Written byPamela Koehne-Drube
9th February 2024
Paranormal Romance is a genre that combines elements of the supernatural with the intricacies of romantic love. Often set in a world where the existence of vampires, werewolves, witches, or other paranormal entities is accepted as a part of daily life, these stories focus on the emotional and sometimes physical entanglements between humans and non-humans alike. At its core, Paranormal Romance is about the power of love to transcend the ordinary, to challenge the boundaries of reality, and to explore the unknown.
The term Paranormal Romance was first coined in the 1990s, even though it wasn’t particularly popular at the time. What we would now recognise as Paranormal Romance emerged predominantly in the 2000s, and is the contemporary offshoot of Gothic Romance, inspired by its often strong female protagonists, and dark and brooding men.
Christine Feehan’s Dark series, first published in 1999, was one of the cornerstone works that cemented Paranormal Romance’s popularity as a genre, with new books still being released in the series!
Paranormal romance merges the allure of love with supernatural elements, often drawn from fantasy, science fiction, and horror. These stories vary from classic romance in eerie settings to complex narratives with romantic subplots amidst fantastical or futuristic backdrops. They typically explore relationships between humans and beings like vampires, shapeshifters, and ghosts.
While creatures of the night are commonplace, the genre also explores love involving characters with psychic powers like telekinesis or telepathy. The genre has seen a resurgence with advancements in technology, such as the internet and e-publishing, becoming one of the fastest-growing subgenres within romance literature.
To fully appreciate the allure of Paranormal Romance, it’s essential to understand its fundamental elements. These key characteristics are the pillars that support and define the genre, setting it apart from other forms of romantic fiction.
In the world of Paranormal Romance, certain tropes and themes recur, weaving a familiar spell on readers, no matter the story. These motifs and tropes serve as touchstones for readers, promising the thrills and heartaches unique to the genre.
Writing a Paranormal Romance novel is an adventure into the extraordinary, where the rules of our reality bend to the will of imagination. Crafting tales that intertwine the mysterious with the romantic requires a careful balance and a deep understanding of the genre’s nuances.
Create your own rules and history for your supernatural world. Your mythology should feel coherent and fully integrated into the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both exciting and credible.
This could involve crafting unique abilities for your characters, establishing a hierarchy among supernatural entities, or setting up a system of magic with its own set of limitations and costs. Equally important is the backstory that explains the coexistence of paranormal beings and human society, which can add depth to your setting and the characters’ interactions within it.
Both protagonists and antagonists should be well-developed and multi-faceted. They should possess distinct personalities, flaws, and growth arcs. The interplay between characters can drive the plot forward and make the supernatural elements more relatable.
Consider how their paranormal attributes affect their interactions and personal struggles. Building strong relationships, whether romantic, familial, or adversarial, adds layers to the story and helps to create a tether between the real and paranormal worlds.
The threat of danger or conflict should challenge the relationship and keep readers invested. In a successful Paranormal Romance, the love story is anything but calm seas.
Conflict, both internal and external, is the catalyst for growth and ultimately for the deepening of the bond between characters. Readers should feel the tension and stakes involved, which also means interweaving subplots that complement the primary romance, ensuring that the story is rich and full-bodied.
Ensure a good mix between the romance and the paranormal—neither should overwhelm the other. The intrigue of the supernatural should match the emotional depth of the characters’ relationships.
Focus on pacing to maintain suspense and engagement, and don’t forget the importance of a satisfying conclusion, whether it’s a climactic action showdown or an emotional moment between love interests.
Use the supernatural elements to heighten romantic tension. The allure of the uncanny can magnify the drama between characters, setting a stage for moments where their feelings are tested by otherworldly challenges.
Incorporating elements of mystery and danger that the paranormal aspect provides can intensify the connection between lovers, as they navigate through the twists and turns of a plot laced with magic, prophecies, or dark secrets.
Take the time to do some research or construct your own mythology, legends, and folklore. Drawing inspiration from various cultures or coming up with your own myths can make your world stand out.
Consider how myths explain the existence or powers of paranormal beings, and think about how these elements can shape your characters’ destinies.
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