STORY STARTER
Write a story from the perspective of a fairy-tale character after their ‘happily ever after’.
This doesn’t have to be limited to princesses, but could be other fairy tale protagonists such as Red Riding Hood or the Three Little Pigs.
Clean Up Crew
“And they all lived happily ever after.” Well that was all fine and good for the prince and princess, but not ol Willy. Someone still had to clean up the castle grounds after all.
Now before you think I’m complaining friend, I promise you I’m not. For I’ve seen some amazing sites in my time; I’ve seen princes rescue princesses on a dozen occasions (heck, even a few princesses pulled some princes feet out of the fire), I’ve seen knights slay monsters and even more occasions, I’ve even seen the occasional magic wish or two be granted over by the gardens. No sir I’m not complaining, I wouldn’t trade this job for the world.
I may be a lowly janitorial ambassador of the cleaning arts, but I also pride myself on being an unofficial historian to the kingdom. One day I’ll make my way down to the college and have one of the mages transcribe my memoirs. But until that day there are grounds to repair, burns to scrub off the stone walls, and gates to mend. Life is grand in the kingdom!
This is such a creative and fun idea! Regarding voice, part of me wonders who his audience is. Perhaps adding more clarity on whom he’s speaking with —maybe he’s speaking with someone new to town— that could open up the story to let us learn more about the world you’re building, or more about Ole Willy himself. I really enjoy his humble speech, “lowly janitorial ambassador of the cleanings arts,” feels like a humble brag, and that says lots about his character. Great work!
Hello! I really like the idea behind this small story! I find it very intriguing. One thing that’s a little confusing is the voice. It’s not consistent. In the first paragraph, the narrator introduces Willy, and in the next two paragraphs, the narrator suddenly is Willy. It switches from Third POV to First POV. Both work well for your story, but it is helpful to readers when the voice is consistent or when a change of voice/perspective is announced. I hope this helps! I look forward to reading more of your work! :)
