A guide for would be Fan-Fiction Authors

[clark]

These are some great tips, keep it up!

Anybody have experience, or insight into developing alien socieities? Or even as enemies?

Also, if anyone has this offhand, I know I could benefit from a galactic measuring stick for the game.

What is the distance of one space in the solar system view?

What is the distance of one sector between solar systems (a solar system is one sector big)

What is the distance of one movement in tactical?

Or does it matter?

[Erax]

To create good aliens, you might want to read stories by writers who make good alien races. I suggest Larry Niven, Hal Clement and James White. There's also an excellent book called 'The Alien Way', but I don't remember the author.

These are all oldies from my father's SF collection, but they're probably still in print.

Edit : The system maps in SEIV are not astronomically accurate. I suggest you make up your own units to describe them - Sectors, Standard Units, whatever works for you.

I see the quadrant map more as a representation of the warp paths between the systems, not as an indication of their physical location in space (although there is the issue of distance for warp point openers and such).

I personally try to avoid using 'north-south-east-west' for directions in space, these terms are meant to be used on a planet's surface.

[ June 19, 2003, 14:25: Message edited by: Chief Engineer Erax ]

[Suicide Junkie]

What is the distance of one space in the solar system view?
Variable. Using our solar system as a rough guide, each ring out from the star is twice as far as the next one in.

What is the distance of one sector between solar systems (a solar system is one sector big)
10 light-years, according to the warppoint opener components. And don't forget Pythagorus for diagonal trips.

What is the distance of one movement in tactical?
As far as you want it to be.

[ June 19, 2003, 14:21: Message edited by: Suicide Junkie ]

[dogscoff]

my 0.02:

Writing is great fun, just dive in and do it. If you find the idea of a whole game's worth a bit unnerving, start with some short stories (a few pages or so) and work your way up.

All my writing so far has been SE4 based, but not related to any actual game. I've just started some game-based writing and I have to say it's pretty daunting. I prefer the freedom of not being limited by game events, game maps etc.

Whether or not you're using an actual game as a guide though, I think the most important thing is to put some thought into your characters and their setting.
Always be asking "what would my character really do in this situation?" If you don't know, then you need to think harder about your character. It's a great way of building the characters up and avoiding unbelievable/ unrealistic scenarios.

If you have believable characters in an interesting universe (one with lots of scope for exploration, conflict and general scifi wierdery) then the story will simply write itself. Your head will fill up with great events and your only problem will catching them all on screen before they get forgotten again=-)

Finally, get as many ppl to read it as you can. Not just us lot here, but also your friends, family, colleagues... anyone who can give you an opinion and suggest improvement. Try the http://www.speculativevision.com/forum/ forum, it's a place dedicated to offereing constructive criticism to authors.

The wider the spectrum of readers, the broader your universe will become.

On that note:
Have you read Othaglot and Cane? Read it today! Just click the banner below for an interstellar tale of murder, betrayal, intrigue and a gratuitous alien shower scene.

[Erax]

This was posted by CNC Raymond on another thread, but I feel it would be more appropriate to answer it here.

I don't get how you guys can do it. Writing and not getting paid to do it is a concept far beyond my understanding. (Forum posting not withstanding.)

A) Hey, it's free therapy (at least for me).
B) I am training my writing skills so I can write better and faster when I DO get paid for it.
C) My work may inspire others, who will begin their own stories which I will read, so ultimately everyone gains.
D) Recognition by one's peers is a form of payment.

[clark]

I fully agree with you Erax, and I am proof that others work will inspire some to take to the pen... err, I mean the keyboard.

I might also add, and this is merely a warning to all other authors who have addicted me to their stories (which is all of you, bastards!), I plan on getting you all hooked on my stories.

At which point, I will require payment from all of you in the form of UPDATES to your very own stories.

[evil grin] "Ve ave vays of making you talk." Muhahahaha.

Beware, you have been warned.

[Ragnarok]

Originally posted by clark:
I fully agree with you Erax, and I am proof that others work will inspire some to take to the pen... err, I mean the keyboard.

I might also add, and this is merely a warning to all other authors who have addicted me to their stories (which is all of you, bastards!), I plan on getting you all hooked on my stories.

At which point, I will require payment from all of you in the form of UPDATES to your very own stories.

[evil grin] "Ve ave vays of making you talk." Muhahahaha.

Beware, you have been warned.

*Slowly backs off from Clark.* Uhh, ok, I think I'll be going now. *Takes off running away.* No! I can't do it! I'm too hooked on your story! *Returns and rereads the first two chapters.* Whew, I feel better now.