The Pen of a Ready Writer

    Have you ever wanted something?  And you've wanted it so deeply and for so long?     And then, against all odds, there is a whisper that it could happen this time?  Maybe instead of the expected rejection letter, you got a "we've taken your submission for further review."  Maybe a sudden source of income appears that may allow you to earn enough for horseriding lessons.  Maybe you find a nebulous symptom in your own body that hints at the possibility of a long-awaited pregnancy.  Whatever the case, you have that realization that your dreams COULD come true.     And, instantly, anti-hope appears.      What is anti-hope?  It is that emotion that springs up as a counter-balance to keep you from being too disappointed if your hopes are dashed again.      Anti-hope says, "Don't get too excited.  'Further review' isn't the same as an acceptance.  They could still reject your story."...

     I haven't settled on a title for my Twelve Dancing Princesses story.  But I've written about 4500 words so far.  Here are a few snippets for you to enjoy.       I chose my words slowly and carefully.   “I think it’s important for you to do what you feel like you were meant to do.   I’ll always support you in that.” *** I released my nose, confident that it would now stay on my face... ***      I broke into a run and reached my yard in time to see a dozen soldiers on horseback.   One of them had pulled Hope into his saddle with him.   My papa was lying on the ground, and a mounted soldier held a spear aimed at his chest.      “Hey!” I shouted.   “Leave them alone!” ***     The General and our captain bowed.      “We honor you on the beginning of your new life,” murmured the captain. *** ...

     Inspired by Kendra Ardnek, I am now attempting to rewrite the Twelve Dancing Princesses.  Something about a short story, based loosely on an old tale, is a little easier to tackle than a full-length novel.  So I am doing this as a warm-up, as I get back into writing.      But it is fun!!!!      I had never read the Twelve Dancing Princesses before yesterday.  For a moment, I doubted that I could turn it into a write-able story.  (I need to find a way to do it without magic.  And I need to have a heroine that isn't an empty-headed flirt because I have no idea how to write a story with such a heroine. And I was a little intimidated by the fact that there are TWELVE princesses -- I can barely keep up with one on a good day, lol.)     So here is my question to you:  What would you need to change if YOU were going to rewrite the Twelve Dancing Princesses?     (And here is the origi...