After taking some time to concentrate on my book, I've decided to revive my Fairytale Feminista blog. Come back soon to read new posts and find updates about my new book, A Smuggler's Path--coming this summer!
Once Upon a Time…much later
Dear readers, I admit that my site has become part of the blogging graveyard--that nebulous place that unattended blogs inhabit until its finally shut down or--more ominous--it remains forever, like a dark stain on your mythical permanent record there to taunt you with the memory of your inaction. In my defense, I started the blog…
Red Civility and the Wolf of Rudeness
“I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards to avenge even a look that threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone.” –Edmund Burke I’ve been thinking about Little Red Riding Hood—specifically the scene where she confronts her “grandmother” about her new look. “Oh Grandmother, what big…
Valentine’s Day Confession
As many of you know, Disney has my heart. It’s the kind of love that can withstand many missteps (like tarting up Merida for her princess unveiling, waiting way too long to give us diverse princesses, and making a meeting with the Frozen girls at Disneyworld a logistical nightmare for any parent). For quite a…
Ending the year going Into the Woods
I’ve never been one for the obvious. If it’s too easy, it’s boring. If everyone is doing it, something must be wrong. So there’s no reason I should like Into the Woods. It’s so blatantly a metaphor for a life lesson. You go through the woods naïve and afraid of the unknown only to emerge…
Gardening Tips from Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
Mary Mary quite contrary How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells And pretty maids all in a row I am a terrible gardener. More to the point, I’m a reluctant one. I find people and animals more rewarding than plants, so it’s hard to make myself pay the attention necessary…
Transformations with The Little Mermaid
Having a blog has taught me some interesting things about myself. Some things I already knew and the blog just solidified the fact (i.e. I thrive on deadlines because without them my default is lazy). Some were funny (like how ridiculously happy it makes me when someone leaves a comment). How guarded I am…
Losing it
I’ve been thinking about loss and fairy tales lately. It’s the prologue to most stories, shaping the hero’s or heroine’s current misfortune. Be they motherless, fatherless, or orphans loss is the beginning of a story in fairy tales. Disney has made this fact into a cliché. It’s been joked that Frozen didn’t become a true…
Waiting as taught by Thumbelina
I hate waiting. I rank it up there with pulling teeth and stupid people. It's not that I can't deal with having a tooth pulled or muddle through interactions with the intentionally daft, but I'd rather not--thank you very much! But writing has taught me about waiting because books don't spring forth perfect and complete…
The Valiant Little Tailor and Other Brave Declarations
If ever there was a fairy tale character to look up to, I think Grimm’s The Valiant Little Tailor should be at the top of the list. Here was a man who had no problems telling the world about his amazing deed, even though the “seven in one stroke” he killed were only flies who…
