This post is inspired by one of the many contests posted on Figment*. If you need a little inspiration for a new picture book manuscript or just want to try out a really fun writing exercise, this is for you.
First, select a fairy tale or a classic children’s story.
Here are some examples:
The Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe
Little Red Riding Hood
The Three Little Pigs
Hansel and Gretel
The Three Bears
The Little Red Hen
The Princess and the Pea
The Tortoise and the HareIf you don’t like these choices, look up Mother Goose or Hans Christian Anderson and select another classic.
Think about the POV this story is usually told from and retell the story through the eyes of one of the other characters. Don't forget to use "What if" questions to drive the plot.
Example: The Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe
This is told from 3rd person. Try telling it in 1st person from the Old Lady with all the children. Even better for a pb is to tell it from one of the children’s POV or in 3rd person sharing the story of one of those children who has to share a shoe with soo many brothers and sisters.
Example: The Three Little Pigs
This story is told from 3rd person and makes the “Big Bad Wolf” out to be a really bad guy. Take his POV. Maybe he has a reason for blowing down their houses (other than eating them). Time for a “What if” question – What if he isn’t blowing down the houses but is sneezing instead?
You get the idea. Now write…
* If you are a student in HS or College, consider entering your story into the contest on Figment.com