Exploring the Absence of Non-Human Races and Avoiding One-Dimensional Alien Characters

The Writing Excuses crew returns to world-building, this time to discuss the creation of non-human races. Why do genre-fiction writers use aliens and monsters, short folk, tusked folk, or any other variation on "people" who aren't human? Can new writers successfully recycle the classic Tolkien races and use dwarves, elves, orcs, goblins, and trolls? If not, how can new races best be created? How can races be made "three-dimensional?" What are the common pitfalls? How much religion, culture, and physiology do you have time to create? Why are the rabidly violent fans of the Klingon race going to come after Howard with a cheap, plastic bat'leth? (Answer: Because they have no honor.) Writing Prompt: Create a believable Alien and write something from his/her perspective.

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