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I'm going to get straight into the tips today. Firstly, I'm catching up on Game of Thrones. Second, I've got a lot to say and not much time to type.
Today we're going to talk about how to make new aliens. This works for both science fiction and fantasy - just because I call them aliens doesn't mean there isn't magic involved. These tips will work either way.
1. Know something about evolution. If their planet is all desert, then the race should reflect that. They should be adapted to their climate. Their culture should reflect coming from a hot, dry climate where water is scarce. The planet they evolved on will permeate every aspect of their lives, even if they've left that planet long ago.
2. Know something about biology. You don't have to have a degree, but you should do some research. There are reasons why humans are the way they are. Nearly every aspect of our biology enhances our survival in some way - or at least doesn't increase our chances of getting eaten by a lion. If you want your alien to have tentacles coming out of your eyeballs, know why. One thing I often do is listen to science shows and pick up on miscellaneous weird biology that's real on Earth. Did you know that there is a type of termite that rushes their enemies and then blows themselves up? I heard that on a podcast, and promptly added a new caste to the aliens in Dale and the Bug Aliens from Outer Space.
3. Know something about sociology, politics, economics and religion. Don't just make up something with tentacles and plunk them on a ship and consider yourself finished. Every person comes from a context, and it's not necessarily a familiar context. These aliens don't come from Earth, so they shouldn't think and act like people from Earth who happen to have a different kind of nose. Think about what you know about their race already, and build on it. Give your aliens a unique context, influenced by their weird biology, and their exciting planet, and they will be richer and more interesting.
Today we're going to talk about how to make new aliens. This works for both science fiction and fantasy - just because I call them aliens doesn't mean there isn't magic involved. These tips will work either way.
1. Know something about evolution. If their planet is all desert, then the race should reflect that. They should be adapted to their climate. Their culture should reflect coming from a hot, dry climate where water is scarce. The planet they evolved on will permeate every aspect of their lives, even if they've left that planet long ago.
2. Know something about biology. You don't have to have a degree, but you should do some research. There are reasons why humans are the way they are. Nearly every aspect of our biology enhances our survival in some way - or at least doesn't increase our chances of getting eaten by a lion. If you want your alien to have tentacles coming out of your eyeballs, know why. One thing I often do is listen to science shows and pick up on miscellaneous weird biology that's real on Earth. Did you know that there is a type of termite that rushes their enemies and then blows themselves up? I heard that on a podcast, and promptly added a new caste to the aliens in Dale and the Bug Aliens from Outer Space.
3. Know something about sociology, politics, economics and religion. Don't just make up something with tentacles and plunk them on a ship and consider yourself finished. Every person comes from a context, and it's not necessarily a familiar context. These aliens don't come from Earth, so they shouldn't think and act like people from Earth who happen to have a different kind of nose. Think about what you know about their race already, and build on it. Give your aliens a unique context, influenced by their weird biology, and their exciting planet, and they will be richer and more interesting.
