Also Starring...A Secondary Fairy Tale Character

Fairy tale retellings has become its own sub-genre. We want to keep fairy tales in our lives but understand that the stories are problematic from a modern standpoint. We want agency, depth and inclusivity—a tall order for something written centuries ago. But we do our best, giving heroines backstories and pluck in the hopes of correcting anachronisms.But what about the other characters? Aren’t they just victims of the same outmoded storytelling? How many times have I read that secondary characters should be just as interesting as the protagonist?My curiosity started when I read Gregory Maguire’s Confessions of An Ugly Stepsister. They did treat Cinderella abominably, but they took their cues from their mother. And there were two of them—maybe it was a welcome change from sibling rivalry to direct any animosity at a picked on step-sister. As far as I know, it’s the only time a secondary character from a fairy tale was the star of a fairy tale retelling.What if we knew more about Jack’s mother before he climbed that beanstalk? Who wouldn’t want to know more about the dwarves that housed Snow White? And what about the mother and grandmother in Red Riding Hood?These are the rabbit holes my mind tumbles down when given free reign. Speaking of, what about that white rabbit? I like to think he orchestrated a coup against the tyrannical Queen of Hearts. My rather rambling point is retellings have only scratched the surface of possibilities.Who’s your favorite secondary character from a fairy tale? Have you read any retellings that have done that character justice?

Evidence of things not seen...

I’m not one to quote the Bible, but it can’t be denied that no matter what your beliefs, it’s very quotable. I’ve always had a particular fondness for the sentiment of “things not seen” being primarily a fantasy writer. I like to think I see things that others don’t because my imagination allows me to do so.I’ve spent a lot of time musing about my love-distaste (I can’t really say hate) relationship with fairy tales and more so on the pitfalls and reservations I have about them. Today I’d rather consider what I do love about them. It is, as far as I can tell, the evidence of things not seen.Fairy tales focus on an ordinary person usually in extraordinarily bad circumstances when something magical happens. Fairy godmothers appear. Curses are lifted by true love’s kiss. Wooden marionettes become live boys. And it’s all accepted as though it happens all the time. I like a world where magic exists and short of that I want to read about them.Even if we don’t like the endings or the lack of agency, our first impulse as children is to want to be the main characters. No matter how bad things get for them, magic brings the possibility of joy and happiness to otherwise crushing lives. It’s a lesson we should all consider—looking for the magic in the everyday.On my walk this morning I was struck by the strength of the wind. Windy days are my favorite weather days. Something about the roar through the trees and the movement of the leaves. I especially love the little whirlwinds that form, which make me think of tiny portals for supernatural beings.Could be the start of a great story.

Romance by Another Name--My Top 5 unconventional stories about love

Valentine’s day is days away and I’ve never been one to celebrate it. One year in junior high a friend and I, fed up with the day, threw rocks in a pond and named each rock after a boy. It’s my favorite Valentine’s Day memory.Now I write a blog about fairy tales, which for some is the touchstone of romance. I, on the other hand, prefer something more modern. So in honor of a holiday I don’t celebrate I offer a list of modern fairy tale romances I wish I’d known about in junior high: Outlander series: Despite being set in the past, Jamie’s oddly progressive views about a strong, capable woman is worth wishing for. Plus, the accent… Followed by Frost: A fairy tale retelling of the Snow Queen, it’s a rare redemption story that focuses on loving oneself before loving someone elseThe Rules of Magic: Not an obvious choice, but I appreciate a story that shows that love doesn’t have to last to be deep, meaningful and powerfulThe Woodcutter: The ultimate story about faithfulness versus duty. His love of his wife is all that sustains him and keeps him strong for all the trials ahead even though it isn’t a given that he’ll return. I also love that she isn’t described as a great beauty, just someone precious to himHis Majesty’s Dragon: Not all love stories have to be romantic. Friendship is just as powerful and the love between a man and his dragon, while distinctly an idea of fantasy writers, is no less valid. Those are my top five romances for people who need a little something extra in their love stories. Here’s hoping my paranormal romance, The Cemetery Circle, makes it on to your list of unconventional romances.  Stone Watcher. The term holds no meaning for 30-year-old Cia, who thought a free vacation to Scotland would be the perfect escape from her troubles—not knowing it would commit her to a lifelong promise made centuries before her time.The Cemetery Circle is a paranormal fantasy novella that begs the question—who would volunteer to live next to a graveyard? The answer is—no one.

