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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

Colonnade Part 2

On August 31, 2022August 24, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

Read part 1 here... And so, as Aria began constructing her wardrobe, and studying every gossip sheet she could lay her hands on, Cressida boarded the coach to the university, and sank into study of every other kind. One trick she had learned from Aria though, or maybe Aria had learned it from her; gossip …

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The Dressmaker

On August 28, 2022August 24, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Lyra, StoryLeave a comment

The following morning, she sent a message to the Sanctuary, with her apologies, she couldn’t assist that day. After consulting with Maryam, the red dress, now more blotched than ever, was removed, never to be discussed again. She had a feeling the housekeeper had sent it to the guild of dyers with a polite note, …

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Attic / Dusk

On August 24, 2022August 24, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Writing Exercises1 Comment

First part of an exercise contrasting the same place at different times of day, I didn't pay much attention to be honest... The light through the attic windows was fading, and Lana dusted her hands off on her jeans as she went to switch the overhead lamp on. The day might be nearly over, but …

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Dresses and Dreams

On August 17, 2022August 17, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Lyra, StoryLeave a comment

As the one friend scurried out of the door, and the other looked confused, but settled happily enough when handed wine, Khalik hissed. “They don’t know the Prince is coming, it’s a surprise, don’t spoil it.” It wasn’t going to be her doing the spoiling but obedient to his request, she kept quiet as the …

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Mirror Message

On August 14, 2022August 13, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

Every morning, when Claudia hopped out of the shower, she checked the mirror. More specifically, she checked the message written in the steamed-up mirror. It had been there ever since she could remember. Following her through childhood and then multiple house moves. She’d learnt early to never mention it. Her mother had praised her imagination …

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Flying Fifteen yacht

Reflection

On August 7, 2022August 7, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

Archer laughed and waved to the waitress. “Another one of whatever he’s having, please.” The young woman nodded and headed to the bar, returning moments later with a cold bottle and a tall glass. She blushed and smiled at his thanks and instruction to keep the change, it was a generous tip to say the …

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Fashion Victim

On July 31, 2022July 30, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Lyra, StoryLeave a comment

Khalik sat for a moment, then bounced out of his seat, rubbing his hands together. “I’ll invite him for tomorrow! Tell Maryam to cook the best dishes and find something to wear.” Lyra rolled her eyes. “He said next week. If you invite him tomorrow, he’ll think you’re too stupid to understand time. Besides, he’s …

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New Tutor

On July 24, 2022July 23, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Psyche, StoryLeave a comment

The older woman peered at her over her glasses. “There are two things I wanted to discuss with you. The first is Christos. The subject, the true subject, of his term assignment has been brought to my attention. I’ve told him to change it or fail and be subject to disciplinary action. I will not …

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Disengaged

On July 20, 2022July 19, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

A writing exercise around changing points of view within a scene. Marian looked around proudly. Her future daughter-in-law had done a wonderful job as always. The private function room at one of London’s top hotels was comfortably full of people chatting, laughing and enjoying the wonderful catering. It was a perfect engagement party. She turned …

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Settled

On July 17, 2022July 17, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

A sequel of sorts to Unsettling Revelations Part 1 and Part 2. My Dearest Sebastian I do apologise for my delay in replying and for the bad news I’m afraid I must convey. I cannot invite you to town for the winter as we are not there. Well, when I say ‘we’, I mean ‘I’, …

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