We’ve all known and adored the classic Cinderella tale from the moment we started to read (or listen to bedtime stories!) It’s the ultimate escapist fantasy and one we challenge you not to get caught up in! If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at creating your own, read on for my top 10 tips to help you write the perfect Cinderella story…
- Don’t forget to indulge in the fantasy! Inspired by the original tale of hum-drum servitude to a palace ball in the space of just one evening, a Cinderella story should always sweep the reader off her feet, as well as the heroine!
- And in order to keep your reader eager to know your heroine’s fate, ensure she’s relatable. Even when she’s a world away, Cinderella’s humble background means her feet remain firmly on the ground.
- Make the most of that gorgeous transformation scene! Though it does make us a little jealous, what reader doesn’t enjoy the moment a sweet, shy heroine gets a glamorous make-over?
- And who doesn’t get tingles when she discovers she shall go to the ball?! At its heart, a Cinderella story is truly heart-warming – don’t forget to emphasize that the heroine has lived in other people’s shadows, but now it’s her turn to step into the light (and of course those fashionable glass slippers).
- A Cinderella-esque heroine comes from a tough background, so even if she might feel empty-handed, don’t be fooled into thinking your character has to bring nothing to the table. A great Cinderella has an inner strength we can’t help but admire – which will come in handy when she has to deal with the expectations of society, the dizzying heights of her meteoric rise, and her hero!
- Enjoy flexing those creative muscles! These stories are about different worlds colliding, as the ordinary heroine will soon discover. Immerse us in the fantasy of that whole new world with the Prince…
- And that brings us, at last, to Prince Charming himself! The hero in a Cinderella story can come in any form, though he’s often strong, honorable…and of course handsome. But he’s also so much more – remember, you want the reader to see why he’s the reason (not the fame or fortune!) for Cinderella to embrace her new life.
- This is a timeless plot, and it’s one that also translates across all series – whether you enjoy a tale of the Old West or a heart-racing Presents, a Cinderella story always has its place. Think about what series your voice suits best and then run wild with this classic theme.
- Remember, no matter how much fun it is creating a perfect world for your Cinderella, she still has to overcome more than just the transition to a new world. What conflict will stop her from simply falling in love with her prince?
- And last but not least, have fun with it! As any devoted romance reader knows, a Cinderella story will deliver the most perfect, thrilling ending possible – a fairy tale Happy-Ever-After!
Planning your own Cinderella story? Let us know in the comments below!
–The SYTYCW (This post appears courtesy of our Advice from the Archives)
2 replies on “10 Tips for Writing the Perfect Cinderella Story”
While I have always loved fairy tales. I like turning them on their heads in my stories. In one story, I have really built up my villain. He’s a wealthy, ruthless assassin. The only woman he’s ever loved is the heroine. In his mind he can make her into his own Cinderella. Give her the perfect life. She doesn’t know that he was the mastermind behind her kidnapping as a teenager. So the question is, will she fall for the fairy tale deception he weaves around her or not?
I think a lot of Betty Neels books were Cinderella stories and I loved them all. I still enjoy the underdog winning! Great post.
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!