. Sit down and sketch out how your story is going to unfold. You may use a plot diagram to make the outline or use the snowflake method. Regardless of which method you use, your plot should have a central conflict and a climax or high point of the narrative. You should also focus on building tension in the story so your reader stays engaged and continues turning the page. You should also make sure you are keeping in mind how aliens and humans are interacting in your story. The humans and the aliens should be playing off each other, creating tension and conflict as the story unfolds. The interests of the humans should also be in opposition to the interest of the aliens, as this will ensure they are always in conflict with each other. Alien sci-fi can be littered with cliches, or descriptions so familiar they lose their meaning or relevance. Cliches like "little green men", "alien invasion" and "UFOs found in the woods on a foggy night" should be avoided. Instead, try to create descriptions that will feel unfamiliar and surprising to the reader. Whenever you feel a phrase or term is too well known, try to change it so it does not fall into cliche. For example, you may describe the alien species as "having a wide head with bulbous eyes and a pair of thin antennas that twitched with energy." This description is detailed and clear without using cliched images. You may also describe UFOs as "flying dinner plates" or "gray ships in the sky" and avoid using the term "UFO" altogether to try to make the reader less familiar with the storyline. Unlike other genres, science fiction should lean on elements of real world science to create a believable fictional world. Your story should integrate science that contain fundamental science, such as technology, chemistry, biology, or advanced scientific ideas. Your reader should be able to think elements of the story could be possible, at least scientifically speaking. You may want to do research around a specific scientific concept and try to integrate it into your story. For example, maybe your alien race has found a way to time travel using spacetime and the theory of relativity. You may then describe the alien's approach to spacetime, using the principles of spacetime in science. Do this in front of a mirror at home and record yourself as you read. Or, read your draft in front of a sympathetic audience. You can then listen to yourself read the story and note any sentences or phrases that sounded wordy or unclear. You may also solicit feedback from your audience by asking questions about whether they found the story exciting or engaging and where they felt the story dipped in terms of energy and pacing. You should then go back and edit your first draft. Revise any sentences that sound wordy or unclear. Break up long-winded sentences so they are more concise and to the point. If there are any confusing moments in terms of plot or character development, you should also clarify these areas in the story. You may need to rewrite certain sections of the stories so plot and character are stronger on the page.
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One-sentence summary -- Make a plot outline Avoid cliche descriptions. Integrate science into the story. Read your first draft out loud.

Make sure it has a soft texture to avoid damaging your sink. Wet the cloth with lukewarm tap water. Wring out any excess water. Squirt a drop or two of mild dish washing liquid onto the cloth. Scrub in gentle circular strokes until the buildup begins to disappear. Move with the grain of the sink. Use cool water to dilute to dish detergent completely. If you don't have a sprayer, direct the water with your hands or a cup. Target detergent suds and any remaining soap buildup. Continue to rinse until all debris has been flushed down the drain. Use a fresh towel or cloth with a soft texture. Move in a gentle circular motion with the grain. Continue until the sink is completely dry.
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One-sentence summary -- Get a clean cloth or towel. Use dish detergent. Rinse the sink. Dry the sink.

Give suggestions to your spouse and/or your family ahead of time to help pave the way for better relations. Suggest "safe" discussion topics to both parties. Tell your spouse or your family about common interests. For example, "John, I'm not sure if I mentioned that you and my brother both love skiing." Bring up each other's interesting hobbies. Perhaps your grandmother has fascinating travel stories she loves to share, or your spouse coaches soccer on weekends. Make sure to mention what kinds of conversation topics to avoid as well. As a general rule, politics and religion are bad to discuss unless you are sure everyone is on the same page with their beliefs. If your spouse struggles to get along with your family and finds family events stressful, have a plan in place to leave if needed. You may decide to: Give your family a departure time when you arrive. For example, "We need to leave by noon. We have to pick up a friend from the airport." Have your spouse send you a text message when they are ready to go. Have your spouse give you a prearranged signal, like a gesture or a phrase that means they want to leave. For example, your partner could stand behind you and rub your shoulders to indicate they want to go, while you are still around your family members. Let your spouse know acceptable ways to check out for a bit, if leaving isn't an option. For example, "In my family, no one cares if we're all sitting together and someone is reading a newspaper or magazine. You can do this if you feel like you need a break and no one will question you." If a fight breaks out in the middle of a family event between your spouse and your family, or if your family is consistently treating your spouse poorly, enforce a break and leave with your spouse. Try not to let your partner leave the event alone. You want to indicate to your family that you are supporting your spouse. For example, you could say, "I think this situation is getting to be stressful for everyone. Kate and I are going to leave now. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I am getting upset and we need to take a break." If you are at an event where you can't get away easily (for example, on vacation), call a timeout for a few hours or the remainder of the day. In the meantime, get as much physical distance as you can between you and your spouse and your family. If the relationship between your family and your spouse continues to deteriorate, consider limiting their exposure to each other, perhaps confined to holidays or important family events. Discuss with your spouse how much family time will be acceptable to both of you so you have a plan ready when the next invitation comes. You may wish to reveal the reasons that your spouse is no longer accompanying you to family events, but you do not have to. You can make an excuse for your spouse (for example, they have to work), if you feel that will be a better way to keep the peace. You may find that a cooling off period is all your family or your spouse require, and they may be able to move forward after a break. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all. You may also find your family or your spouse more willing to make an effort after a significant life change, like the birth of a child, a death in the family, or a move.
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One-sentence summary -- Have conversation starters ready. Discuss an exit strategy ahead of time. Leave if it gets hostile. Limit contact.

Sometimes it will cost you money, but you might find the advice you receive from your peers is worth the investment. They'll also advise you about stocks that they're watching and will likely mention a couple of ideas that you would otherwise have missed. There are many day traders out there who share their trades, in real time, for free on social media. Why not follow them to get some great ideas about stocks you should watch? Although the Information Age has made it easy to "meet" people online, it's also great to connect with others in real life as well. Join an investment club meetup in your area to gain insights about which securities other people are watching as well as to just enjoy a bit of a social life. You can get free and premium stock picks from companies who do the research for you. These picks can help you discover new ideas and investment methodologies. Of course, you should remain diligent and avoid buying into any hype or promotions.
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One-sentence summary --
Join an online group of like-minded day traders. Follow day traders on social media. Join meetups. Sign up for a stock research newsletter.