I love words, and I won’t lie, that kind of love goes hand in hand with being a writer. There’s a real artistry that can take place when stringing words together. It’s an art I strive for and know will get better with practice.
But sometimes, words are rather finicky. I’ll be writing a scene will have to stop for at least ten minutes sometimes, in search of just the right word. I have a plethora of websites I refer to when I’m on the hunt for the perfect word, and they’ll each get their praise and evaluation in due time, but first I want to feature the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.
Did I catch you thinking, “What the hell is the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows?” Well, by their own definition, it’s as follows:
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is a compendium of invented words written by John Koenig. Each original definition aims to fill a hole in the language—to give a name to emotions we all might experience but don’t yet have a word for.
All words in this dictionary are new. They were not necessarily intended to be used in conversation, but to exist for their own sake; to give a semblance of order to a dark continent, so you can settle it yourself on your own terms, without feeling too lost—safe in the knowledge that we’re all lost.”
My husband gets all the credit for introducing it to me. I don’t visit the dictionary too often, but when I’m in need of inspiration or searching for that indescribable feeling or experience my characters are going through, it’s my first stop. Invented or not, the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows hits the nail on the head every time… and even more than that… the words just feel right. As if they’ve existed all of this time already.
Perhaps when I move onto writing fantasy—after finishing A Soulmark Series and its spinoffs, of course—I’ll attempt to incorporate these “invented” words into future stories. They’re perfectly poignant after all, and I’ve yet to encounter someone who hasn’t resonated with at least a handful of the words the dictionary has come up with or their thorough, and downright beautiful, definitions.
Check it out for yourself: https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/
Interested in learning some of my favorite words from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows? Catch my Live Facebook video on June, Friday the 21st at 8:30am. Can’t be there to tune in live? Never fear! Just head over to my video bank to watch the replay later!
What’s your favorite word in the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows?
xxx
Rebecca