#JustTheTipTuesday Paranormal Romance?
Hey there, Wordmaker!
Welcome to #JustTheTipTuesday where I share writing tips and tricks to help romance authors perfect their craft. This series, Romance 101, will cover the basics you need to get started. It’s an ongoing series.
We delved into the timelessness of the subgenre, from classic tales to modern interpretations.
We discussed the key elements that make historical romances so enchanting, such as believable settings, strong characters, and satisfying romantic arcs. Whether you're a reader looking for your next favorite book or an aspiring writer eager to bring fresh perspectives to the genre, I covered tips, insights, and exciting recommendations.
Today, I’m shifting gears to another subgenre: paranormal romance.
The popularity of paranormal romance has soared over the years, attracting a dedicated fanbase. I love this genre for its ability to mix high-stakes drama with deep emotional connections. The supernatural elements heighten the tension and stakes, making the romantic journey even more compelling. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of magic and mystery woven into their love stories?
I’m here to explore its key elements, share some fantastic reads, and offer tips for those interested in writing their own supernatural love stories.
What is Paranormal Romance?
For starters, it’s one of my favorite subgenres. Paranormal romance blends the traditional elements of a love story with the supernatural. It’s where the everyday world meets the fantastical, creating an exciting and mysterious backdrop for romantic tales. If you enjoy stories where love transcends the ordinary and ventures into the realms of magic, mystery, and the unknown, then paranormal romance is definitely your cup of whiskey.
So, what exactly makes a romance “paranormal”? At its core, paranormal romance involves romantic relationships between characters, but with a twist – one or both of the lovers might be vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts, or possess some other supernatural ability. These stories are set in worlds where the impossible becomes possible, and the ordinary rules don’t always apply.
Genre Conventions and Standards
Paranormal romance is all about combining the magic of the supernatural with the heartwarming elements of a love story. It’s a genre that invites readers to escape into a world where anything is possible, and love conquers all, even the most extraordinary challenges. To make these stories compelling and engaging, there are some key conventions and standards that authors often follow.
Supernatural Elements: One of the most defining features of paranormal romance is the inclusion of supernatural beings and phenomena. Think vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts, and even other mythical creatures. These elements add a layer of mystery tension, and conflict that transforms a romance. The supernatural aspects aren’t just a backdrop. They are integral to the plot and the characters’ development.
The Blending of Romance and Paranormal Aspects: In paranormal romance, the love story is at the heart of the narrative, but it’s intricately woven with paranormal elements. This means the romance isn’t just about two people falling in love; it’s about how their love story is impacted and shaped by the supernatural. For instance, a vampire’s immortality can bring unique challenges and conflicts to a relationship with a mortal. The blending of these aspects creates a richer, more layered story.
The Balance Between the Real World and the Supernatural: A successful paranormal romance balances the familiar with the fantastical. The real world provides a grounding element that readers can relate to, while the supernatural elements introduce excitement and intrigue. This balance helps to make the extraordinary seem plausible. For example, the story might be set in a seemingly normal small town, but beneath the surface, there’s a hidden world of magic and mystery. This duality keeps readers hooked, as they navigate between the known and the unknown.
Emotional and Romantic Stakes Heightened by Paranormal Elements: In paranormal romance, the stakes are often much higher than in typical love stories. The presence of supernatural elements can introduce life-and-death situations, epic battles, and ancient curses, all of which heighten the emotional and romantic stakes. Love in these stories isn’t just about navigating everyday obstacles; it’s about overcoming extraordinary challenges that test the characters' commitment and strength. This amplifies the drama and intensity, making the romance even more gripping.
So, whether it’s a werewolf grappling with his dual nature while trying to protect his human lover, or a witch hiding her powers from a skeptical society while falling for a mortal, the conventions of paranormal romance ensure that the story is filled with excitement, tension, and deep emotional connections. By blending romance with the supernatural and balancing the real with the fantastical, authors create captivating tales that transport readers to a world where love truly knows no bounds.
How to Write Paranormal Romance
Writing paranormal romance is like concocting a magical potion—you need the right mix of ingredients to create a story that’s enchanting and emotionally powerful. Here are some tips to help you brew the perfect paranormal romance.
Researching and Building a Believable Paranormal World: The foundation of any good paranormal romance is a well-crafted world where the supernatural elements feel real and immersive. Start by deciding what kind of supernatural beings or phenomena you want to include. Whether it's vampires, witches, or ghosts, make sure you understand their lore and rules. Research myths, legends, and even other paranormal stories to build a solid framework. Your world should have consistent rules that govern the supernatural elements, and these rules should impact your plot and characters in meaningful ways.
