Brandon Crilly
asked
Kevin J. Anderson:
I've noticed that a lot of science fiction novels of late have decreased the number of alien species that they incorporate into their universes - if they include any at all - and it's discouraging me from including many alien species in my own work. Any thoughts?
Kevin J. Anderson
I don't have a great many alien races in my big SF novels, because I want to explore them and flesh them out. Aliens need to be *alien* and not just humans with pointy ears or a lump on their forehead. If you have too many aliens, it's hard for a reader to keep track. But, it's a big universe and there could be a lot of different alien races--the trick is, how would they all communicate with and understand one another so that you can tell a story?
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more