Welcome to Paranormal Women’s Fiction (aka Generation X Fiction, Gen X Fiction)! Have you ever been in a bookshop, looking for something new to read and thinking: “I wish there were more books about older women who kick ass?” Well, good news. There are! A bunch of authors, who readers have nicknamed the Fab 13, helped launch this category onto vendors in Feb 2020. I’ll get to more into who the Fab13 are in a moment.
Fab 13 Paranormal Women’s Fiction (PWF) is the celebration of books with older heroines. These stories focus on older women with real-life issues (and magical ones because supernatural stories rock).
Paranormal women’s fiction has taken the world by storm, and I love it!
Older women kick ass. They know things. They’ve been there. They are worthy of their own literature category. They also have their own set of issues that they face–empty nests, widows, divorce, menopause, etc.–and these issues deserve to be addressed and embraced in fiction.
Growing older is a real part of life. Women’s friendships matter. Women matter. Our thoughts and feelings matter.
Below I’ll give you a list of where to start your PWF journey.
FAB 13 Paranormal Women’s Fiction (PWF) Founding Authors
Michelle M. Pillow, Mandy M. Roth, Shannon Mayer, K.F. Breene, Jana DeLeon, Eve Langlais, Deanna Chase, Elizabeth Hunter, Darynda Jones, Kristen Painter, Robyn Peterman, Christine Gael, Denise Grover Swank
Gen X fiction will have adventure, passion, and LIFE. And they’ll kick ass, just like all our books already do!
FAB 13 Books
Second Chance Magic (Order of Magic Series) by FAB 13 Author Michelle M. Pillow
Secrets have a way of coming back to bite us. This time, it’s no different for heroine Lorna Addams in the new series from (me!!) NYT & USAT Bestselling Author, Michelle M. Pillow, Order of Magic!
Join Lorna as she struggles with a past betrayal so bad you have to read to believe. Will she find the courage to confront it? Or is her heart be shattered beyond repair? Find out in this gripping tale of redemption, suspense, second chances and love against all odds.
Paranormal Women’s Fiction is a celebration of books with older heroines.
Paranormal Women’s Fiction is a celebration of books with older heroines. It’s also being called Gen X fiction. In the PWF genre, you’ll find a wide range of genres, including urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
If you love reading about kickass females who aren’t afraid to jump into action (hello Generation X, I’m looking at you!), then this is the genre for you! It’s a great place to look if you’re looking for strong female characters who get things done without being damsels in distress or relying on men to help them out.
Older women kick ass. They know things. They’ve been there and done that ten times over.
Growing older is a natural part of life. Older women are more than just mothers, they are not just caretakers, and they’re definitely not “just” housewives. They have their own set of issues that they face–empty nests, widows, divorce, menopause–and these issues deserve to be addressed and embraced in literature.
It may be tempting to think of these stories as being just about older women, but they’re not: these books are about the age-old issues of loss, love, and friendship—the kinds of things everyone can relate to regardless of gender or background.
A life without paranormal women’s fiction is really freaking boring.
You might be wondering, “What exactly is paranormal women’s fiction?”
It’s a celebration of books with older heroines. These stories focus on older women with real-life issues (and magical ones, cause paranormal is just cool). They follow the heroine as she navigates life in a world where magic is possible and things aren’t always as they seem.
Who are the Fab 13 of Paranormal Women’s Fiction?
I had the pleasure of working with these authors on a FAB13 project that helped launch the genre name, Paranormal Women’s Fiction, at vendors. You can see my book in that project at the top of this post, but here are the other twelve Fab 13 authors.
We didn’t invent books with older heroines, but the goal was to showcase them in their own category on vendors. Thus “Paranormal Women’s Fiction” category was born. Now you can see it everywhere, and we love how many authors have started (and continue) to write in this genre!
More Fab 13 Books
Cloudy with a Chance of Witchcraft (Grimm Cove series) by FAB 13 Author Mandy M. Roth
Mandy’s latest creation, the Grimm Cove series, is simply unputdownable! Her Paranormal Women’s Fiction stories are deliciously addictive, full of captivating characters and an immersive paranormal world. Every page takes you on a new adventure with unexpected twists and turns that keep you hooked until the very end. Experience thrilling battles against dark forces, meet shapeshifters, witches, vampires and more!
I ADORE all of Mandy’s books. Seriously, you could reach onto the cyber shelf and pick any of her genres, and you’ll be in for a treat. She is one of the most talented, awesome people I know.
Start with book one of the Grimm Cove series, Cloudy with a Chance of Witchcraft.
Midlife Bounty Hunter (Forty Proof series) by FAB 13 Author Shannon Mayer
Shannon Mayer has done it again with the Forty Proof series – an urban fantasy adventure with a daring heroine. Kicking butt, taking names and running on pain killers, Shannon’s latest series is sure to leave you wanting more! If you thought you were too old for paranormal adventure, think again – Shannon brings a unique blend of mature wisdom and youthful energy that will make you want to strap in your seatbelt.
