Between Worlds

Abstract

I have always loved the way reading can transport you, especially during the most difficult periods in life. When I was a little girl, I used to rely on stories to get me through the darkest times and admired the way a good book could make getting through even the most insurmountable issues appear possible. I dreamed of being a writer and crafting the kind of stories that changed my life. Reading is still my favorite escape, and I still love getting lost in a book. Authors like Neil Gaiman, Kurt Vonnegut, C.S. Lewis, George R.R. Martin, Madeleine L’Engle, and many others, have inspired me to write my own stories. I am especially interested in adapting fairy tales and myths into unique stories that appeal to both the modern generation as well as those who love classics. For my Thesis, I chose to write a novella that adapts both Russian fairy tale elements and Greek mythology. The reason I am drawn to this type of fiction is because as a culture, we have grown up on stories of princes and princesses, dragons and dragon slayers, and happy endings. These tales are not only important, but vital, as they both inspire and caution us, letting us know that while anything may be possible, maintaining morality is also important. Thus, stories have the power to shape and change lives.