Guest Author: SJ Clarke

Today we are welcoming Author SJ Clarke to talk about Genres.  Welcome and Thank you for taking the time to spend some time with our readers.

Is PNR Dead?

 

When I tell people I write paranormal romance, I get mixed reactions. Among my favourites are the pursed lipped nod, which translates to “I have no idea what that is.” and the apologetic grimace. Both are generally followed by blank stares or a quick exit, leaving a trail of unspoken questions in their wake.

Why would you paint yourself with that particular brush? What will you do when interest in the paranormal fizzles? Don’t you know some artist will come along and create a new, hot trend?

Sure I do. She’s already here, blurring the edges, creating something new from something past its prime.

Demystifying the Paranormal

Should I be worried? Will my chosen genre abandon me as I’m creating my platform as a paranormal writer? I don’t have the answers. No one does. But I can narrow down the parameters a bit.

When people hear the word paranormal their minds fill with images of a familiar world, altered from current reality by the existence of vamps, shifters and demons. Quite often these elements describe a sub-genre of paranormal that fall into the category of Urban Fantasy. Urban Fantasy has plenty of monsters, as well as kick-butt heroines intent on taking them out. (Until our heroine comes across a monster that stirs her sympathy along with her hormones and she’s attracted to the very aberration she hunts.)

Fighting for humanity’s survival takes a toll on a body. It can’t endure the fight forever. It’s a subtle change at first. Creatures recede into the shadows and tormented souls wreaking vengeance for humanity, instead seek therapy. Can a world without the paranormal be far behind?

Of course not. They’re great stories, and I read a lot of Urban Fantasy. But I also read a host of other paranormal tales. Paranormal encompasses so much more than nightmares given life on the page. There’s the psychic component as well, and this is the element I use in my stories.

The list of psychic abilities is long, often obscure and difficult to pronounce. Most of us are familiar with common psychic gifts like visions, telepathy and telekinesis, but there’s a world of other psychic abilities to explore. Some lesser known skills include clairaudience, bilocation, psychometry, retrocognition, transvection and remote viewing. I’m having a lot of fun right now with the power of remote viewing in my current work in progress.

 

But is having fun enough to keep your readers reading? Aren’t you afraid they’ll abandon you for the next go-to genre?

Hidden Dangers in Genre Writing

By writing in a genre category, one risks slapping a label on their work and forever linking their writer’s identity with that genre. Can a writer survive so labelled? Visit any writer’s or reader’s forum and you’ll find both sides of the argument well represented.

Fans derive their name from the word fanatic. They possess an intense interest in the subject matter, yes, but also in the way the story is told. But even a great story premise falls flat with lacklustre writing. Readers crave entertainment while they escape the harsh reality of their lives for the brief time they immerse themselves in a story.  If those needs aren’t met, the reader will go elsewhere for their fix. But is it poor craftsmanship, or the promise of a new, hot genre that lures a reader away? Everyone strays to investigate the new and interesting, but true fans come back to those who deliver consistent entertainment.

 

But how will you get away with sticking with a dying genre?

Paint my own picture

Will I write to the masses and change genres to follow  up-and-coming trends? No. I might include aspects of new trends in my writing, but at their core, my stories will remain paranormal in nature. My first story, written at the age of eight, was a paranormal time-shift. I’m drawn to the genre. It’s what I read. It’s what I write. It’s in my pores.

I’ll continue to weave paranormal elements amongst romance, mystery and suspense, mainstream genres that endure the test of time.

 

I’ll paint my word pictures on my canvas. Those readers who share my interest and find my stories entertaining will stick around to see what my brush strokes create next. New trends may feather over the image, altering it slightly, but I will always deliver on my original promise to my readers by providing entertaining escapism with a touch of the paranormal.

I’m interested in your take on the future of PNR. Please continue the conversation in the comments section, and stay in touch through the links listed below.

SJ Clarke

Mind Over Matter
By S.J. Clarke

Rebecca McKenney grieved the loss of her daughter for three years. Now, a vision showing Sabrina three years older, suggests her baby is still alive, and the FBI agent who gave up the search is the only one who can help find her.

Special Agent Dan Cooper is haunted by a tragic mistake made early in the investigation of Sabrina’s disappearance. Now to ease his conscience he agrees to help Rebecca search.

Together they fight inner demons, all to real bad guys, and an attraction neither wants to admit to. Each step closer to finding Sabrina is a step deeper into deception and evil.

Can Rebecca and Dan save Sabrina before it’s too late?





About The Author

S. J. Clarke has published over fifty articles as a columnist and regular contributor for a variety of lifestyle and human interest websites. She is a grateful member of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region, and proud to sit on the Board of Directors for The Ontario Writer’s Conference.

Sandra also co-authored Touretties, a touching tribute featuring testimonials from patients and and their loved ones living with Tourettes.

Mind Over Matter, released in November, 2011 through MuseItUp Publishing, is her first novel.

Check out my new website at: http://sjclarke.com

Friend me on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/jzcSq4

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandrajc 

Join me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_tab_home_top

Mind Over Matter Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/MindOverMatterbySJClarke

It’s Monday What Are You Reading?

It's Monday What Are You Reading?

