What is paranormal romance? If we go by definition, then, it is a subgenre of both romantic fiction and speculative fiction. It ranges from romantic relationships between humans and vampires to shapeshifters, ghosts, and otherworldly entities. So in short, if it doesn’t exist in this world and you sprinkle some romance into it, you have paranormal fiction.
I write in this subgenre of romance sometimes because I find that world-building is very liberating. Everything is of my creation. There are infinite ways to go about setting up the stage for the characters to interact and grow within the story. However, I feel that this genre is slowly fading. Right now there is a surge of dark romances and mafia romances which I love and am guilty of having one in the works but I cannot remember the last time I found a paranormal romance making a splash on the front pages. This is frightening to say the least considering my pursuit of making a hit in this genre.
Like fashion and trends, genres and themes rotate in the literary world. Like a good pair of bellbottoms that seems to pop back up in the stores every few decades. So there is the idea that eventually paranormal romance will make its way back around but for an indie author, like myself, that devastating news. It’s like being scolded by the universe not to write this right now because it’s not cool.
But like the rebel that I am, of course, I am not going to listen. I will continue writing what I like in hopes that someone will read it and say, “Wow, when is the next one?” At least, ideally, that’s what I would like them to say. I’m fine with a simple, “that was a good read.” Then they can go about their day.
As I walk down the aisle of bookstores and peruse the trends and classics, I imagine my books sitting there with their friends. Whether it’s a genre at its peak or not. So, I click away on my keys and continue to build a world of my own imagination and maybe if enough is put out into the world, the universe will cave and share with me a spotlight.
Happy Writing ya’ll
