Take it away, Christine!
WRITING PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Despite what my husband thinks, paranormal romance isn't about vampires and werewolves getting it on. Well, maybe a little, but that alone does not make a great story. It's about intriguing characters, twisting plots, and intense emotions mixed with an equal dose of mythology and the supernatural. Balance is key to writing good paranormal romance. Fall to one side or the other, then it becomes something else and you lose your audience.
Paranormal stories are still in high demand. Though the best sellers are about vampires, readers and publishers are looking for something new. Do some research and dig up some rarely seen supernatural creatures, or take certain aspects of a few beings and make one of your own. Originality is vital to standing out in this genre, but make it believable in the rules of your world. Have a solid mythology with many details. Yes, sometimes when writing about the paranormal less information is better to create a compelling mystery, but too little will confuse readers and leave them disappointed.
Romance continues to be the best selling genre. The main character's relationship must be central to the plot. Readers love experiencing the whirlwind of emotions along with the protagonist. It's important to create a deep emotional connection between your protagonist(s) and your readers. Though we read these stories to escape reality, there needs to be something real about your characters for your readers to relate to. Tragic flaws and embarrassing weaknesses. Strengths and morals to admire.
Remember paranormal romance is a blended genre. The supernatural and the relationship both need to drive the plot. If one or the other doesn't exist, the story cannot move forward. There is also the expectation of a Happily Ever After (HEA) ending or, at least, a Happy For Now (HFN). Failure to provide one will outrage your readers.
I love to write and read the fast-paced stories with women who are as strong as the men in extraordinary situations. The supernatural has always fascinated me, but so have relationships. I found my niche long before I knew it had a name. And with the 13th Floor series, I hope to offer something unique to paranormal romance fans.
Thanks so much for hosting me today, Gwen!
Title: 1301 – The Marquis
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance
Release date: December 13th, 2012
Buy Links:
Amazon . Smashwords . Kobo . B&N
Blurb:
Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.
Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.
While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.
Author Bio:
Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She also has two novellas and sixteen short stories published.
Website . Blog . Facebook . Twitter . Goodreads
This sounds like a great book. Enjoyed your piece on Paranormal writing Christine! Thanks Gwen for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you, C.M.!
DeleteThanks so much for hosting me today, Gwen.
ReplyDeleteIt's my pleasure, Christine. Your book sounds awesome and I can't wait to read it. I just wish I didn't have such a long TBR list!
DeleteI know the feeling! And there's some books I can only read on the computer, so it takes even longer for me to get to them.
Deletegreat post! romance is number 1? guess i shouldve known...but paranormal livens it up!
ReplyDeletelooking forward to reading this series!
Thank you! I agree that paranormal brings something extraordinary to romance. I rarely read strict romances.
DeleteThere is a lot more out there than just vampires! Good stuff, Christine.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex! It's fun to explore different myths and see what stories you can create.
DeleteFantastic tips on writing paranormal romance! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherie!
DeleteGreat tips. I love stories with supernatural elements.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynda! Me too. I love that extra edge.
DeleteCreepy cover! Good luck Christine, sounds like an intriguing read. :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, balance is vital, and not just for paranormal romance stories. Too much of a single element can easily bog down any story! I also agree about utilizing lesser-known supernatural creatures more. I'm always reading folklore and mythology books to do that very thing for my own projects!
ReplyDelete