Key Takeaways
1. Crafting Paranormal Elements: The Foundation of Supernatural Fiction
"In order to qualify as a true paranormal book, your novel must contain at least one supernatural element without which the entire story would fall apart."
Core concept: The supernatural element must be integral to the story, not just a decorative addition. This can include:
- Supernatural objects: Magical items with specific powers and limitations
- Supernatural people: Characters with paranormal abilities or origins
- Supernatural creatures: Beings that defy natural laws
- Gateways to supernatural worlds: Portals to other realms or dimensions
When developing these elements:
- Research folklore and mythology for inspiration
- Put a unique spin on traditional supernatural concepts
- Ensure the paranormal aspect is essential to the plot and character development
2. Building a Coherent Magical System: Rules and Limitations
"Like science, it has to have rules, and those rules must remain consistent throughout the book — or books."
Establish clear rules: Define how magic or supernatural abilities work in your world. Consider:
- The source of magical power
- Who can use magic and how it's accessed
- Limitations and costs of using supernatural abilities
- Consequences of breaking magical rules
Maintain consistency: Once you've established your magical system, stick to it. This creates a sense of internal logic that helps readers suspend disbelief.
Balance power: Avoid "superhero creep" by setting clear limits on supernatural abilities. This prevents characters from becoming too powerful and maintains tension in the story.
3. Character Development in Paranormal Novels: Balancing Human and Supernatural Traits
"Even when you're writing about elves, vampires, werewolves, and wicked little pixies, you're writing about humans."
Create relatable characters: Despite supernatural abilities, paranormal characters should have:
- Human emotions and motivations
- Flaws and internal conflicts
- Relationships and personal growth
Explore the supernatural impact: Show how paranormal elements affect the character's:
- Self-perception
- Relationships with others
- Place in society
Develop unique voices: Each character, supernatural or not, should have a distinct way of speaking and thinking that reflects their background and experiences.
4. Worldbuilding: Creating Believable Supernatural Settings
"You can't do just anything. You only get three wishes. The magical gate closes at sunset. The handsome stranger doesn't drink … wine."
Establish the rules: Decide on the nature of your paranormal world:
- Is it a secret supernatural world hidden within our own?
- Is it an alternate reality where magic is common?
- What are the social and political structures of this world?
Create a rich history: Develop backstories for your supernatural elements:
- How did magic or supernatural beings come to exist?
- What historical events shaped the current state of the world?
Consider the impact: Show how supernatural elements affect:
- Technology and daily life
- Culture and social norms
- Economy and power structures
5. Plot Structure and Pacing in Paranormal Fiction
"There's a general pattern to this: Greg has a conflict. Greg tries to solve the conflict and fails. Greg tries to solve the conflict a second time and fails again. The conflict gets worse. Greg tries to solve the conflict a third time and puts everything he has into this ultimate, last-ditch solution."
Follow classic story structure: Use familiar plot elements tailored to paranormal themes:
- Inciting incident: Introduction of supernatural element
- Rising action: Escalating conflicts involving paranormal aspects
- Climax: Confrontation with supernatural antagonist or challenge
- Resolution: How the protagonist's life changes due to paranormal experiences
Maintain pacing: Balance action with exposition:
- Use shorter sentences and paragraphs for intense scenes
- Provide breathing room between high-tension moments
- Weave worldbuilding and character development throughout the story
Create subplots: Develop secondary storylines that:
- Explore different aspects of your paranormal world
- Provide character growth opportunities
- Add depth and complexity to the main plot
6. Themes and Symbolism: Adding Depth to Supernatural Stories
"Paranormal books have the power to explore themes that 'normal' books can't."
Explore unique themes: Use supernatural elements to delve into:
- The nature of humanity and what it means to be "human"
- The consequences of power and immortality
- The conflict between nature and civilization
- The role of faith and skepticism in the face of the inexplicable
Employ symbolism: Use supernatural elements as metaphors for:
- Personal struggles and growth
- Social issues and cultural conflicts
- Philosophical concepts and existential questions
Balance theme and plot: Ensure that thematic exploration doesn't overshadow the story's entertainment value.
