Unless there’s no romantic element in a book touted as paranormal romance. Then I get a little grumpy…until I remember that leaves room for the next great novel in the to-be-read pile.

But I digress.

I’m a firm believer in romance – as a genre and as an important real life factor. If someone sells me a novel, claiming it’s paranormal romance, I want to see, feel, and enjoy the element of romance in that novel.

Of course, as an author, I understand how some novels cross over several genres. I think that’s a good thing, and it’s often particularly true for paranormal romance writers (like me!)

And every writer has a unique view of how to balance the scale between those two elements in their paranormal romance novel. Each story will need different degrees of paranormal adventure and romance.

The element of romance is different from merely the element of physical attraction and personal conflict.

Sure conflict drives the plot and pushes the characters apart and/or together, but when I share a story I loved with another reader, I’m usually focused on the relationship element of a paranormal romance novel.

The creatures and excitement are extremely important, but when I’m reading romance, I’m reading to escape, to get my fix of adventure amid another routine day of school, work, house- and zoo-keeping.

So, for me and my keeper shelf, the romance has to be a significant element of a paranormal romance novel. There are so many authors who’ve delivered delightful stories with varying elements within their paranormal romance novels.

My keeper shelf features books by Nora Roberts, Karen Hawkins, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lori Handeland, Kresley Cole, and Jayne Ann Krentz (aliases included) just to name a few. All of them write books with strong romantic elements sizzling within action packed paranormal novels.

Live the adventure!

Take setting for example. An ‘other’ world can be a place of discovery for both characters and readers. Or spinning known landmarks and cities into a clever new look or purpose can spark passion that resonates with paranormal romance readers.

The Olympic venues (beyond the skating rink) are often foreign territory to the average reader and viewer. Think what a paranormal romance writer could do with that!

Those places known and loved, or as yet undiscovered can be either big or subtle elements of the paranormal romance novel. In the forests surrounding the venues of Vancouver, I can see the characters of Lori Handeland’s Night Creature novels having a grand adventure.

Setting can be a powerful element of the paranormal romance novel, whether it’s a shining city like New Orleans, a pristine forest, a mountain staked for Super G, or a bumpy moguls course.

It’s not so odd for a paranormal hero or heroine to enjoy adrenaline-inducing sports. The Olympic Village could be it’s own element in a paranormal romance if the hero is tracking a villain disguised as an athlete – or coach.

Visions of James Bond racing onto the ski cross course are one thing, but what if it was Kenyon’s Acheron – even better!

In other words, look at settings you know and love, as well as settings that intrigue you. Then fold it in to the fabric of your story to create a memorable – big or subtle – element of your paranormal romance novel.

Live the adventure!

Still other authors use an entirely different world for their paranormal romance novels. While this may seem more challenging at first glance, there’s an infinite amount of freedom in the approach.

How do you convince a reader there’s life on the moon? Like maybe a werewolf colony that’s managed to hide themselves from every lunar landing and exploration. Building a brand new world for your paranormal romance can be fun.

The imagination is boundless! Other planets, lost cities, alternative histories and potential futures actually give authors plenty of new, undiscovered blocks to build the special world for their paranormal romance. As long as they stick to the rules of the world they create.

For example, if gravity’s important, explain how creatures cope or defy it. If you introduce a fuel cell, be sure your heroine doesn’t fill up the tank with unleaded on her way to catch the bad guy.

When you’re considering what sort of world to build for a paranormal romance novel, think about the specific strengths and weaknesses of your characters and/or creatures.

Build them a world that will challenge and surprise, as well as assist and comfort them on their journey through the story.

Also, writer know thyself. Consider the things you’re good at. Think about the voice that comes most naturally to you.

Do you have a penchant for the dark and angsty, or would a battle between good and evil land on the page sounding more like a walk through Central Park on a balmy June day?

Whether you’ve got supernatural creatures romping through the this world or humans trying to navigate an otherworld environment, there’s plenty of room for putting your own spin on the world you build for your paranormal romance novel.

Use your innate storytelling strengths as you build the right world for your paranormal romance. It’ll be more fun in both the writing and editing process and your readers will thank you later!

Live the adventure!