Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Paranormal and The Heart of Darkness
It’s probably a good thing sound doesn’t travel over blogs because I’m certain some of the English majors aboard probably just groaned. Or worse.
Pirates are known for their colorful language, after all.
I swear; I’ll keep this as painless as possible.
Those who have no idea what I’m talking about, I’ll give a small history. The Heart of Darkness is a novella by Joseph Conrad and I believe that just about every English literature major is required to read it at some point. My teachers used it to introduce literary criticism and theory.
Blah blah.
Ok, ok. I like it, I admit it.
If you’ve ever seen Apocalypse Now, that movie was based on the story. Basically, according to Wikipedia, “The story details an incident when Marlow, an Englishman, took a foreign assignment as a ferry-boat captain … on what readers may assume is the Congo River…. Marlow is employed… to return Kurtz to civilization in a cover up.” Basically, Kurtz is making friendly with the native folks and getting in touch with his “savage” side.
One of my favorite themes in this story is the constant struggle present within every character between acting as civilization expects and giving in to the dark, barbaric impulses of human nature.
*Pause while you readers recover from English class flashbacks*
In my most recent research into current trends in paranormal romance novels, I’ve started noticing and appreciating how this theme seems to parallel a lot of recent paranormal themes.
If the hero or heroine is a vampire, werewolf, or any other paranormal creature, they tend to struggle with controlling their inner beast. It also seems that their love interest has a calming effect on the beast within; that the darkness within them recedes further behind the civility of love. While a lot of romance novel heroes are “tamed” at the end by the love of the heroine, the paranormal romance’s taming is not just a figurative taming but a literal one.
Though I admire the darkness of so many paranormals, I doubt my voice would hold up under the weight of it. Brooding and ominous aren't my forte. My story has a paranormal thread in it but I don't use my heroine's witchiness as a dark force for her to conquer, instead I use it as a plot device to allow her to do things she wouldn't technically be able to do as a Regency miss.
I admire the darkness, I'm just glad I don't have to write about it.
Do you read paranormals? What do you like/dislike about them? Ever thought of writing one (why/why not)? Have you noticed any other trends in paranormals or any other subgenre lately?
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41 comments:
Hi. I've missed you all!
Thought Hellion or Sin must have been reading the map upside down again and got you all ship wrecked. Fortunately Bosun Terri pointed my compass to this site.
Some classic Sci Fi actually made interesting predictions about the future eg Asimov on robotics or H G Wells on time travel. There is currently quite a lot of serious scientific research on the paranormal; things like ESP, ghosts, premonitions of future events, mind reading, mind-matter interaction, alternative healing therapies etc. As far as I know the para-normal literature hasn't really come up with anything analogous to the predictions of Asimov or Arthur Clarke which is a pity. Please enlighten if I am mistaken
Imaginative prediction seems to have been left to the fantasy end of the genre with authors like Anne McCaffrey and her Talent series.
So come on you paranormal guys. Lets have more plausible imaginative predictive writing please. There's a whole world of the mind just waiting to be explored *g*
I do read paranormals ,and I love the majority of those that I've read. I think I like the world building in them. Though they take place in our times-usually- they are living in a separate sect of our world. It's intriguing.
I have thought of writing one, but I don't think I could offer anything new to the genre so I won't try it out- at least not any time soon.
The trend in paranormals that I've noticed lately seems to be to step away from vampires. Which, really, I appreciate. I've read waayyy too many books about vampires.
I read A LOT of paranormals--it's the only sub-genre I will still pick up new authors in, horrors with para elements, fantasy with para elements, romance, erotica and fiction with para elements.
And Heart of Darkness is one of my favourite books (read it in highschool for my independent study) I find the human mind fascinating and JC portrays a depth most don't accomplish.
Trends in para right now are light funny voices, I think it has something to do with the dying of chicklit.
I love writing werewolves. I think there is so few werewolf books out there (most are vampire) that I want my voice in it too. And what's not to love about an alpha man?
Q - welcome back aboard! :) Imaginative predictive writing is exciting stuff. I love Asimov and Wells. I thought I, Robot was phenomenal and so ahead of its time. I doubt, though, that you're going to get any of that from me. I write historical, after all.... Anyone else wanna help Q out?
Kelly - I must agree about being sick of vampires. Though, I am eagerly anticipating Colleen Gleason's fourth book. Ahhh... Max....
Tiff - I'm glad you say light funny voices in para now. *phew* :) I love your weres. :) And, so true. What ISN'T to love about an alpha? LOL!
PS. I have no idea why Wordpress white filled part of my post. I tried to fix it and I was at a loss.
Any other crew wanna help me with that?
And at least I finally figured out the pictures. LOL!!
I've tried to read paranormals. I've read both dark and chicklit lite ones, and I can't embrace the fantasy. I believe you either like paranormals or you don't, and I happen to be someone who doesn't.
