Sci-Fi/Fantasy has always been one of my favorite genres, but I don’t read fantasy novels, except YA, much anymore. The descriptions all sound the same to me. There’s always a priestess, and there are clans and silly made-up words and . . .
Malana glared at the priestess. The length of her trim body quivered with fury as she reread the scroll and considered the ramifications of its contents. The midday light streamed through the uncovered windows of the priestess’s chamber, and Malana’s hair sparked as if alive, tumbling down her back in rivulets of fire. It was a sight that had brought more than one man to his knees. But Malana ignored men as a matter of course, for their clans were of no consequence, and she pretended not to know her own beauty. Only her position as headwoman mattered, and right now that position was in jeopardy. She spoke harshly. “No woman should have to face the Borth alone, Tombali!”
Tombali nodded in agreement and grimaced as she carefully chewed her daily smeilesh. All Second-Level Priestesses were obligated to eat smeilesh for Middle Meal. One of the Seven Sacred Substances, smeilesh contained a psychedelic compound that allowed the sisterhood to communicate with their goddess. Unfortunately, it looked and tasted like fish guts.
Tombali’s stomach churned as she consumed the revolting concoction, and it put her in a foul mood. “By Zolath!” the warrior priestess exclaimed suddenly, smashing her fist against the table and knocking the ritual bibzana spoon to the floor. “If only we could use one of the Zigrakians. The Hiduno Clan has no right to keep them at Latûn!”
The brilliance of Malana’s hair has enlightened me. I get it now. That was so much fun to write. Give it a try. All you need is a priestess and some clans and some made-up words. If that combination doesn’t appeal, you can create other equally powerful ones using elements such as necromancers, vampires, forbidden books of lore, sword-wielding maidens, talismans, dragons, telepathy, and shape-shifting. Mix, match, and enjoy!
