Puzzling Phenomena: A guide to paranormal fiction

A quick search of paranormal fiction mostly shows ghost stories and romances about shifters, vampires, and werewolves. To me, it’s actually way more than that, though. The Latin prefix ‘para’ means “outside” or “beyond” what is normal. As such, paranormal phenomena are outside the realm of known science and verifiable evidence and explore concepts that are beyond current scientific comprehension. The emphasis is on currently known scientific knowledge. Someday, someone may find a scientific solution or proof, even if the chances seem remote.

Central elements are psychic abilities and similar powers, inexplicable incidents, or extraterrestrial encounters. Cryptozoology, the search for creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, is a paranormal field of study.

In contrast, the supernatural covers forces and entities that lie beyond the grasp of scientific explanation altogether. These include concepts such as the afterlife, souls, gods, demons, and angels.

Origins and History

Paranormal fiction has its roots in ancient folklore and oral traditions, in which people passed down tales of ghosts and other beings through generations. These narratives provided both entertainment and cautionary advice. They also delved into humanity’s fascination with mysteries and our quest to understand the world beyond our grasp.

The modern incarnation of the genre emerged during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The rise of spiritualism and psychic phenomena in that period resulted in a wave of literary works focused on unexplainable occurrences. As spiritualism gained traction and mediums claimed to communicate with the dead, the line between the paranormal and the supernatural became increasingly blurred.

Mid-20th-century advances in science and technology fueled a revival of interest in paranormal fiction. Authors explored themes of astonishing abilities, inexplicable incidents, and cryptic creatures. Pulp magazines and paperbacks also became popular then, giving writers room to experiment and push the genre’s limits.

Protagonists and Settings

Often, the story centers on professional investigators or everyday people unexpectedly embroiled in paranormal occurrences. These characters often grapple with the challenges of their abilities while they try to solve the central mystery.

These stories explore settings as varied as the phenomena they depict. They range from ordinary towns and cities to alternate or parallel dimensions—and sometimes even fantastical realms. These realities often defy or ignore the known laws of physics. These settings form the backdrop to the story’s puzzling events, hence they overlap with urban fantasy.

Themes

Power and control are consistent themes, as characters wrestle with the consequences of their (newfound) abilities. Frequently, these characters face extraordinary situations, battling unknown forces, solving ancient mysteries, and mastering newly discovered abilities like empathy, telepathy, telekinesis, or clairvoyance.

Whether it's their special gifts or mysterious encounters, the protagonists frequently face alienation and isolation. Subsequently, loneliness is another recurring theme.

Furthermore, the desire to uncover the truth and gain knowledge often motivates the protagonists. They face existential questions and ponder the nature of reality while solving the central mystery or discovering their abilities.

Subgenres

Paranormal mystery, suspense, thriller, and romance are notable subgenres with distinct storytelling conventions. Paranormal mysteries borrow from classic mystery stories that revolve around sleuths who use their abilities to investigate unexplained phenomena or solve crimes.

In paranormal suspense, the characters confront unknown threats and navigate perilous situations. The protagonists often face off against external adversaries or struggle with personal demons.

Paranormal thrillers ramp up the action and intensity, as they blend paranormal elements with pulse-pounding suspense and high-stakes drama. Protagonists face off against malevolent forces and race against time to avert catastrophe.

Finally, paranormal romance often features star-crossed lovers from different worlds or races. Protagonists navigate the challenges of love and desire.

Notable works

Octavia E. Butler’s Patternist series follows characters with telepathic and telekinetic powers. With novels like Strangers, Lightning, Midnight, Watchers, and Phantoms, Dean Koontz has earned widespread acclaim with his blend of paranormal thrills and compelling characters.

Stephen King, known as the “Master of Horror,” has made substantial contributions to paranormal fiction. A 1984 movie starring Christopher Walken and a TV series starring Anthony Michael Hall are based on his novel, The Dead Zone. The TV series Haven drew its inspiration from The Colorado Kid.

Paranormal fiction has played a pivotal role in the establishment of comics. Today, characters with extrasensory perception, telekinesis, empathy, and clairvoyance have become commonplace.

Wrap up

In a world where the line between fact and fiction becomes increasingly blurred, paranormal fiction offers an outlet for imagination, exploration, and discovery. For decades, the blend of unsolved mysteries, superhuman characters, and captivating storylines has enthralled audiences.

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The Empath Series follows empath Nathaniel Colt as he rejoins the world and the people he left behind. As the empath grapples with his inner demons, the pulse-pounding action and the unpredictable twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love The Empath Series.