Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 3
April 21, 2017
R = Rose Red #AtoZChallenge
It's Friday, my favorite day of the week. I look forward to the weekend and spending time with my husband and children. And it's also a time to refuel for the next week ahead.
Throughout this month, I've been posting about what fairy tale characters can teach us today as part of the
Blogging from A to Z Challenge
. When applicable, I've also been sharing about my upcoming serial series with my writing partners (Jo Michaels, Kelly Risser, and NL Greene): War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales.
Without further ado...
R = Rose Red
Rose Red isn't as well known in popular culture as her sister, Snow White, especially since the Disney version drew inspiration from the Grimm fairy tale, not the German one. In the German tale, Rose Red is the more outspoken and lively sister, and both sisters fall in love with bear princes and marry.
What can we learn from Rose Red today?
In the German tale, the sisters save a bear by letting him into their home to warm by the fire on a very cold night. They see in him something beyond his terrifying exterior. We should all listen to our hearts instead of letting our eyes make decisions about a person. Our eyes can take in physical appearance and facial expressions, but only our hearts and minds can get to know someone deeper.
No matter what they are faced with, Snow White and Rose Red work together, without rivalry or jealousy, and in the end, they both marry a prince. I've always said that women have been the best part of my life--and the worst. We tend to be our own worst enemy sometimes. As the oldest of three girls and the mom to three girls, that makes me sad. We could take over the world if only we'd work together and put our differences aside.
Do you know the story of Rose Red?
***
On April 24, the first episode of our serial series--War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales--will debut with Rose Red's story as written by me and NL Greene. She will face an evil further empowered by her own insecurity. You can pre-order your copy here now.
And the cover...
The synopsis:
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there were zombies…
That’s how it all started. Authors have created a major problem with stories like Cinder, The Dark Queen, and Asleep, and it’s wreaking havoc here in Ever After. Our queens are fighting for their lives.
Rather like Mother Nature, keeper of the fine balance that’s life in your world, tales that begin with “Once upon a time” were never meant to be messed with.
Now, Ariel is underwater with all the defenses she’s been launching, Aurora hasn’t slept in weeks, and Rapunzel is tangled in… Well, I can’t even begin to tell you.
Rather than try, I’ll let you see for yourself. You and I will talk again afterward—if I survive long enough. So, as our fateful story begins:
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…
Note: A new episode will publish every other day.
For more information,visit www.frayedfairytales.com

Without further ado...
R = Rose Red
Rose Red isn't as well known in popular culture as her sister, Snow White, especially since the Disney version drew inspiration from the Grimm fairy tale, not the German one. In the German tale, Rose Red is the more outspoken and lively sister, and both sisters fall in love with bear princes and marry.
What can we learn from Rose Red today?
In the German tale, the sisters save a bear by letting him into their home to warm by the fire on a very cold night. They see in him something beyond his terrifying exterior. We should all listen to our hearts instead of letting our eyes make decisions about a person. Our eyes can take in physical appearance and facial expressions, but only our hearts and minds can get to know someone deeper.
No matter what they are faced with, Snow White and Rose Red work together, without rivalry or jealousy, and in the end, they both marry a prince. I've always said that women have been the best part of my life--and the worst. We tend to be our own worst enemy sometimes. As the oldest of three girls and the mom to three girls, that makes me sad. We could take over the world if only we'd work together and put our differences aside.
Do you know the story of Rose Red?
***
On April 24, the first episode of our serial series--War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales--will debut with Rose Red's story as written by me and NL Greene. She will face an evil further empowered by her own insecurity. You can pre-order your copy here now.
And the cover...

