ALIENS
How to write about aliens without cliche.
Kimlyn Stanyon
4/29/20232 min read
The topic of aliens has fascinated humans for centuries. From science fiction novels to blockbuster movies, aliens have been portrayed in countless ways. However, writing about aliens can be challenging because it's easy to fall into cliches and stereotypes. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to write about aliens without sounding cliche.
1. Develop a unique alien culture
One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing about aliens is to create a unique culture for them. Avoid using stereotypical characteristics like green skin, large eyes, and UFO sightings. Instead, think about their environment, customs, and beliefs. For example, do they have a different concept of time or space? Do they communicate through telepathy or body language? The more you flesh out their culture, the more unique and interesting they will be.
2. Avoid stereotypes and cliches
As mentioned earlier, aliens are often portrayed as having green skin, large eyes, and a spaceship. However, these stereotypes have become tired and overused. Try to think outside the box and come up with new ways to describe your aliens. Consider their physical appearance, mannerisms, and communication style. For example, maybe they have translucent skin that glows in the dark, or they communicate through song instead of speech. By avoiding stereotypes, you can make your aliens more memorable and engaging.
3. Create a plausible backstory
Another way to make your aliens more interesting is to create a plausible backstory for them. Think about their history, evolution, and migration patterns. What led them to leave their home planet and explore the universe? What challenges did they face along the way? By developing a rich backstory, you can create a more believable and compelling alien race.
4. Show, don't tell
When writing about aliens, it's important to show their actions and behaviors rather than just describing them. For example, instead of saying "The alien was angry," show how they express anger through their body language, facial expressions, and communication style. This will make your aliens feel more realistic and three-dimensional.
5. Use vivid language
To create a vivid and engaging depiction of your aliens, use descriptive language. Instead of simply describing their physical appearance, use sensory details to help readers visualize them. For example, instead of saying "The alien had blue skin," say "The alien's skin was a shimmering shade of turquoise that glowed in the sunlight." This will make your writing more immersive and memorable.
6. Explore their emotions and motivations
Just like humans, aliens have emotions and motivations that drive their actions. When writing about aliens, it's important to explore these elements to make them more relatable to readers. Consider what drives your aliens, whether it's a desire for knowledge, power, or survival. Explore their emotions, whether it's fear, love, or anger. By tapping into these universal themes, you can make your aliens more compelling and relatable.
In conclusion, writing about aliens can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can create unique, engaging, and memorable alien races. Develop a unique culture, avoid cliches and stereotypes, create a plausible backstory, show don't tell, use vivid language, and explore their emotions and motivations. By doing so, you can create aliens that are not only believable but also truly fascinating.