I have been counting down the days for today, and it has finally arrived! Rooglewood Press is announcing which fairy tale has been chosen for their next contest. And, let me tell you, I think you’re going to like it. Are you ready?
*drumroll*
Cover by Julia Popova, “ForestGirl.”
You can find out more about this gifted artist on her website: www.forestgirl.ru
Rooglewood Press is delighted to introduce their third fairy tale novella contest—
Five Magic Spindles
a collection of “Sleeping Beauty” stories
The challenge is to write a retelling of the beloved fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Sleeping Beauty,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!
Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Magic Spindles collection, which will be packaged up with the phenomenal cover you see here. Maybe your name will be one of the five listed?
All the contest rules and information (how to enter, story details, deadline etc.) may be found on the Rooglewood Press website. Just click HERE and you will go right to the page.
Rooglewood Press’s first collection, Five Glass Slippers is available for purchase, and our second collection, Five Enchanted Roses is scheduled to launch on July 27, and is currently available for pre-order. Be certain to get a copy of each and see what previous winners did with their wonderful retellings.
Don’t forget to snag the lovely blog button with the link below and spread the word!
http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!writing-contest/c22i6
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I am absolutely thrilled about this chosen fairy tale. For many, many years, Sleeping Beauty has been a fairy tale I love the idea of but was never quite happy about how it was executed. The plot (or holes thereof) never sat well with me. It’s something I’ve always wanted to see redone. So I couldn’t be more excited to see hundreds of retellings cropping up across the globe. I get chills just thinking of all the twists and adventures to be had with this fairy tale!
And that cover, people! Breathtaking is the most accurate word I can think of to describe it, because when I saw it I literally gasped and stared at it breathless. And stared at it. . .and stared at it. . . I didn’t think anything could beat last year’s cover for Five Enchanted Roses, but I think this one took the cake. It just begs for wondrous and captivating tales to paint the pages underneath.
I’ve yet decided if I’m officially entering or not. My own WIP Burning Thorns came from my entry of last year’s Beauty and the Beast contest, and though I didn’t win I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. I enjoyed every minute of it and now am turning that little novella into a novel I’m already in love with. Without last year’s contest, Burning Thorns wouldn’t even exist. I can’t thank Rooglewood Press enough for spurring my creative juices and giving me a chance to create something from my favorite fairy tale.
Because I’m working so heavily on Burning Thorns I’m a little hesitant in entering a contest and taking on another big project. BUT about a year ago a curious plot bunny for a Sleeping Beauty retelling hopped spontaneously into my brain and has set up home there. When I discovered this year’s fairy tale, that idea attacked in full force, nudging and pleading. I think I shall play around with the mischievous bunny, see if something comes of it (and if I can squeeze it into such a short amount of words). So for now let’s just say I’m not officially entering the contest, but the possibility is hovering rather largely and distractedly in the background.
What about YOU? Are you entering? Any Sleeping Beauty ideas swirling through those creative minds yet? Do tell! I cannot WAIT to see who all is entering. Sleeping Beauty is going to be such a fun tale to play with. This third contest may be the best yet!
Ooh, pwetty!! ^_^ I wondered if it might be Sleeping Beauty... :D Yay announcement! I actually have an idea or two but probably wouldn't bother entering... but you never know! ;) And I'm sooooo thankful for the last contest because it started you on Burning Thorns -- I LOVE IT SO MUUUUCH. <3
ReplyDeletePRETTY PRETTY.
Isn't it just so gorgeous?? I can't stop staring at it!
DeleteDid you? That's funny! For some reason Sleeping Beauty didn't even cross my mind. I was kind of guessing Snow White, or maybe Twelve Dancing Princesses (but that was probably more wishful thinking XD). Little Red Riding Hood even crossed my mind but I don't think that'd really fit with the other fairy tales they've chosen. But Sleeping Beauty is perfect!
Oh, it'd be so fun if you entered! But I definitely understand not doing it. That's a lot to take on!
D'awww! SO MUCH NICE. ^_^ I'm thankful for the last contest too!