The synopsis:
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there were zombies…
That’s how it all started. Authors have created a major problem with stories like Cinder, The Dark Queen, and Asleep, and it’s wreaking havoc here in Ever After. Our queens are fighting for their lives.
Rather like Mother Nature, keeper of the fine balance that’s life in your world, tales that begin with “Once upon a time” were never meant to be messed with.
Now, Ariel is underwater with all the defenses she’s been launching, Aurora hasn’t slept in weeks, and Rapunzel is tangled in… Well, I can’t even begin to tell you.
Rather than try, I’ll let you see for yourself. You and I will talk again afterward—if I survive long enough. So, as our fateful story begins:
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…
Note: A new episode will publish every other day.
For more information,visit www.frayedfairytales.com
Published on April 21, 2017 05:30
April 20, 2017
Q = Queen #AtoZchallenge
Another Thursday in April, and another installment of the
Blogging from A to Z Challenge
series. We now get into the part of the alphabet with some challenging letters, starting with today's letter--Q.
All month I've been exploring what fairy tales can teach us today. When I set out, I wanted to cover a wide range of fairy tale characters, including villains.
So for today...
Q = Queen
As in the Evil Queen from the Snow White tale. The woman so obsessed with being the most beautiful person in the kingdom that her heart turned black.
What can we learn from the Queen today?
Social media has only exacerbated the image of beauty and how far you can go to achieve it. It seems like every other ad is for some anti-wrinkle cream, smoothing ointment, or cover up. Not to mention plastic surgery. There is a point where we must learn to love ourselves. No amount of products or surgeries will do what embracing who we are will.
And further, we all have insecurities. Everyone. We should always work to accept them--nobody is perfect. Otherwise, those insecurities will grow, causing us to make poor choices as the insecurities take over.
From these points, the biggest lesson comes through: Real beauty comes from within.
Who is your favorite Disney villain? What did you learn from him/her?

So for today...
Q = Queen
As in the Evil Queen from the Snow White tale. The woman so obsessed with being the most beautiful person in the kingdom that her heart turned black.
What can we learn from the Queen today?
Social media has only exacerbated the image of beauty and how far you can go to achieve it. It seems like every other ad is for some anti-wrinkle cream, smoothing ointment, or cover up. Not to mention plastic surgery. There is a point where we must learn to love ourselves. No amount of products or surgeries will do what embracing who we are will.
And further, we all have insecurities. Everyone. We should always work to accept them--nobody is perfect. Otherwise, those insecurities will grow, causing us to make poor choices as the insecurities take over.
From these points, the biggest lesson comes through: Real beauty comes from within.
Who is your favorite Disney villain? What did you learn from him/her?
Published on April 20, 2017 05:03
April 19, 2017
P = Peter Pan #AtoZChallenge
Happy hump day!
We're halfway through the week and more than halfway through the Blogging from A to Z Challenge . Thanks to my theme, I feel like I'm rebooting my year with positivity and new goals. All the positive messages from the fairy tales has given me a boost, and I hope it's left my readers thinking.
If you haven't read any of my posts, feel free to take a journey backwards from A to O and explore what fairy tales can teach us today.
But first stay for...
P = Peter Pan
Some versions of this fairy tale paint Peter in a poor light, showing him stealing children for his own nefarious purposes. But in my new positive trend, I'd like to focus on the good side of Peter Pan, the boy who never wants to grow up.
What can Peter Pan teach us today?
I thought I'd share some amazing quotes from Peter Pan...
"All the world is made up of faith, and trust, and pixie dust."
Wow. Sometimes we just have to trust people or situations and have faith, and other times we have to believe in a little magic to get through this thing called life. The motto for my shapeshifter books series-- the Tala Prophecy series --is "With Faith, We Fight." I truly believe to fight for something we have to believe in it.
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”
This goes back to believing. Usually, the biggest obstacle to achieving something is conquering your own fears and doubts.
“Never is an awfully long time.”
Don't rule something out based on an emotional gut reaction to pain and suffering. Every day can bring a lot of growth and learning, so don't be quick to judge something as completely out of your life.
There are so many more lessons from Peter Pan. What has Peter Pan taught you?
We're halfway through the week and more than halfway through the Blogging from A to Z Challenge . Thanks to my theme, I feel like I'm rebooting my year with positivity and new goals. All the positive messages from the fairy tales has given me a boost, and I hope it's left my readers thinking.
If you haven't read any of my posts, feel free to take a journey backwards from A to O and explore what fairy tales can teach us today.

