5 Tips for Writing a Kick-Ass Pulp Fiction Space Adventure
Pulp fiction space adventures are the quintessential combination of fast-paced action, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable characters. If you're making an attempt at writing your own pulp fiction space adventure, look no further than the master of the genre himself, Edgar Rice Burroughs. You might know ERB from my earlier mini bio post about him (HERE), or if you are reading this then you are probably a fan already. ERB's second most famous work, behind Tarzan, is almost certainly The Barsoom Series. Or better known by the title John Carter of Mars. In this little article, we will smack down on some of the tips that I have gleaned from reading ERB's Barsoom series and to a lesser degree, his Venus series.
Tip #1: Start with a Strong Hero
Every great space adventure needs a hero, and Burroughs' heroes are the epitome of badass. They're strong, capable, and always ready for action. They also happen to be males, so get over it.
Your hero doesn't have to be perfect, or male, but they do need to be interesting and relatable to your readers. Think about John Carter, he's not just some generic space explorer; he's got a personality, a sense of humor, and badass strength while on Mars. Not only that, but he was also a semi-ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances (I only say semi because he was a Civil War vet).
When you're creating your hero, make sure they're someone you and your readers will enjoy spending time with. They do not have to be invincible, give them weaknesses and real human characteristics. Have them fail. This will give the reader something to identify with. For example, your hero is also an alcoholic or is blind in one eye.
Tip #2: Create a Unique World
Burroughs was a master of world-building, and his stories always had a sense of wonder and excitement. When reading his books, you feel an innate desire to learn more, to explore this mysterious place he created.
When you're creating your own space adventure, think about the world your characters will inhabit. Is it a gritty, dystopian world like Blade Runner, or a bright and colorful galaxy like Guardians of the Galaxy? What kind of technology exists in your world? What are the alien races like? What kind of planets will your hero explore? Make sure your world is unique and exciting, and that it feels like a place your readers will want to visit. Maintain an air of mystery about the world, drops hints of deeper history and lore, but do not explore all of them. There is power in mystery.
Tip #3: Add Some Pizzazz
Pulp fiction stories are all about the pizzazz. They're over-the-top, action-packed, and full of unforgettable moments. Don't be afraid to throw in some crazy plot twists, wild action scenes, and epic showdowns between the hero and the villain. And make sure you're not taking yourself too seriously. This is pulp fiction, after all! Add some irreverent comedy and make your readers laugh while they're on the edge of their seats.
You want to fill your pulp with vivid and lurid descriptions of people, places, and things. Don't just say "the night was dark", say instead "the Stygian blackness of night". Instead of "the ugly alien", say the "hideous undulating monstrosity". Maybe those were not the best examples...fuck off...you get what I mean.
Pulp writing was all about escapism and entertainment, not about "the message", so if you want to write some sort of narrative commentary on society or politics pick a different genre. Don't ruin this one for us. Pulp adventures are a way to get away from the myriad of disasters going on in our modern world.
Tip #4: Develop a Memorable Villain
Every hero needs a great villain to fight against, and Burroughs' villains are some of the most memorable in literature. From John Carter's fight against the Warlord of Mars to Tarzan's battles with evil poachers and imperialists, Burroughs knew how to create a villain that readers would love to hate (or is it hate to love?). When you're creating your own villain, make sure they're memorable and unique. What's their backstory? What motivates them? What kind of minions do they have at their disposal? And most importantly, what makes them a worthy opponent for your hero? Often, they will get the better of the hero until the last moment when they are overcome by the brilliance of your main character. You can check out my blog post on creating a memorable villain HERE.
Tip #5: Embrace the Tropes
Pulp fiction space adventures are full of tropes, and that's part of what makes them so much fun. From laser gun fights to alien invasions to space battles, there are plenty of tropes to choose from. Don't be afraid to embrace these quirks and make adapt them as your own. Remember, just because something is a trope doesn't mean it has to be predictable. Add your own twists and turns to keep your readers on their toes, sometimes the villain loses where he is supposed to win or the hero wins when he is supposed to lose.
Writing a kick-ass pulp fiction space adventure takes some work, but with the tips and tricks from Edgar Rice Burroughs and others in the genre, you can create a unique world and vivid characters that readers will come back to over and over again. Have fun with it, add some pizzazz, and embrace the tropes. And who knows? Maybe someday your hero will be as iconic as John Carter and Tarzan.
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