Third Rooglewood Press Fairy Tale Contest Reveal

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
~*~*~*~
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!

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Deborah O'Carroll
June 1, 2015 10:42 PM

Ooh, pwetty!! ^_^ I wondered if it might be Sleeping Beauty… 😀 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

PRETTY PRETTY.

Jameson C. Smith
June 2, 2015 12:29 AM

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!

Tracey Dyck
June 2, 2015 1:00 AM

Isn't it GORGEOUS? I adore this cover!

Oi, 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

Tracey Dyck
June 2, 2015 7:26 PM
Reply to  Tracey Dyck

Totally understandable! 🙂 I hope that writing goes well for you no matter what you choose.

Aww, 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

Olivia
June 2, 2015 3:14 AM

Thanks for spreading the word! I miiiiiiight try my hand at it; we'll see:D

Kendra E. Ardnek
June 2, 2015 12:14 PM

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.

I'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!

Kendra E. Ardnek
June 3, 2015 3:13 AM

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!

I'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.

Kendra E. Ardnek
June 3, 2015 8:31 PM

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 …
(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.

Kiri Liz
June 2, 2015 2:04 PM

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!

I'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?

Kiri Liz
June 3, 2015 3:40 PM
Reply to  Kiri Liz

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!

I 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?

Kiri Liz
June 4, 2015 1:55 PM
Reply to  Kiri Liz

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!!!! 😀

Steampunk 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. 😀 😀 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.

Kendra E. Ardnek
June 4, 2015 2:08 PM
Reply to  Kiri Liz

*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?)

I 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?

Kiri Liz
June 4, 2015 2:36 PM
Reply to  Kiri Liz

*day made* 😀 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* 😀 😀

Ooh! 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….

Kendra E. Ardnek
June 4, 2015 4:48 PM
Reply to  Kiri Liz

Mmm … gingerbread. Is it (Oh, spaghetti sauce, I forgot her name) A's?

Five 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.

Kiri Liz
June 4, 2015 6:25 PM
Reply to  Kiri Liz

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.

Ana @ Butterflies of the Imagination

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.

It'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.

Skye Hoffert
June 3, 2015 6:49 AM

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.