Learn me something, internets

[megwrites]

Okay, if you had to define the difference between urban fantasy and paranormal romance, how would you go about doing that?

I'm actually more stumped by this question that I expected to be.

Comments

[fashionista-35.livejournal.com]

I'd think that urban fantasy has a more post-apocalyptic, urban feel whereas paranormal could take place in any sort of setting, in a world very much like our own other than exceptional beings populate it.

[summers-place.livejournal.com]

I'd say that, by definition, paranormal romance contains actual romance, whereas urban fantasy doesn't need to contain romance. I'm writing an urban fantasy right now that doesn't center on romance.

If the story you're writing centers on romance and involves the paranormal but not fantasy-type beings like analogs of elves, etc., I'd call it paranormal romance. Bring in fantasy beings (other than vampires, which seem to have become mainstream in recent years) and you've got urban fantasy.

As always, YMMV.