We’re delighted that Amanda Cook, author of “Guidelines for Living Your Fairy Tale (in no Particular Order)” in The Future Fire #69, is joining us for a quick chat.
TFF: What does “Guidelines for Living Your Fairy Tale (in no Particular Order)” mean to you?
Art © 2024 Joel Bisaillon
Amanda Cook: When I wrote “Guidelines…”, I already had a trunked story about Red Riding Hood getting tired of how her fairy tale was being read and literally carving her own path into a new story. She goes on to help all the other female fairy tale characters find their way to a happier existence on their own terms. This poem is sort of an extension of that story and also a reminder to myself that I don't have to wait on anyone else to forge my path in the world, but it's also okay to ask for help when I need it.
TFF: What was your favourite fairy tale when you were a child?
AC: I loved all the fairy tales I read as a child, but I was particularly drawn to Alice in Wonderland in book form. There was something about the absurdity of Wonderland that I loved, and again, Alice was a protagonist who eventually made her way home by thinking for herself (and with a little help here and there). I also loved Disney's Belle in Beauty and the Beast, because I was and still am that quirky, daydreaming, book-reading girl who loves libraries.
TFF: What is the most important thing to remember about writing?
AC: I've come to learn over the years that I should write for myself, first and foremost. If I find I really connect with a piece I've written, whether it's poetry or prose, I tend to think (or, at the very least, hope) there is someone else in the world who will connect with it too.
TFF: What are you working on next?
AC: I'm in between projects and trying to write more poetry. I may end up creating a chapbook of some of my favorites later this year. I also have another poem that's supposed to be published by the end of 2024 that I can't wait to see in the world!
Extract:
If you happen to find yourself
Locked in a tower, read away
Those quiet days and enjoy
The gift of alone time
Reminder: You can comment on any of the writing or art in this issue at http://press.futurefire.net/2024/04/new-issue-202469.html.
![[ Issue 2024.69; Cover art © 2024 L.E. Badillo ]](http://futurefire.net/images/f69cover.jpg "[ Issue 2024.69; Cover art © 2024 L.E. Badillo ]")
Issue 2024.69