The "News from Poughkeepsie" prompt in a recent one of Mur Lafferty's weekly emails to her Patrons had to do with a relative unexpectedly showing up for a holiday meal. Thanksgiving was the obvious choice of dinner, given the season. As for the relative, it would have to be someone estranged and outcast, because otherwise, you would expect them. You'd invite them. What relative don't you invite? Why, the wicked faerie godmother, of course.
Which meant there must be a child.
After that things went a little Spindle's End, only, rather than using Robin McKinley's high fantasy setting, it developed in a modern, here-and-now, 20-minutes-into-the-future kind of way. That would be a fun backdrop for a generational novel. And I can certainly think of one or two occasions when the ability to give a classroom of taunting children mumps would have come in handy.
YOU ARE READING
The Importance of Faerie Godmothers
Short StoryDear Captain Awkward: My husband insists on having his faerie great-aunt over for Thanksgiving. He won't admit that her short temper could pose a danger to our baby. How can I talk him around to my point of view? Sincerely, Once Godmothered Twice Sh...