How to Write Fairy Tale Retellings

Are you looking to craft an enchanting retelling of a fairy tale? Want to breathe new life into your favorite classics with a unique twist? 

Fairy tale retellings are a wonderful way to revisit beloved stories while reimagining them in ways that reflect your voice, creativity, and worldview. But how do you write one that feels fresh and new while staying true to the original? Whether you’re writing a short story or a full-length novel, this guide will help you create a compelling and original retelling that feels both timeless and brand-new.

Choose the right story to retell

Before diving into your retelling, start by choosing the right source material. That means doing a bit of research, not just for inspiration, but also for legal reasons.

While many traditional fairy tales (like those by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, or Charles Perrault) are in the public domain, not all versions of these tales are free to use. Be cautious of modern retellings, especially those by companies like Disney, which often incorporate original characters or elements protected by copyright.

For example, in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, characters like Scuttle, Flounder, Sebastian, and Flotsam and Jetsam don’t appear in the original Hans Christian Andersen tale. Using them in your own story could lead to copyright issues. Even the name “Ariel” is Disney’s creation, so you’ll need to rename your mermaid protagonist if you want to stay on the safe side of the law.

Tips for writing a fairy tale retellings

When it comes to choosing the right fairy tale, there are some other factors–aside from legal ones–to consider.

1. Research and familiarize yourself with various fairy tales from different cultures and traditions.
2. Look beyond the obvious tales and consider lesser-known stories that may have interesting themes or characters. This will provide you with a rich foundation to draw from when crafting your version.
3. Consider the popularity and cultural significance of the chosen tale. Many fairy tales have been passed down for generations and have significant meaning for specific cultures. Consider the cultural significance of the story and whether you're the right person to tell it.
4. Look for tales that lend themselves to fresh interpretations or genre twists.

Know the story

Fairytale retellings have taken the literary world by storm, breathing new life into classic tales. A successful retelling requires an understanding of the original story. Carefully examine the original to identify its fundamental components. Take note of the main characters, such as the hero, the villain, and any supporting characters, and pay attention to any magical or significant objects that play a role in the story.

Behind every fairy tale lurks a hidden moral or message. Look beyond the story's surface and delve into its underlying themes and motifs, such as love, transformation, or the battle between good and evil. Each tale conveys valuable lessons, wisdom, and values. By exploring these key elements, themes, and uncovering the core message, you can craft a retelling that pays homage to the source material while preserving the tale’s essence.

Studying different versions of the tale for inspiration can also fuel the creativity needed to reinterpret the story for modern readers. Different authors, cultures, and time periods have produced their own unique interpretations of the story. By studying these, you can gain insights into different storytelling techniques, characterizations, and narrative approaches.

Develop unique characters

Characters are at the core of any successful retelling. To make your version stand out, create distinct, three-dimensional characters with personal motivations, flaws, and emotional depth.

While your retelling may include familiar figures like a wicked stepmother or a cursed prince, resist the urge to rely on archetypes alone. Give these characters new life—maybe the villain has a relatable backstory, or the princess saves herself this time.

Adding original characters can also bring freshness and complexity to your fairy tale. Just be sure they fit naturally into the world of the story and contribute meaningfully to the plot points or theme.

Reimagine the setting

One of the most exciting parts of writing a retelling of a fairy tale is the chance to reimagine the setting. You can stay close to the original time and place, or completely reinvent it.

Maybe Cinderella lives in a cyberpunk future. Maybe Snow White is a resistance fighter in a dystopian world. Shifting the time period, geographical location, or cultural backdrop can give the story a fresh lens and open up entirely new possibilities for character motivation and conflict.

As you build your setting, use vivid, immersive details to help readers visualize the world. Think about how the setting influences the plot, shapes the tone, and interacts with the magical elements of the story.

A great example of a retelling that reimagines the setting is The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, which places classic fairy tale characters in a futuristic sci-fi world.

Add a unique twist or fresh perspective

There are countless versions of popular fairy tales, such as Cinderella or Snow White, so how do you make your retelling stand out? One key approach is adding a twist or fresh perspective. This could mean introducing unexpected plot twists or alternate endings that shake up traditional storylines and keep readers on their toes. Alternatively, you could explore different points of view, such as telling the story from the perspective of a supporting character or giving the antagonist a chance to share their story. After all, who doesn’t love a great villain origin story? By doing this, you allow readers to gain insights into previously unexplored aspects of the tale. Delving into the motivations, fears, or desires of secondary characters can shed new light on the events of the fairytale and add depth to the overall narrative.

You can also try weaving social, cultural, or political themes into classic fairy tales to revamp them and make them resonate with modern readers. Think about identity, power dynamics, gender roles, or environmental concerns. The key is to strike a balance so that the themes complement, not overpower, the original tale. Adding this contemporary twist can give readers a chance to reflect on the story's implications, making the retelling truly one-of-a-kind.

For inspiration, check out Beasts and Beauty by Soman Chainani, a collection of retellings that includes a Black Snow White, a feminist Rapunzel, and an LGBTQ+ gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty, all while keeping the core emotional and thematic resonance of the original short stories.

Maintain the fairy tale essence

When writing a fairytale retelling, it's important to maintain the essence of the original story while adding your own creative twists. Since one of the defining features of fairy tales is their enchanting and magical nature, try to keep the magical elements that make it captivating. Incorporate iconic motifs by exploring the use of enchanted objects like magic mirrors or mythical creatures such as dragons, fairies, or witches. Whether it's talking animals, spells, supernatural events, or fantastical landscapes, these magical elements will be key in developing the world of your fairy tale.

Another essential core element that makes up a fairy tale is the delicate balance between light and dark themes. While they can be whimsical and uplifting, they also explore deeper, sometimes darker, aspects of human nature. Maintain this balance in your retelling by weaving both light and dark elements into the narrative. Allow moments of joy, hope, and triumph to coexist with challenges, conflicts, and moments of vulnerability. This interplay will add depth and complexity to your retelling. By preserving the magical and whimsical elements, incorporating fairy tale motifs, and balancing light and dark themes, you can capture the enchantment and timeless appeal of the genre .

Ready to write a new Happily Ever After?

Crafting a fairy tale retelling is both a creative challenge and a chance to honor storytelling traditions. By understanding the original tale, creating layered characters, reimagining the setting, adding your unique perspective, and preserving the magical heart of the story, you can craft a story that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression.

Whether you’re writing a love letter to a childhood favorite or flipping a classic story on its head, remember: fairy tales are meant to be retold. So go ahead, start your “Once upon a time” and see where it leads!