Three Reasons I Don’t Write Aliens
And Three Reasons Maybe I Should
Guest Post by Cathy Pegau
1. Known biology. For the most part, I know how humans function. By
using them, I don’t have to worry about all that messy science : P Kidding. I
love biology. Creating a new species has its appeal; I just haven’t had the
inspiration to do so.
On the other hand….There are GOBS of configurations of body parts
and subsequent positionings that could make a story…um…interesting. Create your
own species? Hmm. Give them sensitive areas or erogenous zones that aren’t
typical or expected? Hmmm…
2. What are the chances of humanoid life out there? I’m guessing pretty
low. For the sake of my novels, the species we’ve encountered aren’t more
intelligent than animals, let alone candidates for potential mates.
On the other hand…The point of speculative fiction is to, in fact,
speculate! What if there are species just waiting for us to reach a certain
maturity? Or on their way and we have yet to invent the technology to detect
them? There are many reasons why we haven’t bumped into aliens at this point, but
that doesn’t mean we won’t. Just because we’re barely out of our own cosmic
backyard doesn’t mean we’re alone in the neighborhood.
3. The Human Condition. I’m no expert in this field (or any other, for
that matter) but like most writers I’m fascinated by human interaction. Why are
these two people attracted to each other? What is it about the other person
that makes them rail and shake their fists while wanting to kiss them? How can
the characters get over their differences (some of which are so opposing
they’re often enemies in the beginning of romances) to come together (heheh.
“come together” heheh. Sorry. Carry on…)
On the other hand…What better way to explore our humanity than
through the eyes (or whatever ocular mechanism) of an alien species? And if
there is a way for two characters to be any more different and possibly at odds
than by being different species, I’d like to know what it is.
So
I guess there’s no real reason for me NOT to take a stab at an alien romance.
But I’ll tell you right now, I think I will be drawing the line at anything
that includes tentacles. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.
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9 comments:
You give us some very good pros and cons, Cathy. Like you, I haven't delved into creating an alien species as yet, though some would say my human characters are plenty weird.
But never say never *grin*
I haven't created species yet either, or not humanoid species, anyway. Animals and plants, yes. I like the idea of manipulated humans better than alien races, though. Clones, bio-cybernetics, mind-readers... The lengths humans will go to to improve themselves and each other is fascinating. Gene manipulation for perfect health and beauty, cybernetic strength, body modifications like four arms instead of two arms and two legs (yes, those are LMB's Quaddies)...
Thank you for stopping by, Diane and Jenna! I started writing humanoid style aliens. Though I do have some that are non-humanoid, but not main characters. I am now venturing into clones, and want to try cybernetic characters as well. :)
I've actually been mulling a "first contact" sort of thing. Not *quite* sure what it'll be like at this point. So many options ;)
Diane, I never say never! ;)
Jenna, the things you describe take as much or more consideration in some cases than creating a new species. They sound intriguing!
Jessica, I like the idea of clones and cybernetics!
I've gone the alien hero route and I don't think it's that far-fetched to imagine we might find aliens similar to ourselves. My inspirations were Star Trek and Babylon 5 -- humanoids galore! But also the reality of convergent evolution -- that regardless of location or species, biological necessity will cause similar traits to emerge -- such as wings in both birds and mammals (bats).
One might also argue that if there's a God, why wouldn't God create more than one earth-type world? As in Babylon 5, the evolution of different races was manipulated genetically by a superior, godlike race. Or you could opt for some kind of variation on the idea that intelligent life on different planets actually has one origin (as in Star Trek, I think it was one of the TNG episodes).
I had a blast inventing the Glin, Tikati and Finders for my Stellarnet Series. The Glin are humanoid, but the Tikati are insectoid and the finders are avian (but featherless, similar to the way we humans have lost most of our primate hair). The Glin are the love interests. I will say, it would have been SO much easier if they'd been human, but not half as fun.
Oh Cathy! A first contact story would be so awesome! I say Go For It! :)
J.L. - It is a lot of fun to create all kinds of new species whether humanoid or not. And whether there is life like us out there, well, we won't know until we make contact. Until then, it's great to speculate. :)
>I think I will be drawing the line at anything that includes tentacles.
Aw, say it ain't so! And here I was gettin' my hopes up (so was Diane, by the way).
J.L., I don't think I could get anywhere near as creative as you in the alien species department :)
Jessica, it's brewing in the back of my head. In conjunction with another idea my editor is asking me to write ;)
Heather, the tentacle thing....I just don't think I can go there ; P
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