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Alias is complicated. That's what makes it so fun. But while part of the
fun complication lies in the emotions the show explores, in its
characters, there's more to it than that. Ever since the beginning, the
show has featured complex plotting and a unique mix of a number of
genres, including a unique mix of spy thriller and sci-fi mystery.
These are great elements to add to a fic, and necessary if you're doing
something long and plotted (which I recommend...it's harder, but the
payoff is so much greater). But if you're going to include them, it's
best to do your homework first. The good news? I've done some of
it for you.
In researching my fics, I've come across a number of resources I thought
would be helpful to other writers. Whether you're planning that killer
spy/sci-fi epic, or just need a little background for your next
vignette, hopefully they'll prove useful.
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• generally useful: They defy categorization, but I've found them immensely helpful. |
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• spy stuff: Do you know the difference between a dead drop and a brush pass? A raven
and a swallow? Better check these sites. |
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• guns & tech: Not quite as good as your own personal Marshall, but we do what we can. |
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• alias characters & canon: Know your show, and know your characters. Everything about them. Because there's no excuse
for "Sidney." |
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• rambaldi: A little background on our favorite old-school mad scientist. |
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• locations: Personally, I've stalked Berlin, Bloomington and St. Petersburg. If you
need them in a fic, now you don't have to. How to research cities and
countries for your fic. |
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• names: Fic have new characters? Well, they're gonna need names. |
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• languages: Essential for so many spy fics. Because swearing is so much more fun in
another language. |
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• biology & medicine: Since Alias has taken a biotech turn
lately, you might need these. |
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• money & finance: Spies do crazy stuff with money. Perhaps
you'll need to as well. |
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• wine: If your suave spies are drinking white zinfandel, you might want to
check this out. |
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• music: I'm not a big fan of songfic. But I am a big fan of
setting the mood while you write. |
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• writing an epic: I've done it twice. About to go for three. Here's what I've learned. |
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If you have any suggestions for resources in these topic areas, please
email me. |
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