Whenever anyone asks me why I adore paranormal romance, I’m
completely honest with them. With things around us getting crazier every day, to
keep what little sanity I have left I’ve got to have an outlet where I can escape
in a realm where reality and imagination intertwine. A place full of
captivating stories that transport me beyond the ordinary. And I’m not talking
just about well-known paranormal creatures like vampires and werewolves, even
though they are still some of my favorites. Besides them there exists a
treasure trove of lesser-known myths, legends, and cultural folklore that are
waiting to be unearthed and woven into the tapestry of the paranormal romance
narratives.
Today we’ll embark on a journey of discovery and explore the
art of how we can find and adapt these hidden gems into our own writing. My
intent is to not only showcase how this genre is captivating readers with
twists in their enchanting tales, but how we can weave them into our own
stories.
At the end I’ll share some recommendations that got me
started on this journey.
Unearthing Forgotten Legends
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Orisha Deity |
Best of all, by unearthing these forgotten legends, we can
infuse any paranormal romance with a global mosaic that can’t help but attract
a new base.
Weaving Cultural Authenticity
As with any new endeavor that involves a culture you aren’t
familiar with, it's vital to approach them with sensitivity and respect. I know
how excited I get when I’m researching a new idea. I try to understand the
historical, cultural, and societal contexts where these myths originate. If you
can, engage with experts and immerse yourself in their expertise. That way you
not only enrich your writing but also honor the cultures that have nurtured
these stories for generations.
Breathing Life into Characters
Hidden legends offer a trove of inspiration for character
development. The figures within these myths often possess unique attributes,
flaws, and motivations that can serve as a blueprint for any paranormal romance
protagonists as well as the villains. For example, drawing from the Slavic myth
of Rusalka, a water nymph can bring both love and danger to your story. She’s a
complex character who struggles with her dual nature. Here’s an interplay of
light and darkness that adds layers of complexity, making her more relatable
and engaging to readers.
Redefining Supernatural Powers
This is one I struggle with all the time. How to I make this
age-old legend and turn it into something new and exciting? Incorporating
lesser-known myths lets me reimagine the supernatural powers that drive any
character. The Irish Banshee, for instance, could have premonition powers that
come with a haunting cost, adding depth and tension to any romantic journey.
Creating a Richer Story World
A paranormal romance isn't just about characters. It's also
about the world they live in. Hidden legends can serve as the foundation for
building intricate and immersive story worlds. Especially for someone like me
who writes SciFi romance, a sub-genre under the paranormal umbrella. Without this
key element, my romance adventures fall flat. I’ve got to work through the
architecture, landscapes, and societies of other worlds that inspire my
fictional settings. I may adapt elements like mystical forests, ancient
temples, or ethereal realms as a backdrop where my romance unfolds. My goal is
to take my readers in a world that is both magical as well as believable.
Tapping into Emotional Resonance
This is a biggie for me. One of the greatest advantages of
our cultural legends lies in their ability to evoke deep emotions. Many of
these stories are steeped in themes of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and
longing—themes that resonate powerfully with readers. As a writer, I do my best
to adapt these narratives so I can capture the essence of these emotional
currents. My intent is to layer the narrative and infused them into the
relationships, conflicts, and journeys of my heroes. By doing so, I strive to create
a profound connection that lingers with readers long after they've turned the
last page.
Conclusion
In the realm of paranormal romance, where imagination reigns
supreme, the sky (or universe!) is the limit for creating boundless storytelling.
By venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of popular mythology and delving
into the hidden legends of cultures around the world, it’s easy to unearth a
wealth of inspiration that can invigorate anyone’s writing. Keep in mind any adaptation
requires diligence, respect, and creativity. But, oh the rewards are
immeasurable. Now you’ll have a tapestry of characters, worlds, and emotions
that captivate readers and breathe fresh life into the genre.
So, embark on this journey of discovery! Let the hidden
legends guide your pen to create tales that enchant, intrigue, and touch the
hearts of all who read them.
And, as promised, here is a small handful of some of my
favorite paranormal romances that started me on my paranormal romance journey:
- The Shadow Riders Novels –Christine Feehan
- Guild Hunter Series – Nalini Singh
- The Weather Warden Series –Rachael Caine
- The Black DaggerBrotherhood – JR Ward
- The Fever Novels - Karen Marie Moning
3 comments:
When I was a new reader in elementary school, when our class would go to the library, the first place I'd head was the section on myths and legends. At a parent/teacher conference, my teacher expressed her concern that I was reading way over my head in areas that weren't appropriate - to which my mom replied - If I could understand the concept, I could read the book. Score One Mom!! Myths and legends books are responsible for my imagination . . . and my biceps!!
I love your moms answer! I think if more children are encouraged to read what interests them, we'd have a happier society! Thanks Nancy. :)
Great post, Keri! Books have always been an escape from reality for me, and writing them a way to turn the multiple thoughts in my head into something physical that others can see. The paranormal and sci-fi worlds have been the most intriguing because of many of the reasons you've mentioned. I especially enjoy the cultural aspects, and I find every author weaves those details into their stories differently.
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