photo copyright Sue Vincent
Black limbs jutted from thick boles. Their skeletal twigs clawed at her clothes, snagged her hair, and scratched her arms. She’d lost her way in the twilit forest but didn’t dare turn back. Couldn’t surrender. Not after coming so far.
She pushed forward, stumbled over gnarled roots that writhed from the earth like snakes. Her imagination ran in wild spirals and panic stole her breath. Soon darkness would filter between the boughs and force her to stop, at the mercy of the autumn cold, the hunger coiling in her stomach. Wolves roamed the uncharted terrain.
Why had she fled with so little preparation? Had she made a mistake? Could she have endured her troubles a little longer? Even as a child, when her mother died, she’d dreamed of flight. Her father had fallen prey to a widow’s deft manipulations. He’d fawned over his new bride, unable to acknowledge her cruelty, terrified of the truth, of his grief.
Until he too rested in the graveyard.
She tripped over a root and pitched to the ground, bloodying her palms and gouging a knee. Lips pressed between her teeth, she brushed pine needles from stinging hands and slowed her pace. Animals rustled in the underbrush, and an owl hooted overhead. She cringed and stepped gingerly between the trees, outstretched fingers snapping the dead twigs threatening to blind her.
Despite her resolve, her current situation elicited a muttered curse. A year ago, she’d made a poor choice, but the only one her naive desperation had conjured. She’d fled her father’s home, a decision well and good, but she’d charged straight into a debacle with seven other men. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
She’d escaped a life of cruelty for one scarcely better, one where safety had depended on servitude. She’d slaved for them: cooked, cleaned, laundered. They’d expected cheerful smiles, merry entertainment, and endless doting from a paper-thin woman without a heart or soul or choice. They hadn’t allowed her beyond the garden, scared her with threats of wild beasts and dangerous hunters, of being murdered. And all the while, their own faults had gone ignored. They were lazy slobs, grumpy and witless. Even the happiest among them didn’t lift a finger.
The sun was losing its battle with the moon. Spindly shadows lengthened as night crept through the canopy. When her endurance dropped through the soles of her shoes and trudging onward seemed pointless, she crested a hill and gasped. The forest parted. Beyond the last filigree of barren branches, the day’s final rays graced a serene valley. Twilight reached over the distant hills in a ribbon of golden hope. Snow White smiled, free to chart a new path. She squared her shoulders and set out for a future of her choosing.
**
Oh, it’s so fun to be participating again in Sue Vincent’s Thursday #Writephoto challenge. Happy Writing!
Myths of the Mirror 
Awesome retelling of a classic fairy tale, Diana! I had to smile when I realized halfway through the story where this was going. 😄 Incidentally I just finished reading the Grimm’s Fairy Tales retold by Philip Pullman -which was great btw – so this was a special treat for me. 😊 It’s also funny since I never read them myself before but remember vividly having been told them a thousand times when I was a kid. Some stories stay with you others don’t but Snow White’s definitely one of those that stay. And yay to your Snow White for quitting work for those lazy dwarfs. 😉
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Hee hee hee. Yeah, she’d had it with those dwarfs. Time to strike out on her own. I’ve never retold a fairytale, but it was pretty fun. Thanks for the recommendation of Philip Pullman’s retellings. Sounds like entertaining reading. 🙂
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Lovely twist at the end! An inspired retelling. 🙂
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Thanks, Andrea. It needed a modern twist. We’ve come a long way since the old days. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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-grin- I hope so! There are still a lot of ‘7 Dwarfs’ out there. 🙂
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Ha ha ha. Yeah. Lol.
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Ah, yes, Snow White and you made it so much your own I didn’t recognize it. Well done, Diana. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks! I thought I’d give her a different ending. And I’m glad I was able to keep you in the dark until the end for the twist. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Happy writing to you also. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I’m a few weeks late getting to this story, Diana, but short of a little Washington Irving or Edgar Allan Poe, I can’t imagine a better yarn to usher in the gloriously gloomy delights of autumn! Well done!
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Ha. Thanks. It was my women’s liberation story. Poor Snow White needed a new ending. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sean. It’s fun to be getting back into writing again!
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I love revisionist fairy tales; I’m working on one myself. Agreed: Nothing so joyous as finally getting back to writing fiction! Enjoy it!
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And what’s the news on your finished book? Will it be available soon?
