Beyond Werewolves & Vampires: Finding More Original Feature Creatures

If you want your paranormal novel to stand out from the rest of the (werewolf) pack, try writing about supernatural beings that are rarely written about, or even better, invent one of your own.

Myths and legends are great sources for ideas.  For example, "Siren" by Tricia Rayburn, is clearly inspired by the seductive sirens from Greek mythology.  Similarly the capaill uisce (flesh-eating water horses) in Maggie Stiefvater's "The Scorpio Races" are based on the kelpies from Celtic myths and the lesser-known each uisge from Scottish lore. 

Lists of mythical creatures can readily be found online (click here to view Wikipedia's list of legendary creatures), but if you find one that intrigues you, try to find original myth or legend where possible.

If you want to create your own supernatural creature but are struggling for ideas, start out with an existing one (real or mythical) and change it enough so that it becomes something new.      

You could also try mixing the attributes of more than one creature to create a new one.  Don't overdo it though.  I don't think anyone would want to read about a teenager who transforms into a blood-sucking panda bear every full moon (unless it was a comedy).      

If you have your heart set on writing a story about beings commonly found in paranormal novels such as werewolves, vampires, zombies, faeries, angels, witches, immortals, and so forth, make sure you add something new to the lore.  Think Stephenie Myer's vampires that sparkle in the sunlight, or Maggie Stiefvater's werewolves who transform into wolves in winter.