Lately, my new releases have been m/m paranormal romances. I'll write the occasional contemporary, but I always go back to paranormal and fantasy. I'm not sure why, because I don't read much of it. My favorite m/m genre is contemporary romance and murder mysteries…so go figure. But the way I see it, this obsession of mine to write paranormal has to stem from my love of world building and research.
Research is my thing. Even as a kid I was thrilled when I had to write a report on a new subject for school. Okay, I’m a nerd, but I’ve always been curious about different cultures. Add my interest in spiritual philosophies, ancient goddess sites, New Age winky stuff and you have the ingredients for creating para-fantasy tales.
I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to travel to many ancient sites around the world. I’ve visited many countries and my travel experiences seep into my writing. Probably my most fantasy inspired book to date is Fighting Chance – the second book in my vampire series published by Loose Id. I had to create the Kresnik ritual island, the Red Serpent’s lair, and come up with initiation rituals and Kresnik terms.
When I began the story, I had all sorts of references to ancient Egypt, Slavic mythology, Norse myths…a hodgepodge which just got damn confusing! My editor suggested I stick to one culture and change the rest. That was great advice. I chose Slavic mythology and then my world fell into place. Now I follow this rule – I choose one country’s mythos and or culture and spin it until I’m satisfied it’s something new but enough of the old so the reader isn’t completely lost.
I’m writing a new paranormal romance featuring angels – and for this story I’ve been researching Catholic angelology. Most of the terms I’ve created for the heavenly city are rooted in Latin. Before I went too much further in the WIP, I created a style sheet with character names, descriptions and glossary of terms. Early on I learned this is the only way I can keep track of the worlds I create, especially if it’s going to be a series. It’s amazing how much I forget between series books – almost embarrassing!
What is your favorite paranormal subgenre? Those sexy vampires, angels that carry a sharp sword, wily shape shifters?
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