Author J Roe

Writing quirky characters on redemptive journeys

fairy tale retellings

How can Books Connect You to Your Favorite People?

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At my house, we love books. When I say we love books, I mean we are reading constantly. Taking my kids to the library or the bookstore is a timed event. If it isn’t, we lose track of time completely and wonder hours later why we are grumpy and hungry. Might be because we missed a meal while trying to convince ourselves we can realistically read through fifty titles in the next two weeks.

So, yes, we might be a little obsessive about books. And you might be thinking that’s great for your imagination and some alone time . . . But, how can books connect you to your favorite people?

Beware Introverts, Reading can be Social!

Books and reading imply a solitary activity, right? Something you do by yourself, sitting on a couch with your feet tucked beneath you, a nice hot mug of something soothing at your side. It is the respite from being with other people, not having to come up with the right words to say. Right? Well, reading certainly can be that {and all the introverts breathed a sigh of relief}. But, it can also be something different. It can actually be the thing that brings your family or group of friends together. All you need is a little imagination and a good book.

Fandoms, Buddy Reads, Book Clubs, and Literary Societies

What can be more exciting than discovering commonality between two people? When readers connect over a beloved book, author, or make-believe world, it takes very little for that connection to become a fandom. The literary love dominates conversations and “what-if” questions crop up constantly. Pretty soon, you have best friends grabbing books at the same time to have their own buddy reads so they can discuss as they go. Or a larger group might choose a different book each month in order to really dig deep into what they did or didn’t like. Perhaps even better is the idea of a literary society where everyone is reading their own book and then meeting up to give a review and present their case for why everyone should read the book they just fell in love with. Persuasive arguments can get loud and silly at times, just adding to joy of it all.

Book Discussions on the Fly

In my family we have done ALL of the above. And in so doing, we are constantly discussing this or that book issue, problem, dream, whatever. Wouldn’t it be great if it were done in an organized manner with a thoughtful leader who can steer the group seamlessly from point A to point B to point C? Sure, and I bet there are people out there like that. But {spoiler alert} not only am I not like that, but my family is not like that. We are big mess and we hop from one thing to another as our thoughts and discussions collide with whatever events surround us. This means what we read helps us, or distracts us, from understanding the world and the people around us.

For example, our family comes from a more conservative background, but we read and discuss things that may not line up with our beliefs. We want to know other viewpoints so that we can educate ourselves and be considerate friends and neighbors to those who may not think like us or share the same values. This means my husband and I have to do a great deal of research and encourage our kids to as well. It’s uncomfortable at times and there have been occasions where we inadvertently exposed our kids to something we hadn’t anticipated. But because we were discussing things as we went, we walked alongside our kids and evaluated the opinions and decisions along the way.

Bookish Activities to Bring You Together

Another way to use books to connect with your favorite people is to actually engage in the activities that a book recommends. Love The Secret Garden? Why not create your very own garden together? It’s amazing the ways people open up when they are working outside together. Kids love Percy Jackson? Have a Percy Jackson day and play capture the flag and eat some blue food. You might be surprised as you ask your favorite people what they love about the stories that they start talking about Percy’s frustrations, anger, or fun sense of humor. For more fun ideas on how to create a Book Week, visit this blog for inspiration.

Use Books to Connect to Your Favorite People

So, next time you connect with a book, spend a moment and think about how to use that book to connect with one of your favorite people. As a friend, wife, and mother, I’ve discovered that books are more than just a wonderful way to relax alone. If you want to find out more about books that help in this way, head over to my complete list of book recommendations that can link you with some great reads. And if you are looking for a free one to start with, I’d love to send you mine if you click here. You’ll have the option of joining my monthly newsletter where I will continue to connect you with great book recommendations and bookish fun. As always, you can unsubscribe at any time, no hard feelings.

Now it’s your turn, how have you or will you use books to connect to your favorite people?

Books stacked on a desk in front of a book case with a phone propped up displaying the ebook Before the Tower. In a purple shadowbox in front of book case are the words "Journey to Rapunzel's World, Download your free book now!" Colorful bookshelf logo for authorjroe.com tucked into lower lefthand corner.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun. 

