But, obviously, if you're reading this, it isn't to hear from me! So let's dive in~
Fairy tales, faerie tales, fairytales... it doesn't really matter how you spell it --
these little stories are coming out of the Dark Ages. They're no longer the
bedtime tales you read as a child. In the last few decades, we've seen a huge
sweep of retellings taking over the reading world. And I think it's amazing.
these little stories are coming out of the Dark Ages. They're no longer the
bedtime tales you read as a child. In the last few decades, we've seen a huge
sweep of retellings taking over the reading world. And I think it's amazing.
But why are so many people turning to write a fairytale retelling? Why should
you, as a writer, consider retelling one of your own?
you, as a writer, consider retelling one of your own?
1. Grimm and Lang did it first.
-- Did you know that the original fairytales were not intended for children?
Oftentimes, the first editions of these stories were dark, gritty, grim, and kinda
bloody; they were tales for adults, believe it or not. When the Grimm Brothers
and Andrew Lang started collecting them in volumes, they actually rewrote
some of them to smooth out some questionable parts. Even though it is very
hard to find the first, original copy of many fairytales, many of the people that
we hold up as fairytale writers were merely retelling a story that they had come
to love. And if they can retell a fairytale, so can we.
Oftentimes, the first editions of these stories were dark, gritty, grim, and kinda
bloody; they were tales for adults, believe it or not. When the Grimm Brothers
and Andrew Lang started collecting them in volumes, they actually rewrote
some of them to smooth out some questionable parts. Even though it is very
hard to find the first, original copy of many fairytales, many of the people that
we hold up as fairytale writers were merely retelling a story that they had come
to love. And if they can retell a fairytale, so can we.
2. There are so many fairytales to choose from.
-- From Cinderella to Rumpelstiltskin to Little Red Riding Hood, there are an
infinite number of fairytales. The Grimm Brothers and Andrew Lang did not
hold a monopoly on fairytales; they actually missed quite a few in their collections
(see reason #3 below). But take a look at a complete list of fairytales sometime.
The list is basically a novel unto itself. No matter what kind of fairytale you want
to retell, you'll have a boatload of ones to choose from!
infinite number of fairytales. The Grimm Brothers and Andrew Lang did not
hold a monopoly on fairytales; they actually missed quite a few in their collections
(see reason #3 below). But take a look at a complete list of fairytales sometime.
The list is basically a novel unto itself. No matter what kind of fairytale you want
to retell, you'll have a boatload of ones to choose from!
3. Too many fairytales have been overlooked.
-- Ever heard of The White Snake? Or Puddocky? Or The Iron Stove? Many
of these fairytales have never seen a retelling, or can only boast of one retelling,
because people have forgotten they exist. The forgotten fairytales are the perfect
opportunity for a retelling -- because no one's done it yet. These fairytales need
some love, too; and if you can retell them, you'll be a pioneer on the road to
bringing them back.
of these fairytales have never seen a retelling, or can only boast of one retelling,
because people have forgotten they exist. The forgotten fairytales are the perfect
opportunity for a retelling -- because no one's done it yet. These fairytales need
some love, too; and if you can retell them, you'll be a pioneer on the road to
bringing them back.
4. Sadly, fairytales have too many plot holes.
-- Why did Gothel want to steal a child and keep her hair long? Why did
Goldilocks go into the woods that day? Why was Thumbelina born so small?
If the shoe was a perfect fit, how did Cinderella lose it? Why did the children
follow the Pied Piper? This list of questions is endless. If there's one thing
fairytales did more often than not, it was failing to explain things. And as
someone retelling a story, you'll have loads of room to explain just why all
these things actually happened.
Goldilocks go into the woods that day? Why was Thumbelina born so small?
If the shoe was a perfect fit, how did Cinderella lose it? Why did the children
follow the Pied Piper? This list of questions is endless. If there's one thing
fairytales did more often than not, it was failing to explain things. And as
someone retelling a story, you'll have loads of room to explain just why all
these things actually happened.
