What's with all the d*** swearing in The Last King/The Mercian Ninth Century Series?(AKA The Sweary Series)

I thought it was time to address the ‘elephant’ in the room – all that d swearing iThe Last King/The Mercian Ninth Century Series. It’s not just swearing; it’s the heavy, almost grotesque use of one particular swear word. Some will bend over backwards to assure you it was used no earlier than the sixteenth century in written records, which is 700 years after the time my books are set. (Check out [Holy Sht by Melissa Mohr](https://amzn.to/3L6PqUZ) for a history of swearing.)

I’m Not Writing in Old English

Well, first things first, lovely people. Aside from the names of the characters in these books and perhaps the word ‘witan,’ every word is in modern English. I haven't tried to make my characters sound ‘ye olde worldy,’ and that was very intentional. Although, it appears that some of that s is indeed Old English. Forget that, there’s another word that’s also Old English. (Check out the will of King Alfred and Eadred for some Old English here.)

The UK/US Divide Around Swearing

I wanted my characters to swear. There. I’ve said it. I wanted them to shock with their language, but I also wanted them to sound like people today. Not everyone swears, granted, but most people do. In the UK, we have no issue with the F-word. However, US audiences are often horrified by it. Meanwhile, we don’t like the C-word in the UK, while in the US, it seems just fine and dandy. We swear and curse, and most of us are not even fighting for our lives against a deadly enemy, which my characters are forced to do continually.

Am I a Potty-Mouth?

I’ve faced criticism from reviewers who decry the swearing. Some have gone so far as to suggest that my use of profanity indicates a lack of intelligence in writing a novel. Perhaps most amusingly, a close friend was astounded by the language in the books. Apparently, I am not a potty-mouth in ‘real life’—at least, not often.

‘Oh Dear Me, That Smarts.’

My characters are in life-and-death situations almost every day. I doubt they would sit around saying, ‘oh dear me, that smarts,’ when wounded or exclaiming, ‘oh goodness me, I’ve killed that man.’ They're lethal, bloody, and violent, but, despite that, they remain relatable to a modern audience. It’s a challenge to truly comprehend what life might have been like in Saxon England as Viking raiders threatened the safety of all.

There Are Cleaner Versions

That said, I do not intend to force anyone to abandon the books if they dislike the swearing. There are also **Cleaner Versions** available, which do not include much of the foul language. They tone it down a bit, but the violence remains intact.

Cultural Reflections Through Language

Language has the power to reflect cultural norms. The way people express themselves tells us a lot about the society they live in. In my books, swearing isn't just for shock value; it serves a purpose. It emphasizes the raw and gritty reality of my characters' lives. Just like today, swearing sometimes occurs during high-stress situations. Thus, it adds an extra layer of authenticity.

Creating Real Characters

For me, the goal has always been to create fully-realized characters. They’re not simply characters on a page; they’re complex and flawed individuals. Part of that complexity includes how they communicate. Allowing them to use strong language helps paint a vivid portrait of their struggles and triumphs.

Enjoy the Fast-Paced Action

So, whether you love the swearing or not, you can still enjoy the tales of Coelwulf II. Remember that allowing my characters to swear was a deliberate choice. Initially, based on feedback, I even added more profanity. I always check my finished manuscripts to ensure there is enough of the d swearing :) Not all of my books have this level of swearing, but along with the name for this series, ‘The Sweary Books’ is also used.