Each alien character has its own unique world, its own interests and passions and a particular skill that will come in useful as the series progresses. The ebooks have a connecting arc but they can be read separately without needing to read them in order.

Illustrated ebooks have 38 pages, text-only ebooks about 21 pages. Eventually the text-only stories will be converted to illustrated stories but this is not expected to happen until at least 2013. In the meantime, stories will continue to be released.

The books are similar in style and length to Mr Men books and Thomas the Tank Engine books. In fact I would say this series would fit neatly in between both these series if they were available as printed books. If the ebooks generate enough interest then the goal is to have printed versions in shops by 2013.

The plan is for one new alien character every 4 weeks or so, with an additional new character at Christmas time.

Series 1 introduces some of the characters in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Series 2 has these characters working together, while they meet and perhaps bring some new characters on board their ship. Series 3 continues this theme and develops the characters further.

There is no limit to the type of alien characters that can exist. As the series accepts different realities, dimensions, infinite numbers of pasts and futures, and the idea that everything is conscious, then absolutely anything can exist as an alien. It is not restricted to three dimensional reality plus some linear space time travel like all other types of science fiction and fantasy today. Anything is possible and anything can happen!

The series has a number of science fiction, science fantasy and metaphysical elements derived from popular media, so if you listen to channellers of alien entities, look up UFO news reports, have an understanding of real human history from before 13,000 years ago, are familiar with what has been prophesied for the human race in the next thousand years or have had encounters with aliens recently you'll probably identify with some of the storylines.

All stories contain the idea of being independent, following your dreams, passions and excitement, being true to yourself, going forward with love and integrity, helping people, and being accepting of many different races, cultures and customs in the galaxy. In essence, many children are like this today and these books reflect their thinking.

The story pages are also divided to make it attractive to young children when parents are reading to them at night. So, for example, as many pages as possible in the book leave you hanging to turn the next page and so, if you're reading it aloud to your child, you can emphasize the final sentence of that page so that your child is interested in hearing what is going to happen next. You can then emphasize the first sentence on the following page in some cases, like a punch line.

Example from Alien Bob: 
"You might be thinking, what’s so exciting about that? Anyone can grow something!
But Bob wasn’t just any old gardener.
Oh No!
Bob grew houses!"

Many ideas are included to encourage children to think outside the box. Here is an example from Alien Anneke who is an ant-like alien. I've highlighted the areas that could be emphasized when you read too.

"Alien Anneke went to her favourite park, abundant in verdant plains brilliantly lit in constantly vibrant, radiant sunlight. It was quite pleasant. She took a seat and gazed over the hills that some of the children had made. Nearby a bin was appearing and disappearing collecting sticks, leaves and other building materials."

On another note, all these stories get tested on my son first. He's given some great feedback and you'll note that the level of the writing progresses with each story with Alien Bob being the easiest to read and Alien Sophie being a bit more challenging. So when something doesn't make sense is isn't clear, he's usually there to pull me up and say "Dad, what does that mean?"

I hope you enjoy the Alien Characters stories and I'll do my best to keep bringing out off the wall, crazy, incredible characters for you.

Neil A Hogan