Paranormal is the stuff of myth and folklore—ghosts, spirits, vampires, orbs, and other creatures that defy the normal laws of science. It can also include supernatural events that are claimed to be beyond the scope of current scientific reasoning, such as telekinesis or clairvoyance.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the paranormal can be an intriguing and terrifying world to explore. It’s a big unexplained universe, where ghosts refuse to go away and inhuman visitors can’t get enough of us. And there are many words to describe what goes on there—from the common terminology used by believers to the specialized terms used by researchers.
One of the most important things to do when writing a paranormal experience is to ground your audience in place. Whether that’s giving details about the location, or describing the status quo before the unexplained happened, it’s a good idea to do this.
This is especially true if the story is a memoir or nonfiction account of a paranormal event. Keep in mind that if you’re trying to write a ghost story, you need to avoid the temptation to tell your whole life story. This can make your audience lose interest. Also, try not to explain a paranormal event using a mundane reason, like a hot air duct or radon in the home, or a condition such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia that may warp a person’s perception. These factors can often cause people to see or hear something that isn’t there.