I love fairy tales. I like the fairy tale feel, setting and theme in my stories―with an element of fantasy thrown in. I like my hero/heroine to overcome some type of adversity. I love strong, traditional Alpha males. A hero who doesn't give up easily and will admit to and learn from his mistakes. And heroines whose personal strength and sound judgment can change the outcome of the story.
When I was very young, my favorite story was Snow White and Rose Red, by the Brothers Grimm. I read that story over and over again, until I could practically recite it in my sleep. I liked several fairy tales, but that one topped the list.
Years ago, I took a workshop on finding your writer's voice. At the time I already had begun two stories, both Regency-set historicals, but had not finished either of them. I pretty much knew what type of story I wanted to write, but I was new at writing, so I signed up for every workshop I possibly could fit into my schedule. I wanted to learn everything about my craft or myself as a writer.
The instructor gave us a questionnaire to complete and send back to her. There were other things we did throughout the workshop, but that questionnaire towards the end of the workshop was the telling key. It asked questions about the type of stories and hero/heroines we enjoyed reading or writing about at the time and throughout our formative years, among a multitude of other things. We could also tell her what lines/publishers we were targeting. At the time, I didn't know, so I left that area blank. I just wanted to complete a story and learn what I could. I didn't even tell her what sub-genre of story I had chosen to write. I wanted to see where she thought my voice fit.
When I received the instructor's summation back, this is what she told me: You would probably excel at writing traditional love stories for Harlequin Romance, Silhouette Romance or inspirational romance. You would also do well with Regencies or historicals.
I think the feedback from that workshop gave me more confidence in my choice of sub-genre than any other critique I have received thus far. Your voice is your voice. It's you, the writer, on paper. Every writer has strengths and weaknesses, but your voice is what it is. And it's been being developed over your lifetime.
Do you have a favorite story from your childhood? If so, I would love to hear what it is. You can read my favorite here: Snow White and Rose Red__
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