A Fairytale and Folklore Retelling Writing Workshop
Description
This workshop will explore the art of retelling folklore and fairytales. Over eight weeks, you will learn how to breathe new life into classic stories, adding unique twists, rich characters, and immersive worlds. Each session will involve discussions, writing exercises, and feedback to help you refine your retellings.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is ideal for aspiring writers, experienced authors looking to refine their skills, and anyone passionate about fairytales & folklore and how they appear in literature.
Course Structure:
- Weekly Lectures: Gain insights from experienced instructors on various aspects of fairytales, folklore, and writing techniques.
- Writing Exercises: Participate in guided writing exercises designed to spark creativity and refine your storytelling skills.
- Peer Review: Share your work with fellow participants for constructive feedback and collaborative learning.
- Portfolio Development: Throughout the course, you will compile a diverse portfolio of themed writings, including short stories, character sketches, and world-building descriptions.
- Final Project: Complete a polished mermaid tale, incorporating the skills and feedback received during the course, to showcase in your portfolio.
By the end of this workshop, you will have a unique and captivating portfolio of writings, ready to enchant readers and publishers alike.
Course Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to Folklore & Fairytales
Week 2: Writing Your Retelling
Week 3: World-Building
Week 4: Re-imagining Characters
Week 5: Themes and Lessons
Break
Week 6: Dialogue and Voice
Week 7: Integrating Themes and Motifs
Week 8: Dialogue and Voice
Week 9: Final Project Presentation and Portfolio Compilation
Week 10: Final Day & Publishing Your Piece
End Product
By the end of the course, each writer will have complied a portfolio of writings. The final class will be dedicated to presenting each students’ portfolio.
Ashley Fields
Founder & Instructor
Hi Writers,
For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by mermaids and the mysteries of underwater realms. This course is the culmination of two years of dedicated research into the representation of mermaids in literature. I believe that mermaids hold a unique and powerful role in storytelling, one that goes beyond the typical fantasy tropes.
The focus of my Comparative Literature MA thesis was on the mermaid’s role in maintaining memory and identity in young adult literature. Through my research, I have come to see mermaids as more than just mythical creatures; they are symbols of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery.
It’s my mission to bring mermaids to the forefront of speculative and fantasy literature, giving them the prominent role they deserve.
Would you like to get Carried Away with me?
Instructor and The Carried Away founder, Ashley Fields, has worked in various aspects of publishing, including editorial and marketing. She received her BA from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and her MA in Comparative Literature from Utrecht University.
