Old Stories Into New

Retelling Fairy Tales, Myths, Legends, and Other Narratives


Authors constantly draw on the stories that have preceded them--particularly folklore, mythology, and fables, but also beloved literature and media. What are the best methods for approaching such material? What are the possible pitfalls? How do you keep your work original and interesting when you're playing with familiar stories? Tackle these questions with readings, written lectures, and writing exercises from Hugo and Nebula award winning writer Rachel Swirsky.


Your Instructor


Rachel Swirsky
Rachel Swirsky

Rachel Swirsky is a short story writer living in Bakersfield, California.

Her short fiction has been nominated for the Hugo Award, the Locus Award, the World Fantasy Award, and the Sturgeon Award. She’s twice won the Nebula Award, in 2010 for her novella, “The Lady Who Plucked Red Flowers Beneath the Queen’s Window” and in 2014 for her short story, “If You Were a Dinosaur, My Love.” She graduated from the Iowa Writers Workshop in 2008 and Clarion West in 2005.

You can find her on Twitter as rachelswirsky, and follow what she’s up to in her monthly newsletter. Support her on Patreon.



Course Curriculum


  What Light through Yonder Window Breaks? Course overview and notes.
Available in days
days after you enroll
  It Will Come What Will: Writing the inevitable.
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Diamonds and Toads: Retellings in the literary dialogue.
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Wagging Their Tails Behind Them: Time to go home.
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!