Marnee, I've read an excerpt of your WIP and I enjoyed it very much because I love historical romance.You balance the paranormal and romance aspects very well. But if the basis of a book revolves around vamps, or werewolves I'm pushing it to get through one chapter. I like to relate to the characters I read, and I can't relate to the reality of vampires and werewolves. Call me narrow minded, but give me plain romance anyday:)
Marnee,
I just figured out how to post a pic too, so I'm no help at all:) LOL
Ah, there's my Q. *waving across the pond* So happy I could steer you back aboard.
I can't read paras. Just can't do it. I'm too logical and practical minded. It's a curse. But I cannot suspend disbelief to that degree. I keep asking why questions. Why would he do that? Why would anyone not question that? Why isn't she running away?!
I do have a couple of light paras on my shelf and I intend to try them out. And funny enough, though I could never write about shapeshifters or demons and such, I have a para book idea that involves a girl being *haunted* by her grandfather. It would be in that light, chicklit fashion but I don't know if I'll ever really write it.
And I don't know what's up with the white stuff. Maybe Sin or the Captain can figure it out.
I will read paras if recommended highly but won't just go pick one off the shelf. I'm not sure why they don't appeal to me. I shouldn't even group them all together. I won't pick up a vampire or werewolf para off the shelf (unless it's Tiffs!).
I have read books with witchcraft elements that I thought were good. Nora has put a para slant on some of hers that I enjoyed - The Three Sisters Trilogy, The Irish Trilogy, The Key Trilogy, and countless others. I've read Bewitching by Jill Barnett and liked it. I've liked The Marriage Spell by MaryJo Putney.
I think maybe I associate it all with horror movies and I HATE horror movies. So the cute witchcraft stuff I like, but when it starts getting dangerous and creepy I'm outta there! Probably the same reason I shy away from Romantic Suspense. I'm a weenie.
The thing I do like about the ones with the witchcraft or para elements is the idea that anything is possible. Kind of like the rich alpha hero that can solve any of the heroine's problems because he's so strong and rich. With the twitch of a nose or some incantation the H/H can make all things possible.
I also confess to being a big I Dream Of Jeannie and Bewitched fan in the '70s.
Ahh... Thanks Irish. You'll be happy to know I don't do much on the horror aspect of the story. Just the sexy alpha male that is fight his animal instinct to mate... lol.
Yeah, Tiff's stuff is more "Will they?" or "Won't they?" usually with you sitting on the edge of your seat yelling "Why don't they just do it already?!"
LOL!
Teehee... makes the waiting worth it :) You'd think my stories would have more sex than they do. But then 20 pages of sex seems a bit much for some, eh? lol!
I read SOME paranormals, but Sherrilyn Kenyon is as dark and broody as I get. I love her because her heroes are all big, bad brooding alphas in need of redemption; her heroines are average in someway and very sarcastic; and lots of Greek myth/lore. Love that stuff.
My heart did thud at seeing "Heart of Darkness"--though I'm trying to remember if we read a piece in high school?--or if we read it in college? Not sure. I don't remember it. I have the book though. I remember Dr. Lass giving me a copy in hopes to improving my mind. It didn't work. Apparently you have to READ the book in order for that happen, which is similar to why I'm disappointed with my gym membership.
Q! Glad to see you again! I'm glad your compass is working. *grins, hands him some Scotch* It's raining torrents here.
PS. This was a truly awesome blog, matey.
OMG Do I read paranormals? Do schizo's hear voices?
Don't answer that.
I LOVE paranormals! I'm a huge fan of Kim Harrison, Kelley Armstrong, Keri Arthur, J.R. Ward, Tanya Huff, Anne Rice.
Kim Harrison's series is probably my fav though. I love how she weaves her characters and her demons... I love danger.
I have thought about writing them. I have two stories lined up for when I have the time. I have a loose outline in my head for both of them. Though, I might merge them and only write one series. But dark themes suit my voice. That's why I couldn't figure out why I couldn't write YA or strictly romance. That HEA factor always gets to me.
Q- *huff* I don't read maps. I just point my gun in the direction we should go. I know my way around ;)
I love vampires and demons. I'm going to figure out a way to blend them. That's my next challenge in writing but first I must complete a novel. LOL
I hate Word Press. It won't hold my paragraphing when I post on it over at Romantic Inks every Sunday. Somebody needs to help me. Or shoot me. *looks at mapless Hellion*
Anyway, I held out against paranormals forever, although as a young reader I loved ghost stories, fantasies or those with a bit of magic in them. Now I do read para, although they're not my first love (that would be anything historical because I totally want to escape from the present day). I'm on board with daemons, vamps, shapeshifters, the Fae, witches, warlocks, etc. When you think about it, Harry Potter is a paranormal hero. As Irish said, all problems can be solved in an alternate universe when you don't have to worry about pesky reality. And there is something very sexy about the whole destined mate deal. You just can't say no. *g*
I don't think I've read a paranormal romance in the sense of those with werewolves and vampires althought I've read YAs with witches and faeries and whatnot. I tend to like the paranormal element as a feature, but not so much the struggle. Basically, Marnee, I agree with you!
