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

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

Ooo! Ooo! Insight!

Was looking at and thinking about King Frost again. Here's the ( critical excerpt )

I had always despised the girl for (as I had always read this tale) lying to please the Frost King, acting against her own interests, even against her own need for survival. "This is the sort of story which teaches women to never complain," I reasoned.

But I suddenly thought just now, what if I've been reading it incorrectly? What if what the girl is being honored for is, in fact, her resiliency in the face of adversity? She is "still warm" even when the cold winds blow. In other words, despite everything, she keeps her (warm) heart of flesh instead of succumbing to the heart of stone (i.e., stone=ice: the wicked sister is often described at the end of the story as "frozen" or "stark stiff" in the various translations.)

Huh. A whole new interpretation.

And one which fits right into the theme I'd hoped to have in my next book.

Hmm . . . .

Cheers,
Peg