In 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.