I've been fascinated by this contest ever since I heard of it, but I haven't had any ideas to write for them! It sounds like an amazing opportunity though. And the covers are all so pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt's a really great contest! Definitely a good opportunity for aspiring writers. They make it super easy to enter and if you win you're instantly a published author! Such an awesome thing!
DeleteThe covers are just fantastic. I love every single one of them.
Isn't it GORGEOUS? I adore this cover!
ReplyDeleteOi, is it okay if I secretly (or not so secretly) hope that you do enter? ^^ I'm hungry for more Christine Smith stories. But if you wind up not entering, that's totally okay, partly because I know I'll have the new and improved Burning Thorns to read one day! <3 Little fuzzy plot bunnies are the best.
I'm fairly certain I'll enter. No ideas *yet,* but once I dig into the original tale, I'm sure some inspiration will crop up. :) Then the problem will be balancing this, two novels, work, and life in general. Somebody help me! XD
IT SO IS!!!! I just can't get over it!
DeleteLolzy! That's definitely okay. It makes me feel all fuzzy inside that you want more stories from me. ^_^ There's definitely a big possibility I will, I just don't want to make it official yet. I need to at least get some more done on BT and play around with my Sleeping Beauty idea first before considering it too deeply.
YAY! I was also hoping you would, for the same reason, too. I NEED more Tracey-writing goodness! Now I'm even more tempted to enter. It was so fun supporting one another last year. ^_^
Gah! Yes. That's my biggest hesitation. Balancing all these things is so hard. But I know you can do!
Totally understandable! :) I hope that writing goes well for you no matter what you choose.
DeleteAww, thank you! ^______^ You're right, it was so much fun! I loved betaing each other's stories.
I know, right? But thanks for your support and encouragement! <3
Thanks for spreading the word! I miiiiiiight try my hand at it; we'll see:D
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure!
DeleteOooh, you shooould. That'd be so exciting! Of course I'm not 100% sure if I'm doing it yet either, but still. ;D
Sleeping Beauty was my first guess. I just like the tale, and I follow fairy tale patterns. (I guessed B&B last year for similar reasons.) Twelve Dancing didn't even cross my mind, even though it is one the more popular fairy tales for authors to start with. It's title just conflicts with the "five" pattern, and I think its title would be too similar to 5 Glass Slippers.
ReplyDeleteI've not been able to enter previous years, mosly because I kept getting distracted from my Cinderella story, and then couldn't find any good inspiration last year (well, I had a great idea at the last second, but it was too last to write it - I'll save it for my Bookania Quests.) This year, however, I've stumbled on a brilliant idea, and I've already begun work on it, so hopefully I'llbe able to enter. Here's to hoping!
You're good! I'm pretty terrible at guesses. You make a very good point on the Twelve Dancing Princesses thing. I mean, a book called Five Twelve Princesses or something might not go over well. XD I think I was only guessing that one because it's one of my favorites. B&B is my favorite of all time, and Cinderella and TDP tie for second. So I thought it'd be funny if the first three stories were my favorite tales. My main guess was Snow White though because I think it'd fit pretty well. But I think Sleeping Beauty will go perfectly with the other two collections! I don't know why I didn't think about it. Silly me.
DeleteOh, so exciting! And wow, you're already working on it? You go, girl! I have no doubt it's going to be an absolutely fantastic story. The best of luck to you! ^_^
Similarly, I don't foresee her doing "Six Swans" either. Just all those conflicting numbers would just make us confused. Personally, I think Little Mermaid and Rapunzel are going to be the last two fairy tales (because I read somewhere that there will be five collections when all is said and done), just because of popularity levels in retelling circles, with the option of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves in lieu of Rapunzel. (Because Five Poison Apples would be an awesome title. The only reason I'm hesitant to say that it will, is that it's a bit similar to Sleeping Beauty, and I think she's going to go for five very different tales). Little Mermaid is a must, though. Five Mermaid Tails perhaps? We'll see!
DeleteI'd been plotting around with Sleeping Beauty ideas for several months now (what with my strong conviction that it would be what we're doing) but honestly it wasn't until I saw the cover and the "Five Poison Apples" floated through my head, that this idea exploded into being. It's called "Poison Kiss" and basically the jilted fairy decides that the spindle curse is too mainstream and declares that true love's kiss will send her to sleep. And then I was scrolling down through my random character pinterest board, and I found a picture of Puss in Boots and the White Cat from the Sleeping Beauty ballet and the idea exploded further. It's been interesting so far.
