Inspiration from Other Writers

Inspiration from Writers Who Invented Words

As someone who loves the interplay of language and creativity, I often look to writers who dared to invent their own words, crafting entire worlds with them. Their ability to imagine not just characters and stories but entirely new ways of speaking and thinking is endlessly inspiring.

Take J.R.R. Tolkien, for example—a writer who didn’t just create stories but entire languages to reflect the cultures of Middle-earth. From the elegant Elvish languages of Quenya and Sindarin to the harsher tones of the Black Speech, Tolkien’s words weren’t mere inventions; they were rooted in linguistics, mythology, and history. His dedication reminds us of the power of language to shape identity and culture within a story.

Then there’s Lewis Carroll, whose playful genius gave us whimsical creations like Jabberwocky. Through words like slithy and galumphing, Carroll tapped into the intuitive, emotional side of language. Even without knowing their definitions, we can feel their meanings. His work reminds us that words don’t always have to conform to rules—they can be joyful, surprising, and alive.

Ursula K. Le Guin took word creation to another level, using language to express entirely new concepts in her worlds. In The Left Hand of Darkness, for example, she introduced terms like shifgrethor to capture ideas of honor and social interplay in Gethenian culture. Her words weren’t just creative—they were essential to understanding the values and philosophies of her fictional societies.

These writers inspire me not just as a creator, but as someone who believes in the transformative power of language. Their work reminds me that words can hold entire worlds within them, reflecting the cultures, emotions, and experiences that shape our lives.

At Inksite, where I explore language, creativity, and healing, I often think about how we can use words—whether rediscovered, repurposed, or newly invented—to connect with our inner worlds and each other.

What words might you invent to express the concepts, emotions, or experiences that feel uniquely yours? Let’s take inspiration from these literary pioneers and continue the tradition of breathing life into language.

—Annecy Baez

Founder of Inksite, where creativity and words meet to inspire transformation.