{EP. 5} Fantasy Subgenres: What Are the Differences Between Urban Fantasy, Magical Realism & Paranormal Fiction? Artwork

Writing the Broomstick

The podcast where you'll get your dose of magic and dash of writing advice all in one juicy elixir. Join a couple of authors in our ramblings about all-things fantasy, paranormal fiction, and magical realism. Our goal is to help you iron out your mystical world and open up the floor to a weird and witchy conversation. ★ Follow us @writingthebroom and get in touch: writingthebroomstick@gmail.com / writingthebroomstick.com ★ Hosts: Katrina Tortorici Anglehart (K.T. Anglehart) is a freelance editor and author of teen/YA urban fantasy "The Wise One"—the first of "The Scottish Scrolls" series. She enjoys laughing at her and Genny's shenanigans while trying desperately to maintain her composure. ★ @kt_anglehart | ktanglehart.com ★ Genevieve Methot is a freelance writer and emerging author of new adult fantasy trilogy "The Needle of Ingress" (release date TBD). She is often called out for being self-deprecating and breaking out in song during awkward moments. ★ @genny_met

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Writing the Broomstick

{EP. 5} Fantasy Subgenres: What Are the Differences Between Urban Fantasy, Magical Realism & Paranormal Fiction?

March 17, 2021 • K.T. Anglehart & Genevieve Methot • Season 1 • Episode 5

Fantasy: Anything not based in reality. Seems like a simple enough definition, but when it comes to literature, there’s so much more to it than that. In this episode, Katrina and Genny break down the fantasy genre and take a closer look into the most popular fantasy subgenres:

Urban fantasy
Magical realism
Paranormal fiction

We also explain the difference between high and low fantasy, but even we have trouble applying these definitions to real-life examples. You’ll quickly see that as clear-cut as these definitions are, there’s always obvious overlap.

Having said that, it’s SUPER important to know the correct genre of your book, and Katrina explains why. Genny gets a tad emotional when talking about Gabriel García Márquez, and Katrina explains why we might hear her say the word “genre” a little strangely. Of course, Deborah Harkness makes yet another appearance and Genny nearly forgets to sing!

If you’re interested in writing in these subgenres, our best advice is to start reading! Here’s our reading list from episode 5:

One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
Works by Salman Rushdie, such as Midnight’s Children and Satanic Verses
The House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende
Beloved, Toni Morrison
Big Fish, Daniel Wallace
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, F. Scott Fitzgerald
Works by Neil Gaiman, such as Stardust, Coraline, American Gods, Neverwhere
The Wise One, K.T. Anglehart (duh)
The Dark Tower series, Stephen King
A Song of Ice and Fire series, George R.R. Martine

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Consulted materials:

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Let us know what you thought of our episode! You can reach us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or email writingthebroomstick@gmail.com.

Hey! Do you like Celtic folklore, YA urban fantasy, AND free stuff? Read the first three chapters of Katrina’s debut novel, “The Wise One”.

And, if you want to see what Genny’s reading lately, check out her Goodreads review page.