Unveiling the beyond: paranormal, supernatural, or urban fantasy

I enjoy collaborating with fellow authors to shine a spotlight on books that might easily go unnoticed. Thus, I participate in many book fairs. However, recently a question piqued my interest. Someone asked me about my decision to participate in an urban fantasy book fair, given my current focus on writing paranormal fiction. This led me to contemplate the distinctions between urban fantasy, paranormal, as well as supernatural fiction.

Here is how I define these concepts:

Paranormal fiction

The term 'paranormal' originates from the Latin prefix para, meaning something outside or beyond what is considered normal. As such, paranormal phenomena surpass the confines of known natural laws and empirical evidence. The crucial fact is that they are beyond current scientific understanding. Yet, there is a potential future scientific explanation, even if the chances seem remote—think of phenomena like psychic abilities, UFO and alien sightings, time travel, and other unexplained occurrences.

A search for “paranormal fiction” often yields a plethora of results related to “paranormal romance”, and includes elements like vampires or zombies. However, for me, paranormal fiction surpasses these confines. Instead of featuring mythical or supernatural beings, to me, paranormal themes encompass extrasensory perception, forces, and mental processes, such as empathy, telekinesis, or clairvoyance. Additionally, paranormal fiction also includes cryptozoology—a field where potential discovery or future explanations might unveil mysteries like Bigfoot or Nessie, the Loch Ness monster.

Examples of paranormal fiction

• The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (1955)
• Telempath by Spider Robinson (1976)
• Firestarter by Stephen King (1980)
• The X-Files: Goblins by Charles L. Grant (1996)
• The Colorado Kid by Stephen King (2005)
• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (2011)
• The Empath Series by SK Alexander (2021)

Supernatural fiction

The word “supernatural” derives from Latin: super- (meaning above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature). It describes entities, forces, or events that exist or operate outside the laws of nature or what is deemed possible according to natural laws.

The supernatural often intertwines with religion as they delve into topics, forces, and entities that lie beyond the grasp of scientific explanation. These include concepts such as the afterlife, resurrection, souls, gods and angels, and other phenomena that will forever defy conventional understanding. To me, supernatural fiction incorporates werewolves, vampires, and other mythical beings popularized by folklore and fairy tales, such as fae.

Examples of supernatural fiction

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1823)
• Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
• Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice (1976)
• Pet Cemetery by Stephen King (1983)
• American Gods by Neil Gaiman (2001)  
• Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer (2005)
• Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward (2005)
• Prince of Hellscape Series by SK Alexander (2024)

Themes and Motifs

Paranormal and supernatural fiction share many themes and motifs:

• Stories often explore phenomena that defy scientific understanding, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and the limits of human knowledge.
• Many stories feature a conflict between forces of good and evil, with characters grappling with moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions. Characters frequently struggle to harness or resist paranormal abilities or supernatural forces.
• Protagonists often find themselves isolated or alienated from society, whether because of their abilities, experiences, or the disbelief of others. They seek to uncover the mysteries of the paranormal and supernatural world and their own identities.

Urban fantasy

Urban fantasy narratives weave paranormal and supernatural elements into the fabric of real-world urban societies from the 19th to the 21st century. These settings often encompass bustling cities but can also extend to the quaintness of small towns. The stage is not limited to our known reality; it may delve into alternate worlds or universes.

Central themes are the exploration of the delicate balance or heated conflicts between humans and paranormal or supernatural entities, such as telepaths, clairvoyants, or demons. These narratives delve into the societal transformations sparked by the interactions of such characters and the unfolding events. Besides these themes, urban fantasy often incorporates gritty action sequences, a noir ambiance, and a procedural plot.

Examples of urban fantasy

• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (1996)  
• The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher (2000)
• Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter (2000) and Merry Gentry (2000) series by Laurell K. Hamilton
• The Hollows series by Kim Harrison (2004)
• October Daye series by Seanan McGuire (2009)
• The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (2007)
• The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch (2011)

The importance for "The Omniverse"

The tales I aim to share span the vast expanse of The Omniverse—and are far too many for me to tell in a single lifetime. Given my ardent love for extraordinary narratives, I will write paranormal and supernatural fiction, alongside (urban) fantasy and science fiction.

The beauty of these genres lies in their intricate interplay and overlapping elements. For instance, within the mystery genre, a sleuth may possess a paranormal ability, blurring the lines between realms. For instance, Nathaniel Colt, the main character from “The Empath Series”, uses his empathic abilities to catch serial killers.

Buy The Empath Series

“The Empath Series” follows empath Nathaniel Colt as he rejoins the world and the people he left behind. It is a riveting tale of suspense, emotion, and the resilience of the human spirit. 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”.