How to Start Writing Your First Paranormal Fantasy Novel

How to Start Writing Your First Paranormal Fantasy Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing your first paranormal fantasy novel can be an exciting and rewarding journey. This genre, which blends the supernatural with elements of magic, mystery, and the unknown, offers endless possibilities for creative expression. Whether you’re drawn to creatures of the night, mystical realms, or unexplained phenomena, crafting a paranormal fantasy novel allows you to explore the boundaries of imagination while weaving compelling stories. If you’re wondering how to get started, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you begin your paranormal fantasy writing journey.

1. Understand the Paranormal Fantasy Genre

Before diving into writing, it’s crucial to understand what defines paranormal fantasy. The genre typically involves supernatural elements—ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, or other mythological creatures—woven into a fantasy setting. However, what sets it apart from pure fantasy is the presence of paranormal aspects that interact with the characters, plot, and world-building. The supernatural can either be central to the plot or exist in the background of an otherwise realistic world.

2. Develop Your Unique Concept

The first step in writing your paranormal fantasy novel is to come up with a unique concept or premise. While paranormal fantasy has well-established elements (vampires, ghosts, magic), the key to success is adding your own twist. Think about what kind of supernatural elements intrigue you the most. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

A modern-day city inhabited by mythological creatures in hiding.
A group of supernatural beings who must work together to stop an ancient evil.
A protagonist who discovers they possess a paranormal gift that changes their life forever.
Ghosts or spirits that interact with the living, either to protect or to haunt.

Your concept should blend both the paranormal and fantasy elements, creating a setting and a conflict that invites readers to escape into a world that feels both magical and eerie.

3. Create an Intriguing World

World-building is a crucial aspect of paranormal fantasy. Whether your story is set in the real world with supernatural elements or a completely original fantasy universe, the world should feel immersive. Consider the following when crafting your world:

Supernatural Rules: What are the limitations of magic, or the paranormal creatures that inhabit your world? Are there rules about how they interact with humans? The more consistent you are with these rules, the more believable your world will be.
Setting: Is your story set in a hidden world, a parallel universe, or in a mystical version of the real world? Think about the atmosphere you want to create—dark and brooding, whimsical and adventurous, or something else entirely.
Cultural Influences: Are there societies or factions that play a role in the supernatural elements of your world? For instance, ancient orders of witches, government agencies studying paranormal activity, or vampire clans battling for control.

The goal is to create a world that feels rich with history, conflict, and magic. The setting should add to the story’s mood and help immerse the reader in the supernatural elements.

4. Create Compelling Characters

In any genre, but especially in paranormal fantasy, strong characters are essential. Your characters will be the ones that drive the story forward and connect readers to the fantastical elements of the plot. Here are a few tips for creating compelling characters:

Protagonist: Your main character should be relatable, even if they possess supernatural abilities. They might struggle with their newfound powers, feel out of place in a world filled with magic, or have a deep moral dilemma about their powers. Their journey will often be one of self-discovery and growth.
Antagonist: The antagonist is equally important in paranormal fantasy. This could be a villainous supernatural creature, a dark force, or a character with their own supernatural abilities. Consider their motivations and what drives them. Are they seeking power, revenge, or something more personal?
Supporting Characters: Think about the secondary characters in your story. These could be allies, mentors, love interests, or sidekicks. Each one should have their own unique qualities that complement or challenge the protagonist.

5. Plot Your Story’s Conflict

The central conflict in your paranormal fantasy novel should be based on the supernatural elements in your world. It could involve a battle between different magical factions, a quest to stop a powerful entity, or a mystery to uncover involving paranormal occurrences. Consider these tips when plotting your story:

Internal Conflict: How does the protagonist struggle with their own identity or abilities? This is a common theme in paranormal fantasy, where characters are often forced to confront who they are and what their powers mean.
External Conflict: This involves the larger forces at play—whether it’s an evil creature threatening the world or a government trying to control the supernatural. Think about what’s at stake in your story and how it drives the action.
Climax and Resolution: Build toward a climax where the protagonist confronts the antagonist or solves the central mystery. This should be a pivotal moment in the story where everything is at risk.

6. Incorporate Paranormal and Fantasy Tropes

While you want your story to feel fresh, paranormal fantasy thrives on certain tropes that readers expect. These include:

The Chosen One: A character who discovers they have special powers or a significant destiny.
Hidden Worlds: Secret societies, magical realms, or alternate dimensions that the protagonist discovers.
Romantic Subplots: Many paranormal fantasy novels feature romantic entanglements between humans and supernatural beings, such as vampires, witches, or werewolves.
Mentor Figures: A wise, older character who helps guide the protagonist through their journey.

While these tropes are popular, try to put your own spin on them to keep the story unique and engaging.

7. Write and Revise

Once you’ve developed your characters, world, and plot, it’s time to start writing. Begin with an outline or a broad sketch of the story, but don’t feel like you have to stick to it rigidly. Writing is an organic process, and your story may evolve as you go. Here are some tips for the writing process:

Write the First Draft: Don’t worry about perfection. Get your ideas down on paper and focus on moving the story forward.
Revise and Edit: After completing your first draft, take time to revise. Focus on tightening the plot, deepening the characters, and refining your prose. Make sure your paranormal elements are consistent throughout.
Get Feedback: Share your manuscript with trusted friends, beta readers, or writing groups. They can provide valuable feedback on what works and what doesn’t.

8. Keep Learning and Experimenting

Writing a paranormal fantasy novel is a continual learning process. Read widely within the genre, study other authors’ works, and pay attention to what excites you as a reader. Experiment with different elements, such as narrative voice, pacing, or structure, to keep your story fresh and engaging.

Conclusion

Starting your first paranormal fantasy novel is an exciting creative endeavor that opens doors to a world of magic, mystery, and limitless imagination. By understanding the genre, developing unique characters and a compelling plot, and staying true to your vision, you’ll be well on your way to creating a novel that captivates readers. Take your time, embrace the process, and most importantly, enjoy bringing your fantastical world to life!

Thank-you for reading.

Much love and Light,

Brenda Marie Fluharty