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into the use of ideas and researching. His methods might not be for everyone, but he still provides you with a unique insight into how important the science in SF really is.
2. World Building by Kim Richards
The simplest way to explain this is that it's fantasy world building, only from an SF approach. Aliens instead of goblins and elves, alien cultures instead of medieval countries, etc. Depending on the type of SF you intend to write this could be a hit or miss. I found it useful because I do like designing alternate worlds, and it did give a glossed over version of dealing with alien creations.

3. Alien Creation Michael McRae
Just read the title and you'll know what this is about. McRae does go into this by making a point that your aliens don't have to be human, but they have to have a human element to them. If something is too alien it will be impossible to translate it to an audience of people who are human. So, even if your aliens have twelve arms and three mouths, you have to make it so the audience can identify with it. A really good article here for anyone wanting to make aliens.
4. Navigating Your Way Through Outer Space: Facts, Theories, and Conjecture by Jeanne Allen
Another very brief article, but I think this is still effective. It should be expanded though, and I hope that Dragon Moon does so. Allen discusses the vastness of space-stars, galaxies, and beyond-while pointing out how harsh space is. Everything from radiation to the effects of zero gravity on the human body, methods of creating artificial gravity to methods of space travel-real and otherwise-and even the enhancement of humans via artificial means. A good introduction to everything, and very valuable.
5. I Don't Know That Bug-Eyes Monster From Adam: Cliches In SF by Milena Benini
A discussion of the cliches in SF. Really it's impossible for this to be any more limited because there are so many cliches in SF anyway. However, it serves as an example of the types of things that have been done to death already and what you need to do to make sure that any cliche elements you use come off as more creative and interesting.

Part Three: Crafting

1. Bringing Characters To Life by Tina Morgan
Basically a brief discussion on how to make your characters more lifelike. Giving them little habits and such to make them seem real. We've heard it before, but I think the basics of writing tend to be left out of genre specific books for writers. Now genre writers have a place they can go to get most,

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