Unique Vocabulary to Enrich Your Supernatural Writing
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Chapter 1: Expanding Your Lexicon
Most authors tend to rely on common vocabulary that flows naturally in their writing. Personally, I often find myself in this routine. However, I realize there exists a treasure trove of intriguing and peculiar words that can elevate a narrative or poem. Incorporating such terms can significantly enrich a fantasy setting.
While many writers opt for more complex vocabulary, it's usually because they understand the meanings and nuances that these words bring to their work. I aspire to include such terms, yet it often feels forced, as if others might suspect I've employed AI to enhance my language.
To assist in this endeavor, I sought out ten unusual words that could seamlessly fit into supernatural-themed narratives. By familiarizing myself with these words, I hope to integrate them more effortlessly into my writing. Perhaps one or two will spark inspiration for your own stories.
Section 1.1: Fascinating Terms
- Sylph: (sylf) A mythical being linked to air and nature, reminiscent of a light, delicate creature. Sylphs are ethereal beings that inhabit the skies.
- Fuscous: (fus-kus) Describing something dark or dusky, often used for foliage or shadows. This new species is identified by the fuscous tips on their wings.
- Crepuscular: (cre-pus-kyoo-ler) Referring to beings that are active during twilight, such as owls or fireflies. Red foxes are known to be either nocturnal or crepuscular.
Section 1.2: More Unique Words
- Petrichor: (pe-tri-kor) The delightful scent that fills the air after rainfall. Upon awakening to the aroma of petrichor, he realized his hiking plans for the day were thwarted.
- Lunation: (loo-nay-shun) The full cycle of the moon's phases. We reviewed data spanning eight lunations, noting that werewolves emerge with each cycle.
- Florilegium: (flo-ri-lee-gee-um) A compilation of botanical illustrations or descriptions, or a collection of short literary works.
- Sciomancy: (sy-o-man-cy) A form of divination that utilizes shadows, often performed outdoors by observing the varying sizes and shapes of shadows or apparitions. In its connection to ghosts, sciomancy aligns closely with necromancy.
- Murmuration: (mur-mu-ray-shun) A mesmerizing phenomenon where large flocks of starlings or similar birds move in swirling patterns. At dusk, vast numbers of starlings take flight, creating stunning aerial displays known as murmurations, named for the sounds produced by their flapping wings.
- Verdant: (vur-dant) Rich and green, typically used to describe plant life but applicable to various contexts. His deep verdant eyes widened in alarm as contact was suddenly lost.
- Nebulous: (neb-yoo-lus) Suggesting haziness or mist, akin to a cloud-laden sky. She had several nebulous ideas for writing, yet nothing was firmly established.
Chapter 2: Finding Inspiration
Have you encountered or utilized any of these terms in your writing? I would love to see a story inspired by one of these words. Thank you for stopping by!
The video "A Poet Finds His Words to Inspire Others" beautifully explores how language can evoke emotions and ignite creativity. It encourages writers to embrace unconventional vocabulary to enhance their storytelling and poetry.