Footnotes or Glossary/Endnotes

[Ben]

I'm currently writing a fantasy fiction about a young wizard just coming into his powers (probably like every other Harry Potter fan). And, I was wondering what the consensus is regarding glossaries?

I am using Latin for spells and, since a lot of readers don't know Latin, I am going to translate the spells. My question is: Would you prefer the translations as footnotes or at the end in a glossary?

[R.A.]

At the end, personally.

[Cheryl]

Personally, I find footnotes are too distracting and take me out of the flow of the story. But, on the other hand, having to go to a glossary at the back to translate the Latin might be just as disruptive. But, I think I would still prefer the translations at the end. As long as the intent of the spell is made clear at the particular point in the story, the actual translation of the words themselves would probably not be as important to me at the time.

Just my humble opinion. :)

[Brenda]

The other idea, if it's an ebook, is to make the notes clicky. You would hover your mouse over the word underlined in blue, and the definition would pop up.

[Justin]

I think that's a good idea either way however I would say glossary at the end. It's a great way to show people what your talking about.