Nitrous Oxide Press, LLC

Known since the 1700s as laughing gas, N₂O has been used as a source of euphoria at parties, an additive in rocket and racing fuels to boost engine power, and as a propellant in cooking sprays and canned whipped cream. It is also used as a solvent for many organic compounds, and in medicine and dentistry as an anesthetic to reduce the pain of surgery, trauma, childbirth, and heart attacks, as well as to ease anxiety. However, with prolonged use, higher doses, or improper use with other chemicals, N₂O can be harmful, toxic, and even lethal.

Humor in the Idiomerica story is somewhat analogous to the proper use of N₂O. It is needed in judicious doses for balance, to ease the pain of sorrow and fear in the face of death, destruction, and treachery—enough humor to lighten hearts and to keep them beating—and perhaps provide some moments of euphoria, even a boost to the rocket engines of the spirit.

Also: all of the other names I wanted for my publishing company were already registered, which proved to be a blessing in disguise. After all, whether you’re embroiled in a story fraught with treacherous villains and evil medicinal potions or in the midst of life’s traumatic realities, laughter is the best medicine.