Start with book one of the Forty Proof series, Midlife Bounty Hunter.
Magical Midlife Madness (Leveling Up series) by FAB 13 Author K.F. Breene
Are you looking for an exciting, supernatural escape from the everyday? Then look no further than the Leveling Up series – it’s kick ass! This paranormal adventure shows that 40 is definitely not over the hill. It’s full of thrilling twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With plenty of action-packed mayhem, readers can immerse themselves in a world where anything is possible.
Start with book one of the Leveling Up series, Magical Midlife Madness.
Suddenly Psychic (Glimmer Lake series) by FAB 13 Author Elizabeth Hunter
Elizabeth Hunter is giving us a reason to look forward to growing older with her Glimmer Lake series of paranormal women’s fiction. Get ready for an entertaining and fun ride as you dive into this mystical world full of psychics and other paranormal entities. With each book in the series, you can expect an engaging storyline packed with gripping characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Start with book one of the Glimmer Lake series, Suddenly Psychic.
It’s a Wonderful Midlife Crisis (Good To The Last Death series) by FAB 13 Author Robyn Peterman
Robyn’s Good to the Last Death series is an absolute must-read! It will keep you up all night with its hilarious stories full of magic and mystery. Not only that, but Robyn is a delight to meet in person – she’s as bubbly and vibrant outside of her writing as she is on the page. The combination of her infectious personality with the captivating plotlines make this book irresistibly addicting.
Start with book one of the Good To The Last Death series, It’s a Wonderful Midlife Crisis.
Let It All Burn (From the Ashes series) by FAB 13 Author Denise Grover Swank
Let It All Burn by Denise Grover Swank is an unforgettable paranormal women’s fiction book that will make you laugh out loud! With her signature wit, Denise takes hot flashes to a whole new level in this fast-paced and hilarious read. You’ll fall in love with the characters as they struggle to find their way through the many obstacles life throws at them.
Start with book one of the From the Ashes series, Let It All Burn.
Sucks To Be Me (First Fangs Club series) by FAB 13 Author Kristen Painter
This book is truly a fantastic experience! From the moment you begin reading, Kristen Painter’s story is full of energy and wit. Every page captivates with its brilliant plot twists and heartfelt descriptions. You’ll be laughing at the funny sections but also moved by the stirring scenes. Plus, Kristen’s incredible writing style makes it all feel so authentic and engaging.
Start with book one of the First Fangs Club series, Sucks To Be Me.
Wrong Side of Forty (Marina At Midlife series) by FAB 13 Author Jana DeLeon
This is an amazing read full of humor! Solving age-old mysteries and saving the world? This is a job for someone with life experience. Move over twenty-year-olds, Jana DeLeon is going to show you just how awesome it is to be on the Wrong Side of Forty!
Start with book one of the Marina At Midlife series, Wrong Side of Forty.
Witching for Grace (Premonition Pointe series) by FAB 13 Author Deanna Chase
The Premonition Pointe series by Deanna Chase, is a must-read for any witchy fan. Not only does it offer an entertaining story about the joys of growing older, but it also provides an exciting look into the world of haunted real estate. Witching For Grace will take you on a thrilling journey as Deanna weaves her unique blend of humor and suspense while introducing her readers to a vast collection of characters.
Start with book one of the Premonition Pointe series, Witching for Grace.
Halfway There (Midlife Mulligan series) by FAB 13 Author Eve Langlais
Experience the magical world of Kittens and Lake Monsters with Eve Langlais’s Midlife Mulligan series! She brings magic to midlife with a touch of whimsy and fun, immersed in a world where anything is possible.
Start with book one of the Midlife Mulligan series, Halfway There.
Betwixt (Betwixt & Between series) by FAB 13 Author Darynda Jones
Darynda Jones brings her original style to the paranormal women’s fiction series, Betwixt & Between, and I for one couldn’t be happier. Get ready for plenty of twists and turns in an imaginative story. Also, maybe be wary of inheriting from strangers…or not.
Start with book one of the Betwixt & Between series, Betwixt.
Writing Wrongs (Crow’s Feet Coven series) by FAB 13 Author Christine Gael
Do you ever feel like age is just a number? With a bit of class and plenty of sass, this exciting and empowering book in the Crow’s Feet Coven will take you on an adventure.
Start with book one of the Crow’s Feet Coven series, Writing Wrongs.
In conclusion, if you love reading about women and their struggles, paranormal women’s fiction / Gen X fiction is perfect for you. Check out any of the Fab 13 books listed above to get started. Then, when you devour those, keep searching because ther are a TON of amazing authors rocking the paranormal women’s fiction / Gen X fiction genres.
If you’re looking to read more stories featuring older heroines, paranormal women’s fiction is a great place to start. If you want more age diversity in literature and media, paranormal women’s fiction has got your back! And if all of this sounds like something worth checking out… well then I think it’s time we let the cat outta the bag: there’s no such thing as too much power in the hands of powerful women!