Quick answer: Own up to it. Here’s an email conversation I had with a reader who wanted an explanation for something she noticed:
Hi Vicky,
I started reading this novel and I am really starting to enjoy it. I noticed that since this is a piece during the Roman period all the references to the gods are Roman, however on page 13 chapter three Lucia mentions Poseidon the earth shaker. Poseidon is the Greek form of Neptune and I was curious as to why Lucia, a Roman girl would use the Greek name and not the Roman name. I look forward to your response. Thank youMy response:
Hi [name redacted],
Thanks so much for reading Curses and Smoke. You are clearly an observant reader! You are correct that I should’ve used Neptune instead of Poseidon. It was an oversight–I missed it and none of my proofreaders caught it before it went to press!
It is interesting to note, however, that educated Romans often used Greek phrases and the Greek names of gods to show that they could read Greek as proof of their higher status and better education. Lucia was taught Greek alongside Tag, so it’s possible she could’ve thought Poseidon instead of Neptune in that passage.
But mostly? Nahhhh. It’s a mistake, one that you’ve caught. So excellent reading!
When I write first drafts I often use the Greek form of gods out of habit and then later change them to Roman and somehow I missed this.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
All the best, Vicky
On the down side: an error got through. On the upside: Someone’s reading my book!
Brilliant! 🙂 e
Amen, best to always be honest:)