I'm taking a writing class at the local community college. It's called "Writing for Children", and it's a funny experience to be doing something like this. First, it's basically me and a bunch of women although last night two other guys were there. Second, the writing style and approach is totally different from what I normally write - which is the point.
Each night our teacher gives us an introductory sentence and then gives us 10 mins to write a quick story. Here are my first attempts; the bold sentence is what she gives us.
Story #1
She was surprised to see it there in a tree. There are no such things as fairies. She knew that. Yet there in front of her, sleeping in a branch of the tree was a fairy. It was the size of a butterfly and looked as light as a feather. She had a leaf covering her like a blanket. Her wings, tucked beneath her, shimmered in the sunligh and her little blond hair fell down her shoulders.
Maddie took her hat and put it gently under the fairy, covering her quickly with her other hand.
Instantly she felt her wings flutter under her hand, and then a sweet little voice:
"Please, please let me go."
"What is your name?" Maddie asked gently, and "Where did you come from?"
"My name is Abby, and I am a fairy princess from the kingdom of ____. Last night I was flying home when a terrible storm blew me off course and landed me here in this tree. When daylight came I fell asleep, as all fairies do. I am lost, cold, hungry and scared. Won't you please help me?" She pleaded.
Maddie's heart beat faster. She loved reading fantasies and adventures, and she was on the brink of having her own.
"Of course I will, Princess Abby. Let's get you to my room where I'll get you nice and warm."
She carried the little visitor carefully into her room. It was hard to know what Mom would say, and that's why this must be kept a secret.
Story #2
What was that crunching sound? She couldn't see a foot in front of her in the dark of the dungeon, but the sounds under her feet told her that was a good thing. Were they bones? Bugs? Or worse? The best thing to do was to press on. Much was at stake, and if she failed now He would win.
Her mind flashed back a mere 12 hours ago, a lifetime it seemed. The day had been such a normal birthday. Friends, fun, cake, and presents. Totally normal. Until it arrived. That box. That dreaded box.
It had arrived from her Uncle Fizz. Great old Uncle Fizz. He was looney, that was well known. The black sheep of the family. Always a little on the outside, always a little different. But she felt that way too in this family of overachievers sometimes, and they had always been close as a result.
Looney and quirky was one thing...but in danger too? She would never have guessed it.
When the package arrived, she assumed it was for her. There was no name, and it was her birthday after all. And even though Uncle Fizz was never on time with anything in his own life, he always sent her a special package every year. Why would this year be different?
Had she known what it contained and where it would lead her, she would have run the other way. She never would have guessed that opening the box would lead her her - a normal 12-year-old girl - into this predicament. It was hard to believe; and yet, here she was.
"This way" he called.
She looked over to see her best friend and partner in crime, Jack. She couldn't do it alone, and she was glad he was here. The one person she could trust. The one person who never let her down. She was lucky to have Jack, especially on an adventure of a lifetime.
