Why Words Matter (Even More than Usual)

So I’m getting over a cold. And for me, colds mean one thing. I lose my voice.

Although my voice has now graduated from a barely audible squeak to low and gravelly, my time as a mute made me think. I’ve never considered myself a particularly talkative person, but it’s very hard being unable to communicate. Being a writer, I’ve always valued words. And I always appreciate my ability to speak more after a cold.

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6 Reasons I Took an Unpaid Internship

“I’m a poor college student.”

It’s a common thing to hear among those pursuing a higher education. Whether as an excuse to stay in rather than going out or a simple complaint about their lot in life, college students are generally on a tight budget.  A recent article in my school’s paper discussed the falling number of paid internships available to students. A large part of the college experience is an internship.In fact, in my program, it’s required.

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Character Types: Heroes-The Poor Lad/Lass

I was going to write about heroes today, but I realized that there are subcategories of heroes that should be explored. So today’s character type is the poor lad/lass (my name, not an official one). This is possible the most well known character type, not only in fairy tales, but in all of story-telling. This character type is associated with “the quest” plot. Some well-known examples include Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter, and Katniss Everdeen.

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CONTEST: Sleeping Beauty Story

Exciting news, word nerds! Today marks the beginning of my first ever contest!

As you may know, I’ve recently been posting a short story. I wrote it for a contest last year, but unfortunately missed the submission deadline. But guess what! The publishing house that ran the contest is doing another one! This time, it’s retellings of Sleeping Beauty.

But this post isn’t just to tell you about the contest. (Though for all you writers out there, go for it!) No, I am asking for your help. I want to enter, but I want you to come up with the premise. (And no, this is in no way me being lazy because I can’t think of an idea. At least, not entirely.)

But Kate, you might be asking, what’s in it for me?

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Character Types: Fairy Godmothers

I was recently (and by recently, I mean like a month and a half ago) talking to a writer friend who wanted to write a fairy tale. She asked me what some of the traditional characteristics of fairy godmothers were. That of course turned on the little light bulb over my head. I decided to do a series here on my blog exploring some of the standard fairy tale characters and their generic traits. I’ll list the characteristics I’ve seen most often, but as is the case with many lists, there are exceptions.

Let’s begin with fairy godmothers!

1. Fairy Godmothers are women. Like their name suggests, godmothers are females who are not related to, but care deeply for, a character.

2. Fairy Godmothers are protectors. Fairy godmothers have one purpose: helping those in need. They only arrive when the situation has become dire. The godmothers aid and protect their wards with all of their ability so their charge can have a happy ending.

3. Fairy Godmothers have magic. Whether an actual fairy or a human magician, godmothers possess supernatural talent. It seems a little unfair, but fairy godmothers have the ability to solve any problem with a wave of their wands. It’s not a power they use lightly, though.

4. Fairy Godmothers reward kindness and goodness. Fairy godmothers often test strangers they meet. They reward kind actions and punish the wicked. The most common disguise: a beggar woman, most often old and/or ugly.

5. Fairy Godmothers often disguise themselves. And understandably so. They don’t want to be bothered by every Dave and Nancy for favors or quick fixes. Plus, it makes it easier to test people (see number 4.) if they don’t look like their normal attractive or magical selves.

What are some other common characteristics of fairy godmothers?

Until next time, word nerds.