Fairy Tales and Fantasy
“The Ugly Duckling” is one of those stories that most people seem to know, but very few have ever actually read.
Until I started this post, I was one of those people. I’d probably read a picture book version as a kid, and I’d seen the odd short cartoon version, but I was surprised to find there was more to the story than I thought.
Continue reading “Fairy Tale Facts: The Ugly Duckling”She always knew
like magic
when we arrived.
Flinging open her door
and arms in welcome
with kisses sweet as gingerbread.
It was always a treat when
to Grandmother’s house
we went.
Her kitchen warmed
by sun
by stove
by love
was always ready
to feed the body and soul.
Her arms
soft yet strong
could soothe any hurt,
support any weariness.
There was always a place
for any who might come
family
friend
visitor:
There were no strangers
at her table.
The hearth has gone cold now,
though her legacy remains
fierce love,
quiet strength,
deep devotion.
The lessons I learned
going to Grandmother’s house.
In loving memory of Grandma S.
If I were to describe an isolated house in the woods that children are welcomed into for food and safety, would you know which fairy tale I was talking about?
If you said Little Red Riding Hood, you’re right! But if you said Hansel and Gretel, you’re also right!
Continue reading “A Dark Mirror: What Subverted Archetypes Reveal”That’s not how it happened in the book.
It’s the quintessential complaint of booklovers everywhere. Show us a movie or TV show adapted from a beloved book, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone with no criticisms or hesitation in voicing them.
Some of that can probably be chalked up to a possessive sort of nostalgia, where the original is the only true version and any attempt to adapt it will end in a mediocre knock-off at best and a piece of media any true fan refuses to acknowledge at worst.
Continue reading “Adaptations and Retellings: Some Thoughts on Making Old Stories New”In my last post, I talked about brainstorming for a writing contest. I wasn’t chosen as one of the winners, so I thought I’d share the story I came up with here instead. Enjoy!
Continue reading “Papa’s Curse”What do you think of, when you hear the word “siren?”
An alluring song? A beautiful mermaid beckoning from the water? Ships crashed against the base of a cliff? A blaring alarm?
I recently submitted a short story to a magazine with a theme of Sirens for their current round of submissions, so sirens have been on my brain. So let’s dive into some lore about sirens and discuss how best to adapt them to your writing!
Continue reading “How to Write Your Siren”It’s become sort of second nature for me to draw connections to fairy tales in my everyday life now. Sometimes, it’s frustrating and distracting, but other times, well, I come up with new topics to write about on my blog.
Continue reading “7 Travel Tips I Learned From Fairy Tales”Friend of the blog Carrie Anne Noble has a new book coming out tomorrow, and she was kind enough to share early access to an ebook ARC with me! So, what did I think of Trowbridge and Fye?
Continue reading “Book Review: Trowbridge and Fye”Dear Fairy Godmother,
I’ve found the girl of my dreams, but I’m worried her parents don’t approve of us. I feel like I’m constantly jumping through hoops trying to win their approval.
Continue reading “An Impossible Quest”Spring is in the air, and it seems like the perfect time to explore a story centered on plants and growth. So let’s take a deeper look at The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter!
Continue reading “Fairy Tale Facts: The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