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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How to Choose the Right Book for Your Mood

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If you head over to Instagram, you’ll find all kinds of readers, self-professed book lovers, who are constantly sharing their favorite novels. They take beautiful pictures of book flatlays or do funny dances on their reels sharing what they loved and hated. But the question always comes down to what a book lover should reach for next. Just because you loved this particular author or series, are you really in the mood for more of that, or do you need something different? Are you a reader in search of the right formula to determine how to choose the right book for your mood?

What is a moody reader?

First, I need to state that not all of us bookworms are needing a formula. Many readers have a system that works for them. They have go-to authors or genres that they know will satisfy their book-cravings no matter what else is happening in their lives. What happened at work or in their personal lives does not change what they want to read. Horrible traffic or a screaming toddler who won’t go down for a nap? Doesn’t matter. They can just go on blissful autopilot when clicking for the next book.

But, if you are like me, you are HIGHLY impacted by your mood. In fact, your Goodreads might have several books “open” at a time on your “currently reading shelf”. Each day you might even be making progress in a different book. Go ahead, scroll through my Goodreads account. It will seem completely random, but I have discovered that it is anything BUT random.

How the pandemic changed my reading life

My mental health and current environment directly impact how I am feeling and what I’m reading. Right now my environment is still made up of a tightly knit family of Bible-believing bookworms who are still stuck at home due to the global pandemic. Struggling with chronic pain as well as depression and anxiety during the best of times, this past year has been . . . interesting.

Before the pandemic, I was reaching for lots of angsty young adult fantasy and Christian romantic suspense as my comfort reads. I loved the fast-pace and coming-of-age story arcs common in the former and the intrigue with the love story of the latter. But listening to fiction audiobooks? No, thank you. It literally put me to sleep. I preferred paperback to ebooks and hardbacks to paperback. Let me smell my fiction. Raise your hand if you’re a book-sniffer, too!

Now? I am still reading young adult fantasy books, but because of the angst level in many of those books, I have discovered that middle grade fantasy and clean romance/romantic comedies are more comforting right now. Fun action with magical worlds is still necessary, but I also need simple plot lines where two people have the promise of a happily-ever-after at the end of each book. Also, I’m taking greater care with my spiritual life, knowing it impacts my mental health directly. I used to sit and read my Bible almost every day (hey, I’m not perfect. I’d miss some days here and there.) But all of a sudden, I just couldn’t read it with my eyes anymore. I don’t know why, so I tried audio. Now, I’m listening to more of the Bible than I used to read daily and it is making a huge difference. As my speed in reading has increased, I also started gravitating towards ebooks. And once I started listening to the Bible, I tried ya fantasy and that was a win, too. Who knew?

How to judge the mood of a book

How did I know I needed to change my reading habits? I was no longer excited about reading. Simple as that. What had once been enjoyable suddenly felt like work. So I changed it up by noticing what was engaging and in what format I found it engaging. Mental health is a weird beast, but I’ve learned that if I remain flexible, my overall health benefits.

So, as you look to what you might need in your reading life right now, look closely at the covers. What colors and images are pulling you in? You’ll know it when you see it. Now, glance at the book description. What keywords are standing out? Are you finding that you like the sound of a straightforward, problem-solving, how-to book instead of a novel? Check out some self-help based on your interests in self-improvement. Do you desire to escape into a paranormal world where people are not what they seem and you can imagine you have secret gifts waiting to be discovered? Why not try paranormal fantasy? Or maybe, you feel drawn to something with comforting words, something that feels like a warm hug with a cookie (or biscuit for my UK friends) on the side. Cozy (or cosy) mysteries might be exactly what you need.

How to choose the right book for your mood

Do I think this will be forever? I doubt it. I’ve gone through many reading stages in my life and I always come back around to loving anything fantasy-related, so that’s a staple for me. Like I said, I’m still reading young adult fantasy, just enjoying it through my ears right now. I’ve also usually reached for something that had some sort of love-story, but because of my faith I choose to keep the steam-level to a minimum. That’s me, but what are you like?

