feuervogel | I'm doing a Kickstarter!

Remember how a few years ago I started a column on tor.com and eventually a patreon (which I am really bad at, I'm so sorry)? I've finally got the motivation to finish the writer's guide to linguistic worldbuilding that I thought of back then. (That motivation is "earning money so Germany doesn't kick me out next winter." Plus a LOT of guilt about not being finished with it yet.)

I'm currently planning to launch on August 15, and you can sign up here to be notified when it does. I have reward tiers as low as 3 € as well as some really cool limited-quantity ones. There will be an ebook and print books, and I've got some fun stretch goals planned, too.

What will be in the book?
- how to make up names that sound like they're from the same language
- how to adapt sounds for non-human vocal tracts and other different anatomical/physiological features
- how to do first contact without a universal translator
- how to make a universal translator distinguishable from magic
- how to invent proverbs, slang, and cuss words for your invented society
- and more!

These will be illustrated with examples from some of my favorite books and supported with real linguistic theory. I've got 15,000 words so far.

Please share widely!