Interesting Reads

I found an interesting review of the (Fox?) television show, The Sarah Conner Chronicles and I have to say, I like what I’ve been reading. There was a quote that really caught my eye:

I think something new is happening in Science Fiction entertainment: I believe it has reached a “critical mass” in the popular mind where it is not only mainstream but also inspiring people beyond the initial base of science-geeks and dreamers.

In a way, I have to agree with the article. Science fiction and anything paranormal is starting to make a big splash in all forms of media. There are more paranormal novels appearing on the shelves, there are a ton of films being made with vampires and werewolves, and even television is starting to foray into that area again. Not since Buffy and Angel has there really been anything vampiric on and then this past season we had a ton of new shows – Moonlight, New Amsterdam, and now True Blood this fall. I don’t know how it happened, but I’m not complaining.

So, has anyone been following the whole Meyer scandal? You know the one, right she’s forcing her Mormon beliefs on the rest of us? Well, Becky makes a very valid point.

Bella’s situation can’t be cut and pasted into real life. It’s impossible. It’s mostly stupid. There will never in a million years be a situation like Bella’s. Where there is a half-vampire baby thirsting for blood, developing too quickly, and needing to be delivered a bit prematurely–before it can eat its way out.

I couldn’t agree more with Becky. Honestly, when I read Breaking Dawn, I never once thought Meyer was forcing her beliefs on us. It’s fiction, it’s not suppose to be real.

Although I do have one contention….when she says “Edward doesn’t see it as “his precious” baby.”“, that doesn’t stay true throughout the whole story. Once Edward hears the baby from within Bella, the baby became completely real to Edward and his entire stance changed. He was loving the idea of a child and once they figured out what it needed, they got it. Yeah, he was still concerned, but what husband/father isn’t going to be concerned for their pregnant mate?

Honestly, in my own humble opinion, people are just looking for ways to trample on Meyer’s success. They did the same thing with Rowlings and her Harry Potter series.

Urban Fantasy vs. Paranormal Romance – what’s the difference? I think I found the perfect response.

The main difference is plot. Urban Fantasy stories involve mystery and action. The characters are mostly concerned with achieving a goal (such as finishing a job, helping a friend, or in some cases simply surviving). There are often romantic subplots, but they aren’t the main focus of the book.

In Paranormal Romance, those priorities are reversed. Romance and sex are the main feature. The action or mystery elements provide conflict for the lovers, introduce a constant stream of potential new partners, and provide excitingly inappropriate situations for making out.

However, Deety brings up a very good point.  It is becoming a little unclear where a novel falls in the urban fantasy/paranormal spectrum.  These days, finding a specific type of novel can involve a lot of work.  If you’re like me, where either genre is fine, then it’s probably not as big of a deal.  However, there are times where I do want an urban fantasy and not a paranormal romance and it can be a little disappointed when I think I’m reading one and it ends up being the other.  Usually, this happens when I’m after more of a plot than loads of sex.  Not that there’s anything wrong with sex, but it seems like paranormal romances tend to make the plot/action secondary to the sex/romance and it can negatively affect the novel.  This isn’t always the case, but it does happen.

And to end it, Stewart Sternberg needs some help.  He’s trying to get a handle on the whole urban fantasy setting and he’s looking for advice.  Do you have any, then head on over and give your two cents.