This exercise also makes demands on your narrative technique, and you
may find it useful to return to it after you have done the exercises in
Chapter 5.
The rewrite in Figure 4.1 of the Cinderella tale is a lively and unusual take
on the fairytale by student Alice Coltheart (1998). Alice employs a variety
of journalistic styles, from tabloid to more elite newspaper, and includes
personal and employment ads to give the story a contemporary spin.
Figure 4.1: ‘Untitled’ (Coltheart 1998)
80 The Writing Experiment
Prince Charming Charity
Masquerade Ball: Social Event of
the Year
Thousands of socialites are expected to
attend this year’s Prince Charming Charity
Ball.The ball is to be held on Saturday
August 22nd at the home of the
renowned eligible bachelor, Mr. Prince
Charming. Charming was somewhat
eccentrically named by his parents, Crystal
and Charles Charming, who made their
fortune in computers.The ball is expected
to attract a bevy of television and movie
industry starlets, the cream of our fashion
designers, and possibly even some surprise
overseas guests, says a source close to
Charming.Fairy Godmother Wanted
By western suburbs female, young,
impoverished, mistreated by step-
sisters and neglected by frivolous
father. Determined to move up in
the world but needs help to do it.
Previous experience in man trapping
essential, plus ability to conjure up all
necessary items for the job—very
imited budget available. Non-paid job
but guaranteed personal satisfaction
and percentage of future wealth if
successful. First project to be
extremely challenging. Immediate
start.
Ph: 3217823 and ask for Cindee.Monday, August 10th— Who Weekly p. 10 Wednesday August 11th—
Daily Telegraph Employment SectionPrince Charming Charity Ball A Hit; But Who is his Mystery Girl?
Last night’s Masquerade Ball at the Vaucluse home of Prince Charming was the most
successful yet: see the social pages for exclusive photos of the guests. Over $200,000
was raised for charity, however the question on most of the partygoers’ lips
concerned the identity of Charming’s masked female companion, with whom he
danced tirelessly all night. Unlike his previous parties, where Charming has been
known to eschew female company to converse with business associates, last night
Sydney’s most eligible bachelor could not be prised from the company of the tall,
slim, brown-haired girl. Phoning several high-profile model agencies revealed that she
is not on any of their books, although most of them expressed interest in her after
witnessing her statuesque beauty and the way it bewitched the terminally single
Prince Charming. It is predicted that several hundred Sydney females will be gnashing
their teeth this morning after last night’s disappointment.Sunday, August 23rd— Sun Herald p. 2