I don't know why, but Sleeping Beauty just inspires me - my Bookania Quests series began as a sequel to Sleeping Beauty ... and it also has Puss in Boots in it.
True, true. *nods* Yeah, I think Anne Elisabeth Stengl did say there's going to be five total. Little Mermaid and Rapunzel are very good guesses! A Rapunzel retelling would be soooo fun! Now I'm really hoping that'll be the next one. Little Mermaid would also be super unique and fascinating to see what can be done with it, but writing one myself seems a bit daunting. I've never been a big ocean person, water kind of scares me...but it'd certainly be interesting to read.
DeleteOh my goodness, now I want a Snow White one with that title! That is the such an alluring title! It's reasons like these that you're the Queen of Fairy Tales.
Another awesome title! Poison Kiss just begs to be read. And...and... :O THAT SOUNDS AWESOME. What a twist--the kiss being the one to curse her instead of heal her. And all these other fun elements. GO WRITE THAT THING. It sounds amaziiiing!!!
That's so cool! I kind of feel the same way. It's never been my favorite fairy tale (although I still like it a lot), but something about it just asks to be explored. I've thought that for years. So I should at least play around with some ideas for the contest.
Who says that the retelling actually HAS to include water? I've heard of one LM retelling where she's an android, and I don't think there's any water in sight. The one drawback to it is that the official fairy tale has a pretty sad ending, Rooglewood is going for happy stories. However, it's one of the most popular stories to retell, and as I said, I think they're going to go for five popular, but very different tales. Also, since the first three have been girl-centered, I think the other two will be as well, so Rumplestilskin would be out, popular though it may be. I could be wrong, but I guessed right the first two times ...
Delete(My proper title is the Arista of Fairy Tales. Long story, but it's a bit more powerful than a mere queen.;)
It's been quite fun so far, although the trick is to keep Puss and the White Cat from taking over the book completely. *banging head against desk* Oh, those two are adorable. And I need go go reread the story of the Bluebird, because that's the other fairy tale that shows up at the end of the ballet to dance.
Sleeping Beauty isn't my favorite fairy tale, either, to tell the truth (my favorite changes from day to day, but it's usually a more obscure tale). I just find, out of the popular stories, it has some of the most potential for rewriting, because, honestly, that plot wouldn't hold up in today's mainstream market. Just HOW DID that prince become her "true love" if she's been asleep a hundred years? And what's the moral? Sleeping through your problems solves everything? (I wish!) I love fairy tales with a lot of problems, and this one has them.
...Huh. You know, that's never occurred to me. I mean, hey, we can turn these fairy tales into ANYTHING. So I guess it wouldn't have to include water. One's mind just automatically jumps to that when mermaids are mentioned. But now you've got my brain ticking! It does have a rather sad ending, but again, we can turn them around and do anything with these tales, so they still might very well choose LM one year.
DeleteRumplestilskin is another tale I always thought had so much potential and be a blast to play around with, but I agree that it doesn't quite fit with these collections.
(Lolzy! Then Arista of Fairy Tales it shall be. *bows*)
Oooh man. I understand. Those side characters do like to take the show sometimes. I always have the same problem. And I'm sure it's especially hard since you have so few words to work with. So many fun tales you're throwing into one! I have no doubt your novella will be fabulous.
YES. That's precisely how I feel about it. You put all my thoughts into words! The plot just doesn't sit well with me and the writer in me has always wanted to fix it.
I suspected this year's would be Sleeping Beauty. Can't say why exactly, but I figured. :) And now comes the problem.... to enter or not to enter? I already have big plans for a Sleeping Beauty retelling, but it's going to end up more like SotHT and be waaaaaaay too long for this. So a whole new retelling, then? Yep. I am so tempted to flesh out an idea for an upside-down Sleeping Beauty, but it's way too tempting. And I have to edit!! How can I get distracted at a time like this?? I ask you... I have a novel to -- Ooh! Something shiny!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry where was I? :)
Anywhoz, rant over. I know I'm going to fall prey to Rooglewood's little scheme one way or another. I always do. Fairy tales are just that marvelous. I have to say I too am mightily indebted to these contests, for without them SotHT never would have been born. And who knows what this year's contest will spark?