Creating Compelling, Multidimensional Characters with Paranormal Traits: Your characters should be more than just their supernatural abilities. Flesh them out with personalities, backgrounds, and motivations that make them relatable and complex. Give them strengths and weaknesses, and let their paranormal traits add depth to their character arcs. For instance, a werewolf might struggle with controlling their animalistic side, or a witch could grapple with the ethical dilemmas of using magic. These internal conflicts make your characters more engaging and real to readers.
Balancing the Romance and Paranormal Elements: In paranormal romance, the love story should be central, but the supernatural aspects should significantly impact the relationship. Balance these elements so that neither overshadows the other. The romance should drive the emotional core of the story, while the paranormal elements add excitement and conflict. Think about how the supernatural traits of your characters influence their romantic interactions. Do they have to keep their true nature a secret? Are there external threats related to their paranormal world that they must face together? This balance keeps the story dynamic and captivating.
Developing a Plot that Intertwines the Supernatural with the Romantic Arc: Your plot should weave the romantic and supernatural elements seamlessly. The challenges your characters face should arise naturally from the intersection of their love story and the paranormal world. For example, if one character is a vampire and the other a human, the plot could revolve around the difficulties of bridging their different worlds. Ensure that the supernatural elements propel the romance forward and vice versa, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative.
Crafting Intense, Emotional Scenes that Resonate with Readers: Emotional depth is crucial in paranormal romance. Readers should feel the intensity of the characters’ love and the high stakes of their supernatural world. Create scenes that showcase the emotional and romantic stakes, whether it's a tender moment of vulnerability or a thrilling confrontation with a supernatural threat. Use vivid descriptions and sensory details to draw readers into these scenes, making them feel the characters' emotions and the tension of their world.
It's all about creating a believable world, developing multidimensional characters, balancing romance with the paranormal, intertwining these elements in your plot, and delivering emotional scenes that resonate. With these ingredients, your paranormal romance will be a spellbinding read.
Why People Love to Read Paranormal Romance
Paranormal romance has a special charm that keeps readers coming back for more. It's not just about the love story; it's about the magical, mysterious worlds these romances inhabit. Here’s why so many people adore diving into paranormal romance.
One of the biggest draws of paranormal romance is the escape it offers. Who wouldn’t want to take a break from the daily grind and step into a world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and fantastical adventures? Whether it’s wandering through enchanted forests or exploring ancient, hidden realms, paranormal romance lets readers leave behind reality and lose themselves in a spellbinding universe where anything is possible.
The characters in paranormal romances are often multi-dimensional. They have unique abilities and backstories that set them apart from ordinary human characters. Whether it’s a brooding vampire with a dark past or a shapeshifter struggling with dual identities, these characters have depth and complexity that make their stories compelling. We enjoy delving into their inner conflicts and rooting for them as they navigate both love and the supernatural. It’s part of the reason why the stakes are often much higher than in typical love stories. The supernatural elements introduce challenges that go beyond the usual relationship hurdles. There might be ancient curses to break, deadly enemies to defeat, or magical secrets to protect. These high stakes create intense, dramatic romances that are deeply engaging. The love stories in paranormal romances often feel epic, with emotions running high and the outcomes uncertain, making the journey all the more captivating.
Lastly, this subgenre often features the forbidden love trope. The idea of two characters from different worlds or species falling in love despite all odds is the kinda thing romance readers live for. Add in a couple of epic battles often featured in these stories—whether against dark forces, rival factions, or inner demons—and you’ve got a recipe for a thrilling, heart-pounding read. So whether you’re in it for the magic, romance, or adventure, paranormal romance has something enchanting for everyone.
How the Subgenre Has Changed and Grown Over Time
Paranormal romance has come a long way from its early days, evolving and growing in ways that keep readers hooked. Initially, the genre leaned heavily on traditional gothic elements—dark, brooding castles, mysterious moors, and eerie settings rich with dread and suspense. These stories often featured haunted mansions and tragic, tormented love affairs. While these elements are still beloved, the genre has significantly branched out.
Today, you’re just as likely to find a paranormal romance set in an urban environment. Urban fantasy settings bring the supernatural into our everyday world, with magical beings living alongside humans in contemporary cities. This shift makes the genre feel more immediate and relatable, blending the extraordinary with the familiar.
Gothic romances have also evolved, maintaining their dark, atmospheric charm while featuring more empowered heroines and nuanced plots. Modern gothic tales blend the eerie and mysterious with contemporary issues, creating stories that are both haunting and relevant. Characters now confront these elements with a modern sensibility, making for an intriguing blend of old and new.
As societal attitudes have changed, so have the portrayal of relationships and characters in paranormal romance. One of the most exciting changes is the increasing diversity in every aspect of the genre. Authors bring a wide array of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives into their stories. This means more diverse characters, not just in terms of race and ethnicity, but also in terms of sexuality, gender identity, and cultural background. Settings are becoming more varied, moving beyond the typical European-inspired locales to include a rich tapestry of global environments. Additionally, the supernatural beings themselves are more diverse, drawing on a wide range of mythologies and folklore from around the world. This diversity enriches the genre, making it more inclusive and reflective of the real world, while also introducing readers to new and exciting myths and legends. A popular new mashup I’ve been enjoying is the paranormal rom-com. These stories combine the supernatural with humor and romance, offering light-hearted, magical escapades that are both enchanting and entertaining.
