Believing in Fairytales; Story Magic

Most of the time children embrace working with themes of Fairy Tales and Magic. Infact, not just the kids - the adults too! I find that, especially with my fairy projects, it brings out the wonderful playful side, which is so easily lost beneath the drudgery of everyday life. Throw some sparkle on the day and somehow anything seems possible: Poems come to life; Stories are written; Souls are replenished!

Occasionally though, I come across resistance to the 'make believe’ worlds, which I love so much - and which play such a big part in my own writing and workshops. I always think it's such a pity when kids feel they should stop believing in stuff because it's 'babyish'. I've even come across a child whose been told (by their grown-ups) that there are no tooth fairies, and Father Christmas doesn't exist!

What nonsense!

What utter idiot tells a child that!

One is never to old to believe in Fairy Tales!

Why should we leave behind the joy of 'wishing on a star' or waiting for the tooth fairy?

If Yeats was revered for celebrating all things fairy - surely, other grownups can safely follow suit without fear of ridicule? What role does this kind of folk-faith have in todays world?

I often pause to consider why the concepts of 'magic' are so important to me in my work, and daily life. I've always enjoyed reading fairytales, and as a child you could go as far as to say they saved my life. They were a comfort and a solace during difficult times and I wanted to grow up and be that kind of a writer.

I never fully left fairytales behind, so when I had my own children I founded The Fairy Preservation Society, initially so we could create fairy trails and tea parties in the woods, but I quickly realised the need to share this joy with as many others as I could! I run regular fairy workshops at Theatre Royal, Brighton incorporating my love of fairytales, poetry and facts about the natural world.

I've also written a modern fairytale which I will share with you soon.

If I can add sparkle - I always do!

But, is it all just fairy dust and nostalgic old folktales, or does allowing the mind to enjoy and celebrate elements of magic have a genuine and long-lasting holistic healing benefit?

I definitely think it can. It encourages a much needed guardianship of the natural world and a connection with flowers, trees as well as a doorway for a conversation about growing healthy food.

Does adding sparkle make it magical? Well, not if it's plastic, but biodegradable fairy dust is thankfully widely available!

The power of the mind is unquestionable - Believing in something gives it power - I choose to believe in magic and that's my choice.

After all, what's more magical than making a child smile? Or growing a garden?

Is it important to differentiate between fact and fiction?

It's important to keep an open mind.

Is it ok to believe in fairies? Yes!!!

So do you believe in Fairytales?

I'd love to hear what you think.