100 Word Challenge

Once upon a time (almost seven years ago) there was a woman who wanted to see her name on the spine of a book. A secret smile appeared on her face anytime she walked the aisles of a bookstore knowing one day she would see her book on the shelves.But her road to publication wasn’t an easy one. She thought writing the book was hard, but it was nothing compared with trying to get it out in the world. The first bit of advice she received was to create an online presence and so she started a blog. This blog...It’s been a long time with lots of starts and stops (most notably when I ended the blog in 2015 and then brought it back like some celeb who retires too early), but I’m writing my 100^th post. I wondered what to write about. Something about consistency or how to deal with rejection through fairy tales, but nothing yielded more than a paragraph or two. Instead I gave myself a challenge. Write a story of 100 words. StoriedThe statue was erected in the village square. It was done under the cover of darkness and the sculptor remained as mysterious as the subject.The villagers spoke among themselves and speculated. What did it mean? Who had created it? It could have come from anyone, but who was less important. Wondering what became a pastime. Before long the statue and the stories became part of their way of life.One day a scream tore through the town. The statue was gone without a clue as to how or why it had disappeared. All that was left were the stories. Have you ever written a 100 word story? Try one today and thanks for reading! 

Things That Are Erased...

How long can fairy tales last?It’s a strange question for a person who writes a blog about fairy tales, like a chocolatier wondering how long sugar will be in vogue. But both are valid questions. Sugar has become the new taboo white powder with rising numbers in diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.Now we have increased awareness of how women are portrayed in culture, is it any wonder that I question the validity of fairy tales. I’ve written countless posts about the lack of agency, the belief that all a woman needs is a man to solve her problems, and the general lack of dimension. How can a genre that runs counter to our new “woke” society honestly endorse such a dated view? My answer is Auntie Mame.One of my favorite old movies is Auntie Mame (1958). It stars Rosalind Russell in the title role of Mame Denis, an upscale bohemian with progressive views who takes in her orphaned nephew and expands his as to now narrow horizons. It’s fun and quotable and Mame is a hero of mine.But there is a dirty secret in Auntie Mame. His name is Ito. He’s Mame’s butler and the worst version of a stereotype. Whenever he’s on screen I cringe and think about all the old movies I love that have gross stereotypes of Asians, Latinos, African-Americans, and homosexuals. Despite taking such progressive views of unwed motherhood, alternative lifestyles, independent women, restrictive country clubs and “zoned” neighborhoods, it still falls back on an offensive representation.So how do I keep calling it my favorite? Well, uncomfortably and I think that’s how it ought to be. I won’t dismiss it out of hand because that’s like erasing it and things that are erased can be forgotten. And I won’t forgive it for those cringe-worthy moments because it means ignoring how hurtful stereotypes can be to everyone. I suppose the same goes for fairy tales. I’ve always read them with a sense of unease and will continue to do so. Fairy tales, like Auntie Mame, will stay in our collective consciousness, but hopefully we’ll collectively read (or watch) them more thoughtfully and challenge ourselves to address our discomfort. And that will ensure they last forever.  

Holiday Hellos and a #Reindeer Roundup

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought I'd create a book tag post. Anyone up for a Reindeer Roundup?Rules:

1. Thank the person who tagged you
2. List the questions and answer them (I know ob-v)
3. Tag at least four people

 You know Dasher?

• Name a book you couldn't put down and read in a flash.

And Dancer?

• A book you think would make a good musical?

And Prancer?

• A book that made you feel good?

And Vixen?

• Favorite steamy scene?

Comet?

• Favorite sci-fi/fantasy book?

And Cupid?

• Favorite literary love story?

And Donner?

• Book that you waited for impatiently?

And Blitzen?

• Book that truly surprised you?

And don’t forget---Rudolph?

• Overly popular book that you secretly loved despite the hype?

