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The DNA of Stories

Ideas and first drafts with a bit of analysis from time to time

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An annoyed-looking dragon trying to fit into a too-small cave in a mountain clearing. There is gold piled up both inside and outside the cave Ideogram image

A Dragon’s Yelp Review

On September 13, 2026August 4, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

1/5 Stars Call that a cave? I’ve seen larger rabbit holes I have to admit, I visited this cave with very low expectations, and yet it managed to underwhelm in every regard. First, a cave should be large enough to fit into, and by ‘fit’ I mean be capable of accommodating a decent-sized dragon, with …

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Over the shoulder photograph of a young woman in the narrow front hall of a house, the wooden front door at one end of it is closed and she has her hand on the door handle, ready to open it and leave Ideogram image

Skip

On September 6, 2026August 4, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

“It’s not healthy to skip meals.” “I’m not skipping, Grams, I’m meeting my friends for lunch.” Alison paused with her hand on the door handle but didn’t turn around. She’d been so, so close to getting out without being noticed. She saw Tim standing half behind Grams in the reflection of the window by the …

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Cinematic fantasy photo of the inside of a square stone building with narrow windows, a battered old table, tree stumps for chairs and a pallet with blankets on a small platform in one corner. At the back is a cosy hearth with a warm fire and a tea kettle hanging over it, steam wafting from the spout Ideogram image

A Highfells Reputation

On August 30, 2026August 4, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

She looked at Evan. “Go ahead, my husband will meet you at the junction. Your girls are safe enough with me.” Evan looked to Martha, and back to the woman, then nodded. “I’ll go, but we’ll need to be on our way soon to make the farm before dark.” The woman looked amused. “You aren’t …

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Cinematic photo of an angry old man sitting at the head of a boardroom table, yelling at the mobile phone he's holding in front of him. The other people in the room are silent and nervous Ideogram image

Trace

On August 23, 2026August 4, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

“How could the sole heiress to the SpinLink Corporation just disappear without a trace?” Jaxon hoped Mr Windman’s question was rhetorical, because he didn’t have an answer. The older man glared around the room, full of silent, stressed, subordinates, all wondering the same thing. The only thing that could be said for sure what that …

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cinematic fantasy photo of a squat, square tower in an old forest clearing. The tower is built of grey-brown stone, and inset at the top storey, providing an open walkway around it at the same height as the treetops. Ideogram image

The Bickering Smiths

On August 16, 2026August 4, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Sarah’s arm came around her in a hug that managed to combine affection and exasperation. “He adores you. You both just need a little bit of time to settle and let reason back into your heads. Now come and have dinner, you’ve a long day tomorrow.” Matthew nodded as he joined them at the table. …

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Historical fantasy photograph of a busy but ramshackle tavern at night Ideogram image

Settlement

On August 9, 2026July 10, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

It was a large settlement, more than a village but too much of it was temporary for it to be considered a town. Maybe it would, one day, if brick and stone replaced enough of the canvas and wooden planking. In the meantime, it felt like a cross between a market square and a campsite. …

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a close-up photo of a swarm of bees flying through a midnight wood, lit faintly by the stars Ideogram and Gemini

The Forester

On August 2, 2026July 10, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn Story, The Last TeashopLeave a comment

The drizzle has changed to fog. A thick, heavy blanket of cloud with a bruised purple tint, as if the air itself is hurting. My visitor tonight wears the green tunic and cloth badge of a forester, and moves as if he too is bruised. It’s more memory than physical maladies that pain him. A …

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16:9 cinematic photograph of the main counter of Rundell & Bridge jewellers in London in the Regency era. There are several Regency style necklaces on velvet mats on the surface of the counter Gemini image

Duty

On July 26, 2026July 10, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

It had been three days since Lord Marcus had taken Charlotte and Anya to tea and Lord Tristram still hadn’t visited. But…there had been such stories flying between the servants’ halls as to have Anya quite hopeful. She checked to make sure their mothers weren’t listening, then leaned towards Charlotte. “Apparently, Lord Tristram has been …

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A photo of an intricate, steampunk-style puppy automata, sitting on a shelf in a rustic wooden cupboard Ideogram image

Gadgets and Frustration

On July 19, 2026July 10, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

His thoughts seemed to be following hers as he pulled her closer and began kissing her with that focused attention Eleanor adored. She threaded her fingers through his hair, then froze. “What’s that noise?” Cadan sat straight and looked around. “It’s coming from the cupboard by the door.” It was a whirring sound, with the …

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A close-up photograph of a phone sitting on a coffee table in a comfortable sitting room. The phone screen shows 10 missed calls and 15 unread message notifications. Ideogram and Gemini

Credit

On July 12, 2026June 21, 2026 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

“And yet again, I do all the work, and Janice takes all the credit.” Maya slumped onto the battered sofa and took a swig from her can of beer. Dylan was not sympathetic. “I’ve told you a million times, either don’t do the work, or make it so she can’t take the credit.” “Oooorrrrr,” Maya …

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Sackcloth and Sky by Kat Redfern
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