Ideas....
As I work on this fictional universe I want to balance actually writing stories with creating background. Too much background and, well, I have some interesting stuff but it doesn't really amount to stories. And while I love writing stories (I have several in various stages) I have a hard time not coming up with more background ideas.....
This is especially true with the human Paranormals. Here's what I like.....this idea of normal humans with extraordinary (or, at least, odd) abilities. Not new, you say? No, not at all. The TV show Heroes, explored the same turf. So too, The X-Men and Spiderman so I'm not covering anything new. Don't let me try to fool you into thinking that I am.
But I can't help but think of these characters and these abilities and ask all sorts of questions.....
For every ability, there are repercussions. We don't always see that in these stories do we? I don't think we do. I want to explore that especially. And while I have some obvious Paranormals, I want to create some odd, some different, some unique Paranormals as well.
Many of my Paranormals are 'shapeshifters' but being a Sam Merlotte, for instance (for you who are familiar with True Blood or The Southern Vampire Mysteries) is one thing, being able to shapeshift into other things besides animals interests me. Which is where I got the idea of Plantiforms from. Imagine being a shapeshifter and being able to shift into any plant you want but still be able to see, to hear, to smell, to experience your surroundings. What if...as a 'strong' Plantiform, you might be able to become part plant, part human? Instead of arms, you have aggressive vines, maybe. Maybe even vines with thorns, say. That seemed interesting to me. Another shapeshifter I'm toying with is what I call a Familia. Imagine being able to shapeshift into any of your family members...what would that be like? How would that work? Maybe 'weak' Familias would only shift into direct family members while 'strong' Familias could 'extend' their reach to more extended family. That seemed interesting to me. Different.
As I develop background on various Paranormal types and list them on here (several are listed already) I'll be interested to hear thoughts from people on them. I'll be aiming for a mix of the familiar (hopefully with a new twist) and the totally original. At the same time, I need to make sure I give myself time to actually write stories. Again, all background and no stories.....not my goal.
Here's one other idea for you before I quit my musing....how about a shapeshifter who's a Lawner? Yeah.....a Lawner.....someone who can only shift into objects you'd commonly find on a lawn. Odd, right? Kind of boring, on the one hand, but, on the other.....kind of interesting in a bizarre way. You can't change into a bird but you can change into a plastic flamingo. You can become a lawn chair or a bird bath, a garden gnome or a figure in a Nativity scene. While you're in whatever 'lawn' object you've shifted into, you keep all your senses about you. (Kiddie pool, anyone?) Not sure I'll actually develop the idea but it struck me as oddly funny and weird so.....maybe.
Ok. Hadn't posted anything 2029 related lately, work takes a lot out of me and I come home and crash early it seems like. To anyone interested in all of this, I am stealing time at work to do some story writing and will try to have at least one or two rough drafts up by the weekend. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks for reading......
All concepts, copyright M.R. McCaffery, 2012. All rights reserved.
3 comments:
what about personality traits?? like does gaining the power come with boastfulness, insecurities... ? or do you stay the same?
did it comment? wait. i guess ill ask it again.
does there come with personality traits? like when you gain a power do you become more boastful? more insecure? certain with certain powers?
That's a great question. Most human Paranormals discover their powers in adolescence though a rare few are 'late bloomers' and get their powers later on (in their 20's, 30's or, for a very rare few, even later).
Since the law says you have to register with the government if you have paranormal powers (you wind up on website like a sex offender) most Paras aren't into boasting and bragging. There's a real range too in power. As with most things, most Paras are 'average' while some are 'weak' and others, 'strong'.
All that being said, there does seem to be a connection between certain personality traits and certain Paranormal powers. Pyros, Paranormals who have powers over fire, are often impulsive and 'hotheaded' (though not always). Certain Para powers seem to feed on aggression and violence. But, as in all things, you always have variation and folks can fight their impulses, find ways to control their emotions, and not go down one path or another.
Thanks for the question!
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