m. c. de marco: To invent new life and new civilizations...

Star Wars Origins

Kristen Brennan’s Star Wars Origins: How did George Lucas create Star Wars? [link via del.icio.us scifi] includes some interesting history of science fantasy and side-by-side comparisons with the Matrix and Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey, Dune, Ben-Hur, and other influences. There’s also writing advice at the end.