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I’ve been shopping around the novel-length m.s. I wrote last year (EFRI), and over the summer I finished a new novella — a supernatural coming-of-age adventure in the vein of Dan Simmons’ Summer of Night and Robert R. McCammon’s Boy’s Life (or, if you prefer television, Stranger Things). I want to show the new m.s. to some contacts, and then I’ll make a decision in 2020 about how and when I want to publish these materials. But I definitely want to get the ball rolling soon; I put so much work into writing this stuff, I’d like to see it out there! In the meantime, I’m outlining the next full-length novel…
I wish I had more time to devote to my fiction writing, but the blog and climate activism and kitten fostering all compete for my attention! But how can I complain when I have so many wonderful commitments to occupy my time?!
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I’m glad you’ll make a decision in 2020. A book won’t be read unless it’s available, and being read is the key to being read some more. 🙂 And those kittens are time-hogs!
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Just picked up a new batch of hard-luck scamps this morning!
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Aww. It must be terribly hard to give them away when their ready, but what a lovely thing to do. ❤
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It seems like I’ve been amiss around here, Diana.
I like the new twist to Snowwhite – glad she found her freedom!
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No problem, Jina. Are you still in editing mode? I think attending to our own writing is important, even when it means less blogging. I’m glad you enjoyed the story and Snow White’s liberation!
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Still in the editing yes. It seems like my revisionitis intolerance got worse 😉 Been editing the same 4 chapters for the past week.
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This is great, Diana! When I read “seven men” I knew it was Snow White. This is probably closer to the Grimm version than the Disney one, all dark and spooky (Disney like color and fun 😀 )
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I haven’t read the Grimm version, but I never forget in the Disney version when she’s lost in the woods and the tree branches are clawing at her. 🙂 The photo reminded me of that. I had to give the poor girl a better ending than drudgery. Lol. Thanks for reading, Julie. Hope you’re getting to write today. 🙂
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Brilliant, Diana! I didn’t suspect anything until the ‘seven men’ were mentioned 🙂 Then I put two and two together. Such fun 🙂
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That’s where a few people got it. It was a pretty overt clue, but I needed to go there. I loved giving Snow White a new future. Can you imagine taking care of those seven slobs?? Lol. She’s outta there. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. ❤
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I love your scenario ❤
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Gorgeous dark imagery. And all of it inspired by a photo. So lovely to see you back here with new writing, Diana. Hope you are well and enjoying these very last days of summer.
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Thanks for stopping by to read, JD. The climate here is being odd this year. Summer ended a couple of weeks ago, and it seems we’re skipping autumn. The rain has already started. But all cozy and ready to write. 😀
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Very nicely done! ❤
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Thank you. It was fun to go off on a totally different track with the old story. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 😀
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Spooky!
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Ha ha. I’m glad it came across that way. Poor Snow White had a hard life. Hopefully, she’ll have less drudgery ahead now that she dumped the dwarves. 🙂
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[…] Diana Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror […]
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Thanks for the great prompt, Sue. 🙂
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I loved how vividly you brought her journey through the forest to life 😀
Great to have you writing again!
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Thank you, Louise. I had fun writing this one and giving the old classic a new twist. Yes, I’m writing again…. slowly. 🙂 All good. Happy Writing to you!
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They were really all named Lazy. 😀
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Ha ha ha ha. So true. Great comment, Chelsea. You crack me up. 🙂
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Oh, it’s so fun having you back here in your blogging haven. I enjoyed this tale of Snow White – and what she REALLY thought about those seven dwarves. Just hope she doesn’t take an apple from a stranger.
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Thanks for stopping by, Pam. Do you remember the piles of dishes and laundry from the Disney version? I’d have a fit. It was fun turning the story around and giving SW some backbone. 🙂 Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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Loved that twist at the end, Diana. I can sympathise with her wanting to escape housework. I only enjoy it when it is done 😉
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Thanks for the visit, Sue. Me too. I can think of a 100 reasons not to vacuum. 🙂
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Sadly, I just have one furry one that means I must 😉
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Spooky! Nice interpretation of the photo to go so dark.
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Thanks for the visit, HRR. Those branches reminded me of the 1937 Snow White movie. It was fun to give it an updated twist. Have a great day and Happy Writing!
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Oooh, you’re right! It’s just been so long since I’ve seen that movie, I didn’t quite think of it.
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I loved this, Diana!
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Thanks, Jennie. I have a whole new perspective on the old classic tales now that I’m rereading them to the grandson. It was fun to turn this one around. Happy Wednesday!
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The old classic tales are right there, ready for a new twist, and you did an excellent job, Diana! Is you grandson enjoying them? Best to you!
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He doesn’t like them when they get scary. A tender kid. 🙂
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I understand! There are great versions that sort of introduce scary, but aren’t scary. I highly recommend “Jack and the Beanstalk” by John Howe. Highly is the key word. The illustrations are phenomenal to complement the text.
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Thanks!
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You’re welcome!