At the time of writing this, vaccines are coming out and hope is on the horizon. Maybe there is peace ahead of us. But at the same time, racism is raging and the cancel-culture has people taking offense over so many details that many of us can’t keep up. If you’re a mood reader, you’ll be impacted by these things and need to choose your books wisely. Be open to new ways of thinking, but also be true to what you know is right. If you need escapism, choose something fun. If you’re ready for some deep thinking, go for it! Whatever you choose, enjoy your reading life and don’t let it become work.

Free Book(s) for you

If you are ready to try something new, why not sign up for my newsletter list and receive the prequel (free-quel) to Rapunzel’s journey, Before the Tower? You’ll get at least one email from me each month containing book recommendations and silly, bookish fun to engage your imagination and make you smile. Not ready for the commitment of a newsletter? You can wait on the prequel and start at book one for free. Click here to meet Rapunzel in Beyond the Tower as she stumbles through the fairy tale world after the witch casts her out. Book one is available in paperback and on all the online retailers where you can grab your copy now.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photo Credit: Sincerely Media, Sincerely Media, Natasha Tirtabrata, Silviarita, and Tesjavi Ganjoo.

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A Cheat Sheet for Fairy Tale Lovers

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What on earth is a “Cheat Sheet for Fairy Tale Lovers”? you may be wondering. Recently, a reader emailed me about a special project. Her family is reading aloud all the books that have been published so far in Rapunzel’s journey. For school, they are also researching the different fairy tales that Rapunzel and her friends get mixed up with. She asked if I could provide her with a cheat sheet of the fairy tales I use in each book.

I’m only too happy to provide that with a little insight as to why I chose those fairy tales and what you might expect as the series nears its end. So, buckle up as we explore some of my favorite fairy tales.

Fairy Tale Lovers’ FAVORITE Retellings

Not surprisingly, the best-loved of all fairy tales in Western culture have become popularized by Disney’s animated films. Since Snow White and the Seven Dwarves was released in 1937, Disney has taken fairy tales and retold them with happy endings. This is their brand, even if the first recorded tales didn’t have a happy ending. You can probably guess the top four: Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty.

I’ll admit, I didn’t go near a single one of these well-loved stories for this series. Why? I’m not sure. Maybe I thought they already had enough books dedicated to them or (more likely) I couldn’t come up with a new way to reinvent their stories. I wanted to do something a little different when I first started writing. Funny thing is that I now have an interesting idea involving all of the four major fairy tales, but I’m going to save that idea for the next series I write.

The Hole in Rapunzel

When I began writing the first book in my series waaaaay back in 2003 (I didn’t publish it right away), I wanted to retell Rapunzel’s story by exploring the hole in the plot. It hadn’t yet been made into a movie by Disney, so I felt safe. Now, we all know every story is supposed to have a beginning, a middle, and an end. But Rapunzel’s middle doesn’t really exist. She is imprisoned in her tower by a witch, meets a man who climbs her braid, falls in love with said man and loses him. About two years later she finds him again. He’s blind, but her tears bring back his sight. Oh, and she might have twins with her, depending on which version you’re reading.

I couldn’t help being frustrated when I would read this story. I loved the idea, but what happened to her while they were separated? Where did she go? Who did she meet? How did that change her? Also, was she super-shy or maybe even awkward from all those years in her tower alone?

After some research, I realized if I wanted an answer to these questions, I’d have to discover it myself. So, I plunked myself down and began typing away. That short story became a long book that I eventually split up and turned into The Journey series.

Lesser Known Fairy Tales

In writing Rapunzel’s story, it seemed only natural for her to “happen upon” other fairy tale characters in the middle of their own stories. At first, I relied heavily on the works of The Brother’s Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. But before long, my mind was composing original stories out of fairy tale elements. Evil, grief, greed, jealousy, and fear all seemed to rise up to greet Rapunzel as she journeyed along.