7. Voice and Dialogue: Bringing Paranormal Characters to Life
"Good dialogue sounds natural without being the slightest bit natural."
Develop unique voices: Create distinct ways of speaking for different characters:
- Consider their background, age, and supernatural nature
- Use dialect, slang, or formal speech patterns as appropriate
- Avoid overusing speech quirks that may become annoying
Write realistic dialogue: Balance natural-sounding speech with the needs of the story:
- Cut unnecessary filler words and repetition
- Use dialogue to reveal character and advance the plot
- Show character reactions and emotions through action and internal thoughts
Create otherworldly speech: For non-human characters:
- Consider how their physiology might affect speech
- Develop unique idioms or expressions based on their culture
- Use formal or archaic language to convey otherworldliness
8. Revising and Polishing Your Paranormal Novel
"Let it simmer."
Take a break: Set your manuscript aside for a few weeks to gain fresh perspective.
Check for consistency: Ensure that your supernatural elements remain coherent throughout:
- Magical rules and limitations
- Character abilities and development
- Worldbuilding details
Tighten the prose: Eliminate unnecessary words and scenes:
- Cut redundant exposition
- Streamline dialogue
- Remove subplots that don't contribute to the main story
Enhance sensory details: Bring your paranormal world to life:
- Use vivid descriptions of supernatural elements
- Engage all five senses in your scenes
- Show characters' emotional reactions to paranormal experiences
9. The Publishing Process: From Manuscript to Print
"Even the most high-flown paranormal novel has to deal with the real world eventually."
Prepare your submission package:
- Write a compelling query letter
- Craft a concise synopsis (3-5 pages)
- Polish your first 50-60 pages
Follow submission guidelines:
- Research agents and publishers specializing in paranormal fiction
- Adhere to specific formatting requirements
- Be patient and professional in your communications
Consider the market:
- Understand current trends in paranormal fiction
- Highlight your book's unique elements in your pitch
- Be prepared for rejections and revisions
Explore publishing options:
- Traditional publishing
- Small press publishing
- Self-publishing
Remember that persistence and continuous improvement of your craft are key to success in the competitive world of paranormal fiction publishing.
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FAQ
What is Writing the Paranormal Novel by Steven Harper about?
- Comprehensive writing guide: The book is a practical manual for writers who want to craft engaging paranormal novels, focusing on integrating supernatural elements seamlessly into stories.
- Structured approach: It covers everything from defining paranormal elements and world-building to character creation, pacing, dialogue, and polishing the manuscript.
- Emphasis on realism and creativity: Harper stresses the importance of making supernatural elements essential to the story and maintaining internal consistency to keep readers immersed.
Why should I read Writing the Paranormal Novel by Steven Harper?
- Expert advice for writers: Steven Harper draws on examples from renowned authors and his own experience to provide actionable techniques for paranormal storytelling.
- Balance of creativity and craft: The book helps writers develop unique voices and consistent supernatural worlds while encouraging originality.
- Industry insights: It includes practical tips on publishing, querying agents, and building a writing career, making it valuable for both new and experienced authors.
What are the key takeaways from Writing the Paranormal Novel by Steven Harper?
- Supernatural must be integral: The paranormal element should be so essential that the story would collapse without it.
- Developed characters and worlds: Characters need fully realized backgrounds and motivations, and supernatural societies should be rich and believable.
- Practical writing techniques: The book offers exercises, advice on pacing, dialogue, and fight scenes, and guidance on avoiding clichés and infodumps.
How does Steven Harper define a paranormal novel in Writing the Paranormal Novel?
- Essential supernatural element: A true paranormal novel contains at least one supernatural or magical aspect that is vital to the plot.
