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How far can you diverge from the original fairy tale before entering the general fantasy genre?
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Amy
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Re-imagined fairy tales are so much more popular these days — how can you make sure your work or idea stands out?
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Did agents or editors ever pressure you to write something that wasn’t based on a fairytale? Or were you allowed to choose that on your own?
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Christina
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What elements of storytelling do you think make fairy tales so timeless?
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How do you write a fairytale retelling or base something on a fairytale without it coming across as too “samey” or contrived?
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Suzi
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Your books feel perfect for that age group that straddles upper middle grade and young YA. Do you feel that it’s harder to publish into that age group now than it was when you started? Do you have advice for writers who are told their work is not quite MG, not quite YA?
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Dawn
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Great question!
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Inkdancer
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I’ve seen a lot of agents say they’re tired of reimagined fairytales. Do you think you can break into the current market with a fairytale retelling, or would you recommend saving a retelling manuscript for after you already have representation and an audience?
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Mahmoud
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Do the elements of drawing from fairy tales also apply to drawing from mythology? Could you speak to the similarities and differences?
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Hannah
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Do you have any advice on preserving the core of a fairy tale despite drastically changing the actual story?
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1. What are in your opinion the main challenges with fairy tale retellings? I can think of stock characters, pacing, but what else?
Any tips about how to overcome these challenges?
2. Is there a part of the original fairy tale that you consider sacred, something that should be preserved in the retelling as well?
Thank you!
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Jean Strickland
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What drew you to drawing from fairy tales in your writing?
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What are some less known fairytales you think could be used for inspiration? Do you have some odd favorites?
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What fairytales do you feel have been too “overdone” and what ones do you feel would be good break from the more popular choices?
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Does world building and character development change when it’s a retelling? If so, how?
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Jodi
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What would you say the differences are between drawing on a fairy tale and retelling one? How many different versions of the fairy tale should you read to research?
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Keely
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A little off-topic, but you have a lovely spirit of encouragement and transparency. Could you tell us a little about your regular writing practice? What things help you keep writing?
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Ryan
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Is there a particular diction in voice that’s required for a fairytale compared to other genres?
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If you were to fuse two myths or fairytales into one? What concerns should the writer have? And is it possible to have fairytales within mythology?
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On fairy tales, have you ever read any non-fiction or scholarly, acadamic, or anthropological research? Does it help understand the core element of writing fairytales.
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When drawing from fairytales for non-fantasy stories, how should a writer approach using them as symbols, motifs, or even character archetypes? Also thank you so much for answering everyone’s questions. You’re a wonderful person and I wish you the best and more awesomeness for the year!
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How do you make sure your retelling will reach novel-length when the original fairytale is often quite short?
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What are some of your personal favorite retellings?
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How would you deconstruct a fairytale and its tropes?
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Alison Colwell
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I’m curious about the Frog Prince… have you re-written that one?
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What’s a good way to make a compelling villain in an original fairytale or a retelling?
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What a lovely sentiment on your last answer. Thank you!
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