Okay, I just got so excited when I saw you commented. I've missed my Kiri! *huggles*
DeleteMan, I really need to work on my guessing skills. Everyone seemed to know and I was just sitting here oblivious. XD
That is such a problem, I understand! But hey, coming up with a whole new retelling is perfectly acceptable. I'm kind of scared my idea will be too big for just 20k words itself, so I may have to come up with a new one as well. We'll see.
I'm pretty sure I'll be the same way. They're just too good at drawing us in, aren't they? And yes, FAIRY TALES. How can we resist?
That's right! Then I have even more to thank Rooglewood for, because SotHT is amaaaziiiing!!! I am just frolicking in happy fields thinking of SotHT being published in the nearish future. I loved it so much!
Hey, speaking of such things. I was totally going to get you to beta my B&B entry for last year's contest since we agreed to be partners in crime but then time got away from me, like way waaay away, and you had just headed off to college. I didn't want to add more on your crazy schedule, so I was afraid to ask. So if you ever wondered why I never asked, that's why. :-/ But I'm eternally grateful for your enthusiasm and support during all that! If we both decide to enter the contest this year maybe we can try again. I'll totally be cheering you on for whatever you decide to do!
Ooh! Definitely!! Switch and beta and all that! I was disappointed that I was unable to read for you, especially after you read Rose and the Balloon for me. But thank you so much for being my support through all of that!
DeleteI have to admit I've already started my entry... *coughs* Last night I got a gorgeous idea for Sleeping Beauty slightly backwards. Again, no magic -- which is a challenge, but I think it'll be alright. I'm incorporating a bit of steampunk in. :)
Awww... your enthusiasm for SotHT makes me so happy!! I really am glad that all you lovely readers actually enjoyed it. Editing is going slowly... ugh... but it's going. I'm really hoping to get the polish finished ASAP.
Okay, so for next year? What fairy tale? Never too early to start guessing. *winks* I'm leaning towards Snow White. Thoughts?
Yes! :D Gah, I feel so bad I kind of disappeared during it all last time. Things got CRAZY for me as I attempted to edit AND do NaNoWriMo and then try to send it out before the deadline, and I was so worried about bothering you while you were at college and...I don't know. Life blew up. >.> Knowing me the same thing will happen this year, but one can hope it'll be calmer. XD
DeleteI adoooored Rose and the Balloon! Such an adorable story. I think about it all the time.
You have?? LOL. That's fantastic!!! :D Steampunk you say? :O I LOVE STEAMPUNK. In fact, Burning Thorns was originally going to have a hint of steampunky-ness going on, but it dug in its heels and decided to have a very classic fairy tale world feel, which turned out better I think. The story always seems to know best. >.> But I am considering steampunk for this year's novella, should I choose to write it. I cannot wait to learn more about yours! :D
Actually enjoyed it? Try SUPER DE DUPER LOVED IT WITH ALL MY HEART. When I get a physical copy (A PHYSICAL COPY. THE THOUGHT SENDS ME SQUEEING AND JUMPING FOR JOY) I'll be rereading it over and over and over again for forever. I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Ha! I'm so glad I'm not the only one already wondering and conspiring. XD My guess is actually Snow White as well! I think it would fit well with the three other stories. Although Kendra suggested Rapunzel for one year which is a good thought, so that's my second guess.
Hakuna matata... no worries. :) I think everything turned out all right. Besides, I'm soooooo excited to see what you're going to do with Burning Thorns! Turning a novella into a fleshed out novel?? That's no easy task! You have greatly impressed me, girl, and no mistake! I knew I'd love your story the moment that you first posted about it on your blog, but it's simply going to be even more amazing now that we get all that extra-ness gorgeously squished inside. I can't wait!!!! :D
DeleteSteampunk for you, too? Okay, I have to admit I never thought that much about steampunk, and it wasn't until AFTER I'd been out of Rose and the Balloon for about a year that I realized it has elements of steampunk in it (the balloon and all that). Not true steampunk, but leading into that. The idea for the Sleeping Beauty story is actually set in the same world, and will not be a true steampunk story, but incorporate more of that kind of stuff. In fact, since the two stories could technically link up, I'm getting too many ideas to do a series of steampunk, upside-down fairy tale novellas... There's just WAYYYYYY too many plot bunnies running a-muck up in my head! Dear friend, speak some sense to me!!
