Once Upon a Time: Myths About Writing Fairy Tales for Children

Are you looking to write a fairy tale for children?  Watch out for these common misconceptions.

1.  Rewriting an Existing Fairy Tale is Easy

It may be easier to write a story when you already have the plot, but the plot is only part of what makes a good story.

Go to your local library or bookstore and read retold fairy tales that actually got published and consider what about them makes them stand out from the thousands of other versions.  For picture books it is usually the illustrations, so if you are not an artist, you would be wiser to write a chapter book or novel inspired by an existing fairy tale.

2.  Fairy Tales + Zombies = Fame and Fortune

If you want to add a twist to the original fairy tale stories, don't just copy the latest trends - the trend will be over by the time your story could even be published.  Start your own trend by coming up with your own spin to the story.

3.  All of the Good Fairy Tales Are Already Taken


Don't limit yourself to the Grimms' fairy tales.  There are thousands of stories from cultures around the world just waiting for you to discover them.  Even better, try writing an original story.

4.  All I Have to Do is Make it Modern  


Your first instinct may be to retell a fairy tale in the present day, but be warned that this has been overdone. Having Cinderella going to the prom in an orange limo instead of going to the ball in a pumpkin transformed into a carriage is just a gimmick and doesn't substitute for good writing.

And think carefully before giving your Little Red Riding Hood an ipod to listen to on her way through the suburb.  Adding modern technologies can quickly date your story.  

5.  You Don't Have to Worry About Copyright


While the original version of Snow White is not copyrighted, the plot to the movie "Snow White and the Huntsman" is.  Similarly, you cannot use characters that others have added to the story, such as Sebastian and Flounder in Disney's "The Little Mermaid".

Therefore ensure you read the original stories you want to retell so you can tell what elements of the story are fair game. Also make sure that the story is indeed old enough to be copyrighted.