Focused Workshop: Monster Design

Hello science fiction and fantasy writers!

This week, we're having another focused workshop at Justin's house. As usual, first-timers are welcome; no need to feel weird about going to a stranger's house—just come in and go with the flow.

In honor of Halloween, this time we are inviting you to take part in an especially spooky prompt: Write a single page detailing a monster that exists in your world.

Your monster might simply be an exotic animal, just doing what comes naturally. It could be a living weapon, or an experiment gone wrong, or a being which has existed since the beginning of time. While there's no one good way to make a monster, here are a few elements to consider:

-What is the monster's lifecycle? If your monster comes from nature, chances are that it was born and will eventually die just like anything else. What does that look like? Consider an example like the xenomorph from Alien, which has arguably the most iconic monster lifecycle ever put to screen.

-How have the inhabitants of your world reacted to this monster? No good monster exists in a vacuum, and the society of your world may be forced to adapt to that monster's quirky idiosyncrasies, its deadly hunting habits, or maybe even its impact on the local economy. Consider real-world superstitions involving silver, salt, and garlic for examples.

-What does the monster stand for? Outside the text of the story itself, many monsters are stand-ins for the fears of the day. From werewolves that warned of the scourge of rabies, to the mighty Godzilla representing the threat of nuclear annihilation, to the humble zombie speaking to the dangers of consumerism, many good monsters are more than just something scary which goes bump in the night—they represent a fear that sticks with you, long after the immediate danger has passed.

-What are the monster's abilities? Many monsters have capabilities which are viewed to be either strange or unnatural, whether they end up being rooted in the supernatural, or just plain biology. From the acid blood of the xenomorph, to Godzilla's atomic breath, to even Pikachu's electric shocks, the way a monster affects the world around it plays a large part in what makes that monster unique.

-Last but not least, what does the monster look like? A plant? An animal? Something in-between? Does it look familiar, or is it almost unrecognizable? For inspiration on exotic monster designs, consider things like insects, deep-sea fish, or even certain types of fungi. But remember, there's nothing wrong with a relatively simple design, if that best fits with what the monster is attempting to get across.

Note: If the world of your project does not have monsters in it, consider creating a monster that is fictional within your setting, such a creature of folklore, a cryptid, or a mythological beast. Many of the above design principles will still apply, and the focus of your write-up can rest more on how the idea of this monster affects the wider public of your world.

Here’s to a scary-good workshop!