This week, the June 18 issue of The People's Friend magazine was released. My short story The Mermaid's Gift is the opening story. Set in 19th century Great Yarmouth, Hetty receives a family heirloom from her grandfather. The sea stone will apparently lure her soul mate to her, however, can magic stones and folktales make a true, long lasting relationship?
Although I live in Norwich, a city in Norfolk, I love the coast. Most of my stories have at least some sort of coastal theme or sea metaphor. The sea is passionate, mysterious and full of hidden depths where legends might swim...
Throughout The Mermaid's Gift, there are references to Norfolk dialect, food and coastal traditions.
Early in the story, Hetty enjoys a meal of Norfolk dumplings and bloaters. There are a variety of dumpling styles in the county, such as the light yeast 'floaters' or heavier suet 'sinkers'. Herrings that have been lightly smoked are known as bloaters.
The sea stone itself was something I thought up for the story. However, the foy and the blessing of the nets are real. The foy is a Great Yarmouth tradition where at the beginning of the season ship owners would invite their crew over for supper. Fishing nets were also blessed in church services or by the sea for luck. The nets are still blessed to this day.
I hope you enjoyed reading this and finding out a little about Norfolk culture.
More about The People's Friend June 18 issue can be found here: https://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/2016/06/14/fiction-sneak-peek-june-18-2016-issue-2/
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