"SUPER DE DUPER LOVED IT WITH ALL MY HEART" ...... I think my insides just melted from sheer joy. :D :D I WILL get this book completed and published! Argh... just .... work. *shakes self* Nope, not complaining. I can do this!! You have been such a blessed encouragement, Lauri. THANK YOU!!!
Hmm... yep. I read Kendra's comment above and I can see Rapunzel and Little Mermaid. Although, I'm really sad that they might only do 5. Only 5? ONLY FIVE??!?!?! Just.... no. Fairy tales.... they.... but... epic..... can't even. But I really like the idea of the 5 Poison Apples title. Ha. I actually kinda came up with the same idea the other day when I was chewing on future contests and titles. 5 Poisoned Apples for Snow White. 5 Golden Braids for Rapunzel (although, that couldn't work because Melanie Dickerson's new novel is called that). 5 Crystal Seas for LM. And so on.
*Hopping on to fangirl on SotHT as well* Yes, we NEEEEEEEED physical copies, so we can hug them and love them and sleep with them under our pillows so we can have sweet dreams and ... wait, it's a murder mystery. Its an AMAZING story, and I get so annoyed when I want to recommend it to someone, but can't because, well, it's NOT PUBLISHED YET!!!!! (Ya feel me?)
DeleteI agree, I need a 5 Poison Apples as well ... but SWatSD is VERY similar to Sleeping Beauty (so much so that I consider them under the same umbrella). I was thinking more along the idea of the tower for Rapunzel, though I'm still not sure what they'd title it. (But, granted, I had no clue for a title for B&B or SB, and they came up with BRILLIANT ones, so they're smarter than me.) And, on the theme of LM ... Five Ocean Pearls ... Five Silent Songs ... Five Sunken Ships?
*day made* :D You girls are so sweet. And all-around awesome. I am so blessed to have friends like you both!!!! *virtual hugs* *and gingerbread just because* :D :D
DeleteOoh! I didn't even think about the tower for Rapunzel! I like that idea! Very muchly like that idea! I've noticed that they tend to go for a more girly, fairy-tale-ish type of title, so that'd be difficult to branch out from. With just a tower, I mean. We've got Glass Slippers, Enchanted Roses, Magic Spindles.... all very fairy-tale-ish. Poison Apples, I think, fits nicely. But you do have that similarity to SB. Good point. It seems they're sticking with a lot of the typical, well-known fairy tales (I mean, seriously -- Cinderella, BatB, SB), so Snow White was just a logical choice. I can't see them finishing these contests without a LM, though, so I think we can expect that sooner or later.
It's a pity there might only be five. I was thinking they might try to branch off into some of the lesser-known ones. Or ones that are just gaining popularity. Like The Snow Queen.... 5 Crystal Snowflakes. Or 12DP... 5 Midnight Dances. Or Rumplestilskin... 5 Golden Spools. Or Little Red Riding Hood... 5 Scarlet Hoods. Or Thumbelina... 5 Petite Brides. Or Swan Lake... 5 White Feathers. Or The Frog Prince... 5 Charmed Kisses. Or Jack and the Beanstalk... 5 Awesome Seeds. Or The Princess and the Pea... 5 Royal Mattresses. The list goes on and on....
Mmm ... gingerbread. Is it (Oh, spaghetti sauce, I forgot her name) A's?
DeleteFive Tower Captives maybe? Five Hairy Ladders? Five Most-Beautiful-Golden-What-Girls? Eh, they'll think of something. Just imagine how gorgeous that cover is going to be! All the hair, all the pretty. And a LM cover. Lots of water and pretty fish. Snow White? They could probably just take the image they did for SB, turn her hair black, put an apple in place of the spinning wheel and call it good. Not that I'm saying they will.