 My Answers:Dasher: The first book I read in one sitting was Forever by Judy Blume. I even faked a cold to stay home from school and finish it!Dancer: For some reason, I would love to see Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, the Musical--probably scored by Stevie NicksPrancer: Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Kory Stamper really fed my word nerd soul!Vixen: <<SPOILER ALERT>> When Jamie and Claire find each other again when she returns to the past in Voyager (Outlander series) by Diana Gabaldon. Something about reconnecting sex: heat + heart= steamy!Comet: I'm sure I've said this before, but The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley has been my favorite fantasy book so far and I read that my freshmen year of college. As for sci-fi, there's something about the humor in A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams that I keep coming back to.Cupid: It's a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a story that ticks all the boxes: a witty, strong protagonist; an intense man, and elegant language.Donner: I rarely pre-order books because I know it'll still exist after it's publishing date, but the books in The Great Library Series by Rachel Caine I mark in my calendar. Ash and Quill was particularly painful to wait for.Blitzen: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder was a present from my godmother and I thought I would skim it just so I could say I read it. It became my favorite book and I've reread it more times than I can count. Who knew philosophy was entertaining?Rudolph: My best friend insisted I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and I was reluctant to say the least. A YA novel with a movie tie-in and merchandising by Mattel (I say this knowing full well how ginormous the Potterverse has become)? But he lent it to me and I really loved it. I read all three and even saw the movies! Hurray for my inner teen fangirl. And I tag Rachel Farrimond, Rebecca Howie, Elizabeth Russell and Azaaa Davis Merry Christmas Everyone!! And just one week until #YDSF …Stay tuned!!

Fairy tale Endings and a Passel of Princesses

Fairy tales like drama, specifically uncertainty. They fixate on main characters who often are in situations most of us would consider cruel and unusual and then give them over to situations that sound better, but just as unsure. Why are they okay with this and more importantly, why are we?Last weekend I saw Ralph Breaks the Internet and it was great. My favorite part was (no spoilers) the princesses. They were fierce and capable, and it makes me wonder why they even needed princes. Is that unfair?I’ll admit that I’ve made cynical comments after reading the “happily ever after”, but honestly, what does that look like for someone who was treated as a scullery or a man who spent who knows how long living in a pond as a frog. What if Prince Charming fell in love with the next girl who had an enchanted wardrobe? Is it really too much of a stretch to assume the selfish princess was still an oath-breaking egoist even though the frog became a prince?But I want to be kind. Or at least understanding. Fairy tales were made to teach. What better lesson can anyone learn than always be prepared for the unknown? I think we’re quick to dismiss princesses and fairy tale endings. What if we looked at it in another way. Leaving one bad situation for the possibility of a better one is brave especially if that new situation is the unknown.

The Goldilocks Problem

So, I finally did it. I’ve joined Twitter. I resisted for a long time because deep down I don’t really enjoy social media. Oh, there are bright spots—those rare days when I get real comments from other bloggers and readers—but mostly, I consider it a chore. It’s something I do for my career, like peeling, cutting and cooking apples (painful tedium) and ending up with delicious homemade chunky applesauce.I decided on Twitter because, like a blog, it’s basically text-based. I don’t have to specially curate photos of impossibly beautiful food or tear-jerking sunsets or create videos of cats (that I don’t own). Now I have a Goldilocks problem.What is a Goldilocks problem, you ask? It’s deciding what’s just right. Not too much, not too little. When I started blogging, I thought it best to post only when I had something to say. I quickly learned that I have plenty to say, but little I want to share. Therefore, I had to create a schedule. Once a week was all I could muster. The thought of tacking on another commitment, set my teeth on edge. Am I alone?But now that I’m a published author (!) I know I must work on marketing in all forms. Also, this solitary profession makes one crave community. Twitter has become the Wild West and adds to my trepidation, but I’m hoping to find my own civil corner. And if the bears come home and scare me from my cozy bed, I’ll leave just as quickly as Goldilocks.In the meantime, feel free to say hello @ILCruzWrites.

Writer's Tag and I'm it!

