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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

Escape

On January 10, 2021January 10, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Nightingale, StoryLeave a comment

Leila swallowed hard and tried to breathe. There was no other way. She tried to find a smile for the Captain; the woman was risking her ship in doing this, after all. Captain Saros shook her head. “Make no mistake, these next two days are going to be bad. But it’s only two days. Your …

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Battle Plans

On January 3, 2021January 2, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

The group retreated into their own thoughts until Mellisande broke the silence. "Tell me, is the Princess housed in the same apartment suite as the ambassador?" Lucas answered. "More accurately, the ambassador has moved into the Princess's suite. He would normally be at the Embassy in the City." Mellisande nodded thoughtfully. "And does the 'Stromsmere …

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The Library

On December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Weaving through the castle corridors, Anaria hoped she hadn’t misremembered the cook’s directions but, after what seemed like forever, she came a large set of doors, carved with books and scrolls. She caught her breath, pushed down the fizz of exuberance and carefully pulled on one of the doors. It swung open easily and she …

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Lost in the Crowd

On December 27, 2020December 27, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Greenwitch, StoryLeave a comment

She said. “Well I’m here now.” And looked pointedly at the stall’s sign, listing the juices available. Timothy bent a little to peer at her face. “What’s wrong? Who upset you?” She gave him a withering look. “You might have been worried, I don’t know. Your friend thought it was funny to get me lost …

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Writer’s House

On December 20, 2020December 20, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

This was inspired by a group chat about Tolkien's house coming up for sale. One of the group members wrote the message below, and it prompted an idea...  I wonder if Tolkien haunts it. Like you could leave your book half written and at night his ghost could come and write more of it for …

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Castle Kitchens

On December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Anaria’s reaction to the news of her castle assignment was much as Sarah had predicted. After being reassured she wouldn’t be on view or required to do anything other than the simplest food preparation she sighed. “Martha’s going to love having yet another thing to be superior about.” “You might want to point out you’re …

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Diplomatic Issues

On December 13, 2020December 13, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

"How many others know who he is?" Lucas asked. "As in his likely rank?" "Yes." Alec replied. "Aunt Aurelia probably has a fair inkling but won't mention it. Nathan knows he's not a run-of-the-mill Stromsmere child and is determinedly refusing to know any more. Mellisande and Nora obviously know his likely country of origin but …

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Sadie said that…

On December 6, 2020December 6, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

The boy looking across the basketball court at her, liked her. Emma wasn't sure. His stare looked assessing, even suspicious, not admiring. But Sadie knew a lot more about buys than she did, she had three big brothers after all, while Emma had was a much older sister who wasn't around much and didn't have …

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Time to Leave

On December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

The firework display went off without a hitch, and Astrid found herself being coerced into visiting the capital to organise a similar display for upcoming festivals. She refused to promise anything though, not being terribly fond of the fuss and bustle of the royal court. The King only spent three days at Lilyfeld and, as …

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Winter

On November 29, 2020November 29, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

About two weeks after the snows had started John and Liam were called out on a task more than a day away through the forest, and when John returned to the cottage two evenings later, he came alone. “The lad’s gone to his family home for a few days, the old man who taught him …

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Sackcloth and Sky by Kat Redfern
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