Between Worlds
How Writers Can Discover Their Subgenre in Paranormal Romance Fiction
You’re a writer, you’ve written a lot, and you’re fascinated by the evergreen paranormal romance field. The books are great and romance sells! So, how do you decide if you want to write a story about demons, werewolves, vampires, shape-shifters, or other fantastical creatures? Mostly you go with your gut! Loosely translated, that is what do you love to read?
In the realm of romance literature, there’s that vibrant and diverse landscape of paranormal romance. With its blend of otherworldly elements and passionate relationships, this genre captivates readers who are drawn to the mysterious, the supernatural, and the fantastical. For writers venturing to test these waters, there’s a crucial decision ahead: selecting the perfect subgenre to explore within paranormal romance. Vampires, werewolves, witches, aliens, gargoyles, or ghosts, the choice will shape the direction of your storytelling journey.
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Let’s talk about how to decide. You’re going to need the desire to research, lots of imagination, and your personal passion whether it leans to the alien, the supernatural, or something else.
Demons are big, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be big next month or next year. So don’t write for a fad, write from your passion. Vampires are a steady seller, spiking and retreating, but holding their own. The key here is a new angle, a new twist. You need to familiarize yourself with the various subgenres within paranormal romance to understand their unique characteristics. You probably already have to some extent as no doubt read in the area that greatly appeals to you. From urban fantasy to paranormal cozy mysteries, each subgenre offers distinct themes, settings, and storytelling conventions. Dive into popular novels within each subgenre, analyze their plot structures, character dynamics, and world-building techniques.
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When writing a paranormal romance, you have to create a whole world. Don’t think you can cheat and steal bits and pieces from various other ‘worlds’ you’ve read about. It will most assuredly fall flat. Create your own world and be consistent within that world. Research any angle of your idea you can. You must know the mythology of the world you create, inside and out. Is the backdrop for your ‘creatures’ our world? If you’re writing about shape-shifters, do they retain any animal traits while in human form or human traits while in animal form? Are your vampires immortal or just really long-lived? Does the sun do them in or is that just a myth? Are demons the good guys or the bad? If they’re good, what is their origin? For that matter, if they’re bad, what is their origin!? Think about it, make notes, be thorough. This is your world, infuse it with your own creative flair. What unique twist or perspective can you bring to the table? Whether it’s reimagining classic folklore, introducing innovative supernatural creatures, or subverting traditional romance tropes, strive to carve out your niche within the genre. Embrace your voice as a writer and trust your instincts. You’ll stand out amidst the sea of paranormal romance offerings.
The fantasy of paranormal romances is of great appeal to the reader. It provides the reader the opportunity to completely abandon everyday life and wander into new worlds. It offers a chance to ‘suspend disbelief’, something readers love to do anyway, at least for a little while.
Follow your bliss, follow your passion, and keep your center. Don’t focus on market shifts, fads, and what’s ‘hot’. Read continuously and study the market. Consider what you like and don’t like about books you read, the elements you might change or leave out, and what you would take a step further. Bringing a new eye to the genre, a new twist is key to breaking in and staying in.
Remember, when it comes to this genre pretty much anything goes. Let your imagination fly free, be thorough when creating your world, maintain some of the basic ‘expectations’ of whatever creature or creatures you’re developing, and then find new and unique ways to thrill the reader.
Photo by Mike Bosch on Unsplash
A bit of last advice, Listen to Your Characters! In the realm of paranormal romance, characters are often imbued with supernatural abilities, quirks, and desires that shape the dynamics of their relationships and the trajectory of the plot. Listen to the whispers of your characters and allow them to guide you toward the subgenre that best suits their stories. Whether your protagonist is a brooding vampire with a haunted past, a fiery witch battling dark forces, or a reluctant werewolf torn between love and duty, their journey will inevitably lead you toward the heart of your chosen subgenre. Oh, and don’t try to cram too many ‘creatures’ or ‘beings’ into your romance novel. Vampires, gnomes, aliens, werewolves, angels, etc., all in the same book, will just lead to confusion and make it impossible to seamlessly blend your story.
So, choosing the right subgenre in paranormal romance writing is a deeply personal and creative decision. By exploring your passions, studying the subgenres, considering your unique twist, playing to your strengths, listening to your characters, and staying flexible, you can embark on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and storytelling mastery. So, cast off the veil of uncertainty, embrace the magic within, and let your imagination soar as you embark on your quest to weave tales of love, longing, and the supernatural.
Resources — want some weird stuff, try this:
I offer a class on Romance Writing on UDEMY called Romancing Your Novel *
*Don’t forget to come visit me on Social Media and Amazon;
Want to learn from me? Check out Romancing Your Novel, my UDMY romance writing course.
*And if you’re interested in fun gift ideas for writers or just cool stuff for yourself, visit my shop over on Zazzle (yes, I’d get a small commission should you click and purchase) at https://www.zazzle.com/store/storyseeker
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Great information! Remember to be yourself whatever the choice.
Exactly! Well chosen advice.