There's still four weeks for anyone to participate in OOO October's Outta the Drawer Originals and I really hope you guys will help it catch on!This week I have a double post because I was lucky enough to be tagged by Ari Meghlen for a Writer's Tag, created by Ari and Lorraine Ambers. Thanks Ari! If you haven't checked out her blog and you're a writer, do so immediately and thank me later. Her blog is chuck-full of useful information about the art and business of being a writer. Now, here we go:Name one novel that inspired you to write.I can’t say that a novel ever inspired me to write. An emotion did—frustration. I had an enormous crush on a boy and the only way I could work it out was to write a story with me as the protagonist and with him as my love interest. Spoiler alert: He professed his love to me...in the story. What’s your favorite genre to write and read?I mostly write fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal stories, but I also write mysteries and historical fiction. My reading reflects that, too. Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?I have a soft spot for sagas, so I tend to write characters that have LONG arcs. I haven’t written anything about generations yet, but it is an ambition. I guess that means series. Use 3 words to describe yourselfFocused, messy and impatient. Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.This is Inez Garza by day as the duchess's daughter and by night as a smuggler of magical contraband in my recently released book, A Smuggler's Path.[gallery ids="652,653" type="rectangular"] How long did your first MS take to draft?The first draft took maybe a month, but the project took years! Why doesn’t anyone tell you that when you tell them you’re going to be a writer? Who is your author idol?Diana Gabaldon. Her works have history, fantasy, romance and just excellent writing. And she writes tomes, not books, that grab you from beginning to end. I’ve reread most of her books two or three times. Her research is meticulous and I hope to write like her someday. Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.I have an uncommon first name and a friend in middle school once said that with a name like mine I should be famous (which is belied by the abundance of actors named Chris in the Marvel Universe--all famous, boring names). I didn’t become a writer to become famous, but it’s a thought that follows me. Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.I recently learned that my strange idea that numbers and letters (and months of the year and days of the week) have personalities and assigned sex has a name—Ordinal Linguistic Personification. I really thought I was the only one until I looked it up. Anyone else? Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.Knowing when I’m done. It took forever to release my book even after I finished rewrites because I kept thinking I needed another opinion, another reader. Then I realized I was chasing perfection, which is impossible (even my favorite stories have flaws). I had to look at this as a career that will (hopefully) span decades and a less than perfect first offering won’t keep me from writing another book and another. I had to remember to celebrate that I’d done something most people talk about but never do. What’s your favorite social media and why? Share your link.The only thing I participate in is blogging. I’m weird because my generation is the one that uses Facebook, twitter and dating apps. I still use my cellphone for calls! Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.Wisdom usually starts after six words. ;) And here are my nominees:Catherine Green (SpookyMrsGreen)Rachel FarrimondSuzanne Rogerson, fantasy authorBrenda Davis HarshamAmber's Angle BlogConnie J Jasperson ...And the questions:

• Name one novel that inspired you to write.
• What’s your favourite genre to write and read?
• Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?
• Use 3 words to describe yourself
• Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.
• How long did your first MS take to draft?
• Who is your author idol?
• Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.
• Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.
• Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.
• What’s your favourite social media and why? Share your link.
• Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.
• Nominate six bloggers!

Hope you enjoyed!  

Mystery Blogger Award

 First, I would like to thank The Cozied Reader, for nominating me (and saving me from a blank page this week!) Check out her blog, a great place for readers, writers and everyone in between who like their reviews frank and funny. Thanks again! Here we go:This award was created by Okoto Enigma. The explanation included on her blog is:

The “Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.– Okoto Enigma

 RULES 

1. Put the award logo/image on your blog
2. List the rules.
3. Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
5. Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
6. You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
7. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
8. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
9. Share a link to your best post(s)

 Three things about me…

1. I'm an indie writer of speculative fiction and just published my first book (YAY!)
2. Despite loving historical fantasy, I’ve come to Game of Thrones very late (as in right now!). Please, no spoilers…😉
3. Besides my family and my writing, travel is my greatest passion. And there’s nothing like a long plane ride and a “stack” of books on my Kindle!

 Questions from The Cozied Reader:

1. Who was the first character you developed a bookish crush on? I can’t remember the first, but the most lasting has been Jamie Fraser from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Smart, funny, strong, and not threatened by a strong woman. And the Scottish accent (that I imagined and then got to hear on the Starz series) is just a bonus!
2. Who is your favorite villain? I don’t know that I have one. But I do have a soft spot for charming rogues who mean well but do it all wrong.
3. What’s your dream vacation? A self-guided tour of the British Isles for a month. I can only ever get away for ten days at most.
4. What’s a book you hated that everyone else seemed to love? I have an issue with Gone, Girl by Gillian Flynn because I’m not a fan of stories with character who have no redeemable qualities.
5. What dystopian novel/reality (Ex: 1984, Brave New World, Unwind) do you think the world is getting closer to becoming like? The Hunger Games. All our love of reality TV where people are treated badly, or people are willing to do anything to be famous. That kind of thinking leads to gladiator games.

Nominees:Participation is not required, but it is fun.Friendly fairy tales, Spooky Mrs. Green, Ari Meghlen, Rachel Farrimond, Psychologistmimi, journalistgeocultures.com, Life in the Realm of Fantasy, Worst Selling Author, Ian Gregoire, The World According to Dina, Streets of Salem, Questions for the Nominees:

1. What book can you read again and again?
2. Stand alone? Duology? Trilogy? Series? Which do you prefer?
3. What book made you into a reader?
4. Create the craziest cross genre mash-up and give your story a title.
5. Name a book you would love to see on TV. Cast the leads.

