A couple of days ago I was reading a post on a blog I follow, Life in the Realm of Fantasy, and it posed the question about crisis points for a character. Her example was driving down a road where the signs are missing, but the character keeps driving anyway. I think of a fork…
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 Hidden Minority Part II
I've been looking for a topic for some time now. After spending a week at Disney World, something occurred to me. Something I haven't shared with you. I have a confession to make. Like Frieda from Peanuts I have naturally curly hair. We even have the same "birthday" although mine is many years removed. According…
“Jack” and the Beanstalk
I think we can all agree that, on the whole, fairy tales try to teach us something about life. Usually there are warnings about the dangers of taking a dark path, talking to strangers, and not minding your elders. Others show how goodness can reap its own rewards and sometimes a castle and a title…
Magic and Mayhem VII
“Are you sure this is the only way?” asked her companion. “Bronwen seems to think so and Uriel is getting suspicious. Why else would he go through this farce of trying to marry me off to someone who can learn what we do at night,” replied Mariana. “We know nothing of military tactics and have…
Magic and Mayhem Part V
A week later in the council, Uriel brought up a delicate matter before those present. He waited until he had a full audience to make sure none would miss the opportunity to hear his words. “You Highness, an alarming report has come to my attention. I believe the princesses have been sneaking out of the…
Magic and Mayhem Part IV
Magic and Mayhem Part I Magic and Mayhem Part II Magic and Mayhem Part III The next morning, Princess Amara left with her father on a week’s progress. All in attendance thought that she looked every inch a princess with a new gown, satin slippers, and a regal bearing. If any noted that she also…
Magic and Mayhem Part III
Magic and Mayhem Part I Magic and Mayhem Part II The council was well under way when Mariana ambled in following Uriel. Nothing of note was to be discussed today, so she wondered why her father had insisted she attend. It was her custom to hold court at his side, but she had other matters…
