The A to Z Challenge asks bloggers to post 26 articles on a themed topic. It’s supposed to be every day except Sundays during the month of April but I did this last year, found it way to busy for the likes of me, and decided to post mine ‘about’ once a month. Yes, it’ll take me a couple of years. Sigh.
My topic, like the last two times I did the conventional approach, will be writing genres.
This genre:
Fractured Fairy Tales
Definition
A familiar fairy tale that is given a fun new twist
Tips
- Change a word in the title (such as Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Glazar).
- Insert a new character among the familiar ones.
- Change the setting but keep the same characters and themes.
- Change the POV.
- Take a character from a beloved fairy tale and put him/her in another story.
- Have characters from several popular fairy tales meet.
- Always include humor.
Popular Books
- The Heroic Climb of Itsy Bitsy Spider by David Novak
- Cinder-Elly by Frances Minters
- Sleeping Ugly by Jane Yolen
- Jack and the Meanstalk by Brian and Rebecca Wildsmith
- The True Story of the Three Pigs by Jon Scieszka
- Dear Peter Rabbit by Alma Flor Ada
Click for complete list of these 26 genres
Click for a complete list of all genres I’ve written about
More F Genres:
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for TeachHUB and NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, The Quest for Home, Fall 2019. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
I enjoy fractured fairy tales to a point–I feel protective of the original story so its hard for me to accept too much of a change to what I know, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes–the moral of the story sort of thing? I get that. I’d hate for them to turn Cinderella into a wicked sister.
LikeLike
I didn’t know you had to have humour in a fractured fairy story. Bother, now I will never be able to write one [wink].
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think it’s one of those rules you can break because I’ve read many without humor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
https://myviewoflife.travel.blog/2019/07/24/my-view-of-life/
plz do view my blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fantastic mam
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Genres–Fractured A-Z Posting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I enjoyed and got something new.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sarha. Glad to hear that.
LikeLike
This is a good one, Jacqui. I enjoy Fractured Fairytales when they are well done and have a good twist on the original tale. I hope you’re having a great summer, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are a lot like fan fiction, only focused on fairy tales. It’s great for kids starting to write or adults who are kids at heart.
It is a good summer, some ups and downs but I’m getting through in fine fetter. I hope all goes well for you and your family situations. I always include them in my prayers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jacqui. And don’t forget that I’m willing to beta your new book for you. I actually have lots of reading time while sitting around in doctor’s offices or while the folks nap. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was wondering if you would be too busy so I’m glad you brought it up. I’m still slogging through edits to get it to a point I’m not embarrassed. Soon, though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy to whenever you’re ready. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love The True Story of The Three Pigs. Fractured Fairy Tales was a writing contest my sons’ school promoted when they were kids. They had a great time writing their take offs. Many of the stories the kids wrote were so much better than the glum and scary originals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s nice. It seems to be perfect for this genre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The way you present it, seems do-able. And has the potential to create many stories from a single one. Good idea Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does. I can assign Cinderella to a class and get 25 different answers!
LikeLike
Lol, love some of those titles. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is fun reading, innit?
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jacqui – I’ve never heard of them … but can see through checking a few comments that a teacher would have a lot of fun with these and their class … sounds a great idea – cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are pretty popular–kind of fan fiction for the fairy tale world. Yes, these are quite fun for kids and adults alike!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My students love fractured fairy tales. They especially love The Other Side of the Story series- such as, Seriously, Cinderella was so Annoying (As Told by the Wicked Stepmother). They crack up when they read them. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I like that idea–a different POV! How clever.
LikeLike
Hmm… I think you’ve given me a few story ideas, Jacqui 😀 thank you. Now, I need to find time to write!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess you and I could fracture history. Hmmm… Well, or fracture the Greek god myths. That could work…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that idea 😀 Thanks, Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so glad to see that The True Story of the Three Little Pigs made your list, Jacqui. I read that book to my students every year; it was always a hit! That was my introduction to having my 5th-6th-grade students write fractured fairy tales. They loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that one also. I’m glad it’s still around in schools. Being a tech teacher, I didn’t get to read that much to my students.
LikeLike
I have published over 80 children’s ebooks and paperbacks plus over 50 audiobooks Many of them are fractured fairy tales. Here’s a link to my Amazon author page and books.
Amazon.com/author/richlinville
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good collection, Rich.
LikeLike
I’ve never liked fractured fairy tales – but I love stories that are based on fairy tales. Go figure! (Actually, I think it’s having the actual characters in the fractured tale. It’s the same for any story where a character by name is redone. Just doesn’t do it for me. So as you can imagine, I’m not a huge fan of fan fiction.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never gravitasted toward them except for my students. They’re a fun way to interest non-writers about writing.
LikeLike
For those who know Peter Pan in Neverland, I have written Petrina Pan in Everland for girls to enjoy. A pirate ship of boys in the clouds attack the Wonder Girls, the tribe with a Chieftess, and Patrina. Several climatic twists and turns in the plot make for a wonderfully strange ending. Free on Kindle Unlimited. Here is a link to the ebook and paperback.
https://amzn.to/2lrxU56
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one, Richard!
LikeLike
Fractured Fairy Tale with a surprise ending. A Froggy Prince: His Dream Comes True by Rich Linville
Free on Kindle Unlimited. Also, available as an ebook,
Please share, preview, and review.
