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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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Author: Kat Redfern

an ethereal image in colours of soft pink and purple of a figure floating through clouds in a meditation pose AI image

Concentrate

On July 14, 2024July 6, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn StoryLeave a comment

“I want you to close your eyes and concentrate.” Sharee did as she was told, sort of. She closed her eyes. “What am I supposed to be concentrating on?” “Anything. Your breath, the feel of the air on your face, the beat of your heart, the feel of your leggings against the skin of your …

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A photo of a country kitchen where sunlight shone off polished copper pots, hanging from racks along one wall of the kitchen, warming the cool, solid grey of the old stones making up the wall. Together with the big, slightly battered wooden table in the middle, and the scent of coffee and baking, the room felt like a hug AI image

Copper

On July 7, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Sunlight shone off polished copper pots, hanging from racks along one wall of the kitchen, warming the cool, solid grey of the old stones making up the wall. Together with the big, slightly battered wooden table in the middle, and the scent of coffee and baking, the room felt like a hug and a listening …

Continue reading Copper

A deep, fast-flowing river by the walls of a medieval town AI image

A Stop Along the Road – Beatrice

On July 3, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn A Stop Along the Road, StoryLeave a comment

It’s been unusually quiet since Archer moved down to the village, only a merchant family, regular visitors and well-known to Her Majesty, so I’ll not spend the time or ink until they have a story to share. They did give my direction to my latest visitor though. She encountered them near the head of the …

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A photo of a high end art gallery in Sydney, Australia, with modern looking paintings and sculptures. There is an out-of place sculpture, about 2 feet tall, made from an uneven tree stump chopped and chain sawed into a rough but sweet tree troll standing on the floor. There is a truth in the twinkle of the near-hidden eyes and shy but shrewd tilt of its oddly flattened head. AI image

Crude

On June 30, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

It was a crude approximation of a sculpture, but that added to its charm. An uneven tree stump chopped and chain sawed into a shape Melanie could only describe as a rough but sweet tree troll. Did they even have trolls in Australia? They certainly had all manner of amazing creatures, invisible to most. It …

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Historical fantasy image of a fresh loaf of bread on a wooden table with a crock of butter and a jar of honey. The honey jar is made of pottery and has a wobbly bee painted on it AI image

Starting the Day

On June 26, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

She sighed and stretched. Her shoulders grumbled, but didn’t scream, so she stretched them again as she sat, then clambered out of their snug little nest of blankets. Cadan’s grin made her blush, worse when she realised he was barely even half dressed. She scurried to where she’d left her clothes the previous evening, in …

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A large chestnut tree near the gate to a park with wrought iron benches and green grass, historical AI image

Confusion

On June 23, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Anya stood in the shade of a chestnut tree near the entrance to the park, mentally urging her cousin to hurry. It wasn’t just because of the news she had to share. She also wanted to move away from the three young men calling out endearments and dirty suggestions from just outside the gates. Nanny …

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A badger wearing a funny greeny-brown waistcoat like Grandad's and holding a plant pot with a great big green feather in it AI image

Woods Cottage – Day 4

On June 19, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn One Day at a Thyme, StoryLeave a comment

I, in a weak moment, had agreed to keep an eye on both the Holmeshallow Farm kids for the day. Not that I should be referring to Sarah as a child, she'd be mortally offended. Ben, on the other hand, is a textbook example of a boisterous, curious boy-child, who leaps into trouble like it's …

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An old English manor house with a gravel carriage drive and large, park-like gardens AI image

Forget

On June 16, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Lady Charlotte tapped her chin with her fan. "Why does your papa like Lord Bernard? I forget." Anya hid her smirk behind her own fan before replying. "He doesn't. Papa says he's a stuffed sausage. Then Mama reminds him about the title and his money, and Papa retreats behind his paper again." Lady Margaret, Charlotte's …

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A Stop Along the Road – Archer

On June 12, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn A Stop Along the Road, StoryLeave a comment

Let me tell you of the first guest I have received since Her Majesty’s request. A tall, quiet man with dark hair and an aura of secrets going by the name of Archer. And, yes, he knew how to use the bow and arrows he carried. He arrived at my door in the pink of …

Continue reading A Stop Along the Road – Archer

Fantasy image of ladies in long colourful gowns talking and giggling on a balcony overlooking a sparring yard. They're watching knights and soldiers training in the yard AI image

Rich

On June 9, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

"Wow, your dad must be really rich." Byron almost managed to sound as wide-eyed and awed as he was trying to look. It was a good thing the girl he was talking to was as unobservant as she was arrogant. The girl, who'd announced herself as Lady Amelia Littleham when Reba and Byron had failed …

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Sackcloth and Sky by Kat Redfern
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