Behind the Story: Art

In the original Cinderella tale, she was always dirty because of the housework and sleeping next to the fireplace. But I couldn't picture a modern-day Cinderella doing that. So, what to do?
​Well, I don't know how artsy-crafty you are, but I've often commented that when my fingers are covered in paint, it's been a really good day. I almost never work on a project without ending up with something under my fingernails or smeared on the side of my hand. That could be a fun way to make Ella always have something on her fingers too. When my family travelled to West Virginia a couple years ago, we visited several places like Tamarack, where local art is displayed for sale. I was inspired.
West Virginia is also known for coal. Well, when I was in college, I took a couple art classes. One of them required us to do drawings using charcoal.
Y'all.
I was COVERED in it by the end of finishing up my 18x18 drawing of a rose and a hand. It was up my arms, smeared on my cheeks. And charcoal was the perfect addition to the art element. It tied it all together. Because Ella would associate charcoal with the coal her dad used to work in. 
So, that's why art is a big element in Rendersella.
And having Chaz Prince work at the Prince Art Gallery, where Ella wishes to display her work? Well, that's pretty perfect too.
​What do you think? Is it a fun twist on the classic Cinderella story?
We're less than a week away from you being able to read the story. Have you saved $1 by preordering your ebook? The deal is only good until 7/21. Don't let it turn into a pumpkin! Rendersella

Ella dreams of her artwork on display in the famous Prince Gallery, but working for her stepmother leaves her eking out sporadic minutes to draw or paint. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, Ella fears she’s lost her chance.
Chaz Prince wants more responsibility at his family’s gallery, but first he must prove he can handle it. Chaz talks his dad into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella’s piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wishes to know the artist.
At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up?