One of my classes this fall is Latin 101. I had wanted to take Italian because I enjoyed the language so much while over there, but we don't offer it. I figured Latin would be a good second choice for a few reasons: 1) it will help me understand English better and possibly be a better writer; 2) it will help me as I pursue anthropology (species names and such in Latin); 3) it's the basis for Italian and Spanish, among others, and many say once you understand Latin you can understand most of those languages much easier.
But, let's be honest. The main reason I'm doing it is purely selfish and a bit silly. I want to be able to visit Italy and go back to Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum and read the dang plaques and statues! Having that connection with the past would be amazing. I've always wanted to learn Ancient Greek for the same reason. Ha! We'll see :)
As I've been sitting in Latin class this past week, I've found about 80% of my brain focused on the work, and 20% mulling possible story ideas to incorporate Latin. An ancient society - Latin translators by day, vampire hunters by night. An archaeologist who finds an ancient relic on a dig, after translating it from Latin she learns it holds an ancient power. A Latin professor finds love in a laundromat. ;)
I've often wondered why there aren't more (any?) historicals set in the classical world. I'm going to start the trend dang it!
I hope this class continues to spew forth story ideas. What in your daily life produces the most fodder for your work?
Oh! And the subject line says: The sailor loves the girl. Latin 101, baby!
Estis meae amicae. (you are my friends).
7 comments:
Learning other languages is always fun. I wish I retained more of what I learned of Spanish and French in high school. I actually understand Dutch fairly well, mostly because my MIL speaks it and likes to talk in Dutch in public when talking about people.
I like your story ideas!
And actually there are quite a few stories written in the times you're talking about- they are just hard sells to the industry. Most end up in e-pubs because the big houses think they are too narrow of a genre.
Fodder for my stories from every day life- sometimes songs, sometimes a newspaper story or something I see on TV. Or it can be reading a history book and something clicks that says- Ahh, now that would make an interesting conflict.
Fun post!
Dutch! Wow, that's really cool! I don't remember much from high school Spanish either. Only that I didn't enjoy it and I learned my wrist was crooked from doing "head, shoulders, knees and toes" in class.
It's too bad the NY houses aren't picking them up. I think it's fascinating and very romantic. I'm going to have to search the epubs. The only books I've read that get close to it are flashbacks in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter books (but I have just recently started actively seeking out historical books).
Thanks for your comment :)
Lisa -- Oooh, good for you!!! Latin.
I know there area few historical mysteries set in the classical world. My son read a few and gave them to me -- I'm not sure where they ended up, but they aren't romances. As for romances, I just don't know.
I think you're reasons are all good for taking Latin and make perfect sense. As for your saying your last reason is purely selfish -- oh, come on. Most of what we do is motivated by curiosity and what is important to us personally and those are admirable traits. It's interesting the class is churning up story ideas -- they all sound good to me, too!
As for inspiration and fodder in everyday life? I guess just everyday life. Conversations, something I see or hear or read, the usual. However, I am pretty focused so once I get an idea, I tend to gather information for that idea alone and not stray too far into other ideas.
Buenas Dias!
Lisa--there are some great books set in the ancient world.
I think you would love M.J. Rose's The Reincarnationist--fabulous, fabulous blending of past & present storylines.
I think you could totally capitalize on the buzz her mainstream created and start your own trend in historical romance. I'd be first in line!
Hey, Lisa! Good for you for taking Latin. I've dabbled at learning Spanish and can read it pretty well, but understand and speak it--not so much. And of course, there are some universal phrases we all seem to pick up in many languages. LOL!
Like Alice, fodder for my stories comes from all over. Bits of conversation, people doing unusual things in broad daylight, someone pausing in the midst of a busy day with an odd expression on their face. Playing "what if" with any number of normal situations. Ideas are everywhere!
Glad you're enjoying your class!
Lisa, I think any story that is powerfully written has the chance to conquer New York. Don't let trends guide where you submit or what you write.
I find motivation for my stories from the newspaper, TV, and other books. Fiction and nonfiction. I'm in the middle of a book about the history of the witness protection program. It's not at all what I believed. No ideas yet, but definately educational.
Hillarum datorum diliget Deus.
(Or something close to that with the spelling): God loves a cheerful giver. Latin, first two years of high school. And you're totally right about the reasons you gave to learn Latin. You can pick apart new words if you know the Latin for the roots, and figure out close to what they mean.
I went on to learn German, French, and Spanish, getting my BA in German--and having the basis in Latin helped more than I could ever say. I can't remember if it really helped in Russian, which I took two years in college.
(PS: Lest you think I'm pretty smart, smirk, I only remember some of the German at this point, and the one line in Latin, and one in Russian--Lampa na stole--the lamp is on the table. (Again, spelling probably not close). The Russian above--I met up here with a friend's 3 year old (handicapped) who had just been adopted from Russia. He knew very little English. But I said that one line to him when he was crying and his face lit up--I guess at hearing his native language. It was neat.
Flo
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