But first stay for...
P = Peter Pan
Some versions of this fairy tale paint Peter in a poor light, showing him stealing children for his own nefarious purposes. But in my new positive trend, I'd like to focus on the good side of Peter Pan, the boy who never wants to grow up.
What can Peter Pan teach us today?
I thought I'd share some amazing quotes from Peter Pan...
"All the world is made up of faith, and trust, and pixie dust."
Wow. Sometimes we just have to trust people or situations and have faith, and other times we have to believe in a little magic to get through this thing called life. The motto for my shapeshifter books series-- the Tala Prophecy series --is "With Faith, We Fight." I truly believe to fight for something we have to believe in it.
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”
This goes back to believing. Usually, the biggest obstacle to achieving something is conquering your own fears and doubts.
“Never is an awfully long time.”
Don't rule something out based on an emotional gut reaction to pain and suffering. Every day can bring a lot of growth and learning, so don't be quick to judge something as completely out of your life.
There are so many more lessons from Peter Pan. What has Peter Pan taught you?
Published on April 19, 2017 04:52
April 18, 2017
O = Olaf #AtoZChallenge
Wishing everyone a terrific Tuesday!
Thanks for joining me for another installment of the
Blogging from A to Z Challenge
. So far we've chatted about Ariel, Cinderella, Elsa, Jasmine, Mulan, and more. And today is a super fun one. A fairy tale character sure to make you smile.
O = Olaf
I'm sure this character wasn't in the original fairy tale, but who can forget the lovable snowman from Disney's Frozen who only wanted to bask in the sun?
What can we learn from Olaf today?
Smile. Olaf's pure joy in living is infectious. Sure, we can't be happy all the time, but the more we can put a smile on our face and recognize our blessings, the happier we will be. And, as a side benefit, we'll make those around us happy, which will bring us even more joy.
Dream big. Let your mind conjure up your dreams before you dash them with any reality or practical worries. Dream first. After Olaf sang his inspiring song about summer and wanting to enjoy the sunshine, Kristoff wants to ruin the dream with reality. Anna won't let him. Which is another good lesson... don't poo-poo other people's dreams--instead, support and encourage them.
Do you like warm hugs?

O = Olaf
I'm sure this character wasn't in the original fairy tale, but who can forget the lovable snowman from Disney's Frozen who only wanted to bask in the sun?
What can we learn from Olaf today?
Smile. Olaf's pure joy in living is infectious. Sure, we can't be happy all the time, but the more we can put a smile on our face and recognize our blessings, the happier we will be. And, as a side benefit, we'll make those around us happy, which will bring us even more joy.
Dream big. Let your mind conjure up your dreams before you dash them with any reality or practical worries. Dream first. After Olaf sang his inspiring song about summer and wanting to enjoy the sunshine, Kristoff wants to ruin the dream with reality. Anna won't let him. Which is another good lesson... don't poo-poo other people's dreams--instead, support and encourage them.
Do you like warm hugs?
Published on April 18, 2017 05:37
April 17, 2017
N = Ninfa #AtoZChallenge
Happy Monday!
We are more than halfway through the fun of the Blogging from A to Z challenge . Continuing with my theme, what fairy tale characters can teach us today, today we will discuss...
N = Ninfa
When the ladies of Ferocious Five discussed which princesses to include in our serial series, War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, we wanted to find a Latin American princess. After much research, we found the story of The Bear Prince.
For those unfamiliar with the story, a quick recap:
A hunter came across a bear in the woods and had to bargain for his life by offering one of his daughters in marriage (Ninfa, his youngest, agreed). Ultimately, Ninfa finds out the bear is a prince who is cursed, and she is sworn to keep his secret. When she visits her sisters, they bully her into telling them her husband's secret by teasing her, and then she has to go on a journey to save her prince.
What can we learn from Ninfa today?
Stand your ground. Nobody can make you feel inferior if you don't let them. I know that is easier said than done, but we have to stand our ground and believe in ourselves. When we give into bullies and those who make us feel less, we give them power to continue hurting people. You might not be able to change what a bully believes, but you can at least take away their power over you.
Never give up. Ninfa faced an incredible journey to save her husband, but she never quit, pushing through some pretty incredible odds. But she never gave up, and in the end, she was reunited wit the love of her life.
Have you ever heard of Princess Ninfa?
***
In the final season--Season 10--of War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, Ninfa must face another journey and a terrifying enemy in order to keep her family intact. Check out the cover...
For more information,visit www.frayedfairytales.com
We are more than halfway through the fun of the Blogging from A to Z challenge . Continuing with my theme, what fairy tale characters can teach us today, today we will discuss...

