Aliens are just like Humans

My favorite genres are Science-Fiction and Fantasy. I write in these categories because I love creating new worlds and solving the "puzzle" of how to have it all make sense. A well-established fantasy world is the baseline needed for any alien, (or imagined being), just as a rich setting is necessary for any human character. This is one of many things they have in common.

The other day I was watching a movie about immortals who protected the earth. All the made-up elements were fascinating, but I didn't enjoy the show. The story seemed contrived, and the leading character, who was an immortal, had one note (angry). Once the writer creates the world, all the important creatures should have depth. People and aliens can both have wills and vulnerabilities.

Fantasy creatures may wreak havoc, but just like their human counterparts, their actions must fit seamlessly into the plot. All characters are tied to the story. This gives aliens and humans the power to steer the drama.

Another similarity between aliens and humans is that they both have the ability to connect with us. In the real world, we have expectations for how people will act based on our experiences. We can relate to them on some level. In a fantasy, the author must provide enough information for us to make the same type of assumptions. The point is, they develop a persona that we can be vested in. This is great for our Science-Fictions and Fantasies because, the better we understand something, the more engaged we become.

Aliens are just like humans, with one critical exception. The mere mention of them, typically sparks our imaginations!