There was also the supernatural element inherit in most of these fairy tales. They had been told to children in order to encourage them to trust their parents and obey God. But if Rapunzel had been raised by a bitter witch, wouldn’t she have been taught to hate and distrust God? Many of the stories I began weaving into Rapunzel’s tale encounter the Christian God. His strange love story perplexes Rapunzel, how He sent His son to die for the sins of the people He created.

My Rapunzel struggles with all she learns in the world beyond her tower. It takes three books for her to really sort out what she believes and who she trusts. But once she has discovered this, she has also created a new family for herself. In that family are others from different fairy tales who are likewise weighing out what they believe in the face of evil and loss. The question of whether or not people can be redeemed becomes paramount. And, just so you know, I’m now wrestling with whether or not villains can be redeemed in these last two books I am writing.

A Cheat Sheet for Fairy Tale Lovers {WARNING: Spoilers ahead!}

Part of the fun and surprise of writing this series has been seeing what fairytales pop-up. I never want to spoil the fun of discovering those fairy tale myseries. So, if you haven’t read the books yet, you can grab the prequel free and the first book for 0.99 USD. But, if you have, read on for the cheatsheet for fairy tale lovers.

I tried to annotate the original source if I could verify it. Some are stories that I heard at different points and I don’t have an exact reference. If I have not specifically listed a story that you liked, then it was probably original from me.

I hope this helps and that you enjoy the journey. It has, thus far, been the joy of my life to bring Rapunzel’s misadventures to life for you.

Before the Tower, free book 0

Find the following books free to read in KU on Amazon

Beyond the Tower, book 1

Amidst the Castles, book 2

Within the Spell, book 3

Under the Curse, book 4

Among the Kingdoms, book 5

Upon the Throne, book 6 coming in 2022 (available for pre-order!)

Long, vertical image with the words "You love fairy tales" and two arrows, one pointing to a book of Brother's Grimm Fairy Tales, and another pointing to a book of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. Then the words beneath say "Now read" and two arrows pointing, one to the book Beyond the Tower and the other pointing to the book Amidst the Castles. Logo with colorful books authorjroe.com

Photo credit: Colton Sturgeon, Gaman Alice, and JacQueline Vaughn Roe.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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Our Need for Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

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When talking about the need for redemption in fairy tale retellings, I suppose it would make sense to start with “once upon a time in a faraway land,” and proceed with who was good, what was evil. But fairy tale retellings of our time are far more complicated than that. I’ve discussed before why we love to retell fairy tales and what makes them our favorite. Now I’d like to explore further and discuss light versus dark and the need of humanity for stories of redemption.

One of my favorite authors likes to say on his podcast, “I’m about to take things too seriously” and I completely relate. Imagine me raising my hand. I do take books seriously. Like, probably too seriously. These books that I love reading often have a dark edge, like a razor’s blade. That’s not always a bad thing! Stories are the expression of what we believe and feel, they can cut to the truth of the matter and I need that in my life. But what if the cutting isn’t clean, what if they mar or mutilate under the guise of telling an engaging story?

Does Redemption Mean Light and Fluffy?

Don’t get me wrong. I understand dark and twisty, I really do. My life has been dark and twisty at times, and like most people, I need to know I’m not alone. A great story is a reflection of the struggle of humanity since the fall of creation. For now in this fallen world, we cannot comprehend our need for the light until we recognize the darkness. But like the book of Romans says, I yearn for the day when that will no longer be the case.

If you are looking for dark and complicated stories that cause you to question what you believe, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re up for it. Sometimes I am, sometimes my mental and spiritual health aren’t. Some of the more mature ya fantasy fairy tale retellings like Melissa Albert’s Hazel Wood series, Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker trilogy, even Erin A. Craig’s The House of Salt and Sorrow might intrigue you. Do I appreciate these books? I do. There is a quality to the storytelling that exceeded my expectations. Albert’s prose is gorgeous. Kemmerer’s pacing is fantastic. Craig’s world building is hypnotic.

