You’ve probably figured out by now I’m learning as I write these fairytale post.
We’ll compile them, clean them up and offer them to you in book format one day.
Anyway, I’ve been reviewing my original, “this is a fairytale” list and it’s quite shallow.
We’ve covered a lot of what I initially thought to elements of fairytales but now I realize there are all kinds of fun elements.

Belief
Your protagonists, your hero and heroine must believe in something, someone, in values, in the goodness of humanity.
In CBA novels, they should believe in, have hope in, the goodness of God.
As I review novels from new writers, even from established ones, often the core belief system is missing.
This ties into the “secret desire” of the heart or as I liked to call it “true essence.”
Michael Hauge explains that characters move from identity to essence.
A character starts out in his or her identity – who they think they are – and ends up in their essence – who they really are – by the end of the story.
To do this, the protagonist must have a core belief in something larger than himself.
This belief is what motivates him to face his fears, overcome and win the day.
In the movie, Remember The Titans, Coach Boone believes in himself. His identity as a good football coach is bolstered by his essence, “I’m a winner.”
Boone’s problem in the movie is overcoming racism as well as his own pride. He’s so locked in his identity as a winning coach he can’t see that winning also includes leading and loving others.
But that’s where he is at the end of the story. Partnering with his assistant coach, Yoast.
It was belief that powered Boone through the pressure, the racism and the monumental task of uniting a black and white team.
He’s arrogant in the beginning, but he’s loving in the end.
And a winner.
Cinderella believed that one day her prince would come.
It powered her through the dark days of serving her family.
Snow White believed in innocence.
I love the quasi-symbol of the dwarfs as children. Snow White took care of them. They took care of her. There was a belief in the goodness and kindness of others.
It was confirmed to Snow by the mercy of the Huntsman who did not kill her as his queen demanded.
In Lost In Nashvegas, Robin McAfee battled fear of singing in public.
But her secret desire was to be on stage singing her songs.
The power of that desire – her belief in music – overcame her fear. Eventually.
Does your character have a core belief?
Is there a hidden essence? If not, work it out.
Contrast the greatest fear with the secret desire. Muse over the protagonist identity verses essence.
The belief doesn’t need to stand up and salute the reader as they scan the pages but it should be a driving force as you write the scenes.
What caused Snow White to go with the Huntsman? What caused her to trust the dwarfs? What caused her to trust the ugly old lady?
Her belief that all people were good. Her innocence.
In the end, one innocent kiss restored her life.

Dream
The dream comes from the belief.
“I can trust people, so my life will be good. Or restored.”
Cinderella believed her prince would come so she shouldered on, practically a slave in her own home, because belief fueled her dream.
Prisoners of war in the Hanoi Hilton harbored a dream that they would one day go home. What was their belief?
That they’d live through the day.
Those who focused on just living through the day and it’s hardships survived better than those who focused on the future of “someday getting out.”
The more time went on and they remained in prison, the more they lost hope and courage.
They broke. Even died.
So, the dream must be real but grounded in a belief.
“I can survive today.”
“I can survive the night.”
“I can win this football game.”
“I can go on this date.”
“I can sing one song in front of a small crowd.”
The dream is what makes you get up and say the same thing the next day!
The dream for your protagonist is that what dwells in their hearts, their essence, what they believe is true and will come to pass.

Take a few moments to identify and map out these elements for your characters.

Happy Writing

Best-selling, award-winning author Rachel Hauck loves a great story. She excels in seeing the deeper layers of a story. With a love for teaching and mentoring, Rachel comes alongside writers to help them craft their novel.

A worship leader, board member of ACFW and popular writing teacher, Rachel is the author of over 15 novels. She lives in Florida with her husband and her dog, Lola. Contact her at: Rachel@mybooktherapy.com. Her next book, Once Upon A Prince, releases May 7!

Go forth and write!

Do you need help with your story idea, synopsis or proposal? How about some one-on-one craft coaching. Check out our menu of services designed to help you advance your writing dreams.