Being a writer and all, I often come across words that I find interesting or just wonder what they mean or perhaps where they came from. So I decided to start a new weekly feature to be posted on Wednesdays called Word of the Week.

This week’s word: paranormal

Since my first paranormal romance (Portrait of Seduction, Cobblestone Press – for those of you who didn’t know) is coming out in October, I thought this might be a good word to start out with.

The Merriam-Webster Online dictionary defines paranormal as “not scientifically explainable : SUPERNATURAL.” So we follow supernatural and find that it means:

1 : of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil

2 a : departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature b : attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)

Supernatural’s etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- + natura nature (Etymology by the way means the history or origin of a linguistic form ( such as a word). Yeah, I had to look that one up too.)

Just to round out the research a bit, I’m heading to wikipedia. They describe paranormal as “an umbrella term used to describe a wide variety of purported anomalous phenomena.” Hmm… anomalous. Not ringing a bell. I just don’t like big words, especially when a simpler one will do. Anomalous basically means unusual.

Para (Greek and Latin in origin btw) loosely means “similar to” or “near to.” And in our case – paranormal – para means “beyond normal.”

Righto! If paranormal is not scientifically explainable, nor is it natural or usual… what exactly is it? Myth? Fantasy?

Referring to paranormal romance, we have shape shifters, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, fairies, demons, Gods, etc. Many of which are covered in the supernatural definition above. All of these things are outside of our “reality.” Or at least what most of us consider our reality.

All of which leads me to wonder why we love them so much. It must be strictly for the fantasy aspect ( the beyond normal bit) because many of the paranormal elements we romance readers love are what many people consider monstrous and scary. Hmm…

What does that say about us, exactly?

Perhaps, like the millionaires and billionaires that are so popular, this is why we find paranormal in stories, myths, and the romance novels we love so much. They take us to a different world where anything is possible.

According to wikipedia, paranormal covers a lot of topics outside of the above mentioned. From UFOs to Astrology. I’m sure we’ll see these in a paranormal romance very soon. For now, I’m off to work in the second book in my paranormal series, Price of Seduction. Perhaps I’ll delve into what it means to BE paranormal.

If you have any thoughts on the topic or know why you love paranormal romance so much, leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

Friends, it seems that I have a problem. I’m a chronic list maker. And that’s not the problem. I’m also a chronic list loser.  So here I am thinking… what to blog about… And then I remember that I had made a list of all sorts of neat things to blog about.  And well, when I went to look for it… it’s ugh, gone.

So… new topic today. Making lists. Keeping them. Finding them.

Maybe it’s the writer in me but I always have paper and a pen in hand.  And usually a book or two.  Or a magazine. I’m the only person I know who goes out to dinner with a tablet in hand.  But hey, you never know when motivation, inspiration or the muse (who is back from vacation, thank you very much!) will strike.

Or when your husband will need something to write on.

It never fails.  I was out to dinner last month with my wonderful dh.  And I actually made an effort not to bring my trusty tablet and pen.  Because I thought we should just talk and eat.  And I’d try to not ignore the waitress.

And dh says to me… “Hey, where’s your notebook? I have an idea I want to write down.”

Picture me with a blank-sorta-what-the-hell-did-you-do-with-my-husband look.  “You want to write down an idea? Sorry. I left it at home.”

“At home?  But you always bring it!”  He was disbelieving for sure.

“Yep. And just look what happens when I did. You need it.  So, you can’t tease me any more, ever again, about always bringing my notebook.”

And he hasn’t teased me since.

So… how about you? Are you a note taker? List maker? Chronic writer? Always have a book in hand? I’d love to hear from you.