...And here is a link to my best post! An oldie, but a goodie.Thanks for reading my blog :)     

Book Release Day and Mother Goose

DREAMSFriday night’s dream, on Saturday told,Is sure to come true, be it never so old.   -Mother Goose Nursery RhymeMy Friday night dream for some time now has been to be a published author. Today that became a reality. By the end of the day my book, A Smuggler's Path, will be available on digital copy on Nook, Kindle, Kobo, iBooks, Scribd, tolino, and 24symbols! The paperback release date in TBA, but likely sometime in August.I used the Mother Goose quote because a long time ago when I started this adventure nursery rhymes inspired me to write a story about all the characters I remembered. Originally my book was called Mother Goose Mysteries and that evolved into the book currently on all those platforms and patiently (okay, maybe not that patiently) awaiting paperback release.Thanks to all those people who have supported my Friday night dream and to those who have recently signed up for my blog.Check out my author website to learn more about my book, A Smuggler's Path.And a special thanks to those who participated in the Fairy Tale Book Club/A Smuggler's Path contest! Here are the winners:To those of you who prefer a paperback, I apologize in advance that your prize will be late. Thanks again!

Waiting with the Fairies

Most fairy tales have a common event. The wait. It's when everything has already happened, but the ending has yet to arrive. It's that period before the resolution. The shoe fits. The poisoned apple is dislodged. A kiss awakens a long-sleeping princess. The woodcutter splits open the wolf's stomach.But before that, it's the wait. Cinderella has to watch both her step-sisters try on the shoe that is rightfully hers. Snow White has to lay in state until hoping someone will give her the Heimlich. The Sleeping Beauty...sleeps. Little Red Riding Hood is cramped into a stomach with her grandmother.That's how I feel right now. I'm in the waiting room wondering if my story will have a satisfying end. Or beginning. I know this is only the start of my public writing life, even though I've been working on this moment for years. But I'm no shrinking princess or little girl lost. My wait is more pregnant pause than intermission.So, tomorrow, July 24, 2018, A Smuggler's Path goes live digitally and the paperback will be my happily ever after. Or more like cliffhanger before then next installment. If fairy tales teach us anything, it's good things come to those who wait!And speaking of wait, the wait is almost over the free copy of A Smuggler's Path contest. I've also decided to allow any comments from the start of the contest to any post since the Fairy Tale Book Club to be valid as entrance into the contest. So if you comment on this post or any from this month, you're automatically included in the giveaway! Good Luck!

Joys and Sorrows of a Indie Newbie

In a few days, my first book is being released. I am both excited and exhausted. For those of you who have gone through this process, you know what I mean. I'm at that nit-picky stage where a missing punctuation mark feels like a cosmic calamity.Today I discovered that multiple corrections to my cover are still not completed and therefore the release of my paperback will be delayed.At times like these I have to look on the bright side, when what I want to do is "cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war," more or less.

1. The digital versions will still be available on time, July 24th, 2018.
2. I've learned a lot with this process, which will make it that much easier for book two next year and the novella I'm publishing in October.
3. No more rewrites!

I know all the reversals and headaches will be worth it...eventually. For now, I just hope I get through it in one piece and mostly sane!Commiserating is one of the best reasons to blog. Anyone else have newbie publishing stories? 

A Smuggler's Path - Available July 24th!

Exciting news FF readers!After years of writing (and rewriting and rewriting and rewriting…did I mention rewriting?) I finally have a publication date for my first novel, A Smuggler’s Path. It’s available for pre-order through Barnes & Noble Digital, iBooks, Kobo & Kobo Plus, tolino, Scribd and 24symbols right now.https://www.books2read.com/A-Smugglers-PathA Smuggler's Path will be available on Kindle and in paperback through Amazon in addition to the above options as of July 24th. I hope I can count on all my readers for a read and review! Thanks for the support!Praise for A Smuggler's Path:"Cruz packs a lot of plot into her novel. For example, along with Inez’s noble lineage, she has a history with and lingering romantic interest in Zavier Cole, Canto’s prince whose brother and sister-in-law became king and queen. Multiple backstories, including Inez’s late duchess grandmother and The Enchanted Isles’ origin, provide a rich foundation for the present-day narrative. The author likewise employs myriad characters to further complicate the plot and give Inez reason to distrust nearly everyone. Cruz’s no-frills prose doesn’t stint on wit: Inez’s haunt is Froth, a tavernlike establishment that serves milk and optional syrups.An epic, rewarding tale sure to garner fans ready for sequels."--Kirkus Reviews"A delightfully creative adventure, A Smuggler’s Path stands alone in a very crowded fantasy genre, boasting a youthful, energetic spirit and a wonderful new world to explore for readers of fantasy. Cruz has a gift for quickly creating memorable characters, as well as threading fantastical elements and creative magic through seemingly 'normal' moments of narration, making this a comprehensive and immersive reading experience. A Smuggler’s Path is an entertaining read with a uniquely creative cast of characters, and a colorful world that readers will want to visit again." --Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

