A dark fairytale-fantasy novel with a creative and literary slipper

NOVEL INSPIRATION

Where it all began

Introducing your first novel is never easy, especially for a debut author. On one hand, I could say that Pepelina’s story is a mythic journey from grief and silence to empowerment and voice. On the other, I could say that the novel portrays one woman’s dream of authorship in a world where stories are controlled and silenced — yet still have the power to destroy or to heal.

But instead, I’ll talk about inspiration. After losing my father to brain and lung cancer, I looked for emotional stories about grief and loss. Cinderella resonated with me deeply because she too loses her father in a cruel turn of fate. However, it fascinated me that the fairytale never explores the bond between her and her father. So, I decided to place that father-daughter love at the very heart of the story.

Though Pepelina’s journey is not my own, the emotions she carries are ones I understand deeply as a writer and as a daughter: grief, the need to heal, creative longing, and the hunger to be heard. Furthermore, since there are simply not enough Cinderella retellings where she shines as a creative heroine, I shaped Pepelina to be a children’s writer. Her biggest wish is to attend the midnight ball and publish her book which I used as a way to shine light on the many struggles of artists who aspire to see their dreams come true.

A world rooted in Slavic folklore

As a little girl, I loved reading and listening to myths and fairytales from Slavic folklore, dreaming of wandering those magical lands. I remember fondly the crackle of the fire, the ashes gathering under the flames while my grandmothers told stories of dragons, princesses and dangerous quests. My maternal grandmothers were both wonderful storytellers who passed their love of stories on to me. As a result, I naturally created a Slavic-inspired mythological world for Pepelina. It is populated with beloved figures like Baba Jaga and Zhar ptitsa. Additionally, I turned Slavic household spirits — like the famous Domovoy and his wife Kikimora — into Pepelina’s best friends. The wintery world also features traditional elements such as cabbage rolls, kompot (conserved fruit), the Horo circle dance, and traditional musical instruments.

AN EXCERPT

From the pages of Pepelina

‘Father, you know I will do anything you ask of me,’ replied Pepelina.

Her father reached out for her hand and squeezed it. Then the grand wooden clock behind him ticked signaling midday. With it, Pepelina felt that she had very little time left with him. She decided not to spend that precious time complaining about her stepmother and stepsisters.

‘Now, what would you like me to bring for you? Your stepsisters asked for dresses embroidered with gold, golden combs and handheld mirrors. Your stepmother asked for black and white pearls and red silk.’

‘I don’t need new clothes or jewelry. But please bring me a seed of a new fruit tree like you always do. Perhaps something sweet. Perhaps fruit we don’t have in the orchard yet. We can plant it together.’

That way I know you will come back so we can be in the orchard like we used to be. Before you remarried. Before our vegetables patch grew larger and the fruit orchard smaller.

Pepelina’s father smiled, got up and kissed her on her cheek.

‘Now, tell me how your writing is going.’

Pepelina told him, but she never finished the story, promising to end it once he returned. She thought it was a clever trick, one that good storytellers used. Leave the story unfinished, and unwritten, and her father would be back with her as soon as possible eager to hear the happily ever after.

NOVEL MESSAGE

Try on Pepelina’s literary slipper

Writing Pepelina’s story helped me grow emotional resilience. Like many other artists and writers, I struggle with perfectionism, criticism, burnout, self-doubt and comparison traps. However, the novel taught me something important. Sometimes the best way to overcome these is to simply embrace your creative imperfections. In other words, embrace your uniqueness, your authenticity and your voice, regardless of whether others will like it or not.

Moreover, my book helped me understand a lot about stories. The most powerful stories are not those told by people in power or those with wealth and status. Instead, the most powerful stories flow quietly. Like rivers that run deep and change mountains over time, quiet stories bring healing, love and change. As a result, Pepelina’s quiet story can help you heal grief and loss in silence.

So, if you love dark fairytale-fantasy novels with a strong feminist heroine who seeks authorship and not marriage, this book may be for you. If you are looking for a fresh modern update on classic Cinderella, or enjoy books about creative empowerment and healing grief, why not try on Pepelina’s literary slipper? You might be in for a surprise for this literary slipper outfits many, befits any but fits one.

You, dear reader.