More novel ideas [the germ of the Ice Palace idea]

[pegkerr]

Have been thinking more about what I learned from writing my last books, and how that could be applied to planning my next. One thing: I did a heavy amount of research into geographical areas that were far from where I lived, i.e., England and New York City. It occurred to me, once, when I was trying to figure out how I could find out what specific stores were open in 1981 on Christopher Street, that there could be an easier way to do this: I could be writing a novel set here in Minnesota. That way I could just call up the local historical society (free local call) if I had a question.

So . . . if I set a fantasy novel set in Minnesota . . .

Here's something that occurred to me today when I heard a radio program that included a snippet of dialogue from Henry IV, Part 1, Act III, Scene 1:

GLENDOWER
I can call spirits from the vasty deep.

HOTSPUR
Why, so can I, or so can any man;
But will they come when you do call for them?

What sorts of "creatures from the vasty deep"--fantastical creatures, if you will--would be called if you called them in Minnesota?

Hmm. Trolls. Ice sprites. Maybe some American Indian spirit creatures. Um . . .

"Minnesota" suggests snow and cold, of course (although I find Minnesota cold and snow a bit over-rated; I really don't think it's any worse than in Chicago, where I grew up). What fairy tales include snow and cold? I thought, of course, of "The Snow Queen," but I think I'd like to do a fairy tale by someone other than Andersen this time. Besides, Joan Vinge sort of beat me to that one (I'm reading The Snow Queen for the first time).

I thought of "The Frost King," which I think I read in a collection of Russian fairy tales when I was a kid. (Actually, this fairy tale has the sort of moral I really dislike: mealy-mouthed milquetoast daughter gets rewarded, uppity, mouthy daughter gets shafted. It's very similar to Perrault's tale "Toads and Diamonds" which I re-told with a subversive twist for Amazing Stories in 1986.)

Can anyone else think of any other fairy tales involving cold and snow?

Then I thought about the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the Ice Palace. Here's the one in 1941:



What a perfect setting for a fantasy novel set in the Twin Cities! Did a quick search, found a murder mystery set there, at the 1896 ice palace.

Hmm. Maybe, maybe. Here's a photo poster from the web site of the architectural firm that designed the 1992 ice palace. (Wouldn't something like this make a great book cover?)

.

Here's a promotional poster:



(The idea of fairies dancing in a castle of ice, is CERTAINLY suggestive).

Peg, still cogitating

Comments

Thanks . . .

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

for suggesting the fairy tale site. I'll definitely bookmark it and check it out.