Be Your Own Fairy Tale

In this book, writer and professional storyteller Alison Davies explains exactly what fairy tales are, where they come from and why they can be such a powerful tool for personal development. She then goes on to explore recurrent themes in fairy tales and how to work with them. Themes include: transformation (as in the story of Sleeping Beauty); the concept of a rescuer/Prince Charming (Cinderella Syndrome) together with a challenge of this view of relationships; embracing the dark side of our psyche (as in Hansel and Gretel); and how to use traditional tales as a springboard into positive change. The book encourages readers to find their own interpretations of tales and explore their significance for them via practical exercises, such as shaping a personal memory into a story, using a storyboard to create a fairy tale and keeping a story journal. There are scores of tips for using the potent imagery and symbolism of fairy tales to encourage self-development. * The book is both practical and inspirational, featuring exercises as well as charming illustrations * Takes a fresh perspective on powerful ancient stories with universal appeal * Many opportunities for direct promotion. The author runs workshops on stories and storytelling at universities throughout the East Midlands, as well as sessions in companies, looking at how narrative structure can be used for problem solving, personal development and creativity.