Fresh Fiction Blog | Shona Husk | Ten Things I Love about Paranormal Romance

As a reader I love escaping to a world of make-believe. It's like a fairy tale for grown-ups where good wins and the princess lives HEA with a handsome hero. There are adventures, new worlds and unexpected creatures...and yet there is still the safety of the familiar. Paranormal romance happens in a place not so different to ours, it is easy to believe that we could accidentally stumble on a were-wolf (ever played spot the paranormal creature on the train? Or is that just me?)

1. The heroes

The hero is usually paranormal, which means he has extra abilities. This could be anything from immortality, mindreading or magic. But like any supernatural being he will also have weaknesses. It's the struggle between living in the human world, his loyalty to his kind and his desire to be loved that makes him so endearing.

2. The heroines

Sometimes they are paranormal, other times they are human. I love it when they get to venture into a new world. A place that exists parallel to ours but hidden from the public and through her I get to discover new things.

3. The settings

I love it when the book is set somewhere I've never been. But I also love the otherness of the setting—what lies beneath the exterior of humanity. Beneath the city, or through a portal to another world where creatures live.

4. The thrill

Paranormal romance always has high stakes and my favourite one are dark and a little creepy. It's like horror and romantic suspense got together and had a baby with all the best bits. The scary (fangs, demons, witches and fairies), the romance, the adrenaline and fight scenes all with a HEA.

5. Magic

Maybe I never grew up but the idea that true magic is real is very attractive. If there is a cost that's even better. The dilemmas!

As a writer I love making things up. Creating new worlds, adding a hero and making some drama is something I used to do on the train to work just to entertain myself. I never thought about writing them down until I was on maternity leave. As a writer I find paranormal romance very liberating.

1. I get to make things up

I can do whatever I want in my sand pit as long as once I've made the rules I stick to them. Yep, Goblins in Perth, Australia? Why not. Fairies in Charleston? Sure. Vampires as rock stars? Yeah!

2. The research

And I don't mean looking at pictures of cute guys and picturing them as the hero in my story (sure that's part of it....) but I mean the research on plagues, genetic disorders, Roman Britain, weapons, gun smithing, special forces, magic from around the world and big cats. The research for paranormal romance is fun!

3. Myths

Like research but this involves looking up old myths. I have lots of books on mythology from around the world. I google, go to the library and read old fairy tales. Sometimes I'm just reading for pleasure and an idea will hit, other times I actually trying to find out something specific or confirm something that I've read or remembered reading from a long time ago. (My husband hates playing trivial pursuit with me)

4. The heroes

I have to love him before the heroine can, or the reader :).

5. The happily ever after

I love this part the most. I grew up reading fantasy novels where love was always sacrificed and never valued enough so having the adventure and fights and magic and a HEA is wonderful. I love it when my characters succeed despite what I throw at them. I love watching them grow and become people instead of just a spark of an idea. In seeing my book for sale I get my own HEA as I live my dream.

THE OUTCAST PRINCE BY SHONA HUSK - IN STORES JULY 2013

Just One Taste Is All It Takes...

This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation...if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.

To Be Forever Lost...

Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He's just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.

Praise for THE OUTCAST PRINCE

"Brilliantly unique, beautifully sensual, The Outcast Prince had me spellbound from the first page! Shona Husk's engaging voice and vivid, creative world-building make every one of her books a must-read!" — Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author

"Innovative fantasy... An emotional and engaging tale." —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

To purchase THE OUTCAST PRINCE:

Comments

Love Paranormal and the imagination the authors have!!!
(Vicki Hancock 8:53am July 25, 2013)

I totally understand! Love reading about paranormal too!
(May Pau 10:08am July 25, 2013)

I love the unending possibilities that paranormal storylines have - infinity and beyond. Your book sounds fantastic. Thanks for a chance to win. Best of luck with it!
(Nancy Reynolds 10:56am July 25, 2013)

I have yet to read a paranormal book, since several that I've seen seem to be a little far-fetched for me to get into. It would take too long to explain that statement. Anyway, after reading your blog, and seeing the area where you live, it's understandable where you would be able to come up with such amazing storylines, and I am willing to give your books a shot!! How could I not after such wonderful reviews as well?? I'm sure this site is going to be jumping with people, clamoring for a chance to get their hands on your book!! I think the cover is quite stunning, too!! Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:01am July 25, 2013)

I love paranormal stories. The best part is sometimes after reading a book I see someone that I could totally see as fitting into that world. Maybe they look like they should shape shift or sometimes they just look like they know what I am thinking. These books definitely send my imagination into overdrive.
(Pam Howell 11:17am July 25, 2013)

Paranormals are one of my fav romance genres.... love seeing the beings and worlds come to life!
(Colleen Conklin 1:02pm July 25, 2013)

I've never read a paranormal book, but have watched paranormal movies. So maybe I'll win your book that sounds like a really great story, and give it a try. Thank you for the chance to win.
(Esther Somorai 1:49pm July 25, 2013)

