I know, I know...shape-shifting is for fantasy stories, not sci-fi......or is it?
One of my favorite portrayals of shape-shifters is the kid's book series Animorphs, in which the ability to "morph" as they call it, is a technology invented by an alien race. The way it works is that you have to touch a creature and acquire its DNA, which you can then access to morph anytime you want. You can only stay morphed for two earth hours or you'll become trapped in the morph forever. This actually happens in the first book to my favorite character in the series. Also, while in morph, you are subjected to all the instincts and drives of the animal you are in the form of, which can be pretty hard to fight for some animals. In theory you can acquire the DNA of someone of your species, but the heroes in Animorphs never master turning into other humans. The morphing itself feels weird but not painful as bones pop out of place and organs re-arrange themselves.
Another unique twist on shape-shifting I came across recently was in the tv show The Vampire Diaries, which I do not recommend any of you watch. In that show, the werewolves consider turning on the full moon a curse because it is very painful and requires breaking every bone in their bodies in order to take on the form of the wolf. I thought that a very interesting twist on the idea of shape-shifting.
What about yall? Any of yall have shape-shifters in your sci-fi?
How do they do it?
Would you ever consider using shape-shifting for a sci-fi story?
What tips would you offer on using shape-shifting in a story?
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