There were more than five mattresses on that bed. Five Tiny Peas would be a better title. But I agree, it would be nice if they just kept going. However, Anne Elizabeth announced on one of her Doings in Rooglewood posts that there would be five, and she already had them picked out. So ... (I don't know, if she doesn't do SW, we could always make a collection of our own entitled (Insert Number) Poison Apples.
Ooh! Kendra, I like that! I'd be willing to do more collections! 'Course, most of my ideas for entries for these contests are turning out to be connected. A series, if you will. But... yeah. We must needs the Poison Apples. *nods* This will happen.
DeleteOkay, I love you girls, just so you know. Let's see if I can respond to some of this in a somewhat orderly fashion. XD
Delete@Kiri - I'm so thrilled you're excited about Burning Thorns! I'm really enjoying turning it into a novel. There were so many subplots I wanted to follow while writing the novella but couldn't because of that word limit, but now I CAN. It's very freeing and going quite well! Plus there's a new character or two and I get to explore other characters way more and add more fun fairy tale things, and it's just great!
(BTW, you're more than welcome to still read the novella just for fun if you so desire. BUT NO PRESSURE. It's just there for the reading if you WANT.)
Potentially steampunk, but I haven't really decided on a setting yet, that idea is just floating there. But you're right, Rose and the Balloon totally had some vague steampunk elements going on! You're putting your Sleeping Beauty one in the same world? And may make an entire series of steampunk, upside down fairy tales??? YES PLEEEASE. That would be amaziiiing! I'm sorry, I can't speak sense into you because I want this to happen and will encourage them instead, like the evil friend I be. *cackles*
AND YES. GET SOTHT PUBLISHED. WE NEEEED IT!!!
@Both of ya - I was thinking along the lines of the tower for Rapunzel as well. Like 5 Forbidden Towers? I don't know, that's all I've come up with so far. Titles is not my strong suit. I LOVE the ideas you both have come up with though. (5 MIDNIGHT DANCES FOR 12 DANCING PRINCESSES. KIRI THAT'S BRILLIANT.) And ugh, Kiri, now you're making me want to do ALL these fairy tales. I do wish Rooglewood would do more than 5. But yeah, I mean we are all at liberty to write all these retellings without the contest. Still it'd be so great to just have tons and tons of these collections to read. Maybe if we all get the itch to write our own novellas for the same fairy tale we could band together and make our OWN collection. You know...that's not a horrible idea. o.o
Wow, that got wordy. But it's so fun talking to you gals! *hugs*
AHHH! I am so excited about this contest, and I definitely plan on entering. Over the past few days I've been reading different versions of Sleeping Beauty, and it's made me realize how many possible variations there are for the story. I think I have a good idea for the novella I'll write, but I'm still mulling over it and fleshing out the details.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that last year's contest enabled you to find a story that you've fallen in love with and that you've taken that piece and really expanded on it. I know that no matter the outcome of this contest, this is a story that I'll definitely continue to work on.
ME TOO. Even if I don't enter, I'm still insanely excited about all the Sleeping Beauty stories that will spawn from it. I feel the exact same way you do, there are just so many ways to twist the story into something new. It really leaves room for millions of possibilities! It's going to be way too much fun seeing what everyone does with it.
DeleteThat's awesome you already have an idea! I hope it goes well and you have fun with it. ^_^
Thank you! That's what I love about these contests, even if you don't win, you're not losing anything. Instead you've gained a whole story you can do whatever you want with. Crazily, I'm almost (almost) glad I didn't win last year because I'm having such a wonderful time expanding my little novella into a greater, deeper story. The whole adventure has been wonderful. I can't wait to see what comes from this year's contest!
The cover is beautiful, I will definitely be entering. I am brainstorming hoping for a better idea, because the rules said no sad endings so my first idea went out the window. Love these contests.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just jaw-dropping gorgeous? Every time I get another glimpse of it I just melt from its beauty.
DeleteYou are? SO EXCITING!!! :D
Oh yeah, they did. I guess they're going for the happily-ever-after thing. I'm sure you'll come up with something brilliant though, don't you worry. It's gonna be great!