#141. How To Create Believable Monsters With Randy Ellefson

Fiction Writing Made Easy

“The object itself didn't cause the conflict. The person who made the choice with the object caused the conflict.” - Randy Ellefson
In today’s episode, we’re going to cover something really fun—how to create believable monsters. And I have a special guest joining me today—someone that knows way more about creating monsters than I do. His name is Randy Ellefson, and he is the author of The Art of World Building. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
[03:48] Randy gives us his definition of a monster, what physical or physiological deformities they may have, and whether they are sentient beings.
[16:05] Randy breaks down the three types of monsters: accidental monsters, monsters by design, and monsters by evolution.
[28:42] Is it more effective to compel readers to keep reading despite knowing the outcome, or to cultivate curiosity that propels the audience to move forward?
[29:15] Randy shares common monster motivations, including a popular one that may lack credibility.
[50:47] The idea of exploring diverse topics and genres can expose writers to new ideas and provide fresh perspectives, even for writers not typically inclined towards fantasy, sci-fi, or historical fiction.
Links mentioned in this episode:

• Click here to register for the free Sci-Fi & Fantasy Author's Summit hosted by Paula Judith Johnson and Randy Ellefson!
• Randy's Website
• Randy's Books
• Randy's Worldbuilding Classes
• Ep. 111 - Student Spotlight: From Messy First Draft to Publishing His Debut Novel With Edward J. Cembal
• Read this episode's blog post here!

Last chance to get your hands on the extra-special pre-order bonuses!
Click here to pre-order a copy of my brand-new book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, to get the pre-order bonuses for free! Expires August 4th.

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Chapters

1. Creating Believable Monsters (00:00:00)

2. Defining Monsters and Creatures in Literature (00:04:39)

3. Monsters and Species in Sci-Fi (00:15:57)

4. Exploring Monster Motivations in Writing (00:28:08)

5. Monster vs. Creature (00:39:08)

6. Monsters and World Building Discussion (00:44:37)