Do you enjoy weaving together little things never explored, tying up loose ends, etc? Or do you like the freedom to explore a completely created by you, unknown time/place?
Poll Trek Authors: Create or borrow?
- Thread starter Laura Cynthia Chambers
- Start date
In my case, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. When I'm writing, the answer is almost always, "It depends." Whatever is right for each story, that's what I do.
But what's your favorite thing to do?
It seems David already answered that.
When possible, I try to build my Star Trek stories from elements already established, either in the canon or in the shared literary continuity. But again, I have no preference—I just go with what works.
I wasn't sure if he'd said what he actually does, or what he likes to do or if both were one and the same or not.
For the fanfics I write, I make up a lot of things. I find it more fun.
I dunno if he has any preference in this regard, but this topic calls to mind KRAD's TLE - The Art of the Impossible. A single line in a single episode became a whole novel. Glorious.
In general, my rule of thumb is not to invent a new alien civilization if there's already one in STAR TREk that fits the bill . .. because why invent a new species of shape-changing telepaths or whatever when one already exists in the TREK universe? Plus, when you're writing in an pre-existing universe, you kinda want to play with all the toys.
But sometimes that doesn't fit the story you want tell--about a First Contact, situation, perhaps--so you can have fun inventing your own planets and races.
And, honestly, sometimes inventing a new species is easier than using one of the old staples--because you don't have to worry about staying consistent with decades of established lore about the Klingons, Andorians, Romulans, etc.
But sometimes that doesn't fit the story you want tell--about a First Contact, situation, perhaps--so you can have fun inventing your own planets and races.
And, honestly, sometimes inventing a new species is easier than using one of the old staples--because you don't have to worry about staying consistent with decades of established lore about the Klingons, Andorians, Romulans, etc.
Yeah, having to cross every t and dot every i to avoid contradictions - you don't want people going, "I hate that!" or "That didn't happen!/isn't true!" " *disgusted tone of voice* Of course Kirk met these guys first (maybe by another name). He always does."
Fascinating.
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