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Stunning!❤️❤️
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Thank you for the visit and kind comment. Time for Snow White to leave the dwarves and set out on her own. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the story, my friend. ❤
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I did love it! Thank you do much for sharing it👏👌❤️
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This is SO creative, Diana! And you wrote it with such passion and descriptive phrases that I was right there with her, stumbling, falling, picking myself up and losing hope only to find it! Great job!!
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Jan. I’m glad you enjoyed this little retake on a classic tale. 🙂 It was so fun to settle in with my laptop and write again. Have a great day, my friend.
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Wow, what an interesting and unexpected spin. Bravo!
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Thanks, Mae. I hate housework and had to get Snow White out of that situation ASAP. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Have an awesome week. 😀
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You, too!
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Beautiful writing, intrigue, and a surprise ending – Snow White.
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Thanks, Karen. Those black branches made me think of the creepy forest in the old Disney classic, but she was exiting the forest instead of entering it. Time for some liberation! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Happy Writing!
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Diane, sorry it has taken so long to reply, I have been on vacation. I do love that story. 🙂
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I hope you had a wonderful vacation!
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Ha ha, absolutely brilliant!!! Excellent writing as always 🙂
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Thanks, Nicolas. I’ve been away caring for elderly parents all summer, and did it ever feel good to be writing again! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I like the ending better than the 1937 version. 😀 Happy Writing!
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Lol–yes, I see what you mean 😀
Welcome back. Good to know you haven’t lost your (writing) touch 🙂
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It’s sooo good to read you again! Boy, I’ve missed your words 🤗❤️
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Thanks, Jess. You’re so kind to me. It felt great to write and so good to be blogging again. Maybe next week, I’ll actually work on my book! Lol. Happy Writing, my friend.
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Right back at you 😉
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Imaginative.
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the retake on the old story. 🙂
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Enjoyed very much🎐
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Thanks, Solitaire. It felt good to liberate Snow White. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed the revised tale. ❤
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Love it, Diana – especially the character reveal at the end. 🙂
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Thanks, Linda. Some readers got it at the mention of the seven men, but I was hoping the reveal at the end would catch a few with a smile. I’m glad you enjoyed the story! Have a great day. 😀
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You are amazing at creating such deep stories from an image Diana! Kudos my friend. ❤
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Thanks, Debby. This, of course, was a different take on a story already written. Poor Snow White. I never really bought into her willingness to do housework for those messy dwarves. It felt good to set her free. 😀 Happy Writing, my friend.
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Lol, I think there are quite a few fairytale characters who could use some setting free. ❤ Yes, happy writing! 🙂 x
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Amazing imagery…not a surprise coming from you, Diana! Grimm’s fairy tale can’t hold a candle to this one!
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Thanks, Bette. The more I thought about that old tale, the worse it was. This one has a much better character arc. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it, my friend. ❤
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Loved it! ❤
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good one (K)
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Thanks, Kerfe. Glad you enjoyed it! 😀
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Ha! I always thought there had to be more than anybody let on about those 7 guys… no way that could be a good place. 😉
Diana, even if this was just you participating in a prompt, it’s so richly done. Hugs on the wing!
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Thanks, Teagan. Can you imagine having to wait on seven men. UGH! One is hard enough. Lol. Thanks for the visit and for making me laugh. 😀
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That’s why I was relieved when she didn’t look out upon that beautiful valley to see Princh Charming. LOL. Rather off topic, but if you haven’t seen an animated show called “Disenchanted.” be sure to check it out.
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Yeah, no Prince Charming! Lol.
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What a poignant story–that horrible past weighed against an uncertain future. I’m with your young girl!
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Thanks, Jacqui. It was fun going in a different direction than the old tale. I’m certain she’s going to do well. 😀
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I love reading revamped fairy tales, particularly when they’re menacing. This put me in mind of “When the Clock Strikes” by Tanith Lee… the story of Ashella (in place of Cinderella). You did a wonderful job here, Diana. Great to see you back! 🙂
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Thanks, Steven. Menacing fairy tales, huh? The Disney versions are just too dated when it comes to women. I wouldn’t have put up with those dwarves for two seconds! Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed the flash. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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And to you as well, Diana. 🙂
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At first I thought you prepping a new chapter but quickly caught on – fabulously done 🙂 It’s nice to be reading with you again Diana ❤
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Thanks, Pauline. Just a short flash piece for the prompt. It’s sooo nice to be blogging and writing again after a hectic 6 months of caring for my parents. Oh, and Happy 70th! I hope you have a wonderfully healthy and creative year. ❤
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Thank you 🙂
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Love your attention to detail. It makes me look at the picture in a whole new way. 🙂
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Thanks, Theresa. I don’t know if you remember the old Snow White cartoon movie with the tree branches clawing at her in the woods. That’s what the photo reminded me of, and the rest followed. I’m glad you enjoyed the story! Have a great day. 🙂
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Wonderful story Diana…and i would love to know what happened…
I am glad to see you write here again.
