Fantasia

What are your thoughts on the use of new words in settings that are-- say -- ancient, or old (medieval england, ancient japan, etc.) or otherworldly (like Tolkein's Middle-earth)?

I'm not talking about pop-culture words, likes "Spaced out," or "Dude!" I mean words like "Red-handed", "Detractors" or even "lunch".

Are words such as these appropriate given that the tone of the story is serious?

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"God says he can get me out of this mess, but he's pretty sure you're f%#ked." --Stephen, from "Braveheart"

Elphaba

Hrm. I do think the proper research is important... but sometimes common words or phrases from a different time just wouldn't make sense to today's reader. Unless you're writing for the hardcore historian, I think in those cases it's all right.

Or maybe I'm just making excuses for myself-- I've been working on a medieval book for nearly five years, and when I went looking for medieval curses and cuss words, I took one look and said, "Forget it". Just... *too* different.

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