Listen to them, the children of the night … Hey, they’re not just for Halloween anymore. These days you keep hearing the term “paranormal romance” more and more. But a lot of people are still unclear about exactly what that means. Hopefully, I can help answer a few questions here and maybe help you decide if paranormal romance is something you or a friend might enjoy.
“My name is Tracey H. Kitts, and I write paranormal romance.” That simple statement usually gets me more weird looks than admitting I think Dracula is sexy. I was at an event the other day and a woman picked up one of my flyers. She read it and said, “Oh, I like romance, but what does paranormal mean?”
I said, “Well, in my case it means there are werewolves and vampires involved.” She wrinkled her nose and said, “Oh, I don’t like anything weird.” Really? That’s why she was about to buy a copy of Terminator. Cause people sending their father back in time to get their mom pregnant while avoiding capture/termination by a cybernetic nemesis is “normal.”
Another misconception is that the word paranormal only relates to ghosts or horror. While it could mean that, the literal interpretation is anything that is out of the ordinary. So many people I talk to are shocked when they realize that True Blood is a paranormal romance. Twilight also falls into this category. These stories could be about demons, angels, witches, anything out of the ordinary and of course, romance.
One of the books I have with NCP, Wicked City is about a succubus and a wizard. To me, paranormal romance is an adventure for women. We just happen to consider a relationship to be part of the adventure. I believe that people crave something different.
The two most common creatures of the night in this type of story are werewolves and vampires. When you think about it, it’s not a mystery why they have such appeal. Wolves for example, mate for life. Who doesn’t crave that kind of commitment? Especially if it comes in a wicked hot package, right? And what about vampires? They can offer what no wrinkle cream ever could: eternal youth and beauty. To never grow old is a fantasy to everyone on some level. Whether or not you’d want to live forever, most people would want to remain younger. Even if it’s only in appearance.
An automatic level of danger is required to even date someone like this! But would it be worth it to have your own loyal protector, your very own knight in shinning moonlight? More and more people seem to think so.
So, if you or someone you know is wondering if this genre is for you, maybe I can help. Paranormal romance is an adventure where a woman falls for someone “not typical.” Every relationship has challenges. What about sunlight or the full moon? Different things, different people, but the same desire to be loved.
If you’re feeling adventurous this holiday season, why not give it a try?
Tracey H. Kitts is the author of the Lilith Mercury: Werewolf Hunter Series with New Concepts Publishing. She also has several single titles available in print as well as ebook.
You can find out more at: http://www.traceyhkitts.com/
Grab life by the fangs!
Grab life by the fangs!
That's a wonderful clear description of what paranormal is. The current TV season is certainly catching onto this hot area of interest with all the new paranormal shows.
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