Why We Need Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

My caution here is that books like these tend to get so dark, that we can miss the point. We probably need to discuss books like these in order to get to what the truth is. It doesn’t have to be a formal book club, but a trusted person or group of people who share your beliefs. What we consume and how we digest it matters. It has the power to transform or harden us.

Are you shaking your head at me, yet? I told you, I take books seriously and yes, I’m one of those people. I believe every tale has a theme, a distinct arrow directing us {hopefully} to the truth. Though it should never be beating you over the head with it, I want my stories, both those I read and write, to enlighten. To literally redeem and bring healing into what was broken.

In recognizing the darkness and depravity of the fallen world, we need stories that make room for light, that focus on what’s right and pure, that allow and encourage the growth in the characters as good fights evil. If something is going to get very dark, then I hope and pray for the light that will eradicate the dark.

Just For You

In case you are wondering what I mean about redemption at play in a story, I have included this theme throughout my Rapunzel retelling. Click through and discover Rapunzel’s story of redemption by starting with Beyond the Tower and I’m sure you’ll want to follow it up with Amidst the Castles to see how light eradicates the darkness. Then, decide for yourself. Should light triumph over darkness in fairy tale retellings, or not?

3 books on blue gradient background. You loved House of Salt and Sorrows, now read Beyond the Tower and Amidst the Castles for $.99

Photo Credit: Nana Kim, Christina Woc, Jayalekshman.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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5 of Our FAVORITE Quiet Heroines

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In a day and age when feisty women full of courage ready to fight to the death fill bookshelves and Bookstagram’s feed, one might wonder where our favorite quiet heroines have gone. Have they disappeared completely, never to be heard from again? Are they still on this journey with us making their way quietly, but learning powerful lessons of strength and endurance?

When the topic comes around, each book nerd has their own curated list of what they are looking for in a heroine. I, like so many others, appreciate a good fight scene with a brave woman brandishing her weapon, making her enemy kneel before her. But the truth is that lately I have picked up too many books with self-absorbed heroines who use too much violence and seduction to get their own way. And, to be honest, they rarely seem to learn anything.

I like my characters to learn, grow, develop, become more than they thought possible. Give me a book with depth and keep the rest somewhere far from me! My favorite characters can be the feisty ones when they learn great things, but often the greatest growth happens in those underestimated “quiet girls.”

Favorite Quiet Heroines: The Goose Girl

I just completed reading The Goose Girl. Can you hear my happy sigh? It was lovely and, as I told my favorite readers in my newsletter (sign up here and receive a free book!), lyrical and engaging. I love when the main character of a fairy tale retelling is a female who doesn’t understand her worth and must fight for it in order to save those she loves. I applaud an author who in this day and age dares to write a woman who is unsure of herself at the beginning and has no talent with swords. Not that I don’t like and applaud strong, loud women. We need people of all kinds! But this was a wonderful change of pace.

I don’t want us all to have to be Spartans, or Vikings, or fierce Celts. Let’s just say, I take karate and have worked with various weapons. Therefore, I can safely say some of us are just not great at it no matter how wonderful our instructors are. (Yes, I’m raising my hand.) Not that it’s not a blast, but I’m better at reading and writing. So finding a book with a female who learns to use other talents was affirming for me and if you pick up the book, I bet it will be for you, too!

The Blue Castle‘s Valancy

Let’s not dismiss L.M. Montgommery’s lesser known favorite quiet heroine, Valancy Stirling from her book, The Blue Castle. Considered an “old maid” by her stodgy clan of kinfolk, Valancy escapes her boring life in an imaginary blue castle. People forget she is sitting next to them or that she has feelings because she is so painfully shy and quiet. What they don’t realize is that she is witty and bright, just too timid to share herself with the world.

When she receives a terminal diagnosis, she loses all her fears and begins to live the life she always wanted. She says what she is thinking, begins caring for others outside herself, and even proposes to a man she’s in love with. She doesn’t embrace a wild, reckless life, but finds the beautiful, quiet life that she’s always wanted. The question is, how long will it last?

