Genre Help: Paranormal vs. Urban Fantasy

[jennykacz]

I know most agents are really particular about genre, but when it comes to fantasy, I feel like the lines are a little blurry! Can anyone clearly define the difference between paranormal and urban fantasy? Does urban require a real, recognizable city (I've seen this in several places)? Or a city at all? Some people suggest the only requirement for urban fiction is a contemporary setting, but that seems odd to me since "urban" clearly refers to a city environment. Both seems to feature well-known fantastical creatures or myths (vampires, werewolves, Greek gods), but what about new creatures? Do those fit into one category better than another? Any clarification will help! Thanks so much!

[matate99]

I don't know the real answer, but if I was to take a stab at it, I would say that urban would essentially be paranormal fantasy staged in the present day. Paranormal could be any time period.

I'm probably wrong, but that's what I would guess.

[AshK]

If there is romance involved, this might help: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/17445-urban-fantasy-paranormal-romance-what-s-the-difference

And I might point to http://redroom.com/member/ash-krafton/blog/label-me-another-look-at-genre-and-urban-fantasy because there are good links in the post.

Good luck. I let my editor pick between paranormal chick lit and urban fantasy for my book and she chose UF.

[LisaAnn]

Great answer, AshK.  I just attended a writers conference this weekend, and even the experts seem to be confused by the grey areas between the two genres.  In general, it seems like "paranormal" is generally applied to paranormal romances.  Like Ash said, those are stories where the plot revolves around the failure or success of a relationship, so the conflicts and complications come from the interpersonal dynamics between the main characters.

Urban fantasies can definitely have romantic elements, but in those stories, the main characters are generally teamed up and working together to overcome some outside obstacle bigger than their relationship.

An easy way to think of the difference is to ask yourself, "Are my main characters opposed and working hard to get together, or are they together and working hard to face an outside opposition?"

[jennykacz]

Thanks so much! I think this is the problem I've been having. While there is romance in my MS, it's not the main plot. I think querying it as paranormal is giving agents the wrong impression, but I've been hesitant to call it urban fantasy because it's not set in New York or London. I think you've given me the confidence to call it UF

[LisaAnn]

Yay, glad to hear it!  Mine is set in Anchorage, Alaska, and I usually call it UF, even though the majority of scenes take place in the outdoors and don't even take place in Anchorage.  (Anchorage isn't exactly a bustling a metropolis, anyway, I suppose...  )

[jennykacz]

Mine is set in a (fictional) college town, so it's urban in terms of population density, social problems and architecture, but it's surrounded by woods and the population is relatively small. I've really resisted the term "paranormal" because people tend to tack on "romance" any time it's mentioned, but I didn't know what else to call it. UF just fits better!

[AshK]

An easy way to think of the difference is to ask yourself, "Are my main characters opposed and working hard to get together, or are they together and working hard to face an outside opposition?"

That's a very good litmus test.

[LisaAnn]

Thanks, AshK! 

[iBel29]

Mmm guess I am confused as well, I thought urban fantasy was tied to a town/city with paranormal going ons or having its own unique traits. and I thought Paranormal was just well dark magical elements or something

[sbrown]

If this helps, I tend to see UF as involving creatures or some shape or form, be they vampires, werewolves, or many others.  To me paranormal is more supernatural and does not involve this aspect.

[JaelynnFaye]

Great answer, AshK.  I just attended a writers conference this weekend, and even the experts seem to be confused by the grey areas between the two genres.  In general, it seems like "paranormal" is generally applied to paranormal romances.  Like Ash said, those are stories where the plot revolves around the failure or success of a relationship, so the conflicts and complications come from the interpersonal dynamics between the main characters.

Urban fantasies can definitely have romantic elements, but in those stories, the main characters are generally teamed up and working together to overcome some outside obstacle bigger than their relationship.

An easy way to think of the difference is to ask yourself, "Are my main characters opposed and working hard to get together, or are they together and working hard to face an outside opposition?"

Ive had this same issue come up for myself, and frankly I love your answer. Makes it really clear and concise. Thanks!

[sbrown]

I don't get where paranormal is only restricted to romance.  To me, that's silly.  I'll say it again, UF needs some creature in it.  Without a creature it's not UF.  This doesn't hold necessarily for PN.

[AshK]

So, would you consider a magic user--witch, sorceror, otherwise--a creature? Even if they are 100% human?

[jennykacz]

I like that this conversation has continued on! There's a lot of different ideas about what defines these genres and it's been really interesting for me to read the thoughts of others. I have yet to find a perfectly clear definition of either.

I am curious about sbrown's definition involving creatures. One of my struggles has been because my story involves made-up baddies and they are more of the human sort as opposed to werewolves or vampires that are more clearly creatures - think X-Men instead of Underworld, but science isn't my strong suite & I'm not claiming sci-fi by any stretch. I'd love to heard more thoughts on where folks think that should fit.

And to throw another idea into the ring, where do you guys think ghosts fit in all of this? Does a ghost automatically make it fantasy? Or can ghosts appear in a contemporary?

Thanks for all the thoughts - like I said, I've really enjoyed all the opinions.