When the ladies of Ferocious Five discussed which princesses to include in our serial series, War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, we wanted to find a Latin American princess. After much research, we found the story of The Bear Prince.
For those unfamiliar with the story, a quick recap:
A hunter came across a bear in the woods and had to bargain for his life by offering one of his daughters in marriage (Ninfa, his youngest, agreed). Ultimately, Ninfa finds out the bear is a prince who is cursed, and she is sworn to keep his secret. When she visits her sisters, they bully her into telling them her husband's secret by teasing her, and then she has to go on a journey to save her prince.
What can we learn from Ninfa today?
Stand your ground. Nobody can make you feel inferior if you don't let them. I know that is easier said than done, but we have to stand our ground and believe in ourselves. When we give into bullies and those who make us feel less, we give them power to continue hurting people. You might not be able to change what a bully believes, but you can at least take away their power over you.
Never give up. Ninfa faced an incredible journey to save her husband, but she never quit, pushing through some pretty incredible odds. But she never gave up, and in the end, she was reunited wit the love of her life.
Have you ever heard of Princess Ninfa?
***
In the final season--Season 10--of War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, Ninfa must face another journey and a terrifying enemy in order to keep her family intact. Check out the cover...

Published on April 17, 2017 05:30
April 16, 2017
Fairy Tale Coloring Book
Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates.
I hope everyone is enjoying my month of fairy tale exploration.
Do you love to color?
As a companion to War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, a serial series by me, Jo Michaels, NL Greene, and Kelly Risser, we have an adult coloring book filled with the shoes from the covers and a scene for each princess.
It's only $7.99. Not bad if you consider the hours of enjoyment for you (and totally appropriate for your kiddos) and the stress relief it provides.
Buy your copy today here .
I hope everyone is enjoying my month of fairy tale exploration.
Do you love to color?
As a companion to War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, a serial series by me, Jo Michaels, NL Greene, and Kelly Risser, we have an adult coloring book filled with the shoes from the covers and a scene for each princess.

It's only $7.99. Not bad if you consider the hours of enjoyment for you (and totally appropriate for your kiddos) and the stress relief it provides.
Buy your copy today here .
Published on April 16, 2017 06:47
April 15, 2017
M = Mulan #AtoZChallenge
My favorite day of the week -- Saturday! Happy Easter to those who celebrate. I hope tomorrow is filled with family and special moments for everyone, whether you celebrate Easter or not.
Today brings us the letter M in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge .
As I continue to explore fairy tale characters and their modern messages...
M = Mulan
Is there a more inspirational Disney character than Mulan? She goes to war to save her aging father from having to and has to pose as a young boy to do so. There's so much we can still learn from her character today, so let's get started.
What can we learn from Mulan today?
Stand up for what you believe in. Always. For too long we've all looked the other way. Silence doesn't change anything. Action does. I need to take a lesson from this. Brought up by Southern parents, I was taught--especially as a girl--to be seen and not heard. No. If you feel passionately, do something. On the other hand, if you don't, don't blabber just to hear yourself speak.
Don't set any limits on yourself. If you want to do something, do whatever is necessary to do it. You are only limited by your own thoughts.
Don't be a bystander in your own life. Get out there. Try new things. Be brave.
What life lessons did you learn from Mulan?
***
As promised, I will highlight each of the ten seasons of War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales. Season 4 features Mulan--which I'm so excited about. I wrote this one with Jo Michaels. Mulan must face a creature that had been a friend before.
And the cover...
For more information,visit www.frayedfairytales.com
Today brings us the letter M in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge .

