Jeanne Stein Writes on Urban Fantasy

Today I'm happy to welcome back Jeanne Stein, author of the popular Anna Strong series. Jeanne was interviewed at PVN on August 26. Today she is here to discuss the subject of Urban Fantasy. Most of us are familiar with the term, but how do you actually define it? Jeanne will answer this question for us.

She has also graciously offered a copy of her most recent book, Legacy (Book 4 in the Anna Strong series) along with a set of magnets to one lucky reader. [note: the contest portion has ended]

Urban Fantasy-- what is all the fuss about?

Thanks to Pat for the chance to share my thoughts. I recently finished teaching an online course about this very subject. About the same time, I attended DragonCon in Atlanta where it was a subject on every paranormal romance/fantasy panel. So just what is Urban Fantasy? Let’s see if we can figure it out The obvious place to start is what it isn't.


Until about two years ago, all paranormal works (and I’m using this term to refer to the type of book in which science or technology do not play a major role in the story) were categorized as fantasy, horror, or paranormal romance. Each was specific in its content and readers knew what to expect when they picked up a book from Carol Berg or Robin Owens (fantasy), Anne Rice or Stephen King (horror), J. D. Robb or Christine Feehan (paranormal romance.)

Paranormal romance, in particular, was (and is) a hugely successful genre. However, there are rules to be followed in any romance category. The most important is that by the end of the book (or story arc if it’s a series) the hero and heroine MUST end up together. Happily-ever-after is not only expected, it’s demanded. The romance is the driving force of the book whether the characters are human, otherworldly, or a mixture of the two.

Into this mix came a new type of book. Edgy, contemporary, set in an urban (or suburban or rural) setting, generally written in first person with a kick-ass hero or heroine who does not depend on a partner for protection or to save him or her when the going gets tough. The biggest distinguishing factor, however, is that at the end of the book, there will most likely be NO happily-ever-after for our protagonist. He or she may have a lover, may even end up in a committed relationship, But in urban fantasy, that relationship will be constantly challenged and will not define who our hero or heroine is or how they live their life. The romance, if it’s there at all, will play a minor role in the story.

The tag “Urban Fantasy” was coined specifically to differentiate these stories from paranormal romance. There’s nothing worse than buying a book with certain expectations and being disappointed when those expectations are not met. The interesting thing, however, is that readers of paranormal romance are making the shift to UF in record numbers. Not in place of paranormal romance but in addition to it. It’s a win/win situation.

UF appeals to a wide audience. More than any other genre, mystery, romance and fantasy combine to attract readers in a unique way. UF crosses genre boundaries. I’ve had many people tell me, for instance, that they usually don’t read “vampire books.” They like mine because there’s always a mystery to be solved as well as a world that they recognize—today’s world—with the twist that there are otherworldly creatures walking amongst us. Creatures who have integrated into society, hold down real jobs, might even be a neighbor, your child’s teacher or San Diego’s Chief of Police. The paranormal is the glue that binds the mix.

That’s my description of Urban Fantasy. Another can be found on the Wikipedia site. They also include a list of authors, which is by no means inclusive or complete. It just gives you some choices if you are looking for examples and a history of those who first wrote what we now call Urban Fantasy. To the list of pioneers, I would also add Ira Levin. Rosemary’s Baby, published in 1967, is UF through and through.

There are other UF sites as well. Urban Fantasyland at and Book Think at all offer their own interpretations and definitions. The one thing they all agree on, though, is the idea that UF offers readers a glimpse into a secret world within a world—our world.

Which is why I believe Urban Fantasy is here to stay. It’s the “what if” factor—what if there really are vampires and werewolves and fairies and shape shifters? What if that strange old man living down the block is a warlock practicing the black arts? What if there is a secret community of supernatural creatures trying to exist and survive in a world not ready to acknowledge its existence?

I know the popular theory is that if you write to what’s “hot” now, by the time the book is ready for publication, the wave has passed. I have a different take on the subject. If you write the book of your heart, if it’s well written and offers a compelling story, it will sell. The trick is to make it unique. Put your own spin on the Urban Fantasy phenomenon and watch what happens.

The genre is wide open.

If you have a question or comment, please feel free to send it along. You may win a copy of Legacy and a set of book cover magnets.

Jeanne C. Stein
www.jeannestein.com
The Anna Strong Chronicles


Jeanne, thanks so much for your insightful explanation of Urban Fantasy. You know the welcome mat is always out for you at PVN.

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Contest information

For a chance to win a copy Legacy with a set of book cover magnets do one (or more) of the following:

*Comment or ask a question on Urban Fantasy, the Anna Strong Chronicles, the writing life, etc. Jeanne says "I'm up for questions about anything!"

*Each comment on a different subject counts as an entry.

*Each question counts as an entry.

*Link to Patricia's Vampire Notes and send me the URL. Each link counts as an entry.

Be sure to include enough email information so that I will be able to contact you.

This contest ends at 11:59 pm on September 16, 2008.

Winners will be announced later in the week.