Making a Story Your Own
Posted by annastan on July 26th, 2010. Filed under: A Closer Look, Books, Craft, WIP.Today I wanted to talk about fairy tale retellings, especially since that’s what I’ve been focusing on in my writing recently. Right now I’m about halfway through reading Ash, a retelling of Cinderella by Malinda Lo. I’m really enjoying the story and the writing is lovely. As I’ve been reading, I’ve been thinking about the balance of familiar and unfamiliar in fairy tale retellings.
With Ash, I sped through most of the first half of the book in one sitting, wondering what would happen next. The funny thing is, it’s a Cinderella retelling, so in theory I know what the outcome will be. But Lo strays from the familiar story just enough to keep me intrigued. I suppose that’s the appeal of retellings; we know the basic story, but we want to see how the author changes it and makes it her own.
While Lo’s story starts off on a familiar note (girl loses parents and becomes her stepmother’s slave) the supernatural element in the story is much richer and darker than the magic in most traditional versions of Cinderella. And then there’s the romantic element: while her stepsisters are pining away for the prince, Ash is developing feelings for a huntress. This is where the story really takes on a life of its own, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Ultimately, I think a retelling succeeds when the writer finds a way to give the familiar story new life, when she uses the original as inspiration but gives it a new identity and purpose. My fairy tale isn’t technically a retelling (it’s inspired by a few different folk tales) but I’ve still been thinking about what makes the story mine. I suppose that’s something every writer should ask him/herself, whether we’re writing fairy tales or not.
(Check back on Wednesday when I’ll announce the winners of the Celebration Giveaway!)
July 26th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Yes, I agree. We need to figure out how everystory is ours and why we should tell it! I never realized Ash was a retelling of Cinderella.
July 26th, 2010 at 8:54 am
I agree, giving the familiar fairy tale new life and making it our own is what makes the retelling richer and keeps the reader hooked. If it’s just telling the same story, what’s the point?
July 26th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Ooh, I haven’t heard of this one. Bookmarking! I love a twist on an old favorite. I’m thankful for stumbling on your post today.
Thanks
Marissa
July 26th, 2010 at 11:26 am
I’ve heard of Ash! It’s on my to-read list, so I’m glad you’re liking it. You’re absolutely right that every writer’s story must become their own, fresh and innovative!
July 26th, 2010 at 11:43 am
Sounds like a good read. I’m adding ASH to my pile.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I completely agree. Despite taking a very commonly re-told fairy tale and using most of the elements from the story, Ash feels very new (though I am a bit surprised that one of your commenters didn’t realize it was a retelling LOL!). She even uses a typical medieval-like fantasy setting, but with the magical/fairy land adds something new. I liked how she played with the fairy godmother part of the story.
July 26th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Laura, I recommend reading it – it’s an interesting twist on the tale.
Andrea, absolutely. We don’t want readers feeling like they’ve already read the story we’re trying to tell.
Marissa, Laura M, and Nora – I’m really enjoying the book so far. I highly recommend it!
Amitha, I feel the same way about the fairy godmother part. Her whole take on fairies is so interesting!
July 26th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Great article. I’m getting ready to do a mash up of well known characters myself.
Might annoy some traditionalists–but then again, if you’re never annoyed, how do you know you’re really alive?
theBrad (verla tag)
July 26th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Wait, so in this retelling, Cinderella likes women? I’m assuming a “huntress” is a girl?
July 26th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Brad, part of the fun of writing is annoying people, isn’t it? Happy mashing!
Kristin, yes indeed. Cinderella finds herself falling for the king’s huntress. Even though it strays pretty far from the original, it still works.
July 27th, 2010 at 6:48 am
I totally agree that adding your own twist to the retelling of a fairy tale is what makes them interesting. I loved Ash. Hope you like it too.
July 27th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
ASH is one of the best retellings I’ve read. Malinda Lo took years to write it, I understand, and she definitely made it her own.
I think the lesbian aspect is less important than the overall quality of the writing, which, as you note, is quite lovely.
July 27th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Natalie, I just finished it today and really enjoyed it. It was such a great balance of old and new.
Kathryn, I agree with you that the lesbian aspect was secondary; the writing and the world-building are what stood out most to me. I just love a good retelling!