Fairy Tale Book Club (FTBC) update

I hope you’re all as excited as I am to start the ball rolling on the FTBC. There is still one more week before I open the forum to comments about The Goose Girl. As an added bonus for our inaugural club “meeting”, anyone who posts a comment will automatically be entered in the random draw to win a free copy of my new book, A Smuggler’s Path. Here’s a description: In Canto, magic is a commodity, outlawed by the elites after losing a devastating war and brokered by smugglers on the hidden market. But some know it’s more—a weapon for change.Inez Garza moves through two worlds. She's a member of the noble class who works as a magical arms dealer—a fact either group would gladly use against her. Neither know her true purpose—funding Birthright, an underground group determined to return magic to all at any cost.But the discovery of a powerful relic from before the Rending threatens her delicate balance.Inez’s inherent magic, which lies dormant in all the Canti, has been awakened. Now the Duchess’s daughter, radical and smuggler must assume another forbidden title—mage, a capital crime. This will bring her to the attention of factions at home—fanatical rebels bent on revolution, a royal family determined to avoid another magical war, her mercenary colleagues at the hidden market willing to sell her abilities to the highest bidder—and in Mythos, victors of the war and architects of the Rending.Evasion has become Inez’s specialty, but even she isn’t skilled enough to hide from everyone—and deny the powers drawing her down a new path.Three lucky winners will be chosen the day before the book is officially released on July 24th, 2018!I'm looking forward to reading everyone's insights for the FTBC! 

The Witch

As a young girl, I wanted to be a witch. They were mystical and wise. People came to them for help. Most importantly, witches had magic. They could conjure spells, brew potions, and divine the future. In short, they effected real change with power, knowledge and will. Who wants to be a princess when that's available?According to fairy tales, everyone.Princess-hood is usually a desired outcome for most women in fairy tales. It usually allowed them to leave a difficult or abusive situation. Cinderella abandoned being a scullery. Snow White was saved from the creepy obsessions of her step mother. Sleeping Beauty got to leave the woods and wake her entire kingdom. In the latter two cases, they were born princesses, but it didn’t mean much until they found a prince. What if they wanted different things?The Evil queen never needed a man’s permission to exert her will.But we’re taught to root for the vulnerable princess (or scullery) and despise the witch. To be fair, witches who use their power to kill little girls who might be prettier than them are despicable. However, I try and look at it from their point of view. The world in which these women lived considered magic evil, especially in a woman. Her only acceptable power was perceived power, i.e. the power she could wield through her husband or other male figure. Historically speaking, the witch represented everything a patriarchal society feared—a woman with power over men and the natural world. So, if your only acceptable power is being pretty enough to convince men to follow your orders, is it any wonder a prettier, younger woman is a threat? She shouldn’t have killed the girl, but her fear was real.I’m an adult now and I’m still fascinated with witches--their mysteries and knowledge a source of endless study. They’re my go-to paranormal/fantasy read and my preferred heroine to write about usually has some supernatural abilities (as well as other strengths). Not only does it bring a little magic to the everyday, but it always reminds me of my power. And maybe a potion or two…

