 Fantasy: March 12, 2008 Issue [#2277] |
  Fantasy
This week: Edited by: Feywriter  
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"Fairy Tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."
~G. K. Chesterton
The world needs fantasy. It can be an escape from daily life, a means for finding the hero within, a landscape to inspire the imagination. Enter the world of Fantasy. In my newsletters you can expect thorough looks at different aspects of fantasy writing, and a publisher spotlight.
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One category of fantasy is Fairy Tales. Kate - Writing & Reading  wrote a wonderful newsletter on the history of fairy tales, which you can read here: "Fantasy Newsletter (August 8, 2007)" .
As a child, I loved the Gem Classics Library of Fairy Tales. These were multiple books containing collections of the classic fairy tales - Emerald Fairy Tales, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, etc. I fell in love with fairy tales, and continue to enjoy them today. Why are so many people drawn to these stories, all around the world?
Fairy tales appeal to our very basic human needs. In Snow White we have a queen that epitomizes vanity and jealousy. Snow White is beauty. We can relate because even the best of us have felt these emotions, dealt with the insecurities of a world obsessed by beauty. These stories allow us to confront these fears and emotions. We see the dangers of being consumed with jealousy. The queen destroys herself in her efforts to destroy Snow White.
And the endings feel good, they leave us with a sense of rightness. We want to believe that good values will conquer over bad. At the same time, it appeals to our carnal nature. The villains don't just disappear, or go to jail. The queen in Snow White is punished by wearing hot iron shoes. Versions of Rumpelstiltskin end in his stomping into the floor and tearing himself in two.
All around the world, people have been telling stories with the same themes. For example, almost every culture has a Cinderella story. What changed over time is the values and message of the tales. Victorian tales dealt with the wish fulfillment of good things come to those who wait, and had very passive heroines. Modern retellings generally have stronger, more active heroines, to reflect the independence of modern women.
Not only am I a fan of the traditional tales, I also seek out retellings. Robin McKinley and Donna Jo Napoli write wonderful young adult versions (though enjoyable for more than youth). For a fantasy targeted to adults, try Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters Trilogy. The first book, "Daughter of the Forest" is based on the tale of The Six Swans.
Since I can never get enough of fairy tales, I've even written a couple of my own, one based on Sleeping Beauty, and one on Snow White. If writing your own, you can change everything but the bare bones – the basic structure or theme. Change the motivations, the protagonist, the setting, whatever else you want. The important thing is to ensure your characters are believable.
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 Publisher Spotlight
Publisher: Cabinet des Fees: a fairy tale journal
Location: USA
Website: www.cabinet-des-fees.com
About: "Cabinet des Fées is seeking submissions of fairy tales and academic essays. Stories may be old tales in new skins or new tales in old skins; whichever they are, they must be fairy tales. We ask that you take us to a place where magic happens, where maidens cheat monsters and monsters fall in love. Show us where the trickster lives, tell us his name."
Guidelines: There are two publications, with different guidelines.
 Be sure to read guidelines on website for further guidelines on formatting and submissions.
 Online version, Scheherezade's Bequest, published twice a year, on March 1 and Sept. 1.
 Submit work within body of email, with brief bio.
 Subject line should have TITLE/YOUR NAME/ONLINE.
Length: poetry and flash fiction of 250 words or less.
Payscale: No payment $5/story for print publication.
 Print publication, Cabinet des Fées, published in October.
 Submit work in body of email; include name, postal address, and brief bio.
 Subject line should have TITLE/YOUR NAME/PRINT.
Length: short stories of 5000 words or less.
Payscale: No payment $5/story for print publication.
Submission email is cabinetdesfees[at]googlemail.com. Response time estimated at eight weeks.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Have you written a fairy tale you'd like to share? What appeals to you about fairy tales? Or do you think they're just for children?
Reader Question
From unako :
If you set aside a time to write how long should it be? I'm guessing probably at least a half hour? Thanks for the tip.
Half an hour is a good minimum, but if you have a hard time finding even that long to sit down, try multiple sessions of fifteen minutes. Once you train your muse to come when you sit to write, it's amazing what you can accomplish in even a short time.
Reader Comments
From shaara:
Ah, I heartily agree with your statement that the world needs fantasy. We get to much realism at work and on the news. I think we should start a song "What the world needs now is fantasy, vivid fantasy." LOL
Thanks for the tip as to who is accepting stories. That was great!
Shaara
Write the song! I'm glad you appreciate the publisher spotlight. 
From tailennion:
There's definitely some magic in Celtic music. It helps me too. Thanks for the newsletter!
From Sweet Musings :
Wonderful newsletter, I am glad to know I am not the only one out there with a tempermental and stubborn muse that chooses the most inconvient times and places to show up. And then stand there over your shoulder tapping its toe waiting for you to pick up a pen and paper and start writing or even better in trafic driving and trying to remember what that pesky lil muse said to you five miles back.
From Tehanu :
Thanks for sharing the interesting background on muses. I don't think I have one, but maybe s/he's part of the Witness Protection Program or on a perpetual roadtrip - or something.
As usual, I like your publisher's spotlight link. And I think it is a-muse-ing that the information provided by the company brings up muses! Nice pick.
I'm glad someone noticed that "a-muse-ing" tidbit. 
From steel_quill:
Ah, that muse! Sneaky fellow, he! If I don't keep a close eye on him, he'll sneak off on vacation without so much as a note! I guess I can't complain, though. He always brings back an interesting story or two. I just have a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of cold milk waiting when he returns and while he dunks, I get to work!
Thank you for all the comments. Remember to leave feedback or ideas for future newsletters.
We editors love to hear from you!
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