Online Class: Paranormal Romance Writing

This paranormal romance writing course includes the rules, what to include, what not to include, what makes a good story, and much more.

$95.00
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$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 14
    Lessons
  • 30
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 816
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 12
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.2
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Passion Beyond the Mundane: Dive Deep into the World of Paranormal Romance

In today's literary landscape, paranormal romance is more than a fleeting trend. It's a force to be reckoned with. The allure of enigmatic vampires, mysterious settings, and haunting love stories dominates bestseller lists and captivates cinema audiences.

Positioned under the expansive canopy of 'speculative fiction', paranormal romance shares the limelight with genres like fantasy, horror, and science fiction. However, the true essence of paranormal romance sets it apart. If you've ever been entranced by these tales and felt an itch to weave your own, you're in the right place. Passion alone doesn't craft stories; knowledge does. Here, we journey beyond mere admiration and delve deep into the mastery of paranormal romance writing.

Decoding 'Paranormal' Often tossed around in conversations, the term 'paranormal' encompasses the unexplained, the supernatural. It offers an endless realm of possibilities, both in imagination and in crafting narratives. This genre's distinctiveness is rooted in its very definition. Unlike other genres that demand rigorous justification for every twist and turn, paranormal romance revels in its inherent ambiguity. It's about crafting tales that don't just explain but enchant.

Suspension of Disbelief: The Heart of Paranormal Romance Paranormal romance invites readers into a dance where reality is suspended and fantasy takes the lead. It's where we champion love stories between humans and werewolves, knowing full well the complications that might entail. The key isn't in portraying reality but in presenting the fantastical convincingly enough for readers to willingly surrender to it.

As a writer, your task isn't to retell age-old legends but to reinvigorate them. It's about breathing life into a world that readers not only believe in but yearn to be a part of. Each twist, character, and backdrop you conjure should be uniquely yours, compelling readers to anticipate your next masterpiece eagerly.

Crafting Tales That Transcend Time and Reality No story is truly original. But in the world of paranormal romance, the magic lies in reinvention. As you embark on this course, you'll learn to harness the power of the familiar and transform it into the unforgettable. By the end, not only will you have a mesmerizing narrative at your fingertips, but you'll also be equipped with the tools to present it to the literary world.

Your Journey Begins Here This course promises more than mere instruction—it offers a voyage. From germinating an idea to nurturing it into a captivating story ready for the world to see, we will be with you every step of the way. So, are you ready to transcend the ordinary and explore the extraordinary realm of paranormal romance? Join us, and let's craft tales that resonate across realms and realities!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.73 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,195 votes)

Lesson One: The Popular World of the Paranormal Romance

27 Points
In this first lesson, we will define paranormal writing and the technique of the suspension of disbelief.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Assignment 1 Introduction
  • Complete: Assignment 1B Suspension of Disbelief
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz

Lesson Two: The Elements of a Paranormal Romance

28 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss the paranormal genre, originality, and the elements of paranormal romance. Additional lesson topics: Writing tips
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 2: Using Backstory in Your Writing
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson Three: Thinking About the Big Picture

20 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss how paranormal writing should be shaped by the big picture of the storyline.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 3 : Big Picture Thinking
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz

Lesson Four: Paranormal Stereotypes and Clichés

26 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss the cautionary tips of writing in this genre and the stereotypes encouraged by the media.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 4: Clichés and Stereotypes
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz

Lesson Five: The Supernatural, Magical Creatures

27 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss the supernatural and magical characters in paranormal-themed romances. Additional lesson topics: Building Paranormal Characters; Paranormal Characters
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 5: Creating a Supernatural Character
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz

Lesson Six: Heroes

25 Points
Writing your hero is one of your biggest challenges and one of the elements that can make or break your novel. In this lesson, we will discuss the challenges and how to successfully develop your heroes and heroines.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 6: Creating Your Hero
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz

Lesson Seven: The Heroine

25 Points
Today's paranormal romance heroines tend to be a bit spicier and a bit tougher than those in days gone by, and certainly a bit more kick butt than their "typical romance" counterparts.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 7: Writing Your Heroine
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz

Lesson Eight: Plotting and Plot Maps

26 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss the importance of plot mapping.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 8: Plotting
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Quiz

Lesson Nine: Pacing

45 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss the pacing in your novel. Additional lesson topics: Plotting Your Novel
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 9: Pacing Your Novel
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz

Lesson 10: Dialogue

45 Points
The dialogue in your novel is an essential element, and this lesson will discuss the writing techniques that should be used to help create this element. Additional lesson topics: The Worst Book Ever; Writing Dialogue; How to Write Dialogue
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 10: Writing Dialogue
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Quiz

Lesson 11: Editing and Re-Editing

36 Points
This lesson will discuss the importance of editing and re-editing.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 11: Editing
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz

Lesson 12: Agents

40 Points
This lesson will provide information about the role of agents.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 12: Agent Research
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Quiz

Lesson 13: Query Letters

40 Points
Writing a query letter is an art form. It is important to know what to include in each one and to make each one unique. Additional lesson topics: AgentQuery Database; Queries- The Inside Scoop
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Complete: Assignment 13: The Query Letter
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Quiz

Lesson 14: Putting it All Together

220 Points
In this final lesson, we will review and put together the puzzle of writing the paranormal romance novel and finding an agent. Additional lesson topics: Random House: What I Look For in a Rough Draft; Recompose Magazine Submissions
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Course Completion Poll: Your Thoughts; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Assignment 14: The Final Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Quiz
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
630
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the popular world of the paranormal romance.
  • Describe the elements of a paranormal romance.
  • Summarize thinking about the big picture.
  • Describe paranormal stereotypes and clichès.
  • Describe the supernatural, magical creatures.
  • Describe heroes.
  • Describe the heroine.
  • Summarize plotting and plot maps.
  • Describe pacing.
  • Demonstrate dialogue.
  • Summarize the necessary processes of editing and re-editing.
  • Describe the process of finding an agent for your work.
  • Demonstrate how to create a proper query letter for a prospective agent or publisher.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Paranormal Romance Writing
Course Number: 9770559
Lessons Rating: 4.73 / 5 Stars (1,195 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.2 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Love this course! It was so fun to get a better understanding of the paranormal romance genre from a writer's perspective rather than a reader's. The instructor is a very supportive, kind, and knowledgeable. Her lectures and assignments were interesting to read through and enjoyable to complete. She also provides many helpful supplemental links. This course helped develop my writing skills and motivated me to finish writing my novel." -- Tiffany A.
  • "I really liked this instructor." -- Amy P.
  • "I appreciate all your time and effort!" -- Kali W.
  • "Another GREAT class by a GREAT instructor!" -- Donna N.
  • "I liked reading the exercise then being directed to further resources; I found this very helpful." -- Jennifer M.
  • "I enjoyed completing the paranormal romance class and look forward to completing the novel writing class. You are very encouraging. Something that, I for one, appreciated entering into the writing world. There wasn't a part of this course which wasn't helpful. Throughout this course I used the techniques that I learned and have written a novel. Now I just need to edit the novel." -- Vanessa B.