Bad Choices and the Epic Adventure

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 in the road—one looks peaceful but long, the other ominous yet short. A character takes the short cut. If you have a minute, you should definitely read her post, Crisis and the Point of No Return—it’ll get you thinking. It certainly did that for me. Are bad decisions necessary for a good story?Try this story: Once there was a woman who received a mysterious letter in the mail. In it she was promised adventures and a great treasure if she agrees to participate in a game fraught with peril. She tears up the letter and says, “Do you think I’m crazy?” and continues with her day.It was a sound decision. Who in their right mind responds to letters from strangers promising prizes only if the participant agrees to danger? Maybe that’s why so many fantasy novels take place in the past—our modern minds imagine scams, conspiracies, and other rational explanations. The scenario only becomes a story if the woman agrees to the terms, which the everyday person would consider a bad idea. It’s what makes books, TV shows and movies so appealing.As a child, I was very practical. I got into trouble like any other kid, but I was rarely foolish. I saved that kind of thinking for my reading. In reading I was allowed to take the forbidden path and hunt for treasure. My books were about kids who jumped on their bikes after dark and headed for the haunted house in order to free some ghost from a curse. I watched the Goonies and thought they were nuts, but I was glad someone was crazy enough to poke in dank caves for me.Writers are pushed to make situations difficult for their characters. In fantasy, it isn’t enough that the protagonist has a speech impediment—she has to be the only person who can read the magic spell that saves the kingdom and do so without a mistake. Why does she have to do it? If any of us were presented with a similar situation, we’d hide under our beds until the crisis was over.So, does it follow that bad decisions lead to good stories? Maybe yes, maybe no, but sensible decisions rarely become novels.Any thoughts?Special thanks to Connie Jasperson, blogger for Life in the Realm of Fantasy, whose great post sparked an idea for my bloggers block!

Fairy Tale "Book" Club

I cordially invite you to join a unique book club.It's the easiest book club you'll ever participate in because you don't have to read a book! (Unless you want to because I never discourage reading.)The Fairy Tale Book Club will only ask its members to read one story a month and then leave comments about them or fill out a simple questionnaire.This month's selection: The Goose Girl by The Brothers GrimmHappy reading!

In search of other stories--part one

As you know, dear readers, I have a complicated relationship with fairy tales. On the one hand, they're a great source of historical values and entertainment. But on the other, the anachronisms are hard to stomach sometimes. Especially as a woman.Even with my serious case of doublethink, I seek the stories out to better understand them, and to understand where we came from. Not only do I read fairy tales and folklore, but I also love mythology. I read Greek myths as a child and thought they were the perfect mix between fantasy and history, just like a fairy tale. And their purpose was to explain the unexplained. That led me to Norse mythology, Celtic folklore, and then it hit me. What about the other stories?I know I've beat this drum before--diversity and inclusion is something I'm passionate about--but I'm not talking about that exactly. The other stories I'm talking about are related to other cultures. I think I remember learning about a trickster storyteller from an African culture and one or two stories about Hindu gods, but very little else. As a Latina and specifically a Puerto Rican, I learned nothing about Taino mythology. Why is that? Honestly, the only answer I have for that is if they're not looked for, they can't be found.Indigenous peoples all over the world have myths and legends that are strikingly similar and vastly different than the ones from northern Europe. Stories about fairies, little people, monstrous creatures, gods and goddesses. These are stories that should be available and told again and again.In the coming weeks I hope to do my part, small as it may be, to help shed light on other stories and show how similar, and how different they are from the stories we all know. I hope you'll share stories, too. 

Real life Fairy tale

I've been thinking about the recent royal wedding. It's almost impossible to avoid. The news is still buzzing about the dress, the service, the traditional-meets-modern theme, and of course, the biracial thing. I don't want to write about any of that. I want to write about us.We, and I mean the folks on the outside looking in, have fallen into two camps. Either we've been completely swept away with the story and its inevitably well-orchestrated conclusion or we simply can't be bothered by all the hoopla and act disdainfully or dare I say, above it.I won't say which camp I'm in, but I do write about fairy tales so draw your own conclusions. However, I understand the pull of both camps. So much ugly is happening in the world--shootings, racism, totalitarianism--that a little beauty is like a splash of cool water on a hot day, no matter how frivolous it may seem. And it is important to remember these people aren't really a part of our lives especially when more important events should remain center stage. It's hard to find a balance.But, if you're reading this you understand that life can be a slog and getting out of the muck every once in a while is good for the system (or you're reading this because you are in some way related to me and feel an obligation). We don't have to wait for large-scale spectacles to remember joy, beauty or love. That's what fairy tales do--they tell stories of the slog and how sometimes the hero is rewarded with an escape, but it's always of their own making.So, create your own real life fairy tale moments whenever your can. They can be as small as a beautiful day on a beach or as big as a royal wedding. Just grab them--or what's the slog for?!