Basically when a book is labeled paranormal, it can go almost anywhere from what might be possible to total fantasy (we think) like werewolves, vampires, and zombies. I think the only real rule is it has to stay consistent within its own story. You cannot forget the basics of its world although you can have it grow in understanding.
Before I wrote the first paranormal in my trilogy, Diablo Canyon, I had never figured to write anything like it-- well, I had earlier done one involving witchcraft, misuse of spiritual power where it did have a spirit monster. That was 2002; so it's obviously not a genre of romance I either read or write often.
When I had the dream in November 2013, involving spirit guides, purpose to life, fairness, and reincarnation, I woke up that morning knowing it would make a story I should write. It had more importance in my mind because I had been asking questions--the tell-me-what-is-true kind of questions. Did my muse give me the dream as an answer? Well that all depends on what the muse is.
Anyway it wasn't long after writing it that I began to think there was another story to be told. In fact, there were two more because what I really had was a trilogy. The second was written in February from the 19th to the 25th and I called it The Dark of the Moon.
Because I don't write something and immediately release it, it only came out May 1. I really like at least a month before the first edit (while i am writing other things) and then maybe three edits before a book is actually released. It's just so easy to have glitches in logic and consistencies-- even in a story written that fast-- sadly I sometimes find them later even after that much editing. I began the third on April 6th and finished its rough draft April 12th. It will be out the middle of June.
In writing these fantasy/paranormal books, I stayed with what I believe is actually possible. Of course, it can be asked-- possible, but is it true? That can be debated, but there is nothing in any of the three books that I have not heard someone tell me they experienced or that I hadn't read through books or articles.
To write any paranormal, I had a choice for the approach I would take. I didn't choose to go way out there-- even though some would say shape shifting is way out there. It's not an uncommon thing for some to say they can do. Likewise nor is seeing the 'other' side and being able to converse with it.
The things that people have told me they saw, I cannot prove. I remember one story, from a very sober and responsible friend, who had been to a local meeting of Buddhists or those interested in being Buddhists. He said he saw sitting on the back of one of the chairs a troll like being which he considered a demon. Did he see what he said? He was no liar, and I never knew him to be delusional.
What I liked about writing a story that I really thought could be possible, was the way it challenges us to think about what we see. In the third book there will be monsters from Native American religions using the names and personalities as the myths describe. You think they never existed, don't you? But many of you believe in your own mythologies regarding the God of the Torah and Old Testament--
