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Author
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Comment
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faeriewriter
Unregistered User
(1/17/06 4:42 pm)
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Writing New Fairytales
Hi, my name is Dominique.
I've visited these boards before after reading Charles de Lint's 'The Blue Girl' but I never really had the need to post before.
However, I'm in need of some advice. I have a niece (A recent addition) and since my brother doesn't have custody of her, I don't get to see her. I asked her mother if it would be all right if, I write some fairytales for her. Reading has always been important for me so I hope to pass that on to her.
The problem I have is this, I'm used to writing for kids my own age (Late teens) and I have no idea how to write a fairytale well. I have a few first drafts, but any advice I the subject matter would be heaven sent.
Thanks in advance,
~Dominique
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Veronica Schanoes
Registered User
(1/17/06 5:00 pm)
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Re: Writing New Fairytales
I don't think the subject matter is going to be that big a deal. The only piece of advice I can come up with is not to talk down to your niece. Too many people think that writing for younger people means dumbing down what they write, and it doesn't. How old is your niece? If she's a newborn, something using rhythmic and simple language with brightly colored illustrations would be nice. A good way to think about this would be to pick out your favorite picture books (mine include Where the Wild Things Are and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, for instance), reread them, and try to figure out what about them appeals to you now or appealed to you when you were little.
Good luck.
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AliceCEB
Registered User
(1/17/06 6:58 pm)
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Re: Writing New Fairytales
What a wonderful gift! I wish you much luck on this project. It will be something your niece will treasure as she grows.
Best,
Alice
P.S. I second Veronica's advice about pictures--especially if your niece is at an age where she is still being read to.
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FaerieWriter
Registered User
(1/17/06 7:26 pm)
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Re: Writing New Fairytales
She'll be turning one in March. I'll be sure to stop by the library and look at some of the picture books. I donated all of mine a long time ago.
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princessterribel
Registered User
(1/18/06 11:18 am)
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lovely project
You may like to incorporate some small poems, or rhymes into the story, as with the bros Grimm Cinderella in which the birds repeat various rhymes...this type of repetition is quite good for children I think as it makes the story easier to understand and gives it some strucure.
My mum had a book written for me when I was little, I still treasure it to this day not only because of the story, which is fantastic but because I am one of the main characters. If you could write her into the story as a character perhaps it will appeal to her long after she has scribbled all over the pages in pink and blue crayon.hehe
Good luck, sounds like a lovely project!
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dlee10
Registered User
(1/18/06 6:49 pm)
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Re: lovely project
I made an alphabet book for my cousin when he was an infant. I used clippings from magazines because I am not artistic. 30 years later I discovered he still has it. Knowing that he treasured my gift after all these years was a beautiful gift to me. I am sure your neice will feel your love through the pages.
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