This week’s Story Starter is a favourite “Friend” flower.
Did you read our Marion’s “Poetry In The ‘Friend’: Verse and Worse“ on the website last week?
It told the story of the first “Friend” poetry contributors — and the somewhat abrupt responses their verses received if not deemed suitable for publication!
It took me back to the Fiction Team’s visits to the Archive, when we were collating stories and poems for the 150th Fiction Special.
As Poetry Editor, my task was to select ten poems representative of the spirit of the times.
Every week, I’d take photos on my phone of suitable verses, then email them to Shirley with notes of what I’d chosen, and why.
She then had a selection to choose from, which we’d send to our designers to illustrate.
From the very first issues onwards, certain themes and objects have been popular among our poets.
Love, and loss. Romance, requited and otherwise. Family life, faith, and friendship. Flowers — and in spring especially, snowdrops.
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On my way to work this morning, I passed a garden which, in contrast to looking bare and wintry garden last week, is now alive with colour. Crocuses, mini-daffodils, and snowdrops abound. Beautiful!
So, this week’s story starter is the snowdrop. Often the very first sign that spring is around the corner. A hardy little thing. How could it inspire your writing?
Courage, in the face of adversity.
Spring flowers.
Flowers used as Christian names: Rose, Lily, Iris, Fleur, and Jasmine. Flora, Poppy, Primrose, Heather, Ivy, and Daisy. Marigold, Tansy, and Willow. Posy and Violet. Holly.
Snowdrop, blossom and petal can all be terms of endearment, too!
Waiting for spring to arrive. Lighter evenings and mornings; milder weather at last.
The comforting rhythm of the seasons. The same now as when our Victorian poets penned their snowdrop verses.
Blossom; confetti; weddings.
First buds appearing. Little signs of hope.
Although as I’m writing, there’s a snow and ice warning for Scotland. So we’re not out of the woods yet!
If snowdrops aren’t your thing, click here to pick another Story Starter from our back catalogue. There are plenty to choose from!
Lucy Crichton Better known as “Fiction Editor Lucy”, I am always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, I enjoy working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of “Friend” fiction!
