The Other Side of the Story

Think of a well-known story – it could be a fairy tale, a literary classic, or even a film – anything, so long as it is a story other people will be familiar with. Now think about one of the minor characters – the stepsister who doesn't have her wishes granted or marry the handsome prince, the lover who is thoughtlessly cast aside in Chapter 2 of your favourite novel. What secret thoughts did they have as they watched the main story unfold? What secret part did they play in another character's demise? What was the story of their life, that the original author didn't think interesting enough to pursue? Alternatively, think about one of the main characters – did they really want everything to turn out the way they did, or were they just a pawn in the evil author's game?

Think laterally & get creative! The only stricture I'm going to impose is that your story should be at least 500 words. Give your partner something to read! Feel free to include some kind of visual 'accessories' to your story, in the form of illustrations, extra items (relevant to the story) etc, but this is not a requirement – the swap is for the story.

You can present your story however you like – typed out on copier paper, bound as a zine, or written in the form of journal entries, and/or letters, etc. It can be handwritten or printed – again, up to you. As you have 3 partners, printing might make life easier, but there is always the photocopier option!

Please also include a brief summary of the original story that you have borrowed characters from, just in case your partner isn't as familiar with it as you are. This can be a separate note, or presented alongside your side of the story.

Ratings of 5 or just below only, and at least 5 postal swaps. I will check through participants & remove people I think are a potential risk, so please PM me to explain any unjustified comments or ratings, and I will take that into account. Please only sign up if you have both the time and inclination to fulfil the swap!

(Please check out my group Zines, mail art & other cool stuff for more swaps like this :-).