Write a Fairy Tale
The aim of this contest is to write a folk or fairy tale. Fairy tales are simple stories that contain far-fetched plot elements such as magic, talking animals or unlikely scenarios. They are found in all cultures all over the world.
The fairy tale genre is often misunderstood as being childish and shallow, due to the stereotype of having 'happy endings' and 'fairy tale love.' Many of the original fairy tales are much more violent or controversial than their Disney/mordern day counterparts, and their values often the reflect those of the societies they originate from. They were orignally for adults as much as children, and so not all of these stories ended happily.
Oral folk tales are the oldest type of fairy tale, and they were originally told as sources of entertainment. These stories moved locations and were passed down through generations by word of mouth, often preserving hints of old mythologies and religions. Literary fairy tales are very similar, but they have original authors (e.g. Hans Christian Andersen), and often reflect the author's world view.
Your fairy tale can reflect your own values, either blatantly or subtly. They can be set in the present or the past. Creative approaches are encouraged.
Rules:
- 1,000 to 2,000 words
- Does not have to be a European setting - fairy tales can be set anywhere, real or imaginary. Can be set in modern times.
- Does not have to start with 'once upon a time' or end with 'and they lived happily ever after.'
- Can use motifs or stock characters found in fairy tales - e.g' 'the false bride,' 'the evil stepmother,' etc. Twists on these ideas are encouraged.
- An interesting twist on a well-known story is accepted.
The contest winner will win half of the prize pool of 90.00 member dollars. In this contest at least 2 submissions must be made for the vote to begin.
Deadline: Contest is closed. Deadline was Saturday, May 1, 2010.
Full Contest Listing
The fairy tale genre is often misunderstood as being childish and shallow, due to the stereotype of having 'happy endings' and 'fairy tale love.' Many of the original fairy tales are much more violent or controversial than their Disney/mordern day counterparts, and their values often the reflect those of the societies they originate from. They were orignally for adults as much as children, and so not all of these stories ended happily.
Oral folk tales are the oldest type of fairy tale, and they were originally told as sources of entertainment. These stories moved locations and were passed down through generations by word of mouth, often preserving hints of old mythologies and religions. Literary fairy tales are very similar, but they have original authors (e.g. Hans Christian Andersen), and often reflect the author's world view.
Your fairy tale can reflect your own values, either blatantly or subtly. They can be set in the present or the past. Creative approaches are encouraged.
Rules:
- 1,000 to 2,000 words
- Does not have to be a European setting - fairy tales can be set anywhere, real or imaginary. Can be set in modern times.
- Does not have to start with 'once upon a time' or end with 'and they lived happily ever after.'
- Can use motifs or stock characters found in fairy tales - e.g' 'the false bride,' 'the evil stepmother,' etc. Twists on these ideas are encouraged.
- An interesting twist on a well-known story is accepted.
The contest winner will win half of the prize pool of 90.00 member dollars. In this contest at least 2 submissions must be made for the vote to begin.
Deadline: Contest is closed. Deadline was Saturday, May 1, 2010.
