Thursday, March 8, 2012

Creating a new fantasy language

Wordle: UntitledIn my current work-in-progress, the third book in my epic fantasy romance series, Enchanted Bookstore Legends, I found myself creating a new language. Although I outline my work, this was a spontaneous creation as I wrote dialog.

In the first two books of the series, I used created words only for spellwork. In book three, the fantasy characters travel to another fantasy land. To show the distinction between worlds and magical systems, varying the language provided a great tool. 

Here are some examples of my fun new words/terms. 

Afflation = having received divine impartment of knowledge and strength to endure more physical hardship than a non-magical
Effluvial magic = spells and charms transferred on streams of smoke or vapor
Flap = trail, route, tunnel
Lungshooter = person who can send effluvial magic in through the mouth of another to the lungs, where it has a quicker effect
Meddlelocket = person whose magic causes figures on the lockets and pendants of the wearer to perform certain deeds
Take down = travel, journey
Scorpent = monster that is part scorpion, part serpent

I think this book may merit a glossary!

What made-up words in your fantasy reading or writing do you especially love? Personally, I love many found in Rowling’s Harry Potter series and also in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels.
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Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. She is the author of the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE. Look for her first of an epic fantasy romance series, SEEKING A SCRIBE: ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS ONE, to be available March, 2012. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

1 comment:

Ella Gray said...

These are great, Marsha! The scorpent sounds wicked dangerous, LOL. Having words and language unique to any story is a great way to stand out from the crowd and bring a fantasy world to life. I love making up new slang terms for my urban fantasy MC to bust out - so much fun!

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