Welcome, Kitty! Your story, “Ploughing On” appears in our January 11 issue. Can you tell us about the traditions behind the story?
“Ploughing On” was inspired by the rural celebration of Plough Sunday and Monday, which is believed to have started in the 1400s. Once the twelve days of Christmas were over, on the 6th of January, it was time to get back to work.
To draw out the festivities, labourers would drag their plough through the village and knock on doors for alms (those unwilling to donate would often find their front garden ploughed!). There’d be Morris dancers and a nonsense play about mismatched couples and resurrection. The festivities ended at the local church, where the plough was blessed in the hopes of a plentiful harvest.
‘Ploughing On’ is set in 1720. Do you prefer writing historical fiction?
Almost all my stories are set in the past. I prefer it as I get to weave in lots of historical details, such as food, clothes as well as locations that have changed vastly compared to our own time.
One of the biggest challenges is getting over the disappointment of not being able to include something because it’s just a year later than the story’s setting.
“Ploughing On” was actually going to be set much earlier, until I found out Morris dancers didn’t use handkerchiefs in their dances until the 1700s! It only gets one sentence, but these small details are vital for building up the bigger picture.
Do you have a favourite historical period and location to set stories in, and if so, why?
I tend to write from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. Most of my research books are around this time and based in Norfolk, so I often find lots of ideas for multiple stories in the same chapter. I’d love to be more adventurous and try an earlier time period.
Have you ever featured real historical characters in a story?
I try not to, as I feel constrained in how I can write them. However, with my current project, I’ve made references to a known comedian at the time. There’s no mention of his name, but a quick glance through a Norwich Victorian newspaper would soon reveal him😊.
What are you writing at the minute?
I’m currently nearing the end of a much longer piece. This one is set in mid-19th century Norwich and was heavily inspired by shows such as “Upstairs, Downstairs” and “Downton Abbey”.
Do you have any advice for people who’d like to try writing historical fiction this year?
Write what most interests you. It makes the research more fun!
My first story in “The People’s Friend” revolved around a telephone box throughout different points in history. Inspiration came from a repurposed telephone box I saw in a garden while walking my dog.
“Ploughing On” appears in ‘The People’s Friend’, available from Wednesday.
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!