I love Valancy and how she throws off the constrictions of those who don’t have her best interests at heart. I totally cheered her on when she discovered a quiet, moving faith in God instead of blindly following her family’s traditions. If you haven’t added this book to your TBR, I highly recommend you do!

Another of Our Favorite Quiet Heroines: Rapunzel

When I first began writing what would become Beyond the Tower, I met the imprisoned Rapunzel. She was a lonely young woman living on books and waiting for visits from her witch. Rapunzel dreamed of great things, but lacked the courage to take her life in her hands. Until, that is, she met Paul, who climbed her braid to meet her.

Quiet characters can be tricky and I worried people might underestimate my Rapunzel and her dry wit. As her story continued, I learned more about her. She revealed why she held people away from her, how she didn’t trust herself because of the way she was raised. I also learned of her hopes, her dreams. Like a flower she slowly unfurled, revealing a depth of character I had not fathomed. It has been a great adventure to write the tale of such a creature, and I love offering her first book for free in KU or .99 USD on Amazon. If you prefer paperback or hardback, you can find them on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or in my little Bookshop that supports indie bookstores.

The Quiet, but Passionate Jane Eyre

I have a confession to make, my Rapunzel may have been subconsciously based a little on Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. I discovered my love for this classic in eighth grade, slogging my way like a typical adolescent through the first quarter of the book. But then, once the composed and quiet Miss Eyre arrived at Thornfield I could not put it down. The mysteries surrounding her life at Thornfield shocked and horrified me, keeping me turning those pages.

Though Jane had a passionate temper as a child, life taught her to be almost silent and withdrawn. She was awkward in company and had a horrible time making and keeping friends. But once she left behind the odious boarding school of her miserable childhood, this quiet woman grew to embrace life. She made friends as she served as a governess, she began to trust herself and her worth. Though she was tempted to leave behind her self worth for the temptation of love, she fought her way through until she found true love at the end.

And Finally, Cress from The Lunar Chronicles

Our last of the favorite quiet heroines is a different take on Rapunzel. Whereas my Rapunzel has grown up isolated in a tower, Cress has grown-up in space on a satellite all alone. Given to fits of fancy based on the vid-dramas she consumed daily, her life is upended when she is “rescued” and made part of the rebel group. Her tale is book 3 in The Lunar Chronicles, and Cress is the quiet heroine that some may find a little too simpering. (My bestie and I had this disagreement, and I had to laugh at how differently we viewed her). But considering her upbringing, I love Cress’s quiet courage as she leaves all she knows behind. She is literally stranded in a desert, later kidnapped, and falls in love with a bit of a rogue captain.

I enjoy a fairy tale retelling with a different twist, don’t you? A tech-geek Rapunzel grown up in space who has to use her neediness to defeat the lunar queen while learning how to socialize? Yep, that makes Cress a favorite quiet heroine!

Now Your Turn

I have by no means exhausted the list of our favorite quiet heroines. There may need to be many more additions or parts to this particular post. Who are some of your favorite quiet heroines and what sets them apart?

Don’t forget, if you are still wanting to make this your best reading year, just go download your free book tracker here. There is no obligation to sign up to my newsletter, unless you want to join the fun!

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema, JacQueline Vaughn Roe (2 book flatlay), Til Jentzsch, and Kristina Flour.

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Why Prequels and Origin Stories are Our FAVORITES

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Have you given thought to why prequels and origin stories are some of our favorites? The beginning fascinates us, doesn’t it? The world’s best-selling book, the Bible, opens with, “In the beginning . . .” and we are introduced to the God of heaven and earth, what was good–and what went horribly wrong.

Some of the best loved literature, though, does not begin at the beginning. The authors published their stories and only later went back and published what set everything into motion. Those prequels, or origin novels, are cherished by the raving fans who adored the originals.

Prequels and Origin Stories: The Hobbit

If you love fantasy books, chances are you are familiar with The Lord of the Rings. Perhaps you traveled with Frodo and his companions on that fateful journey to destroy the ring. You know Middle Earth, tried to learn elvish, and despaired when the fellowship of the ring had to separate.

