:)

[erastes]

You all knew that cover wasn't serious didn't you? You were (mostly) so polite I worry sometimes that my humour is a little OTT.

I love reading unpublished books, and I feel very honoured when I’m asked to do so.  And today emphasised why I love reading them, not only because I see where the next good gay historical is coming from and can squee in Smug Mode – but also because I learn stuff I simply didn’t know.  This author uses the word “minion” – and I went to look it up to see if it' wasn’t hugely anachronistic and found that it actually means:

1501, "a favorite; a darling; a low dependant; one who pleases rather than benefits"

Isn’t that lovely?  So it was actually more of an insult than simply saying to one of Voldemort’s supporters “oh, yeah, you’re one of his minions” because it’s been corrupted into “supporter of evil overlord” in many respects but this suggests something much more insulting.  Like biting my thumb at you sir.  Me sir?  Yes, you, sir.