Fairy tales awaken our desires and allow us to explore deeper truths and imagination.
The narrative technique of a narrator voice in fairy tales provides a sense of security and allows readers to engage with the story at their own pace.
The power of fairy tales lies in their ability to ignite our imagination, re-enchant the world, and invite us to see the world with new eyes.
Deep dives
The Joys and Power of Fairy Tales
Fairy tales have a universal appeal and draw us into a world of wonder and imagination. They allow us to explore deeper truths and desires that may be harder to express through facts or journalism. Fairy tales awaken our desires and satisfy them, while also igniting our imagination and re-enchanting the world around us. They can be both comforting and challenging, inviting us to see the world with new eyes and inspiring us to live with joy and hope. Fairy tales have a unique ability to speak to both children and adults, allowing us to rediscover the beauty and meaning in our own lives.
Writing Style and the Importance of Narrator
Writing style plays a crucial role in storytelling, and the use of a narrator voice in fairy tales is significant. The narrator provides a protective, guiding presence, giving readers a sense of security and allowing them to experience the story from a safe distance. This narrative technique helps us engage with the story without feeling overwhelmed by its challenges or fears. It also gives us the agency to explore the story at our own pace and connect with the characters and themes in a personal way. The narrator voice invites us into a world of imagination, where we can experience truth, beauty, and goodness in a unique and transformative way.
Summary of the Podcast Episode
In this podcast episode, Sarah Arthur and the host discuss the power and appeal of fairy tales. They explore why humans are drawn to these stories and the role they play in our lives. They delve into the ability of fairy tales to awaken desire and satisfy it while igniting our imagination and re-enchanting the world. The conversation also highlights the importance of writing style in storytelling, particularly the use of a narrator voice that provides a protective presence and allows readers to engage with the story on their own terms. The episode concludes with Sarah Arthur discussing her latest book, 'Once a Queen,' a young adult fantasy that explores intergenerational relationships and the transformative power of storytelling.
Recommended Books
Sarah Arthur recommends 'I, Julian' by Claire Gilbert and 'Wild Beautiful Freedom' by Safaramu Scott as books that have nurtured and enriched her. 'I, Julian' is a fictional autobiography of Julian of Norwich, a 13th-century anchorite, that delves into complex relationships and the search for answers. 'Wild Beautiful Freedom' tells the story of a woman who escapes enslavement and finds empowerment. These books capture the power of storytelling to challenge and inspire, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the human experience.
The Magic of 'Once a Queen'
Sarah Arthur discusses her latest book, 'Once a Queen,' a young adult fantasy that follows 14-year-old Eva Joyce as she unravels the secrets of her family and discovers hidden portals to other worlds. The story explores intergenerational relationships, the power of fairy tales, and the complexities of love and loss. Through Eva's journey, Arthur delves into the themes of self-discovery, the transformative power of storytelling, and the importance of imagination. 'Once a Queen' is a captivating and enchanting read for both older kids and teens, offering a blend of adventure, mystery, and self-reflection.
What are fairy tales? Why do we love them so much? And why do these stories continue to capture the imaginations of countless generations?
To help me answer those questions, I’m welcoming author Sarah Arthur to the podcast.
Personally, I fell in love with Sarah’s writing through A Light So Lovely, on the spiritual legacy of Madeleine L’Engle. And when I found out she was working on a young adult fantasy, and that it was a sort of love letter to fairy tales? I had to have her on the show.
She joins me to talk about what makes fairy tales so powerful, the benefits of embracing the imaginative and the fantastical in our reading, and lots more.
Sarah Arthur is the author of a dozen books for teens and adults, including the bestselling Walking with Frodo: A Devotional Journey through The Lord of the Rings. After over 25 years working with youth she plays a wicked game of Four Square—but absolutely refuses to eat cold pizza from a box, ever. She has served as preliminary fiction judge for the Christianity Today Book Awards, was a founding board member of the annual C. S. Lewis Festival, and co-directs the Madeleine L’Engle Writing Retreats. She’s a mom of sons, a writer, and today’s highly esteemed guest.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
The elements that draw us into fairytales
How “escapist” fiction actually helps us understand the truth
How imaginative stories create an invitation rather than a prescription for experiences
