Retellings are an amazing way to both expand your creativity and put a twist on your favorite stories! Some choose to rewrite myths or fairy tales, while others may rewrite famous characters. But how can you write one and do it well?
First, decide whether you’d like to have a loose retelling or not. A loose retelling is one where the story it’s inspired by is very loosely present, but still there. A hard retelling is one where the original story is highly visible, and it may be easy for the reader to say, “oh! This is a ——- retelling!” without too much trouble. It truly doesn’t matter which one you write, but write whichever you will have the most fun with!
Come up with your own twists. That’s something I know many love to see in retellings. For example: what would have happened if Belle was the beast, and a common townsperson was sent to kill her? Or what if Aurora hadn’t been cast into sleep, but cursed with wicked powers and used to the queen’s advantage? (wait brb gonna go write that last one omg that’s a fun idea)
Know which story you’re retelling, and know it well! Sure, your version of the story will be different, but you want to know the story enough where you can make it clear that it’s a retelling if that’s what you want
Note your favorite elements, and note what you didn’t like about the story! Make the story into something you love and is unique to you.
THEMES!! THEMES ARE IMPORTANT BESTIES. For example, the theme in King Midas is the power of greed. Keep that theme (or put a twist on it if you can find one!) themes are such a large part in stories, but especially in retellings. Put detail into it, and make the theme intriguing.
















