New Age romances can be broken down into three sub-genres: Futuristics, Fantasies and Paranormal. I'll address them in order. Futuristic, like science fiction, takes place in the future either on another planet or Earth. Word length requirements range from 90,000 to 120,000. This category has room for subplots and well rounded secondary characters. Some stories include multiple points of view, sometimes from the villain's perspective.
World-building, the construction of a logical and believable world as a setting for a story, is an important element in the book and is not overlooked. Futuristic writers take into account the planet size, its name, climate, geography, history, the character's clothing, religion, superstitions, occupations, language, methods of timekeeping, your descriptions of humanoids or aliens, culture transportation devices, weights and measures, technology. But the main difference between romance and science fiction is that romance editors do not want the focus to be on the world-building aspect but rather on the romance with the setting as the backdrop of the story.
Once you've got the parameters for your world and done your research you will find yourself at a point where all other romance writers usually begin their work - at the beginning of the story. Now you must add solid internal and external conflict, develop your characters, add a dash of adventure, a hint of mystery, a generous portion of romance, a fulfilling ending, around 100,000 words and then, maybe then you will have written a book that will capture the attention of an editor!
Examples of futuristic romance include: LORD OF THE STORM and THE SKYPIRATE (Justine Davis); TOPAZ DREAMS (Marilyn Campbell); and HEART'S SURRENDER and HEART'S LAIR (Kathleen Morgan); PARADISE CITY (Sherrilyn Kenyon); GOLDEN PROPHECIES (Pam Mc Cutcheon)
Fantasy romance includes elements such as magic, swords, sorcerers, dragons, mythology, gods, goddesses, alternate universes, demons, spirits, unicorns, wizards, elves, dwarfs, gnomes, spells, and druids.
Most fantasies have a spellcaster. Although the role is usually given to the hero and heroine (the lead male and female characters), it is possible for a secondary character to be a sorcerer. They influence physical events by means of spells or rituals. Although the types of spells would differ if they used light or dark magic, examples of spells include (but are not limited to): invisibility, regeneration, telekinesis, levitation, shape changing, granting of a wish, protection from evil, enduring of heat/cold, detecting poison, transportation, controlling of the weather, healing, repelling weapons, wall of energy, passing without a trace, forgetting commands and protection of a dwelling.
Your characters in the fantasy romance could have (but are not limited to) the following: battle axe, bow (long or short), club, dagger or dirk, throwing axe, javelin, lance (jousting or heavy), sickle, sling & stone, spear, sword (one handed, two handed or broad sword), scimitar, whip, armor (leather or padded), shield, coat of mail (interlocking metal rings). Generic armor should include metal, leather or padding.
Like futuristics, the emphasis of a fantasy romance must be on the romance. The one thing that is a MUST for all romances is the fact that the ending must be happy. The hero and heroine need not marry or pledge everlasting love, but good must triumph over evil. This is the trademark of a romance and what readers of the genre expect.
Examples of fantasy romances include: CHANTING THE STORM and CHANTING THE MORNING STAR by Marylyle Rogers; A CERTAIN MAGIC by Kathleen Morgan
Paranormal romances deal with things and happenings not acknowledged or explainable by conventional science. They include terms such as: telepathy, vampires, psychics, ESP, clairvoyance, past lives, reincarnation, empath, fairies, elves, giants, mermaids, witches, sorcerers, spell casters, ghosts, spirits, prophecy, fortune-telling, dreams, runes, devils, crystals, Tarot, werewolves, telekinesis, angels, past life regression and levitation.
Disney has had amazing popularity with movies that contain paranormal elements and romantic plots. Examples include Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Aladdin. Each deals with a different paranormal element but the romantic plot is an integral part of the movie.
Another example of a paranormal movie with a romantic plot is GHOST, starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.
Examples of paranormal romances are: BEWITCHING by Jill Barnett; the SHADOWS line which has written about werewolves, shape changers; Jack the Ripper; BURNING TIMES by Evelyn Vaugh includes a possession, an evil spirit and witches. TANGLED VOWS (a Harlequin Intrigue by Rebecca York) highlights a near death experience and a ghost; FOREVER ANGELS by Trana Mae Simmons is the first book of Leisure's ANGEL series.
Although time travels fall under the paranormal topic, they are so popular that I wanted to mention them separately. Time travels involve transporting a character (usually the hero/heroine) through time and/or location.
It is important to make the means of time travel plausible and consistent. If everyone who touched a painting traveled through time it wouldn't be a rare experience nor would it be believable.
Methods of traveling that have been used in other books include touching items such as jewelry (rings, brooches, necklaces, bracelets), standing stones, mirrors, pictures, and doors. Heroes/heroines have fallen down stairs, wished on stars, gotten outside help (from angels, fairy godmothers). Most of the above have been combined with special circumstances such as lightning storms, a comet passing overhead or a wrinkle in time.
Examples of time travel romances include: A MARGIN IN TIME - Laura Hayden; SOMEWHERE IN TIME and TOMORROW AND ALWAYS by Barbara Bretton
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the above terms are interchangeable and can be used in more than one category.
For more information regarding Romance Writers of America, you can contact the national headquarters at 13700 Veterans Memorial Suite 315 Houston TX 77014 phone (713) 440-6885. (8am-6pm M-R & 8am-5pm F CST). And remember, you DO NOT have to be published to join.
May all your days include a few heroes/heroines, some special moments in time, a bright future and a little bit of magic. J.DICANIO@GENIE.COM
Judy is the former FF&P Romance Writers of America chapter president.
