The Fairy Tale Feminista
Answering life’s questions one fairy tale at a time.
So you want to Write a Series, part III
I’ve left my most cumbersome advice for last, and not because it's April Fools'. It seems appropriate considering that’s what a series is… cumbersome. It can be unwieldy and demanding and yes, fun. These are characters that become people to you. They are real and you’ve named every one of them. And they are so important because they made you a writer. Now here’s the tricky part. You have to learn to ignore them.
Inspired to Fairy Tale
Once upon a time there was a box. Within it was contained all the stories of the world. Stories of grit to stir the soul. Stories of ardor to touch the heart. Stories of humor to lighten the load. Stories of tension to quicken the pulse. But the box contained more than just stories.
So you want to write a Series, part II
If you’re back for more on writing a series, clearly my initial advice didn’t scare you away—i.e. don’t write a series. But we already covered that, so let’s move on.
A series, by definition, has more than three books. A case can be made for saying anything over two books is a series, but trilogies have become so commonplace that I think over three makes more sense. Now, this is going to sound harsh because your stories are like your children. You love them. You nurture them. You give them time and space to grow. Eventually you send them out into the world little by little—those are beta readers—then with more trepidation—that’s your editor. Finally you send them out into the world and hope you’ve done enough to make them ready for it. And you know what? You’re going to have a favorite.
So you want to Write a Series, part I
When I first started my writing life, I was told to start a blog to attract followers to my books. I did so, reluctantly and one of the reasons was I felt I had nothing to offer in the way of expertise. Don’t get me wrong, I know a lot about a lot of things, and I say that without an ounce of conceit. I’m naturally curious and when I want to know about a thing, I research it and study. And yet, I didn’t know what to say to people I didn’t know, who didn’t know me and hadn’t asked me for any advice. That was almost 13 years ago.
When The Fairy Well Runs Dry
What’s a blogger to do when she writes a blog about fairy tales and she’s run out of fairy tales?
Forgotten Fairy Tales
Did you know that there's a story that may have inspired The Legend of Zelda? That it includes a precursor to the Sanderson Sisters (in my opinion)? Skelator? A furry, kind version of Smiegel? And best of all, a clairvoyant pig? Have you guessed the story?
New Year, Not So New Me
Just to prove that title applies, I don't think it's the first time I've used it.
I read one of the myriad articles about New Year's resolutions in the last days of 2024. One stuck out for me. The idea was not to make resolutions that you don't want to do--that's homework--but to write down things your want to accomplish. The trick, if it can be called that, if to pick very specific things, write them down, and then put them away until next year. That way you're not berating yourself for not sticking to resolutions or dropping them by March.
A Borrowed Gift
Welcome to the Advent Calendar Story Train, where you can read through 24 stories under the theme Surprise.
The fairy who cursed Siduenya was diabolical. Not only was Siduenya barred from using her magic for her own ends, but the curse could only be reversed by someone who did something for Siduenya without being asked or feeling obligated.
A Mage's Path release
The last book in my Enchanted Path series comes out tomorrow and I was interviewed by one of my favorite blogger, Ari Meghlen. Enjoy and while you're at it check out her amazing blog.
https://arimeghlen.co.uk/2024/11/29/interview-with-author-i-l-cruz-2/
Peppers, anyone?
Have you come across this demarcation—a description of a novel with peppers to explain how “spicy” the writing gets? It’s a handy indicator.
Smuggler Prices
In less than two months, A Mage’s Path, will be released. It’s the last book in the series and it’s been a pleasure (and sometimes a pain) to write it.
Birth of the Coqui - HH story
We’re still in Hispanic Heritage Month and it felt appropriate that I continue my retelling of Latino fairy tales from my particular corner of Latin America, Puerto Rico.
Another story related to the coquí dates back to the time of the Tainos, the indigenous people of the Caribbean. Admittedly, I took a few liberties with the details, but the conclusion is the same.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Halves
In the US, September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs until October 15th. Having half of one month and then another month makes for odd celebrations—it sneaks up on you and then leaves almost silently. Sometimes I don’t remember it’s Hispanic Heritage Month until I see a commercial wishing me a happy one.
Old Book, New Offer
Hey readers!
As I’ve mentioned more than once lately, I’ve been working on the last book in my Enchanted Path series, A Mage’s Path. Ending a series is harder than I thought it would be. A part of me is relieved and proud that I’ve finished an entire series with characters and places that will stay with me forever. The other part is exhilarated to start the next chapter (pun intended) of my writing life. Not to give too much away, but I’m already working on my next project (I refuse to say series, but who are we kidding?) and I’m excited about it.
WWJAD
I think all authors have a similar dream. For me it was writing a book followed by a small but vocal readership that would result in a groundswell of readers. It would happen, and this is important, within my lifetime, and I would spend my days going from readings and signings between growing an impressive list. I might also indulge the fantasy that despite not writing mystery novels my life would be very much like Jessica Fletcher’s.
Where I've been
I decided early in this blog that I wouldn’t apologize for long absences because it was inevitable. Blogging has always been in service of my writing. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve loved interacting with the blogging community I’ve become a part of and I've made wonderful friends. But I also know that when I have a limited amount of time to pursue writing, my fiction gets priority every time. This is all to say, I’ve been away because I’m writing.
Plot Vs. Character, Fairy Edition
Plot Vs. Character—Fairy Edition
First, let’s address the elephant in the room…or the blog. I’ve been gone for a really long time. It wasn’t intentional, but it was with a good reason. I’ve been working on the last book in my Enchanted Path series and being a final book in a series, it’s become a bit of a bear. More on that in another post. This one is a question I’ve been asking myself while working through (seemingly) endless edits.
Just Say Fantasy
It's the end of Hispanic Heritage Month in the states and I have a confession to make.
I am a Latin American woman and I don't like magical realism.
Lives in Hyperbole
In real life, Cinderella would have slipped laxatives into her stepmother and step sisters’ morning tea or packed a bag for the next village. The youngest son in The Golden Goose would have refused to go chopped wood after his two older brothers had maimed themselves. Sleeping Beauty would have heard gossip which invariably went around the castle to find out why no one sowed. The brave little tailor would have killed the flies and then saved it as a fun story the next time he went to the tavern. The Three Little Pigs (putting aside anthropomorphized pigs) would have lived together in a brick house they could have built in half the time and avoided the wolf.
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