Paranormal and Horror Lovers discussion

I'd like to ask the readers in this group, do you see a difference between paranormal fiction and supernatural fiction? As readers, do you expect a ghost story that takes place in a cemetery to be within the paranormal or supernatural genre? Or, are these terms interchangeable? I ask because I have a novel that is a ghost story and I'm wondering if it belongs more in the paranormal genre than supernatural. Does supernatural fiction have more evil elements? Does paranormal fiction have more psychic and ESP elements?

If you are an avid reader of these genres, I'd sure like to hear your opinion. Thanks!

The two terms are more or less interchangeable. Supernatural used to be the go-to term for anything ghostly, demonic, alien, etc. etc. More recently, it switched to paranormal as things caught a small bit of traction in the scientific community, as their specific meanings are different.

Where Supernatural implies the subject supersedes the natural, which is impossible given the definition of what is/is not natural.

Paranormal simply means abnormal, which is more acceptable to the scientific community. Which, as they've used it, has encouraged others to use it, hence the lean towards using Paranormal instead of Supernatural these days.

Thanks, Shaun. Interesting concepts here. So, if you are looking to read ghost stories, would you first look for novels/stories tagged as paranormal or supernatural?

To be more specific, my story takes place in a cemetery and there is a scientific aspect to the ghostly hauntings (a crystal skull and its energy vibrations), so I'm thinking if paranormal leans into the scientific, then maybe my novel is more paranormal than supernatural. You think?

Well, the terms are interchangeable, as I said. Paranormal is just the preferred term at the moment.

I think they're basically interchangeable, although i'd describe simething with a possible scientific explanation as paranormal, and something otherworldly as supernatural. E.g., ESP vs sorcery.

Thank you, C.E. ESP vs. sorcery says it nicely.

I think a similar question like this came up in this group previously, although horror vs paranormal was thrown in there too. Let me see if I can find the folder.

Lisa wrote: "I think a similar question like this came up in this group previously, although horror vs paranormal was thrown in there too. Let me see if I can find the folder."

I found the topic under General Book Talk https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... Similar to as discussed above, Shaun makes some very valid points (in this other topic) that I agree with in regards to supernatural, paranormal and horror.

Oh my, what a fascinating discussion. Thanks for posting, Lisa. I do see these terms as interchangeable, especially from consumers. I see that authors have more specific definitions in mind when using the terms.

Shaun wrote: "The two terms are more or less interchangeable. Supernatural used to be the go-to term for anything ghostly, demonic, alien, etc. etc. More recently, it switched to paranormal as things caught a sm..."

I really like your take on this

Supernatural, paranormal, horror, thriller, sci fi, urban fantasy, all of the lines are so blurred that they have no real meaning. Oh, you say anything with a space ship is science fiction? Maybe we should discuss Alien. Does a vampire fall under the supernatural or paranormal category? If it's an inbred, pig face wearing, chainsaw wielding maniac chasing people around is it horror or urban fantasy? Does it suddenly morph in science fiction if said pig face wearing maniac runs into one of those rail jawed, acid bleeding xenomorphs from Alien?

Does it really matter? We all want goosebumps or the heebie-jeebies, creeps, jitters. We want to be forced to read with all the lights in the house on for a little comfort. We should give all of it a label so we can stop splitting hairs and get on with the business of finding that next big scare because a gifted writer can do it to you regardless of the spice you think you prefer. There is a story out there that will frost your cookies for you, but rules are rules. You have to look for it.

Anything ghostly I classify as supernatural fiction not paranormal.

I write supernatural/occult and have also termed it as paranormal due to the psychic ability factor. I believe mine is more supernatural because of the devil playing a huge role in the guise of a man. My MC has some telekinetic ability and some visions, but, again, it's not the whole purpose of my story, just enhances it. I do have a couple of ghosts/angels, but it's not the main element, so I title it as supernatural/occult romance instead of paranormal but do tag it in there. There's heavy devil worshiping and occult rituals but embedded in a love story, so I go with supernatural. I probably confused you more. :D