumpy and grumbly.
4. A healer at heart.
5. A closet romantic.
6. How metal detectors work (especially waterproof ones)
7. Loves an adventure.
8. Created a business so he could hire his friends.

1. Metal Detecting Laws
2. Treasures found on beaches and in rivers
3. What happens when treasure is found
4. Seeds to plant in winter
5. Best places to find treasure in UK
6. How metal detectors work (especially waterproof ones)
7. How treasures are handled/archived at museums
8. First aid
9. Best times of year to search for treasures
10. Walking videos of Cornish beaches