While vampires and werewolves will always have a special place in paranormal romance, there’s been a surge in stories featuring new and lesser-known supernatural creatures. Authors are getting creative, introducing readers to everything from elemental beings and shapeshifters to fae and merfolk and actual literal monsters. Alongside these new creatures, we’re also seeing unique supernatural abilities that go beyond the traditional. This exploration keeps the genre innovative and engaging, offering readers new and intriguing characters to fall in love with.
Authors are also blending paranormal romance with other genres, creating hybrid stories that appeal to a broader audience. You might find paranormal romance crossed with thriller, mystery, or even science fiction elements. This blending adds layers of complexity and excitement, enriching the storytelling. Imagine a paranormal romance with a gripping murder mystery or a love story set in a futuristic world where magic and technology coexist. These hybrid tales offer something for everyone, combining the best elements of multiple genres into one compelling narrative.
These trends are not only keeping paranormal romance fresh and exciting but also expanding its horizons. Whether it's urban settings, diverse mythologies, new creatures, or genre-blending stories, there’s something new and intriguing for every reader. So, if you’re a fan of paranormal romance or you’re itching to write one, it’s a great time to dive in. The genre is more dynamic and diverse than ever!
Examples of the Genre
Paranormal romance continues to evolve, bringing fresh and exciting stories to readers. Let's dive into some standout examples from the past five years, highlighting both classic and contemporary novels, notable authors, and diverse offerings that bring new cultures and perspectives to the genre.
One recent standout is The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling This novel is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and magic, featuring a witch who accidentally curses her ex-boyfriend. The charming small-town setting and the supernatural shenanigans make it a fresh and fun addition to the genre.
Another popular book is Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper. This story revolves around a witch who returns to her magical hometown to compete in a spellcasting tournament, only to find herself entangled in romantic and magical conflicts. Harper's witty writing and unique take on witchcraft make this a must-read for fans of paranormal romance.
Lisa Kessler, who primarily writes paranormal romance, has made a significant impact with all of her series, which blends shapeshifters, romance, and suspense. She’s also a Wordmaker!
Isabel Cañas has written to books that were instant faves for me one of which is Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas which blends horror and historical fiction, set in 1840s Mexico.
Celestine Martin brings a touch of magic with her Elemental Love series. Her book Witchful Thinking introduces readers to a world of witches, romance, and magical realism. Martin’s stories highlight diverse characters and cultural heritage, enriching the genre with fresh narratives.
Jamison Shea offers a fresh voice with I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me, which blends elements of horror and paranormal romance. I really loved this one as well, and I can’t wait for book 2!
These are just a few examples that show that paranormal/supernatural romance is more vibrant and diverse than ever. Whether you're drawn to charming and humorous tales, eerie and compelling stories, or culturally rich narratives, there's something for everyone. The genre continues to grow, offering readers new adventures, deeper emotional connections, and a broader view of the supernatural world.
While traditional publishing convinced us for a time that paranormal romance wasn’t selling, readers and authors in the genre know that it has an enduring appeal that keeps readers coming back.
They’re drawn to paranormal romance because it provides a thrilling mix of excitement and emotional depth. The high stakes, the intense emotions, and the imaginative settings all combine to create stories that are both captivating and unforgettable. Whether it's the allure of forbidden love, the excitement of a supernatural mystery, or the enchantment of a magical world, paranormal romance has a unique way of pulling readers into its spell.
For readers who haven't yet ventured into this genre, I encourage you to explore it. There’s a vast array of stories waiting to be discovered, each with its own unique twist on the supernatural. From urban fantasy settings to gothic tales, there's something to suit every taste. Dive into the world of paranormal romance and let yourself be swept away by the magic and passion that these stories offer.
For all the aspiring writers out there, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of paranormal romance. The genre is bursting with opportunities for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Maybe you’ve got a unique twist on vampire lore, or perhaps you’re inspired by a piece of folklore that hasn’t been explored much. Whatever your inspiration, your voice and imagination can bring something new and exciting to the table. Don’t be afraid to mix genres, explore different cultures, and create characters that break the mold. Readers are hungry for stories that push the boundaries and offer a fresh take on the supernatural.
See you next Tuesday!
xo, Tasha
P.S. I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite paranormal romance books? Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or a recent convert, sharing your favorites is a great way to discover new reads and connect with fellow book lovers. Drop your recommendations in the comments, or let's chat about them on social media. Who knows, you might just find your next magical adventure from someone else's must-read list!