How to Write Paranormal

Creating 3-Dimensional Characters

Now let's try out Rowen #2.

~

"Good morning, Rowen," Fritz, the old baker, greeted in his German accent as she stepped into his store. "Tell me, was last night's rainstorm a project of yours?"

"Herr, I assure you, if that was me, your building wouldn't have a roof," she said in a playful voice. The old man was one of her favourites since he had immigrated to Sicily nearly three decades ago. "But speaking of which, is Gustav around? I have a terrible crack in my roof and I need—" Her voice stopped when the old man's eyes fell with his smile.

He shook his head and busied himself with some dough.

"Herr Fritz," she said with a chiding voice. "What is going on? Where is Gustav?"

Fritz lowered the dough and didn't bother to raise his eyes. "Antonio's boys came asking for him the other day. They didn't say what they wanted, but I knew. They're trying to get him to work for them, and... well, liebschen, you know what happens when you tell them no. They pour out blood like you do rain. Gustav ran off, not wanting to give them the chance."

Rowen bit her lip. The mafiusu was moving into this village. She would not allow it.

~

Obviously, Rowen is a paranormal. But it doesn't seem to define her story. She worries about other things; in this case, the Mafia moving into the tiny village by her mountain. You see that she has more of a purpose now than just surviving as a paranormal. She now has to protect her village, and I'm sure her status as a witch will make that both challenging and easier at the same time. One story will be about coming to terms with being a witch, while the other story will be about protecting her village from a growing threat.

Again, which sounds like one you've read a million times and which sounds like a new take on the hero story?

Step 3: Make Rules and Keep Them

Again, Rowen #1, whose weakness is water, in a rainstorm:

~

Rowen raised her hands and concentrated her energy amidst the downpour of water. She didn't expect it to work, and was stunned when the blade on the ground in front of her slid smoothly to her hand. How had she done it in the rain?

~

Perhaps one of the most groan-worthy plot devices seen in overused tropes, the hero overcomes some paranormal block just in time to be convenient and save the day. Unless you have worked out exactly why Rowen cannot use her powers in the rain and shown us to satisfaction that she has overcome that reason, stick to the idea that she can't use the powers. You may think you've painted yourself into a corner, but you, like Rowen, just have to be clever about how you get around this problem. And then, guess what?

You've created a challenge in which your paranormal has still succeeded, even without her powers. You've given her some street cred. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. The block that your character struggles with has now led them to grow realistically and led to some great character development!

Once again, let's visit with Rowen #2 , whose weakness is fire, in a burning building:

~

Rowen tried to call on the rain, but nothing came. She felt her power and her breath dwindling. She tried to force herself to her feet, but her strength had long-since given way.

Instead, she dragged herself, by sheer will, toward the door. The rough stone cut into her knees, legs and torso as she pressed forward. Her mind was dimming from the lack of oxygen and her sight became blurry. When she finally reached the door, she pulled herself up and began slamming her shoulder into the wood. She mustered the last of her waning strength just as her mind began fading to black.

It finally gave way. The fresh air rejuvenated her enough to let her crawl out. Once outside, she was able to pull herself halfway to her feet and stumble into the grass to safety.

~

So, tell me, which one of these characters do you think accomplished some sort of character development? Rowen #1, who was inexplicably lucky and had the safety net of her powers to get her out of trouble, even though she shouldn't have? Or Rowen #2, who was hardcore because she had no powers to fall back on this time?

Conclusion

Writing a story is easy. Writing a unique story takes a lot of research, editing and cleverness. Following the advice here you will be able to build characters that break the clichés and stay fresh in a reader's mind long after the story is finished.

Now go bring your story to life in a brand new way!