Steven HarperWriting the Paranormal Novel: Techniques and Exercises for Weaving Supernatural Elements Into Your Story.

Don't let the title mislead you--this book is far from limited to whatever you might define as `paranormal.' Only around 25% of the content is specific to paranormal topics, the rest easily applies to fantasy, horror, sf, and thrillers, and it's not much of a stretch to find bits relevant to romance and mystery.Subject matter aside, Harper's prose is immensely readable. I planned to skim it briefly before handing it over to my wife wife (currently working on a paranormal story) and found myself hooked into the witty, conversational style and read the whole thing. My wife (no newcomer to writing books) decorated the book lavishly in pink and yellow highlighter.If you're an experienced writer, you've probably heard a lot of this at some point, but I found some very useful bits that have been nibbling at the back of my brain and until now, were never articulated in a writing text. The discussion on names is so important and almost always overlooked by new and established writers. In the chapter "The Paradox of Cliches," you'll find some very familiar faces--maybe some you've created yourself. The development of villains/antagonists is all too often given short shrift in this genre and Harper gives you reasons and tips for fleshing them out. Beginners would do well to heed the chapter "Fight Scenes and Flashbacks."--ESPECIALLY flashbacks. The chapters on manuscript formatting is also useful for new writers. As a librarian, my wife was pleased to see that the section on research went well beyond Wikipedia.If you're teaching a writing class in genre fiction, this should be one of the required texts. Both experienced and beginning writers will find this is a very useful and readable guide for planning a `paranormal' or other genre writing project.

I think one of the best books on the subject of the art of creating supernatural creatures or the paranormal. I used it to create the Lemon Man. Without it I would have never been able to formulate the nature and hideous image of this supernatural creature. I will admit I am no Ray Bradbury but I have read immensely on the subject, including Mr. Harper's book, and have watched many movies, even done some research into allegedly real cases of ghost, evil spirits, the Bermuda Triangle, etc....If someone would like to learn how to create their own supernatural creature I recommend they read this short book. They will not be disappointed. One additional book I found super informative is Michael Howard's the 'Occult Conspiracy'. Certainly one will get a feel for all types of evil forces that might have existed and perhaps still do after reading Mr. Howard's work on the subject of secret societies and the occult.Nevertheless without Mr. Harper's book you are hamstrung when it comes to creating evil spirits, ghost or writing something in terms of the paranormal that will scare the wits out of your readers. I recommend both books for sure.

Anyone looking for advise on writing a paranormal novel will find this book helpful. I had just finished the first draft of my first novel (a sci-fi fantasy) and desperately needed sound advise as I went into revision. Even though this book dealt more with the paranormal novel, from all the great reviews it was getting, I took a chance an ordered it. I am so glad I did.The exercises were like having a one-on-one writing instructer right there beside me. Working through them helped me see ordinary things in a new way that added richness to my own story. The chapter on cliches helped me to spot and get rid of them in my own work. It had sound advice about publishing, too, that I need to think about in order to make an informed choice when that time comes.From cover to cover, this book was just what I needed. Even though my book was a sci-fi fantasy, rather than a paranormal story, this book was still right on the target with its advise.I found it invaluable. I'm sure others will too.

This is one of the best I've ever read about writing fiction and although the content is geared towards paranormal stories, most of the advice extends to any type of genre you care to write. Steven Harper clearly has an encyclopedic knowledge of storytelling techniques which he shares with good humor and practical examples. Surprisingly, it's quite a page-turner too, making it hard to put down.The chapters cover a significant amount of ground, but some of the most helpful parts discuss the problems of cliche, maintaining realism, and developing a series from a single idea without "superhero creep" or other problems that can derail the world created by the author. He also looks at sources for the paranormal storyline, the various types of protagonist and antagonist, and how to avoid many of the two-dimensional repetitive characters that appear in books over and over.I've read quite a few really bad books on writing fiction so I'm pleased to say that I can't recommend this enough. Although I don't write paranormal fiction, there's more than enough food for thought here to apply to other genres and even screenwriters will probably find the content useful.

I am working on a Zombie Apocalypse novel, so I bought this book thinking it might be good as a reference, but I never expected to be riveted to the page! It is filled with clear, detailed, easy to follow advice and chock-full of humor along the way! (I've never before caught myself laughing out loud while reading a "how-to" book!)Although it doesn't cover Zombies as extensively as I would like, it's a fantastic guide for anyone hoping to break into the Paranormal genre, and a great read in and of itself. I do wish it had a table of contents for the Kindle edition, but reading it from start to finish is far from a chore. I have read several books about the nitty-gritty details of novel writing, but this one is exceedingly well-written, arming the aspiring novelist with everything he or she needs to manifest an exciting and solid piece of fiction. For anyone trying to write a good Paranormal novel, consider this book a MUST-READ!

I would recommend this book for people writing paranormal stories and anything which includes magic. The questions it asks you really clarify and help solidify the "rules" underpinning your worlds and have produced a flurry of vital background info which has strengthened my plot immensely. It's very accessible, a very quick read. The section on cliches is also really helpful, identifying weak areas with character or plot. I own other Writer's Digest books and this is of a similar high standard.

This is great book for anyone writing, or interested in writing paranormal books. It's packed with information on lts of vital topics such as character building, plots, themes, world building etc. and unlike many guides to the subject, gives plenty of space to paranormal story specific help. I would have given it 5 stars except, the information about self publishing is a bit dated, otherwise a brilliant, must have book for paranormal authors, whether beginners or more seasoned writers.

Very interesting book. Despite the title, I think it could be useful for writers of fantasy and magic realism as well. There are some helpful suggestions and exercises.

It arrived on time and was just what I wanted.The techniques and exercises were very helpful and have got me writing again.Thank you

This book is fantastic for paranormal writers old and new. Read it cover to cover and recommended to my tutor