A Happily Ever After of Her Own
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Serial Start Date: October 5th, 2009
Table of Contents Dramatis Personae FAQ
Melinda Lightfoot, a preschool teacher with an unusual ability to flit in and out of fairy tales, never thought she would get into trouble…
…until the Fairy Tale Police arrest her while she is in Beauty and the Beast. They offer her a deal: Find Beauty, who left the story when Melinda trespassed into it, or be charged with the ultimate crime — Fairy Tale Killer. If that’s not bad enough the Beast tags along in search of his true love, and Melinda starts falling for the fairy tale prince. She must choose between doing the right thing and having her own happily ever after.
Warning: This title contains the following: Fairy Godmother, the Wicked Witch, dysfunctional fairy tale families, ax-wielding executioners and a happily ever after (or two).
“…a delightful story…I loved Melinda’s spirit, and the Beast is so swoon-worthy.” — Colette, A Buckeye Girl Reads
The first two chapters are available on my blog, but the rest of the story is for newsletter subscribers only. It’s free to join. Sign up now!
Table of Contents
Once upon a time there was a woman who could flit in and out of fairy tales…
- In Which Our Heroine Is Charged
- In Which Our Heroine Gets an Unwelcome Companion
- In Which Our Sleep-Deprived Heroine Breaks Into Tudor Land*
- In Which Our Hero and Heroine Face an Executioner*
- In Which Our Hero and Heroine Are Caught Red-Handed*
- In Which the Evil Witch Issues an Ultimatum*
- In Which Our Hero Makes an Impossible Choice*
- In Which the Beast Is Doubly Cursed*
- In Which Our Heroine Makes the Ultimate Sacrifice*
* Chapters 3-9 require a password; subscribe to my newsletter to get it. Don’t worry, it’s completely free! And believe me, this serial is a killer. 
Don’t just take my word for it. Check out what Colette a.k.a. “A Buckeye Girl Reads” has to say here.
Dramatis Personae
- Melinda Lightfoot
- The Beast
- Beauty
- Fairy Godmother
- The Wicked Witch
- Judge
- Prosecutor
- Porcupine Police
- Henry VIII’s Executioners
- Anne Boleyn
- Cinderella
- Frog Prince
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired you to write A Happily Ever After of Her Own?
In May 2008, I was sitting in a hot tub and wondered about the meaning of “happily ever after”. So many beloved fairy tales have that phrase, and of course romance stories end with a couple living happily ever after. I wanted to write a lighthearted paranormal novella about what happens when the expected HEA doesn’t materialize.
How was writing A Happily Ever After of Her Own different from your other projects?
The project was written so fast. I mean…from the concept to final draft, it took me only about a couple of weeks. It’s never happened that fast for me before…or since.
Who was the easiest character to write, who was the hardest, and why?
The easiest was actually the Wicked Witch. She was hilariously fun to work with.
The hardest…hmm. I’d say Melinda. I like her, but she has to make really difficult choices, and I felt very bad for having to make her go through it.
What kind of research did you do?
I read several different variations on Beauty and the Beast to understand what’s been done with the story. I know most people remember the Disney version, but their animators have taken from multiple versions to fit their own unique vision. I didn’t want to follow theirs.
Will you do more free serials in the future?
Who knows? I’d like to, but if the response to this one isn’t that great then it doesn’t make much sense. If you want to support the idea, sign up for my newsletter. It’s used to announce any big news and occasional freebies like serials and excerpts and so on. I’ll never sell or share your contact information with anyone. Thanks!
Who made the cover for your novella?
Tara O’Shea. Isn’t she talented? 
I recommend her highly for anyone looking for a graphic designer / artist.
I’ve also written three part articles / blog posts on my experience working with her. They are (in order):
- Evolution of a Serial I: The Decision to Make It Free
- Evolution of a Serial II: The Cover Art I
- Evolution of a Serial III: The Cover Art II
Got more questions? Feel free to contact me or leave me a comment after each chapter. Thank you and enjoy!
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