The Winking Stork says, “This is a tale that takes place twice upon a time in a magical, enchanted land.” The Winking Stork remarks, “Froggy do you remember now that you were once a human prince who lost his memory?“ Froggy replies, “What are you talking about?” Froggy says, “All I can remember is that I’ve always been a frog who loves to eat flies, sing, and dance” The Stork says, “Let me tell you your story as a prince before you ever became a frog.”
https://amzn.to/2JM0PcT
LikeLiked by 1 person
Appreciate the extra detail.
LikeLike
A Fractured Fairy Tale “Aladdin Is Done In” with a theme of Crime does not pay for a thief of thieves. Free on Kindle Unlimited. Also available as an ebook and paperback, Here’s the Amazon link
https://amzn.to/2Lz2jJG
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Rich!
LikeLike
Fractured Fairy Tail “Aladdin Is Done In” with a theme of Crime does not pay for a thief of thieves. Here’s a link to it on Amazon https://amzn.to/2Lz2jJG
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for adding this, Rich!
LikeLike
Hi. Do you remember The Rocky And Bullwinkle Show? It used to have segments called Fractured Fairy Tales.
Neil
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right! A few people mentioned that but I didn’t remember. Now, I get it. What happened to that show? Or did I grow up?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It ended years ago. Maybe it’s in repeats on some networks. I haven’t run across it anywhere, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Fractured Fairy Tales and my students loved them too! Cinder-Elly by Francis Minters was a favorite. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear that. I haven’t read many of these so I appreciate the feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this genre! Nice to see it featured here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I was looking for F genres, this popped right up. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it last year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a lot of fun! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clever these lawyers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just published on Amazon a children’s Fractured Fairy Tale called “Aladdin Is Done In.” The genie is small so Aladdin only has two wishes. The theme is “Stealing does not pay for the thief.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! Glad you mentioned it. Why don’t you add the link in a comment?
LikeLike
I’ve been accused of fracturing fairy tales. I had to plead guilty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they might mean something else. Hmm…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with D.L. Finn, I first thought of the cartoon from Rocky and Bullwinkle. Interesting genre. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How funny you both came up with that. Even when Denise mentioned it, I had to think to find the connection (duh).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m unfamiliar with this genre, but it sounds like fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is fun. I use it with students, to spark their creativity by using stories they know.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Brilliant Jacqui – reframing and fracturing them with a touch of humour.
Fairy tales as they are have a depth of meaning, psychologically for those so inclined. A source of academic research.
LikeLiked by 1 person
People have enjoyed fairy tales from their youth so this genre brings back fond memories. I don’t like the X-rated fractures, though. Just not me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacqui,
Have you watched the TV series “Once Upon A Time”? That’s a great example of fractured fairy tales is it not? I have to admit it took me a bit to feel at ease with the twisted storyline. While I’m not opposed to women being the hero in any movie/TV show, I wish writers would do it so to not take away from a woman’s feminine characteristics. Do they always have to make a gal come off so masculine? Talk about role reversal. Oh well…I won’t rant about that now. 🙂 Good post, my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never watched that but what I’ve heard about it sounds right. I’m glad you thought of that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love fractured fairy tales. In fact, I ran a fractured fairy tales competition for the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Rodeo last year. It was lots of fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew you would, Norah. Didn’t know about the Carrot Ranch rodeo. I’ll have to look into their archives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fun, Jacqui. I love my weekly dose of flash fiction. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m beginning to question the books I read. This genre is supposed to be right up my alley and yet, have never read any of those you mentioned. In fact, the only two retellings I can think about is Cinder (Cinderella)by Marissa Mayer and A curse so dark and lonely (beauty and the beast) by Brigid Kemmerer
LikeLiked by 1 person
New genres get added constantly (consider the Cli Fi for climate change fiction). It’s become challenging to keep up with as an author but I am pretty happy with my little niches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love transformed fairy tales, they’re so clever. I even dabbled in the genre myself, and it’s one of my favourite things to have written. I’d also love to do more, so I’m taking your tips as my cue, they lay out so many possibilities.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fracturing an existing story seems like an easy way to get started (which is why I use it with my students). Kind of like fan fiction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t aware of this genre, Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazingly popular!
LikeLike
I enjoy fractured fairy tales. They are so much fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are, aren’t they? The clever places creative brains go…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are fab tips! And doing the A to Z once a month ? Now there’s a new idea 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really suits me, Damyanti. I actually felt bad for my usual readers (I have about 17,000 followers) that they might feel obligated to comment/like. Too much!
LikeLike
I love fractured fairy tales, such fun to write, too. Nice post, Jacqui, and an interesting list of titles I haven’t seen before. I’ll have to look them up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t find any that were NYT best sellers. These all sound more cultish but intriguing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What first came to mind was the cartoon from Rocky and Bullwinkle show. I think I’ve been a fan si ce I was a young girl:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s funny. Didn’t think of that one!
LikeLike
Jacqui, a totally new genre for me and I love the sound of this one! Some terrific reworked titles of fairytales and they all sound so tempting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great genre. It lets people pick a beloved story and tweak it, making it a bit easier to get to a full story. I really like the idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person