- Not just decorative: If the supernatural can be swapped out for ordinary elements without changing the story, it’s not genuinely paranormal.
- Rooted in tradition: Harper connects paranormal fiction to ancient myths and storytelling, encouraging writers to tap into these universal themes.
What types of supernatural elements does Steven Harper describe in Writing the Paranormal Novel?
- Supernatural objects: Items like magical swords or rings with defined powers, limitations, and histories that drive the plot.
- Supernatural beings: Characters such as vampires, angels, demons, and shape-shifters, each with unique rules and cultural backgrounds.
- Creatures and gateways: Includes monsters, helpers, and portals to other worlds, all requiring thoughtful world-building and consistent logic.
What guidance does Writing the Paranormal Novel provide on creating supernatural characters?
- Ordinary core, extraordinary traits: Characters should be compelling as people first, with supernatural abilities layered on top.
- Protagonist archetypes: Harper outlines types like the Regular Joe, Reluctant Hero, Hunter, Newbie, Super, and Experienced One, each offering different narrative possibilities.
- Antagonists and supporting cast: Villains and side characters need clear motivations and development, not just supernatural powers.
How does Steven Harper recommend handling clichés in paranormal fiction?
- Identify and avoid clichés: Recognize overused character types and plot devices, such as the Tragic Vampire or Dark Lord.
- Reinvent or subvert: Add unique traits, backgrounds, or motivations to familiar tropes to make them fresh and engaging.
- Use with care: Clichés can work if they’re well-developed and not immediately recognizable, with underdevelopment being the real pitfall.
What advice does Writing the Paranormal Novel give about world-building and culture?
- Secret vs. sunlit worlds: Decide if the supernatural is hidden or openly known, as this shapes plot and setting.
- Cultural depth: Consider government, economy, spirituality, family, art, and technology in your supernatural society for believability.
- Impact on history: The presence of supernatural beings should affect social hierarchies, daily life, and human-paranormal relations.
How does Steven Harper address the use and limits of magic and supernatural powers in Writing the Paranormal Novel?
- Avoid “superhero creep”: Don’t let characters’ powers grow without limits, as this reduces tension and stakes.
- Set clear limitations: Powers should have costs, vulnerabilities, or conditions to maintain conflict and suspense.
- Consistent magic systems: Define the source, rules, and impact of magic, and maintain internal consistency to avoid deus ex machina endings.
What are Steven Harper’s techniques for showing emotion in paranormal characters?
- Show, don’t tell: Use actions and physical sensations to convey feelings instead of stating them outright.
- Figurative language: Employ similes, metaphors, and personification to add depth, but use them sparingly.
- Active emotions: Make emotions act on characters (e.g., “Fear turned Nick’s hands to ice”) for dynamic storytelling.
How does Writing the Paranormal Novel advise on pacing, exposition, and fight scenes?
- Match pace to story: Fast pacing suits adventure-heavy stories, while slower pacing fits character-driven tales.
- Avoid infodumps: Integrate world-building and background information naturally through dialogue and action.
- Effective fight scenes: Use short, punchy sentences and strong verbs, research weapons and combat, and ensure supernatural elements are consistent.
What publishing and career advice does Steven Harper offer in Writing the Paranormal Novel?
- Professional submissions: Follow agent and editor guidelines for query letters, treatments, and sample pages.
- Avoid scams: Never pay agents or editors upfront and be wary of vanity presses.
- Build your career: Network, attend conventions, join writers’ groups, and keep writing to develop a sustainable career. Persistence and professionalism are key.
Review Summary
Writing the Paranormal Novel receives mostly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.02 out of 5. Readers appreciate its focus on supernatural elements, world-building, and character development specific to paranormal fiction. Many find it helpful for both beginners and experienced writers, praising its practical advice, exercises, and examples from popular genre novels. Some criticize it for being too basic or promoting the paranormal genre as a trend. Overall, reviewers recommend it as a valuable resource for aspiring paranormal authors.
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