The Disney Princess Movie That Ruined My Life—And Why I Had to Rewrite the Story from the Very Beginning

When Elizabeth de Veer's daughter was little, they watched 1950s animated  Disney Cinderella movie together. Growing up, it had been de Veer's favorite movie. This time, however, she found the story flat, lacking—and decided to fix it. de Veer’s challenge to herself has become The Blazekeeper of Bowmore House, released in March 2026.

In her return to Marblehead’s Literary Festival this year, one of our favorite authors will discuss her re-telling of the classic. Learn more about the questions de Veer asked of the story, how she addressed them, and how, in the process, she has recreated a lyrical, windswept reimagining of Cinderella, where identity, friendship, and the bonds between mothers and daughters shape a magical coming-of-age journey. 

Elizabeth de Veer has a master’s degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School, and has been admitted to writing residencies at the Jentel Artist Residency, the Hambridge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

She is also a member of several writing groups, including Grub Street Writers’ Collaborative of Boston, the Newburyport Writers’ Group, Sisters in Crime New England, and the New Hampshire Writers’ Project.

Elizabeth’s debut novel, The Ocean in Winter, was published in 2021; she presented a popular talk about it at the 2021 Marblehead Festival of Arts Literary Festival.

The Blazekeeper of Bowmore House will be available for purchase and signing.