In the previous posts, I discussed how creating your own fairytales can help you to face real-life challenges and what you can do to create the right mindset to get the creative flow going. Now I will discuss from what elements you can build your personal fairytales and make them reflect your own life and themes.
1. The main character
Of course, there’s no story without a protagonist. But how do you create this character for your own fairytale? Well, the protagonist can be an embodiment of the themes that you are facing in your own life. A good way to start is by visualizing this theme. What would grief, loneliness, or passion look like for instance? What kind of creature would it be, what are its magical powers, and what is its purpose in everyday life? These elements also help you to direct the rest of the story.
2. The world
When we speak about the world, we refer to the surroundings of your character. What are the creatures surrounding them and how does your protagonist interact with them? Are they hostile or friendly? Is your character alone or with allies? What role does this world force your character into, and more importantly, what limitations does it put on them? The world can be a reflection of how the theme you are addressing affects your life. For instance, if you want to write about guilt, it can be a world where your protagonist hears the whispers of all the negative thoughts about him or her. Or when it’s about freedom, there could be an eternal wind blowing that brings the scent of different places. Make it an extension of your theme and character.
3. The journey
Your protagonist goes on a journey because he or she is dissatisfied with the situation, a major event happens outside their power, or because they have a desire they want to pursue. What and who does your character encounter on their journey? What choices does he or she make? This is a great chance to reimagine the situations and people you met when you started to dive into the theme. Give them a hint of magic.
4. The demon
Ah, the demon… The roadblock that keeps your protagonist from reaching their goal. It can be a situation, a creature, or a pattern that your character is not ready to face yet. Maybe it’s a representation of your shadow side, of the part of yourself that you have not yet faced, or an experience that has marked you. Try to think about what it would look like. What is it about this creature or magical spell that keeps the protagonist trapped? For instance, if your protagonist’s journey represents overcoming your fears, your demon could be a well in which your character sees the worst possible outcomes of every choice endlessly reflected.
5. The mentor
There is a creature, a person, or a situation that provides the insight that is needed for your protagonist to defeat their demon. A switch of perspective that can either be given directly or realized. What would that situation or person look like for you? How would you reimagine them as a creature or other kind of magical phenomenon?
6. The transformation
You and your protagonist have changed after facing your theme. Look deep into yourself at what has changed. Do you feel different? Did your circumstances change? Do you interact differently with yourself and the world? How can you represent that in your character? Did they change form? Gain new powers? Or did the creatures surrounding him or her change? It’s up to you. This is the conclusion to your story. The reward for all the efforts and the courage you have shown.
Want to try to create your own fairytales with the help of a coach? Check out the possibilities and contact me if you are interested.