Stephen King says roughly the same thing in Danse Macabre, that the moment the author reveals the monster, the monster fails to frighten as much any more. I find that you're spot on regarding lazy descriptions, and your example movie ("Arrival") presents a fine example of an alternative approach where aliens are so alien in their behavior that their appearance doesn't even matter.
Excellent tips any sci-fi/horror writing! I have read Lovecraft and while we are used to thinking about tendrils and tentacles when it comes to his stuff, it’s true that he never quite gets into the specifics. The Colour Out of Space is proper creepy, I also enjoy the Dunwich Horror for a similar feel!
Stephen King says roughly the same thing in Danse Macabre, that the moment the author reveals the monster, the monster fails to frighten as much any more. I find that you're spot on regarding lazy descriptions, and your example movie ("Arrival") presents a fine example of an alternative approach where aliens are so alien in their behavior that their appearance doesn't even matter.
Ohh thank you for the Stephen King ref. I haven't read this one but it has to go on my TBR!!
Excellent tips any sci-fi/horror writing! I have read Lovecraft and while we are used to thinking about tendrils and tentacles when it comes to his stuff, it’s true that he never quite gets into the specifics. The Colour Out of Space is proper creepy, I also enjoy the Dunwich Horror for a similar feel!
oohh Dunwich Horror is so good too! Thank you for taking the time to read this :))