Ever wondered how you can put your own spin on a beloved story? You’re not alone. Retellings have always existed—some obvious, others more subtle.
They offer a fresh take on familiar tales while giving writers a chance to flex their creative muscles. But a retelling can’t rely on familiarity alone. So how do you make a version that stands out?
What is a Retelling?
A retelling is a new version of an existing story. It takes the bones of a well-known tale—be it a fairy tale, myth, classic novel, or historical event—and reimagines it. This could mean changing the setting, switching up the point of view, writing it in a different genre, or focusing on another character’s backstory.
The Lion King is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The Nutty Professor is a parody of Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Bridget Jones’s Diary is a reimagination of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
The beauty of a retelling is that it refreshes the story to old readers and introduces it to new ones while still honoring what made it great in the first place.
Tips on Retelling a Classic Tale
If you’re interested in retelling a story you love, here are a few tips to remember.
Choose your source material wisely.
Pick your story. Go for one that you cherish and with themes that still resonate today. Or you could choose a lesser-known tale. There are many old stories just begging to get a modern twist.
Just make sure you choose a story in the public domain. You don’t want to put in a ton of work and then deal with copyright headaches.
And try to find the original version. Details get changed as a story grows old. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, understanding the original will help you stay true to its essence.
Know the story inside out.
Read your chosen story well, but this time you’re not just a reader. Dissect it. Ask yourself, what made it stand the test of time? What scenes are iconic?
Make a list of every story element—characters, settings, major plot points, themes, and recurring motifs. This will help you decide on which elements to keep or change.
Go as far as learning its history, from its author’s journey to its inspiration. This is especially important if you’re trying to retell a story you love. Don’t rely on your memory as it could play tricks on you.
Find your unique angle.
Now it’s time to make the story your own. Think of the ways you could shake things up.
A common way to do so is to reimagine the setting and context. What happens if a medieval tale is suddenly set in a future dystopia? How about adding modern values to a traditional story?
Another approach is to play with character twists and perspectives. What if the villain is not a villain? How would the story go if a side character becomes a protagonist? Why couldn’t the princess slay the dragon herself?
Your alterations will not only add complexity but also change the tone and message of the story. Use them to subvert your readers’ expectations. Imagine how delightfully surprised they will be when they realize what they’re reading is no longer the story they expect it to be.
Strike a balance.
A retelling should be familiar yet fresh. Nostalgia is powerful, so retain key elements from the original story. People should still recognize what you’re building on.
However, you shouldn’t skimp on adding original content. You don’t want your readers to finish your retelling and say, “That’s it?” Introduce new subplots, characters, or themes to differentiate your version from the original.
Make it relevant.
One of the best things about retellings is the chance to explore modern issues through a familiar lens. Update outdated concepts, tackle contemporary concerns, or use your story to comment on current events.
But don’t preach. Let your message emerge naturally from the story. Show, don’t tell.
Edit and refine.
Once you’re done with a draft, show it to people who know the original story well. They can be family, friends, beta readers, or critique partners. They can help you spot areas where you’ve strayed too far from the source material or opportunities to add more creative twists.
When tackling the second draft, always pay attention to pacing, character development, and plot consistency. Your story should feel cohesive, not just some classic tale that’s been added on. Pay homage to the original but ensure your work is distinct.
Conclusion
Writing a retelling is both a challenge and an adventure. You’re walking a tightrope between honoring a beloved story and creating something fresh and exciting.
And when you get it right, you give your readers a chance to rediscover an old favorite through a whole new perspective. Who knows? Your version might become a classic on its own.
What do you think about retellings? Share your thoughts below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
