Dear Once Upon a Fic Writer,

Hi there, fellow fairy/folk tale enthusiast! I’m delighted that we share an interest in one of these stories, and I’m very much looking forward to your take on any of them!

I come to this exchange with a particular interest in retellings/reinterpretations of, and expansions on, the original tales. And while I tend to prefer fic that works hard to match the tone/style of canon in most other fandom contexts, that absolutely does not apply here; if anything, I think I prefer works that tell (versions of) the stories in their own voice.

(In fact, many of my general likes/DNWs for other exchanges really don’t apply to this one. If you happen upon my pinned post with those, please disregard.)

I have a particular love for queer and feminist retellings, and also stories that lean into the horror elements that are so tightly woven into many traditional fairy tales and more contemporary urban legends alike. (Especially when they do so subtly - I’m much more fond of creeping dread and terrifying events that are never thoroughly explained, than jump scares and on-page mayhem, etc.) Playing up the inhumanity/otherworldliness of beings such as mermaids and fairies is also a favorite tactic. Which isn’t to say I don’t also enjoy a wholesome lady-knight-rescues-trans-princess happily-ever-after sort of scenario. To be clear. ;)

Down below, I’m going to talk a bit about what interests me about each of the tales I’ve chosen, and a few ideas for where you might take things (which you are free to use or disregard as your inspiration takes you). I’m interested in your version of the story, and I very much hope you enjoy telling it. Thank you so much. <3

Likes & DNWs | Belle-Belle | Bluebeard | Fitcher’s Bird | The Little Mermaid | The Snow Queen | The Velvet Ribbon

( Herein lies a ramble, or several. )