Writing the Paranormal Novel

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.

Last updated: October 7, 2024