About:

A complete guide for fantasy writers who want to create an original language from scratch. Annemiek Steur will help you to take charge of the process of creating a fantasy language. Better yet: a convincing and consistent one. Therefore we'll start with some fun brainstorming and guided market research before laying the actual language foundation. Once you have that, you're set up to expand to your heart's content.

What you will learn:

* sources of inspiration and originality

* what works well for your audience

* frequency of use of the language in your manuscript

* strong foundation of a fantasy language (grammar, alphabet and vocabulary)

* how to avoid rookie mistakes

By taking this class you'll not only learn how to create a fantasy language but also how to use it to your advantage. Taking time to think about what you and your readers (dis)like will impact the language and in turn the readability of your manuscript. A solid fantasy language will enhance the reader’s experience which leads to better reviews and sales. Let’s slay this dragon together!

This class is valuable to all writers in the fantastical genre who are using or considering using one of more fantasy languages in their novels. It lays a complete foundation for beginners and gives extra structure to existing languages.

What you'll need:

* a device with internet (preferably pc/laptop; tablet or phone is also OK)

* utensils for taking notes

Class outline:

1) Class description:

A complete guide for fantasy writers who want to create an original language from scratch. Annemiek Steur will help you to take charge of the process of creating a fantasy language. Better yet: a convincing and consistent one. This will enhance the reader’s experience which leads to better reviews and sales. Let’s slay this dragon together!

2) Project description: equals "about" (above)

3) Intro video: Introduction: create your fantastic language

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

*Hook: want to create full-fledged and original languages like Tolkien or Paolini? à my class

* Introduction of myself, qualifications: 1) studied multiple languages 2) learned Chinese at university 3) spent a decade creating my own fantasy language

As a language nerd à fantasy language done poorly. Often classes on writing, not fantasy language. Existing language X but kind of different.

What you’ll learn: how to create a consistent and convincing fantasy language

Who it’s for: all authors in the genre who want to start building or improving their fantasy language for a manuscript

4) Project video: Flaunt with your language

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

Bold = required

* direction: what do you want to use it for?

* lists of vocabulary, sentences and grammar (scans of handwriting allowed)

* market research: reviews of similar books, video’s like booktok, reader’s groups

* any additional appendixes like names, numbers etc.

5) Lessons:

Lesson 1: Inspiration and originality

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

* existing languages

* fun sounds

* alphabet

* numbers

* who’s speaking the language: humans, elves, AI? - addiontally: how many languages will you use?

* frequency of use within the manuscript (only names? Sentences? Formal use?)

Lesson 2: Know your future readers

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

Market research:

1) define what genre you’re writing in

2) find 5 famous books that fall into the same genre which have a fantasy language

3) take 5 positive and 5 negative points from each book from reviews or review video’s (goodreads, articles, youtube, booktok)

4) write down which points you do and do not want to use in your fantasy language and your manuscript

Lesson 3: Build the foundation I - Verb conjugation

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

Important! - per language, different magical races can have different languages and so different choices for the makeup of the grammar (e.g. formal use of “you”). We’re only focussing on one now.

Conjugation of present tense, past tenses and imperitive form (necessary for spellcasting)

Lesson 4: Build the foundation II - Important grammar

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

* Pronouns (personal and possessive)

* Articles (to define a noun) - one for everything like “the” in English, none at all (like in Latin and Chinese), different ones for male and female (Spanish), more than two like in German?

Lesson 5: Build the foundation III - consistency

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

What is the use of consistency? à makes easier to follow, so more enjoyable (and thus readable) for the reader. It also keeps critics and negative reviews at bay!

Concepts on how to build a recognizable verb, noun, etc. - creating logical consistency in different kind of nouns. Examples of typical nouns and verbs in my fantasy language.

Lesson 6: Build the foundation IV - Sentence structure

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

1) Syntaxis: do you want to use an SVO format or something different? (Topic comment? AI language?). Inversion for questions. Extra question words?

2) Where to put the possessive - in front of or behind words. Composed with the possessor or on its own? (example: maru Lysna - the magic of Lys)

Lesson 7: Build the foundation V - Vocabulary

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

Now that you know what kind of elements are typical for nouns and verbs: come up with a vocabulary list. Make sure it resonates with you, that it feels to you like this is that language which you’re creating. Talk out loud, experiment and mix letters in certain words - especially when it comes to names. Notice what is happening, e.g.: do all your words start with a “t”? Find 2-3 alternatives that would also represent the “feel” of your language.

Lesson 8: Tips and tricks

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

* How to save what you’ve created for later use in Word

* How to incorporate what you’ve created into the manuscript (glossary, fantasy map, in between text: bold vs italics)

* Think about your language as if it’s alive: any other cultural influences, or from other existing languages in your world? Synonyms? Difference between written form and speech?

* If you’ve chosen your own alphabet: how to bring it to life?

* Length and complexity of words (what to avoid)

6) Conclusion video: Wrap up

Talking Points and Key Concepts:

* overview of what you’ve learned

* encourage to share class project

* thanks for your time

* do reach out for feedback or if you have any questions

Annemiek Steur

Dutch Fantasy Author

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