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My summer was crazy, Mich, but things have finally calmed down and I’m hoping to get back into blogging and writing more regularly. Thanks so much for visiting and I’m glad you liked the story. I’m certain Snow White was just fine. 😀
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Glad your back Di.
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So nice to see you writing again, Diana! And a wonderful return here. Have you ever read the original? Or did you catch the 1997 film Snow White: A Tale of Terror? Your scene here is more in keeping with these. And, as always, your “poetic prose” is epic.
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Thanks so much for the visit, Erik. It’s just great to see you back in the blogosphere. I haven’t see the more recent versions, just the one from 1937, which is pretty awful by today’s standards. The silhouetted branches made me think of that one, and the story followed from there. I’ll have to see if I can find the 1997 version. 😀 Have a wonderful week, my friend.
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“Twilight reached over the distant hills in a ribbon of golden hope.” – love the image and word choice. (You do a lot of fabulous verbs everywhere. Nice)
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I’m glad you enjoyed the imagery. I had to end on the photo image to tie the story together. 🙂 And I love verbs! Ha ha. Thanks for reading!
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A realistic take on Snow White.
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At least a modern one. We’ve come a long way since 1937, Sadje. It was fun to take an entirely different route. Glad you enjoyed it.
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We have but we always expect a happily ever after in a fairytale. Time we became realistic.
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Oooh, Diana, this is a most entertaining take on Snow White.
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Thanks, Robbie. I just had to go there and loved retelling the tale with an entirely different ending. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀 Happy Writing!
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Wonderful and exciting tale Diana. So good to read you. ❤️
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When I read seven other men, I figured it out. Wonderful, Diana!
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Same for me, Diana!
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That was kind of obvious, wasn’t it? Ha. That poor girl. Well, she got out of that predicament, thankfully. 😀 Thanks for stopping by to read, Eric. Have a great week!
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Ha! Yeah, that was an overt clue, but had to be there, I think. I’m glad you enjoyed this modern take on the fairy tale. 🙂 We’ve some a long way since 1937. Thank goodness!
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A dark description of this breathtaking picture could only be done by you Diana…I waited with baited breath to see whether you mention the beauty and “the ribbon of golden hope” did flutter! Lovely ending. 🙂
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Yes, I can turn anything dark, Balroop! Lol. But I do like a little fluttering hope at the end of my stories, usually. Thanks for reading, my friend. Have a wonderful week. ❤
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I enjoyed this Diana! Welcome back. 🙂
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Thanks, Jill. I am back! My parents are settled about 1/2 hour away. We’re still working out some details, but it’s so much easier now. Thanks so much for stopping by to read. Hope you have an excellent week!
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That’s wonderful news. Being closer to your parents will make things much easier. Mine are about 15 minutes away now. 🙂
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It’s a little longer for me, Jill, but 35 minutes is nothing compared to 3-1/2 hours! I’ll take it. 😀
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A wry smile stretched across the reader’s lips… “Nice,” he murmured. 😉
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Thanks, Nick. Those black branches made me think of the old cartoon movie, but whoever was looking out over the valley was leaving the forest. And no wonder! Glad you enjoyed the little story. 😀
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Delightful story Diana. I am captivated and wanting to know what happens next!
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Thanks, Brad. I think she finds a liberated partner who shares in the housework and encourages her to write modern fairy tales. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the story, my friend.
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Sounds like a great story/ fairy tale. 🙂
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Oooo this is excellent. The way you write draws me in no matter the subject matter. I love this play on a classic tale.
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Thanks so much for taking the time to read, Violet. It was fun to take a new spin on the old classic. I never did like Snow White’s role as servant to those slobby men. Ha ha. Happy Writing. 😀
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Loved the reverse take on this Diana.
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Thank you. The branches reminded me of the old Snow White movie, and the rest was easy. I’m glad you enjoyed the rewrite. 😀
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Outstanding descriptive powers you have Diana… Beautifully done!
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Thank you, especially as your comment could refer to both of us.
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Thank you Anita and Jaye Marie. I enjoy Sue’s prompts and usually something pops up, not always what I expect! I’m glad you enjoyed this one. 🙂 Happy Writing.
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I’m only truly happy when I am writing… is that too sad of me?
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No way! I think being creative is in our DNA. 🙂 And it keeps us young!
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But I didn’t have grey hair when I started!
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Oh, I did. Still do. 😀
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