M = Mulan
Is there a more inspirational Disney character than Mulan? She goes to war to save her aging father from having to and has to pose as a young boy to do so. There's so much we can still learn from her character today, so let's get started.
What can we learn from Mulan today?
Stand up for what you believe in. Always. For too long we've all looked the other way. Silence doesn't change anything. Action does. I need to take a lesson from this. Brought up by Southern parents, I was taught--especially as a girl--to be seen and not heard. No. If you feel passionately, do something. On the other hand, if you don't, don't blabber just to hear yourself speak.
Don't set any limits on yourself. If you want to do something, do whatever is necessary to do it. You are only limited by your own thoughts.
Don't be a bystander in your own life. Get out there. Try new things. Be brave.
What life lessons did you learn from Mulan?
***
As promised, I will highlight each of the ten seasons of War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales. Season 4 features Mulan--which I'm so excited about. I wrote this one with Jo Michaels. Mulan must face a creature that had been a friend before.
And the cover...

Published on April 15, 2017 05:20
April 14, 2017
L = Lady #AtoZChallenge
Happy Friday!
It's time for the L installment of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. I've always loved fairy tales, especially since becoming a mom, so it's been fun to find fairy tale characters and explore their impact on us today for this month-long challenge.
And today...
L = Lady
Ah, Lady and the Tramp. I love dogs (we have three!), so any movie or book about dogs... count me in. At first Lady comes across as a privileged, stuck-up princess, but then she starts falling for Tramp--the dog from the wrong side of the tracks. Although I can see why her falling in love with a tramp might not be the best life lesson, what I loved about her was her confidence and innocence.
What can we learn from Lady today?
Take time to enjoy the romance and beauty of life. Is there a more iconic scene than the spaghetti scene as Belle Notte plays in the background? In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to get caught up in stress and responsibilities. But taking the time to smell the roses is important. Nobody lies on their death bed wishing they had stressed more.
Be receptive to love and new relationships. Sometimes people come into your life that upon first impression aren't the perfect fit. Give them a chance. They just might add the unexpected to your life.
What do you remember about Lady and the Tramp?
Note: I must say as much as I loved this film as a kid... as the mother of three daughters, I'd want my daughter to listen to the girl who said the guy was a tramp. Just saying.
And for fun... a pic of my three puppies: Serabi (Abby), Nala, and Alice. Anyone see any significance in their names?
It's time for the L installment of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. I've always loved fairy tales, especially since becoming a mom, so it's been fun to find fairy tale characters and explore their impact on us today for this month-long challenge.
And today...

L = Lady
Ah, Lady and the Tramp. I love dogs (we have three!), so any movie or book about dogs... count me in. At first Lady comes across as a privileged, stuck-up princess, but then she starts falling for Tramp--the dog from the wrong side of the tracks. Although I can see why her falling in love with a tramp might not be the best life lesson, what I loved about her was her confidence and innocence.
What can we learn from Lady today?
Take time to enjoy the romance and beauty of life. Is there a more iconic scene than the spaghetti scene as Belle Notte plays in the background? In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to get caught up in stress and responsibilities. But taking the time to smell the roses is important. Nobody lies on their death bed wishing they had stressed more.
Be receptive to love and new relationships. Sometimes people come into your life that upon first impression aren't the perfect fit. Give them a chance. They just might add the unexpected to your life.
What do you remember about Lady and the Tramp?
Note: I must say as much as I loved this film as a kid... as the mother of three daughters, I'd want my daughter to listen to the girl who said the guy was a tramp. Just saying.
And for fun... a pic of my three puppies: Serabi (Abby), Nala, and Alice. Anyone see any significance in their names?

