Fairy Tale Facts: The Nightingale

By 1843, Hans Christian Andersen was a well known writer. His 1837 publication of “The Little Mermaid” had thrust him into the international spotlight. His 1843 collection, the first volume of “New Fairy Tales”, included yet another popular tale, “The Nightingale.”

Photo by Charles Postiaux on Unsplash

Despite being less well known today, “The Nightingale” is actually a story I’ve known and loved for years. So let’s dive in!

Continue reading “Fairy Tale Facts: The Nightingale”

Not a Control Freak

Dear Fairy Godmother,

I’ve often been accused of being a ‘control freak’, especially at work. I beg to differ. I simply like things to be just so. It’s not my fault that other people can’t see my vision, but it often leads me to micromanage or simply take over the project myself. But I barely have time to do my own work, let alone direct them in theirs.

There’s nothing wrong with high standards. I’m only trying to make sure things are just right. But how can I make others understand that?

Sincerely,

Just Right

Photo by Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash
Continue reading “Not a Control Freak”

Fairy Tale Facts: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Once upon a time, there was a old lady (or maybe it was a little girl) who found a house in the woods that belonged to three bachelor bears (or maybe it was a family of bears?).

That’s right, today we’re taking about Goldilocks and the Three Bears!

Continue reading “Fairy Tale Facts: Goldilocks and the Three Bears”

A Belated Update

Hey all!

As you may have noticed, I missed my Wednesday post this past week. I have an explanation. I’m heading to a writer’s conference this week (so don’t expect any posts for the next two weeks either).

In regards to why that means I didn’t post, well, I’m trying to finish the current draft of my novel (draft #5, for those curious). I’d like to be able to pitch it to some of the agents and editors I’ll meet at the conference. It’s getting pretty down to the wire. I’m about 35,000 words in (of around 78,000). If I put my head down and work furiously, I might just do it. Which hasn’t left time for other things, like researching blog posts or putting together videos. Sorry.

Until November, word nerds!

Myth or Magic: A Simple Spell

A friend of mine recently posed an interesting question.

“The evil queen uses magic to change her appearance and poison Snow White. Why doesn’t she just use that magic to make Snow White uglier instead of going through the complicated process of trying to kill her?”

-Rachel

She makes a very good point. So I did what I always do in cases like this. I went to the original text. And there are three things I found that I think answer this question.

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
Continue reading “Myth or Magic: A Simple Spell”