Notes from the Inkpot
Writing, teaching, creating - one ink-stained idea at a time.
70 Fairytales Reimagined Writing Prompts for Teens: Story Starters, Characters, Settings & Visual Ideas
From cursed mirrors and political princesses to modern witches navigating neon cities, fairytale retellings are far more than glitter and glass slippers. This post offers 70 rich, imaginative prompts designed to help teen writers reinvent familiar stories with darker twists, new perspectives, and fresh world-building.
15 Best Fantasy Novels to Teach in the Classroom
Fantasy is one of the most powerful genres to teach — high-interest without being low-rigour. This post explores 15 of the best fantasy novels for the classroom, from classic texts to contemporary favourites, each chosen for their discussion potential, thematic depth, and ability to engage students in meaningful thinking and writing.