5. Fairytales are super versatile.
-- Have you ever imagined the Snow Queen in space? Rapunzel in the Old
West? A genderbent Sleeping Beauty? A Little Mermaid seeking to trade
her legs for a tail? Since they contain so many plot holes, fairytales can be
left up to interpret however one wants. For me, personally, my niche is retelling
them without magic. I stuck my Beauty and the Beast in a hot air balloon.
There are no rules to dictate how you retell a fairytale. As long as it works for
your plot, you can do whatever you want.
West? A genderbent Sleeping Beauty? A Little Mermaid seeking to trade
her legs for a tail? Since they contain so many plot holes, fairytales can be
left up to interpret however one wants. For me, personally, my niche is retelling
them without magic. I stuck my Beauty and the Beast in a hot air balloon.
There are no rules to dictate how you retell a fairytale. As long as it works for
your plot, you can do whatever you want.
6. Everyone loves fairytales.
-- Have you ever met someone who doesn't love fairytales? (If you have,
don't tell me; I don't want to know.) Fairytales typically are a big part of a
child's life. Many of the books sold for juvenile audiences today are fairytales.
People enjoy being nostalgic and reliving moments of their childhood, and
what better way to do that as an adult than to give them a unique retelling
of their favorite fairytale? Kids, too, love to see new spins on tales they already
know.
don't tell me; I don't want to know.) Fairytales typically are a big part of a
child's life. Many of the books sold for juvenile audiences today are fairytales.
People enjoy being nostalgic and reliving moments of their childhood, and
what better way to do that as an adult than to give them a unique retelling
of their favorite fairytale? Kids, too, love to see new spins on tales they already
know.
By now, I hope you can see the importance of retelling a fairytale. If you're
not a writer, or don't think you could ever write anything worth reading,
consider this a post on why you should support your local fairytale retelling
author friends. Retellings, folks, are really something you need to read.
not a writer, or don't think you could ever write anything worth reading,
consider this a post on why you should support your local fairytale retelling
author friends. Retellings, folks, are really something you need to read.
* Here's the link to The Rose and the Balloon, the Beauty and the Beast in a hot air balloon retelling. → The Rose and the Balloon on Amazon
AUTHOR BIO
Kirsten Fichter is a twenty-something Christian writer who loves being the wife to her favorite person ever, mommy to the most precious blessing, a piano enthusiast, a dragon buff, a serious bookworm, and an INFP synesthete. Fairytales have always fascinated her, and she has made it her goal to rewrite as many as possible and become known as the “Grimm Dickens” (i.e. mixing Grimm fairytales with a Dickens style). Spindle Dreams is her second published fairytale retelling. You can find out more about her on her blog, Lianne Taimenlore.
BOOK SUMMARY
Marita Kadlec is the only daughter of Rohesia's poorest – and laziest – weaver. Her father prefers to spend his days gambling in the tavern, leaving the spinning up to Marita. She hates the family business because she's constantly pricking her finger on the spindle. She'd much rather be tinkering on an invention that she hasn't had the courage to show anyone yet. A special invention that will rid her of spinning for the rest of her life.
Felix is a young nobleman plagued with the same nightmare – a giant machine, twisting and clanking, shrouded in fire, bent on pain and death. He's determined to find out what it means, no matter where the answers may lead him.
This is Sleeping Beauty with a twist like you've never seen it before.
You'll be able to find Spindle Dreams on Amazon on August 9th, but until then, you can connect with Kirsten on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads.
Thanks for joining us today! Come back soon, and remember to add Spindle Dreams to your TBR List!
Really enjoyed reading your post! Can't wait to read spindle dreams is it ready to order? Amazon? Let me know, I totally want to support you!!!
ReplyDeleteHey! Thanks for stopping by! As of right now, Spindle Dreams is not up for pre-order, but release day/book birthday on Amazon is on August 9th!
DeleteThank you so much for having me over on your blog again!! I really appreciate all the help you've been with my book release! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's been a total blast, Kirsten! This stuff makes me so happy. I can't wait for Spindle Dreams's book birthday. I hope you have a party planned!
DeleteAwesome post! It made me rethink about fairy tales! I just went with the flow and never asked those questions in my mind. I now appreciate the rewriting of fairy tales! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDelete