Writing Prompt: Spring Themes


Shutterstock / Rohappy © A woman in a spring garden, an illustration for our latest writing prompt story starter on spring themes

This week’s writing prompt is a celebration of spring and the themes it invokes. 

Creative writing tips with a spring theme – how to get started 

The first of the seasons brings a fresh start to the year – and maybe a fresh opportunity for your creative writing? 

Before you begin, think about your main character. Is your character embarking on a new chapter of their life? Are they looking for love again? Have they accepted a new job? Have they moved to a different country or area? Maybe they’re off to university or going back to school. 

New season, new life  

The world comes alive again in spring after a deep winter sleep. 

Is your character pregnant or is their partner pregnant? Maybe your character is getting to grips with a new sibling. Perhaps your character is a midwife or doctor. It could be that your character is a vet, or maybe they even work as a gardener – bringing neglected gardens back to life.  

Spring growth 

One day, the landscape is lifeless but seemingly overnight plants seem to start blooming and suddenly the garden is out of control!  

Growth is important for character development, too. How do they change and grow throughout your story? Has their growth been stunted? Is your character ready to bloom and become their true self? 

Flowers and their meaning 

Flowers are beautiful at any time of the year, but spring flowers are especially exciting to see. 

Perhaps your story could follow the meanings of spring flowers. 

Tulips = passion, declaration of love (red); sunshine in your smile (yellow) 

Daffodils = regard, unequaled love 

Crocus = cheerfulness, youthful gladness 

Bluebell = humility 

(Flower meanings can be found at www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers). 

Timing is everything 

The clocks “spring” forward in the last weekend in March. Before our digital devices, it was easy to be fooled by daylight savings.  

Is there a way your character is tripped up by time? Are they always running late? Have they mixed up an important date on their calendar? Did they accidentally double book? 

Submitting seasonal stories 

At “The People’s Friend”, we ask that you submit seasonal stories six months ahead of the season your story is set in. This gives your editors enough time to read and consider your story for the relevant issues of the magazine.

Read our latest writing guidelines before submitting a story.


More story starters

If you enjoyed these ideas, why not take a look at more of our story starters and writing prompts?

Abigail Phillips

Abbie is the newest member of the fiction team at the "Friend." She loves how varied the role is - every day is different and there is always a new story to read. She is keen to work closely with established writers and discover new writers, too.