Paranormal Wonders: Jessica Lindsey’s Take on Fantasy and Lore

Mar 11

Jessica Lindsey has always had a deep love for paranormal fantasy. Her passion for the genre, a favorite in her reading life, naturally spilled over into her writing. "I’ve always been fascinated by the lore and stories behind creatures and cryptids," Jessica explains. Her interest in the paranormal runs deep, often diving into research on her own. One day, an idea began to consume her thoughts, a concept so intriguing that it wouldn't let go. After sharing it non-stop with her husband, he finally told her, “I wish you would just write the book.” And so, that’s precisely what she did.

When asked what she loves most about paranormal fantasy, Jessica describes the freedom it offers. The genre allows her to twist and adapt established lore and mythology, creating beings that could easily walk among us without raising suspicion. "You can take what's out there and make it your own, which is incredibly fun," she says.

Though Jessica hasn’t officially declared herself a full-time writer, the path is promising. She has only published one book so far, so she's curious about where this journey will take her. As for her influences, several well-known authors have shaped her style. "V.E. Schwab, Neil Gaiman, Jay Kristoff, and Dean Koontz, just to name a few," she shares, giving credit to those whose work inspires her daily.

Jessica’s writing style, she confesses, is very much “pantsing,” the act of writing without a fully detailed plan. She tends to have a rough outline but often finds herself writing scenes ahead of the plot, jumping forward and later connecting the dots. "I enjoy writing dialogue the most," she adds. "It’s where I infuse humor, wit, and emotion." Her aim is for each character to have a distinct voice so readers can identify who’s speaking without needing to be told. Descriptions are kept minimal, providing just enough to paint the scene while leaving space for readers to fill in the rest.

For Jessica, the most exciting part of crafting a paranormal world is the opportunity to make it entirely her own. "The idea of creating a world from scratch, with its own set of rules based on mythology, is so much fun," she says. When deciding which supernatural beings to include in her stories, Jessica often starts with a clear vision of her characters. "But sometimes, my writing takes me to places I didn’t expect. I started with vampires in one book, but by the time I was done, demons had snuck their way into the story."

Her approach to worldbuilding focuses on making the paranormal elements relatable. "I like to place my characters in real-world settings, where monsters or creatures could live next door," Jessica reveals. This allows for blending the fantastical and the familiar, helping readers connect with the story on a deeper level. When creating the rules for magic and the supernatural, Jessica takes a careful, research-driven approach. "I spend a lot of time making sure the elements I use, like the vampiric aspects, are rooted in believable lore," she explains.

Jessica embraces the challenge of keeping the supernatural fresh while adhering to the genre's traditions. "It was tough coming up with new ideas for vampires," she admits, "but through research, I found ways to introduce unconventional twists while still staying true to what readers expect."

Jessica’s characters, particularly those with supernatural abilities, are grounded in human struggles, making them relatable to readers. "I like to give my characters a human element," she says. "Their internal battles, especially with their humanity, make them interesting." In her novel, the male protagonist grapples with immortality and the challenges of blending in with the human world. Meanwhile, the female lead struggles with her mortality and moral dilemmas, providing a rich contrast in their character arcs.

Writing about morally ambiguous characters is a natural fit for Jessica, particularly when it comes to those who balance monstrous tendencies with human emotions. "The morally gray characters are the most fun to write," she confides, especially when those characters are positioned as antiheroes or villains with hidden agendas.

The supernatural elements of her world also influence relationships in Jessica’s stories. Characters face romantic, familial, and friendship challenges, but their paranormal nature adds a layer of complexity. "I try to make relationships feel authentic, with a touch of their supernatural side influencing how they react," she explains.

Recurring themes in Jessica’s work often revolve around the struggle with one’s humanity. "That theme seems to keep emerging in my writing," she reflects. As for how she develops plotlines, it varies from book to book. Some stories focus on characters hiding their true nature from the human world, while others dive into the internal conflict of revealing their secrets.

When writing about concepts like the afterlife or alternate dimensions, Jessica sticks to what she knows and believes. "I haven’t yet explored alternate dimensions, but I like to write about the afterlife in a way that feels accessible and true to my beliefs," she says. Her stories often balance action with quieter, character-driven moments, allowing readers to catch their breath before plunging back into suspense and danger.

Her ultimate goal as an author? To entertain. "I just want people to enjoy the ride," Jessica says with a smile. "My books aren’t going to change the world, but they provide an escape. And sometimes, that’s all you need."

Though Jessica has no strict writing routine, she writes whenever inspiration strikes. "I always have a pen and notebook with me, or I use my phone's notes app," she says, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment. As for the challenging parts of writing, creating fresh, believable paranormal elements can be challenging. "You want your ideas to feel new but stay true to the world you're building," she notes.

Jessica is excited for what's to come with her first book published and a sequel in the works. "I’m working on a sequel to Moonlight and Magnolias, and there’s a third book planned," she shares. She’s also planning to dive into new territory with stories involving fae legends, shapeshifters, and the mystical lore of Appalachia.

Despite her growing career, Jessica remains humble. "I’m just happy to be here," she says. "I set out to write a book and see if I could get it traditionally published, and I did. That’s already an accomplishment."

Balancing her writing with a whole life as a wife, mother, and farm dweller is a constant challenge, but Jessica makes it work. "It’s not always easy, but with the support of my family, I find time to write."

Looking ahead, she encourages readers to follow their dreams. "Don’t underestimate yourself. Just take one small step forward. It all adds up."

For Jessica Lindsey, the journey is just beginning, and many more worlds are yet to be explored.