As a child, my mother told me lots of fairy stories, many her own invention. She, too, tended to reverse the norm

As a child, my mother told me lots of fairy stories, many her own invention. She, too, tended to reverse the norm

Tanith Lee was a prolific writer known for her dark and imaginative fairy tales, often filled with unconventional twists and turns. Growing up, I was captivated by her unique storytelling style, which reminded me of the fairy stories my own mother used to tell me. Like Lee, my mother had a penchant for reversing the norm and creating her own fantastical worlds filled with magic and mystery.

As a child, I would eagerly listen to my mother's tales, each one more enchanting than the last. She had a gift for weaving intricate plots and creating memorable characters that stayed with me long after the stories were over. Much like Tanith Lee, my mother's stories often featured strong, independent heroines who defied societal expectations and challenged the status quo.

One of my favorite stories that my mother told me was about a young girl who discovered a hidden portal to a parallel universe where everything was upside down. In this topsy-turvy world, the sky was green, the trees grew upside down, and the animals spoke in riddles. The girl had to navigate this strange new world and learn to see things from a different perspective in order to find her way back home.

Reflecting on these childhood memories, I can see now how my mother's storytelling influenced my love for fantasy and the supernatural. Just like Tanith Lee's works, my mother's stories were filled with dark themes and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Through her tales, I learned to appreciate the beauty of the unconventional and the power of imagination.