I like to imagine what it was like for the first readers to get their hands on the massive tomes written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Were there book clubs in little pubs all over the United Kingdom? And as they closed The Return of the King, how many of them had questions about Bilbo Baggins and his journey?

Tolkien was a brilliant, wordy man. The world-building he created for his series was vast in breadth and depth. Each character so well-formed, each people group so complete, that it wasn’t difficult to see the backstory was just waiting to be told. And so we were gifted with the origin story, the tale of how the ring came into the possession of Bilbo, and what began it all.

I, for one, am so grateful this prequel was shared with the world, aren’t you? Who doesn’t want more about the world’s best mentor, Gandalf?

Prequels and Origin Stories: The Magician’s Nephew

The beloved writer and theologian, C.S. Lewis, was not only a contemporary of J.R.R. Tolkien, but a close friend. I love hearing stories of their literary and writing group, The Inklings. Though the men differed in how they thought stories should be told, many of their readers like to group their fantasies together.

Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia begins with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, in which the Pevensie children discover the world of Narnia and help free it from the curse of the White Witch by the aid of Aslan, the lion and ruler of Narnia. Written as an allegory to lead readers to see the story of Jesus’ Christ sacrificial death and resurrection in a new light, the book has become a perennial classic.

But how did Narnia come to be? And how did a wardrobe in our world become a portal to carry children to Narnia? C.S. Lewis, a man of great thought, decided to answer these questions when he penned The Magician’s Nephew. The story was so powerful that a controversy arose as to how the books should be numbered, since this prequel was actually number six in the series. But I enjoy reading it as number six, right before the end. I love how Lewis put it there intentionally, as part of the allegory that leads people to think of their own “in the beginning” and who created them.

Prequels and Origin Stories: Before the Tower

I suppose it should be no surprise that these great men, and others like them, eventually inspired me to write my own prequel or origin story. My series began with what happened to Rapunzel after the witch had cut her hair and thrown her from the tower. I had always wondered, how could she survive in a world that was unknown to her? How would she make friends? What would she think of the God that the witch had taught her to hate?

In answering some of these questions while writing Beyond the Tower and the sequels, I found other questions. Who was the witch and why did she hate God so much? What could have twisted the woman to become the type of person who would incarcerate a young girl in a tower and isolate her from the world of men?

While most people have heard one version or another about Rapunzel, Before the Tower focuses on the relationship between two sisters whose lives are unraveled by greed.

Sneak Peek

“Give it to me now!” The old woman leaned close to Eufemia’s face, grabbing her hand. Katterina watched her sister instinctively step back. The putrid smell wafted near the two sisters as the old woman gave a gruesome smile showing her rotting teeth. “You think you smell better, little brat? You think you’re a beauty? It will be your curse! All you long for you will never be able to hold, all you reach for will be taken from you. You will die alone and lonely. All your birds will have wings and they will leave you crippled. Mark my words, child.”

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One curse. Two secrets. Betrayal in the garden will lead to Rapunzel’s tower.

Once upon a time there lived two sisters who imagined their lives would be simple. They would spend their days in their small, little village keeping their father’s goats until they wed.

But not all stories have a happily-ever-after and beneath the fairytale’s sunshine lurks the shadowed side.

Once grown, Eufemia leaves home to be drawn into a life of powerful dark magic. She’s always longed to be special, to undo the curse placed on her when she was just a child.

Katterina grows wary of who her sister is becoming. And temptation calls her, will she steal the one man Eufemia has always wanted?

Two sisters, once each other’s refuge, will lay the foundation for Rapunzel’s imprisoning tower by their greed and betrayal.

My gift to you is this free book you can get here.

Your turn: share a favorite prequel you have enjoyed in the comments here or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and tag me.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Social Media design by JacQueline Vaughn Roe, cover design by Sara Oliver Design.

Photo Credit: Wen Photos, Mira Cosic, Ricardo Helass.

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