How to find family in small towns and wolf packs
Found Family in literature, particularly in genres rich with emotional and relational depth like small town romance and paranormal romance, is a hugely popular trope. Because it’s a trope, there’s patterns to it. Found Family is a theme that celebrates the bonds people forge by choice, transcending traditional definitions of family that focus solely on blood ties.
Found families in literature are built on foundations of emotional bonds and mutual support. These are groups of individuals who come together to form tight-knit bonds that are often stronger and more meaningful than their biological connections. Central to these relationships is a sense of unconditional acceptance, where each member is valued for who they are, irrespective of their past or imperfections. This acceptance fosters an environment where characters can experience significant growth and healing, finding solace and strength in their chosen kin.
Small Town Romance
The draw of small town romance often lies in the close-knit communities where everyone knows each other, and newcomers can find a warm welcome. In these stories, the found family might include a mix of local business owners, neighbors, or friends who become integral to the protagonist’s life, offering a network of support that embodies the town’s collective embrace.
Paranormal Romance with Shifters
For paranormal romances, especially those involving shifters, the found family often manifests through pack dynamics. Here, the pack does more than just share genetic ties; it provides a protective and nurturing environment for its members, who might otherwise be marginalized or misunderstood by the broader society. These families are built on loyalty, trust, and deep emotional connections that are vital for survival and belonging.
Writing Found Family into Your Books
To effectively incorporate the found family theme into your novels, consider the following key elements:
1. Diverse Characters with Depth: Populate your found family with characters that have rich backstories and distinct personalities. This diversity will make the interactions more interesting and provide opportunities for character growth.
2. Emotional Investments: Build your narrative so that readers become emotionally invested in the well-being of the family. This connection is crucial for making the story’s conflicts and resolutions impactful.
3. Interdependence: Show how the characters rely on each other, not just for survival or convenience but for emotional and psychological support. Highlighting this interdependence will reinforce the strength of their bond.
4. Conflict and Resolution: While found families offer support, they are not without internal conflicts. Use these conflicts to explore themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the real work involved in maintaining relationships.
5. Evolution of Relationships: Allow the relationships within the found family to evolve naturally over time, reflecting changes within and outside the family. This evolution can mirror the characters’ growth and challenges, keeping the dynamics fresh and engaging.
I have more thoughts on Found Family, particularly how roles are filled by character archetypes. Character archetypes are universal, recurring patterns of behavior and personality that readers instinctively recognize like the mentor, the sidekick, the shapeshifter. These archetypes serve as the backbone for character development, helping readers quickly connect with and understand them. In the context of found family, each member typically embodies a specific archetype, creating a harmonious and dynamic group. But more on that next week.