Um, I read *part* of Heart of Darkness. I think for the most part I read the first couple chapters of all high school reads and then skimmed a few of the later chapters. I loved to read but I really didn't like being told WHAT to read and WHEN to read it. I would't mind going back and doing a re-read of a few, tho.
Lis - I think there are a lot of people like you who aren't necessarily interested in the fantasy aspects of paranormal.
I know I like fantasy a lot, HP, Narnia, LOTR. I'm not a huge fan of horror, but I like the rest it.
Destined Mate is sort of like an acceptable "forced seduction" isn't it?
Ter - there definitely is a need to suspend reality. Sometimes I think the worlds in fantasy books aren't constructed well. If they are *cough* Harry Potter *cough*, they're phenomenal. But, I've read some lately where I haven't been convinced. I need to be able to at least believe it COULD happen. Sometimes it doesn't even make sense.
Irish - I hate horror movies too! :) I'm a wuss. I also loved Bewitched etc when I was younger. I like that it makes things possible that wouldn't have been possible. :)
Hellion - I like Sherrilyn Kenyon's stuff too. Mythology is good. I have debated that for later.... Though, different than her, mostly something with Cupids. :)
Speaking of HP, Kiddo has finally got around to reading them. She's seen the movies but yesterday she got all excited about telling me a real cat sat still and stared without moving for an entire day. If she's excited about that, I can only imagine what the rest of these are going to do to her. LOL!
I love the Narnia stories and movie, but then again I love anything by C.S. Lewis. I admit, I need to try to appreciate paranormal more, if I could just get past the fantasy but like Ter said I'm too logical. When Sin raves about J R Ward and KH she makes me feel deprived:)
I am another hater of horror. All those B movies I saw at Saturday matinees scarred me forever. :)
I don't read books about vampires--no matter who writes them. I love Nora Roberts and Teresa Medeiros, and both are well-represented on my keeper shelves. I bought their vampire books, but I could not read them.
I have read some weres and other shapeshifters--Christina Dodd, Shana Abe. And I will definitely read Tiff's. But the paras I like best are the lighter ones with funny witches, benevolent ghosts, and intefering angels.
Fantasy is different, although most of my favorites are children's fantasy tales.
And just the title Heart of Darkness awakens ghostly voices lecturing about frame narratives, patterns of darkness and light, and the evils of imperialism.
No horror or gore for me either. I started to read a suspense thriller once that opened with all sorts of clinical organ removal on the first page and that was it for me. Threw the book in the trash. I used to read Stephen King in his and my early days, but I gave up long ago---altho The Stand remains one of the most provocative books I've ever read. Also cannot do kids in peril/torture. Makes me sick.
Sin - Demons, huh? I am not sure how I feel about demons yet. Maybe I just haven't read any yet. I know you love here and I've been thinking of giving her a shot.
Maggie - I like the destined mate thing, though I hate to feel like they don't have a choice. It takes some of the fun out of it, I think.
Ter - YAY the Bosunette getting into HP! I can't wait til the lil' gunner gets around to it. I'll probably be more excited than him!
Steph - great way to say that! I like the paranormal stuff too, but I feel like the whole struggle with being paranormal feels unromance-novelish....
Janga - The horror, the horror!! :) I actually wrote my senior thesis on imperialism and post colonial Kenya. How's that for the horror, the horror?
Amazingly, I haven't read Christina Dodd yet. I know, I'm living under a rock, I'm sure. :)
And I had nightmares for weeks after watching Candyman. I'm never watching a scary movie again.
Kids in peril, Mag? I can't even watch the news anymore about all the crazy messed up things people do for real, let alone what someone can make up in the creepiness of the human mind....
Oh, I'm with Maggie. If any movie involves a child in danger, I can't watch it. I still can't think about that movie An Eye for an Eye with Sally Field and Keifer Sutherland as this horrilbe guy who rapes and kills her teenage daughter while she's on the phone with her.
Just typing this is creeping me out!
Yeah, I can't stomach stuff like that. Anyone read Lovely Bones? I couldn't sleep after that first couple chapters....
I did read that one and it wasn't so bad. I guess maybe I can read stuff but I can't watch it. I know lots of people couldn't read that one at all but I thought it was such a different and interesting story.
I didn't get further than the first couple chapters because I was so upset by the way the poor girl died.
Oooohhh eeewwwww! You guys just creeped me out. That’s what I get for reading a blog about Paranormals so late at night. Eewww!
I used to read some paranormal stuff when I was younger. But I always shied away from the bloody, graphic, violent stuff. Janga, I think that people’s obsession with vampires is just Odd. I don’t get it. I don’t.
Which is probably a good thing
since I am half Transylvanian…
Now your wondering why I’m up so late aren’t you?
Hey
I was kinda hungry
and I was looking for a Bite to eat! LOL
Hey Julie! If you bite me I promise not to tell! LOL
LOL! It definitely is fitting that our paranormal blog ends on that note....
Thanks for the info, is there an RSS Feed?
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