Published on April 14, 2017 05:15
April 13, 2017
K = King Fergus #AtoZChallenge
It's Thursday... and time for another
Blogging from A to Z Challenge
post. Today is all about the letter K and how it relates to my theme: What can we learn today from fairy tales.
K proved a challenge. I couldn't think of a fairy tale character off the top of my head, so I did an internet search and found...
K = King Fergus
Brave! I loved this movie. As the mom of three daughters, I loved the spunky Merida. Her strength and bravery were the kind of characteristics I wanted my daughters to see in a Disney princess. And I liked the arc of her father's character.
What can we learn from King Fergus today?
As a parent, we should listen to our children, even if what they have to say goes against what we believe is best. King Fergus is stuck in tradition, but he raised his daughter to be strong and then didn't give her a voice. If he would have listened, maybe they could have come to some kind of agreement without sending her on a path that ultimately endangered his wife and other children.
I also loved what King Fergus taught us about strength and protecting your family. In the end, he protected his family above all else. When we decide to have a family, we have to put their best interests and safety above anything else.
What did you learn from Brave, particularly King Fergus?
Please join me tomorrow for L = Lady (Lady and the Tramp).

K = King Fergus
Brave! I loved this movie. As the mom of three daughters, I loved the spunky Merida. Her strength and bravery were the kind of characteristics I wanted my daughters to see in a Disney princess. And I liked the arc of her father's character.
What can we learn from King Fergus today?
As a parent, we should listen to our children, even if what they have to say goes against what we believe is best. King Fergus is stuck in tradition, but he raised his daughter to be strong and then didn't give her a voice. If he would have listened, maybe they could have come to some kind of agreement without sending her on a path that ultimately endangered his wife and other children.
I also loved what King Fergus taught us about strength and protecting your family. In the end, he protected his family above all else. When we decide to have a family, we have to put their best interests and safety above anything else.
What did you learn from Brave, particularly King Fergus?
Please join me tomorrow for L = Lady (Lady and the Tramp).
Published on April 13, 2017 05:00
April 12, 2017
J = Jasmine #AtoZChallenge
Happy Hump Day.
I hope everyone is enjoying the Blogging from A to Z Challenge . Today is brought to you by the letter J (LOL -- I felt like I was on Sesame Street for a second.)
In continuing with my theme of how fairy tales are relevant today...
J = Jasmine
Aladdin is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies and mainly because I loved the character of Jasmine. Sassy and outside the typical Disney beauty profile.
What can we learn from Jasmine today?
Stand up for what you believe in. The Sultan wanted to marry his daughter off and had tradition to back him up. But that was not what Jasmine wanted. And she stood up to him. We have to stay in touch with what really matters and be strong in our efforts to protect those things.
And in the same vein... don't settle. She wanted love, not just a prince. And she fought for it. Don't settle because something gets too hard.
What did you learn from Jasmine?
***
Jasmine is another princess we explore in War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, this one written by Kelly Risser and NL Greene. In Season 8, you'll find out more about what happened to Jasmine after the tale you all know and love as she faces a new terror.
For more information,
visit www.frayedfairytales.com.
I hope everyone is enjoying the Blogging from A to Z Challenge . Today is brought to you by the letter J (LOL -- I felt like I was on Sesame Street for a second.)

J = Jasmine
Aladdin is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies and mainly because I loved the character of Jasmine. Sassy and outside the typical Disney beauty profile.
What can we learn from Jasmine today?
Stand up for what you believe in. The Sultan wanted to marry his daughter off and had tradition to back him up. But that was not what Jasmine wanted. And she stood up to him. We have to stay in touch with what really matters and be strong in our efforts to protect those things.
And in the same vein... don't settle. She wanted love, not just a prince. And she fought for it. Don't settle because something gets too hard.
What did you learn from Jasmine?
***
Jasmine is another princess we explore in War and Pieces: Frayed Fairy Tales, this one written by Kelly Risser and NL Greene. In Season 8, you'll find out more about what happened to Jasmine after the tale you all know and love as she faces a new terror.

Published on April 12, 2017 05:30