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What is Supernatural Fiction?

The human mind delights in grand conceptions of supernatural beings.

-Jules Verne

Supernatural fiction is a subgenre of fiction in which paranormal ideas are central to the story. The genre can include ghosts, monsters (historical or current), fantasy creatures, even haunted houses. Any tale that leaves you afraid to turn off the lights can fall under the supernatural genre. Early authors of supernatural fiction include Henry James, Arthur Machen, and Edgar Allan Poe. Each told tales of uncanny beings or events, leading to disturbing outcomes. These early works were highly influential on the writers of the 20th century, who included supernatural elements in their own work. Authors of fantasy and science fiction such as Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, and Edgar Rice Burroughs also told supernatural tales. Today the phrase supernatural is often used interchangeably with horror to describe the works of Peter Straub, H.P. Lovecraft, and Stephen King, among others.  

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