An Introduction to. . . Paranormal Fiction

I'll admit that I probably read this genre even less than romance. But that's only because I'm not good with super scary stuff. However, I do enjoy reading this genre when I can. So let's dive into this genre and hope we don't get bitten or possessed.

Genre: Paranormal

This genre has everything to do with things that can't be explained by science- ghosts, werewolves, vampires, and the like. Even things like superpowers and time travelers could fall under this genre. These things are often combined normal elements in the human world, making for a unique blend. They tend to ignore having set or explained rules, instead keeping things mysterious. It also requires a strong suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader.

Stephanie Meyer really made this genre when she created Twilight (which I have never read or have any intention of reading), but from there it has expanded exponentially. Ghostbusters and Stranger Things are other famous examples. It's often considered a fantasy or sci-fi sub-genre, but I think it deserves to be its own genre since there are very specific tropes and such attached to it.

Sub-genres

• Paranormal romance. Again, think Twilight. This is a love story with a bit of supernatural thrown in, either with one person being a supernatural being or both. It's probably the largest sub-genre for paranormal.

• Supernatural. A sub-genre of paranormal that can often be confused with it. While paranormal covers all unexplained things, supernatural focuses more on things like angels, demons, and gods.

• Ghost stories. Whether it's comical, more scientific, or thoughts on the human soul, ghosts are always popular in paranormal. Tales of them have been around for hundreds of years, so it makes sense that we like to write about them.

• Paranormal sci-fi. Paranormal that's on the verge of science fiction. It may have more explanations than some stories, or it might take place in a sci-fi setting. It could deal with aliens as well, since they technically could fall under the paranormal range.

• Paranormal fantasy. The same thing, but veering towards fantasy. It might take place in a fantasy world, or include fantasy elements. (A story about the ghosts of elves, anyone?)

Tropes

• Vampires. That's what most people think of when they think of paranormal. I'm not sure why, but I think we know who to blame. So if you want to throw a vampire into your story, I'm not going to stop you. (Just don't make him sparkle.)

• Angels and demons. Another popular part of the genre. The age long struggle of good versus evil is excellent story material, especially for Christian authors (so why don't we see more of it?).

• Our world. The main part of paranormal is that it happens right here, on our turf. That's partially why it's so spooky and why it's considered paranormal. So think how you can combine the elements of this world and another.

• Scariness. Things like ghosts and werewolves are fascinating, but also terrifying. Which is why paranormal and horror can often be mixed. It doesn't have to be a lot, but be sure to add a bit of a scare factor to your novel.

• Psychics. People that have a sixth sense are a must if you've got things going on that are probably under the radar. They're very useful, especially if they can see things others can't.

• Unexplained powers. Things like X-Men, where they are mutants with powers that seem to be part of their DNA are part of this genre and one of my favorite things. Who doesn't love someone who can make things float or scream glass into bits?

To Avoid

• Love triangles. We've gone over this before. No one wants them, so stop writing them. Especially if the love triangle is between a dark, broody, probably hiding something boy and normal, sweet one. (She always goes for the sweet one.)

• Cliche creatures. Or at least, cliche versions of the creatures. If your vampires are all dark and depressed and your werewolves are all bloodthirsty, I don't want to read it. Give me some diversity here, people. Or even find some new creatures to throw in. There are plenty of scary ones beyond the same three.

• Stupid characters. People that won't see the supernatural or are just to dumb to notice. Even the heroes can sometimes be extremely stupid and I hate that.

• Bad writing. Stephanie Meyer made a ton with her writing, which was highly questionable. You cannot, so don't even try. Purple prose is no replacement for a well written novel.

• Ugly but beautiful females. Again, it's been done. The girl who thinks she's some plain/ugly thing while she's actually beautiful. I hate this because it means she's stupid and it implies that something's wrong with not being drop dead gorgeous.

Example Books

The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Braken

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Do you read paranormal? What do you like or dislike about it? Tell me in the comments.

An Introduction to. . .

Fantasy
Science Fiction
Historical Fiction
Realistic/Contemporary Fiction
Steampunk
Romance