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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

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Finding Time

On April 2, 2021April 1, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Analysis1 Comment

I’ve got two stories going at the moment, Calypso and Nightingale and they’re both going very, very slowly. There are a few reasons for this but one of the key ones is that, (having been out of full-time work for nine months) three months ago I started a new job. A very demanding new job …

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Kitchen Hand

On March 28, 2021March 28, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Nightingale, StoryLeave a comment

Leila woke slowly. She was in a bed, it wasn’t moving. Had the whole thing been a dream? She opened her eyes. No. This bed was much larger than her one in Carra, the whole room was larger, and had a wooden door rather than a curtain. This was Port Watch. There were voices outside …

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Four Poster Bed by anguskirk on flickr

Dark

On March 24, 2021March 24, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

Exercise using a single word prompt Simeon opened his eyes to darkness. He was lying on what seemed to be a bed, quite a comfortable one, and his surroundings held the soft hush of fabric and wealth. There were no drips or draughts or strange creaks to be heard. While this was welcome in one …

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Day One

On March 21, 2021March 20, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn One Day at a Thyme, Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

I woke one morning with no plans other than a consultation with a new client. Someone had seen fit to turn the town mayor into a badger and he’d asked for my assistance. For no other reason than to hear the story behind it, I agreed and further agreed to wait on him at his …

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Home and a Fae

On March 17, 2021March 17, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Greenwitch, StoryLeave a comment

Millie stood in Edda’s study, shifting from one foot to the other as Edda dialled Millie’s mother’s phone number. It started to ring, the sound echoing tinnily through the speaker, Edda handed Millie the phone. Her mother answered. “Hello?” “Hi Mum. It’s me. Edda says it would be nice to call you once a week …

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A New Life

On March 14, 2021March 14, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Nightingale, StoryLeave a comment

As Marya compared heights, arm length and other measures, Juanita asked. "What skills have you brought with you? We need to find you a job once you're ready." Marya rushed in. "It's no hurry though, if you're not well, you must rest as much as you need." Leila smiled at her. "It was only five …

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pedestrian crossing by lawrence-hookham-sc8zH4CB53U-unsplash

The Crossing Guards

On March 10, 2021March 9, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

The Crossing Guards: The crossing guards at a busy intersection of the city do more than just help the living humans walk across the street. It was the quiet moment. You know, that time when the day seems to pause, take a breath and think, before breathing out again and hurrying on exactly as before. …

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breakfast tray on a bed by freestocks-06AX05zvS2k-unsplash

Decisions

On March 7, 2021March 6, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Anaria woke to the sun shining into the room, and frowned. How much of what she remembered was real, and how much was fever dream? How could honest, caring, kind, humble Liam be the heir of Clearfall? That must have been her mind playing games. She sat up, then piled the pillows behind her to …

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Amara’s Room

On February 28, 2021February 28, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

The room was spacious and shaped like an L, with windows on the two long sides. From what he could see, the furniture was simple, well-made and well-used. A bed, a small table next to it with a lamp and a book, a larger table that seemed to serve as a desk under one of …

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Butterflies on Bark

Kid’s Family

On February 24, 2021February 24, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

This story has ground to a complete halt now. I might revisit the whole thing in a year or two and re-write with a bit more forethought and intent. Also, the home page image has nothing to do with the content of this post, there's not enough content to work with for a relevant and …

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