I like that there are more possibilities in paranormals.
(Cheryl McEwen 3:43pm July 25, 2013)

Some of things I love about paranormal romance is the mystery and fantasy elements of this genre. You never know where it will take you.
(Kimberly Woodall 4:58pm July 25, 2013)

I like that paranormal romances because I like to imagine myself as one of the characters
(Shirley Younger 5:50pm July 25, 2013)

I love paranormal romances! I just started reading them about three years ago. For those that haven't ever read one, they don't know what they're missing! Yours sounds like the type of story I'd really enjoy very much, from everything I've read! I'm writing this down on my TBR list. The cover is awesome!
(Linda Luinstra 5:59pm July 25, 2013)

Paranormal is a genre that grows on you. It took me several
decades to switch my mindset to accept the imagination of
shapeshifter authors.
(Alyson Widen 8:48pm July 25, 2013)

I love all those aspects of paranormal romance, as well.
(Janie McGaugh 9:01pm July 25, 2013)

Wow, Congrats on your new book: THE OUTCAST PRINCE. I love
the book cover too. What a hunk and can you imagine being
able to step in and out of a magical mirror and see other
worlds and portals and neat creatures too. Lydia is lucky
that Caspian came along to save her and romance her at the
same time. I would truly love to win and read your book this
summer. Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 10:07pm July 25, 2013)

Paranormal books allow my imagination to branch out and create new possibilities...it's like the thrill a scientist would feel at discovering another dimension. When I'm entrenched in a book, my imagination is wide open and I get a chance to expand my fantasies.
(Donna Holmberg 10:12pm July 25, 2013)

Working for a antique dealer sounds like a perfect job for someone who knows the history of things they touch. Enjoyed your blog.
(Sheila True 10:45pm July 25, 2013)

I love paranormal books because nothing is off the table and the more
imaginative the more fun it is. The places, people, creatures and stories are
so unique and vast that it holds your attention. I have played spot the
creature lol. I've also seen a mushroom ring in the forest and was to
chicken to stand in it lol.
(Stephanie Fredrick 11:44pm July 25, 2013)

I have been intrigued with the paranormal genre since I read Dracula as a teen. Anything that is not "of this world" made life a little more interesting than what was going on in my real life! LOL
(Sherri Williamson 11:59pm July 25, 2013)

I do enjoy escaping to another exciting world for a little bit.
(Maureen Emmons 6:01am July 26, 2013)

I love reading Paranormal Romances!
Congratulations on the new book and thanks for the great giveaway!
(Chelsea Knestrick 3:40pm July 26, 2013)

Enjoy paranormal books. Enjoy antique hunting and think this sounds like a book I'd thoroughly enjoy reading!!
(Rich Cook 5:05pm July 26, 2013)

I just started reading my first paranormal romance about a guy who's half angel. I have read teen paranormal books and mysteries with ghosts in them.
(Michelle Fidler 5:15pm July 26, 2013)

I love reading paranormal romances! The extra abilities of the hero/heroine, whatever they might be, add another element to the story that helps transport me to that place & time. Whether the paranormal aspect is far-fetched or not, these stories allow me to escape the worries of the day and relax. Thanks for writing these types of books.
(Sheri Jesse 5:54pm July 26, 2013)

I love all the otherworldly elements of paranormal romance
books.
(Margay Roberge 7:11pm July 26, 2013)

I absolutely LOVE the paranormal. I don't like really scary books but these are soooo good !!
(Susan King 8:57pm July 26, 2013)

I love paranormals of all kinds!! It's all about the escape and happily ever after. After all, who knows what's just around the corner??
(Martha Lawson 9:18pm July 26, 2013)

I love escaping through paranormal romancaes. They are so much more creative then just a romance. new world is opened up to fuel my imagine.
(Janet Shook 9:39pm July 26, 2013)

I love paranormal romance! It is so intriguing and magical.
(Bonnie H 10:04pm July 26, 2013)

I am always amazed how different authors can take the varied paranormal stories in so many different places; millionaire vampires, firefighter demons, security/bodyguard shifters. I love them all!
(Annetta Sweetko 11:44pm July 26, 2013)

I love reading paranormal because I believe that there is a world out there that exists but we were taught not to believe in. My love for paranormal started with ghost stories and Halloween stories. Thanks for the interview.
(Kai Wong 12:01pm July 27, 2013)

I'm sorry to confess I have never read one of Shona's books. It appears I have been missing something bigtime!!

I adore paranormal romance books. I love being transported to a magical world where almost anything is possible.
(Monica Vargo 11:22am July 27, 2013)

I have never read a paranormal romance book, but would love the opportunity to read your book which sounds so very interesting. Thank you
(C Culp 1:18pm July 27, 2013)

The authors have more freedom in what they write. Their creativity has no
bounds. Plus who doesn't want to read about the impossible and believe that it
can actually be possible.
(Lynn Reynolds 4:22pm July 27, 2013)

I'm going to be on the look out for paranormal creatures when
I'm out & about from now on.
(Mary Preston 6:47am July 28, 2013)

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