How to Explain Your Alien Planet’s Single Culture While Earth has around two hundred countries and thousands of languages and cultures, in science fiction and space opera, alien worlds often have just one. Or at least, only one that we ever see. This is often called the “planet of hats” trope, or an alien monoculture. Many science fiction fans view […]
If you’re writing an alien invasion story, the first thing to consider is why. Why are your aliens coming here? Space travel is difficult. The immense distances combined with the laws of physics means that getting to Earth would be incredibly expensive. Why would realistic aliens invest so much of their time and resources just to get to our corner
One issue many, if not most, science fiction writers will face is creating realistic aliens. Just slapping on pointy ears or a wrinkly forehead isn’t good enough. How do you make an alien creature seem convincing and believable? Biology and Environment Biology and environment are closely connected. Realistic aliens should have bodies specifically adapted for their home worlds. What challenges
