I’ve always considered myself a contemporary romance kind of girl. Though I read widely, when it comes to writing, realistic contemporary has consistently been the genre I’ve chosen. I’ve always been fascinated by the way people (teenagers, specifically) deal with tough situations and how they lean on those who they’re closest to. This, very simply, is the bread and butter of what my first two books were about: teens coping with a difficult real-life situation and the toll those challenges put on their relationships.  

Now, though, I think I’m ready to branch out. I’m seriously considering the idea of taking a stab at the paranormal world. Not vamps or witches or mermaids, but the kind of paranormal I’ve always been quite curious about. The kind of paranormal we can’t confidently discount from reality.

The paranormal aspect in this book I’m still fleshing out will compel my main character to take a serious look at her life, the world-rocking mistakes she’s made, and the relationships she’s all but ruined. Though I plan to shroud the story in romance and a bit of mystery, my main character will face a literal life-and-death decision, one that wouldn’t be nearly as effective if written in the contemporary genre.

The thing is, paranormal might not be for me. I might get fifty words into this puppy and discover that it’s not working at all. But I’m okay with that. I’m giving myself permission to step out of my comfort zone, to take a chance with something new, to explore a genre that’s new and fascinating to me.

So, I’ve plotted loosely, written a little, done some extensive characterizing on who will hopefully becoming my three main characters, and invented the perfect little coastal town for my story to take place. Now, I have to get it on paper and see how it all pieces together, but I’m excited to explore this new genre where I can make the rules and the possibilities are endless.  

WIP will take place in a town sort of like this.

In a house sort of like this.