As a paranormal romance author I like to think of world building for a paranormal romance novel as a process of adding in the extra spark, giving the reader a pleasant jolt or dark surprise.
As a fan of Nora Roberts, I have to bow to world building so effective it makes me change my routine. You may think that sounds silly, but it’s true!
Usually when I’m working on one of my paranormal romance novels, I read either historical romance or I re-read favorite books that have become like old friends.
Lately Nora’s Bride Quartet (Vision in White, Bed of Roses, Savor the Moment, and Happy Ever After) fit the bill perfectly.
So how can the world building Roberts applies for her popular contemporary romance novels actually change my real world routine?
I believe it’s because she does such a fine job with the details. A reader gets swept away until you can see the sparkle on the gowns, feel the happy buzz of champagne, and catch the scent of lilies and freshly baked cake in the air.
More, Roberts’ makes you feel it – in your heart – and an engaged reader just sort of slips into her well-crafted fantasy. Even the workout habits of the four are part of the world building. And if you’re not careful, a reader could actually pick up some good advice along the way.
We all need fresh air, close friends, and exercise. As I read about Parker encouraging Mac to add cardio to her fitness routine, I think, ‘yeah me too’. Fictional Mac might be preparing for her fictional wedding, but in reality fitness matters and she makes it seem manageable and almost appealing.
When Roberts incorporates something so simple, and incorporates it so smoothly, you almost don’t realize you’re getting tips, much less expert world building for the novel itself.
I believe writers should follow that same example and look for opportunities to add the details to the world building for paranormal romance novels – or any genre – so the story will come alive for the reader.
The workout room is part of the routine of the foursome in the Bride Quartet, but it’s more than that. It gives that added layer, provides another glimpse into each character’s development, as well as their relationships with the other characters.
It’s lovely really. And re-reading the Bride Quartet while I use my stair machine and let my own story percolate in the back of my head means my thighs should be in great shape by the time my next paranormal romance novel comes out this spring.
Live the adventure!
