Kerry Adrienne | Ten Elements of a Gothic Romance

THE GUARDIAN OF BLACKBIRD INN is a Gothic romance, though I didn’t overtly realize it at first. When I was about half done, though, I thought it had some things in common with what I remembered as Gothic, so I looked up the definition online and was surprised at all the Gothic elements I had already included in the book.

Gothic novels began early with Horace Walpole’s Castle of Otranto in 1765. Much later, Frankenstein and Dracula followed in gothic tradition. Poe, Stephen King, and many others have written in the Gothic tradition.

Gothic romances became popular in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Authors like the amazing Victoria Holt wrote many romances in the genre, which, during the 70s, was one of the top-selling genres on the market.

So, what makes a Gothic, Gothic? It’s not an exact science, but here are ten things to look for:

1. Setting: A creepy, haunted place. Castles, inns, abandoned churches, monasteries—anything old and creepy.

2. A prophecy: Especially one that has been passed down through the family. The older, the better.

3. A curse: A family curse, especially.

4. Gloom: Dark and stormy nights. Fog. Thunder and lightning.

5. Mystery: There’s always a mystery or mysteriousness. It can involve the hero or someone else.

6. Supernatural: Things like ghosts and demons and witches—or at least inexplicable things.

7. Dreams, signs, portents: The heroine dreams about something bad happening—then it does…

8. Lots of emotion: In a Gothic, someone screams. At least once.

9. Woman in distress: The female character often feels alone and vulnerable. Recent works, however, keep her from relying on the man to save her. She may get scared and even panic a moment, but she’s tough. This is a deviation from many of the former Gothics.

10. Language: Gothics use language that is meant to elevate suspense and provide rich sensory input. Does a novel need all these things to be a Gothic? No, of course not. But these are some of the major things you need to make your Gothic read well.

Thanks for stopping by to read my post!

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About Kerry Adrienne

Kerry Adrienne loves history and spends large amounts of time wondering about people who lived and walked on Earth in the past. She’s a mom to three daughters, six cats, and various small animals, including a panther chameleon. Her shoe horde will attest to her fine shopping skills.

In addition to writing, she’s a college instructor, artist, costumer, and editor. Her new love is her Mini Cooper Convertible, Sheldon, and they have already gone on many adventures.

Kerry is represented by Marisa Corvisiero.

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About THE GUARDIAN OF BLACKBIRD INN

Saving the inn might mean losing her life.

Sophia Yates travels to the famed and haunted Blackbird Inn to help its mysterious owner, Garren Amsel, research its history. The state wants to claim eminent domain and take the property, but the historical inn has been in Garren’s family for generations and he can’t bear to lose it.

After learning the truth behind the inn’s biggest mystery, and why Garren stays, saving Blackbird Inn may cost Sophia her life. How far will she go to protect him?