My book

[Noble Elf Lord]

Hello, I don´t know if this is the best place for this thread, move it if necessary. Anyway, I´m writing a fantasy novel... No, that was too optimistic... I´m trying to write one. And I´m creating a brand new language. I should like to hear comments and have help creating it. One purpose of it is "restoring" some lost things: didn´t Tolkien write somewhere in LOTR about beauty that could not be described with the languages of Men? Well, I´m going to make up an impression for that "undescribable beauty" and such things. The only thing that I´m telling about the book itself is that fear is going to be an important element.

[Earniel]

Moved to Writer's Workshop, as that forum is better suited for writing endeavours.

[Rosie Gamgee]

Sounds very cool. Do share what you've got; I'd love to read some.

I started writing my own fantasy novel (I wonder if there is a Tolkien fan who hasn't?) a few years ago--alas, writer's block (I've written myself into a bit of a corner), and other projects keep me from really pursuing it--and I also had a bit of a 'language-creating' going on there (feeble attempts at best, though).

[Beren One-Hand]

I would like to hear more about it.

[Noble Elf Lord]

Originally Posted by Beren One-Hand

I would like to hear more about it.

As you wish. I´m trying to make the language´s words sound like what they mean, in other words, when you hear the word, you should start thinking something like its meaning. Naturally, this is extremely difficult since everyone has different way of thinking... But I won´t give up.

[Acalewia]

That sounds soo neat. Good luck

[Curubethion]

Originally Posted by Noble Elf Lord

As you wish. I´m trying to make the language´s words sound like what they mean, in other words, when you hear the word, you should start thinking something like its meaning. Naturally, this is extremely difficult since everyone has different way of thinking... But I won´t give up.

That is awesome, although it sounds very hard. Are you into linguistics at all? Because that'll help you out enormously.

Check out this site-it's got mounds of information!
http://www.zompist.com/kitlong.html#sounds

[Noble Elf Lord]

Thanks everyone. What do you exactly mean by linguistics? I´m good at languages, especially English. And I remember my parents telling me that when we were in Israel I heard people talk English, Hebrew, Arabics, Russia and such, and I asked what are those languages and I wanted to learn them. (I was about 3 ½ years old.) They say I also learned to write during that time. It´s also in my blood, for my Mom is good at languages too. I´ve also created some grammar for that book.

[Noble Elf Lord]

Originally Posted by Noble Elf Lord

The only thing that I´m telling about the book itself is that fear is going to be an important element.

And so, I´d ask you to do me a favor. Those who can, could post pictures on this thread, showing nightmarish creatures, I mean really scary, not those cute little dragons or demons you see everywhere. And I would prefer if you drew them yourselves, perhaps inspired by your old nightmares. I´d choose the most scary ones and described them in my book. Or use your imagination and create completely new horrors from the deep unknown pits of your mind. Thank you already.

[Willow Oran]

Linguistics is the study of language. That is, the sounds, grammars, and defining aspects of what human language is. It isn't the same as leanring any one language, though the two are linked and if you study linguistics you are certainly going to end up knowing more than one language in some way or another.

It's very useful if you intend to make up fictional languages. Regarding yours, are you working on a language which is supposed to be spoken by human characters or does it belong to a different species?

I ask because one of the primary factors that differentiates human languages from communication systems used by animals is that the relationship between our words and their meanings is largely arbitrary, they don't sound like the thing they refer to.

I'd be very interested to see the grammar you've created so far, or a list of the sounds you use most often.

[Noble Elf Lord]

Originally Posted by Willow Oran

Linguistics is the study of language. That is, the sounds, grammars, and defining aspects of what human language is. It isn't the same as leanring any one language, though the two are linked and if you study linguistics you are certainly going to end up knowing more than one language in some way or another.

It's very useful if you intend to make up fictional languages. Regarding yours, are you working on a language which is supposed to be spoken by human characters or does it belong to a different species?

I ask because one of the primary factors that differentiates human languages from communication systems used by animals is that the relationship between our words and their meanings is largely arbitrary, they don't sound like the thing they refer to.

I'd be very interested to see the grammar you've created so far, or a list of the sounds you use most often.

(To Rosie) If you wish to read the story so far, I´m afraid you have to wait for a while: it´s in Finnish only at the moment, and even though there are only 8 pages yet, the tranliteration would be quite a feat, even though I am gifted.

Willow, thank you ´bout explaining linguistics. The languge is supposed to work both as a beautiful language and also as the languge of magic. Haven´t really thought about its history yet. The grammar? Got to dig it up, and perhaps make more verbs to play with. Thus far, I only have the verbs for "being" and "heating up"... OK, I tell the first one: Mvyhir. ..... I feel stupid now.

[Keith K]

Originally Posted by Noble Elf Lord

I feel stupid now.

I applaud you for your creativity. An active mind knows no bounds.

PS: I know just how you feel, but it takes guts to put your ideas in front of others so be proud that you did so...

[Nurvingiel]

I too am trying to write a fantasy novel. Originally I was going to tell you, hey if you're writing a book then you are doing it, not trying. But I am writing a book, and the manuscript is progressing about as fast as molasses in Rovaniemi in midwinter, so I know what you mean when you say you're trying to write a book.

I wish you all the best of luck. May I add that Finland is awesome.

[Noble Elf Lord]

Originally Posted by Nurvingiel

I too am trying to write a fantasy novel. Originally I was going to tell you, hey if you're writing a book then you are doing it, not trying. But I am writing a book, and the manuscript is progressing about as fast as molasses in Rovaniemi in midwinter, so I know what you mean when you say you're trying to write a book.

I wish you all the best of luck. May I add that Finland is awesome.

We live and learn... Yep writing is not so easy. Thank you, and good luck in return.

[Noble Elf Lord]

Originally Posted by Noble Elf Lord

And so, I´d ask you to do me a favor. Those who can, could post pictures on this thread, showing nightmarish creatures, I mean really scary, not those cute little dragons or demons you see everywhere. And I would prefer if you drew them yourselves, perhaps inspired by your old nightmares. I´d choose the most scary ones and described them in my book. Or use your imagination and create completely new horrors from the deep unknown pits of your mind. Thank you already.

You´ll get your (user)names in the book, naturally, with great "thanks".

[Acalewia]

I'll probably be reading your book and going "now where have I heard that name before?"

How's the book coming btw

[Noble Elf Lord]

The book is doing pretty well, thank you. I have some 8 (A4) pages written, and I´m having a "writing season" (=inspiration). Would you like me to translate them in English and send to you? I´d like to hear your opinion.

[Acalewia]

I'd like that. Sounds great.

[Noble Elf Lord]

Great, I´ll send it as soon as I can. Thanks.

[Acalewia]

Whenever you can. There's no rush.



Unlike this stupid rule