These great memes are hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books and Teach Mentor Texts. Each week will share with you the books we are reading, just finished reading and those books we are planning to read this week.

Finished:

The Last Beginning (Curse of the Phoenix, #3)Kiss Me, I'm Irish: The Sins of His Past\Tangling with Ty\Whatever Reilly Wants...Delivered with LoveAlways the Baker, Never the BrideMy Favorite Mistake: An A Circuit Novel

 The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek

Kiss Me, I’m Irish 

Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery

Delivered with Love by Sherry Kyle

Always the Baker, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

My Favorite Mistake: A Circuit Novel by Catherine Hapka

Currently Reading:

The Eleventh Plague

The Eleventh Plague By Jeff Hirsch

Still Listening To:

Outlander (Outlander Series #1)

Outlander by Diana Galbadon

I have no idea how I got this much accomplished this week.  It was just one of those weeks where I got to the end of it and was amazed.  Now I wish that I had done the Read-a-thon.  What have you been up to this week?  I hope it was a great one for you too.

Author Guest Post: Shelli Johannes-Wells

Grace on “What’s in a boy?”

I don’t understand why boys are the center of some girl’s worlds. I mean as far as I’ve seen, all they do is cause major drama.

I mean, I think boys are hot and all – especially Mo J – but I don’t/can’t revolve my life around them. Especially when I have more important things to think about. Like my dad.

So I don’t need the drama. If a guy likes me, he likes me. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. Not much I can do about it and it’s not like I could change if I wanted to. I’m stubborn like that.

What’s worse is when I see girls hanging out with total jerks? I mean, why? What’s the point? To me, if I want/have a boyfriend, I’d like to at least have fun and not be fighting all the time. I’d like to be treated nicely. Just out of respect and common courtesy, not necessarily special.

People often ask me which guy is better – Mo or Wyn? That’s such a complicated question. I like them both for very different reasons.

Mo is different. He is out there. Not crazy out there but emotionally out there. He just lays his feelings on the line. Not most guys – especially my age – do that. Most guys play stupid “hard-to-get” games, but they don’t just say, “Hey I like you.” That’s Mo. He doesn’t care about being cool, which actually makes him cooler. Of course, he’s a total hottie but he’s also smart, loves nature, and is independent. Even at his age, he can take care of himself. And he is very aware of the world around him. I adore that about him.

Wyn is so different from Mo. He doesn’t take himself seriously and he always makes me laugh. I mean I could be in a totally crappy mood and if Wyn is around, I can’t help but crack up. Even if I don’t really want to. He knows how to have a blast in any situation. Sometimes too much fun. Don’t get me wrong, he can totally get on my nerves but I’m used to by now.  I’ve known him all my life and he’s always supported me. No matter what. Good or bad. But most of all, Wyn is dependable. I can always count on him and if I need him – he is always there. No questions asked.

Don’t get me wrong, I do like boys. But they have to be smart and funny and nice to me. Oh yeah, a high hot factor never hurts.  😀

16 year old Grace was reared in the wilderness. Her first pet was a bear named Simon. Her first potty, an oak tree. And, her first swing, a forest vine. Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her everything he knew about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.
When Grace’s dad goes missing on a routine patrol, unlike everyone in her sleepy mountain town, she refuses to believe he’s dead. After finding a Cheetos bag and stolen government file, Grace is convinced she’s one step closer to proving all the non-believers wrong.
One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from imminent danger by Mo, a hot guy who has an intoxicating accent and a secret. Grace has never felt a connection like this before, certainly not with her ex-boyfriend, the adoring, but decidedly unrugged, Wyn.
After a few run-ins with the town’s police chief, her father’s partner, and some new evidence, Grace travels deeper into the wilderness that has always been her refuge only to learn that her father’s disappearance is not a mere coincidence.
Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to emerge from an epidemic that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.
About the Author:
Shelli Johannes-Wells started out writing for her local school paper, winning a state Nutrition essay contest for “Be a Smart Cookie”, and singing in a local Jazz band. Somewhere along the way, she earned an MBA in Marketing and embarked on an 18-year marketing career in Corporate America working as a marketing and communications consultant.
In 2000, Shelli traded in her expensive suits, way-too high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She started her own marketing & communications business,www.bilaninc.com, and continues creating materials for a variety of large profit and nonprofit clients, including Spanx, Goody Hair Products, Chick Filet, Delta, CARE, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.
Shelli’s dream is to publish children’s books and magically imprint the imaginations of kids. In addition to juggling nap schedules while attending client meetings, Shelli focuses on her writing. She is a frequent marketing speaker at SCBWI conferences across the U.S and runs a popular marketing blog, Market My Words(www.faeriality.blogspot.com) where she provides marketing advice for authors in the hopes of helping them better market their words.
In her spare time (yeah right!) and if the kids allow (yeah right!), Shelli obsesses over movies, reads children’s books (over and over), wishes she could squeeze in Bikram Yoga sessions, and dreams of sleeping in on the weekends.
She currently lives in Atlanta with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess that someday will change the world.

Available in paperback and ebook at Amazon, B&N, iTunes, and other sellers.
@srjohannes
faeriality.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12731861-untraceable