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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

Women washing sheets outside

Hard Work

On July 19, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

On the advice of the women around her, she added the apron to the tub, gratefully accepted the loan of a spare drying cloth to wrap around her front instead, and got to work. First on getting the worst of the dirt from the sheets and then moving both them and Maggie's washing through the …

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World Building

On July 17, 2020July 17, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn AnalysisLeave a comment

I’ve had a bunch of world building advice and ideas land in my lap recently and wanted to share the bounty. First up, World Anvil – it’s a site MADE for creating worlds, and they’ve got a challenge running throughout July to build up lore and background that is a great place to start thinking …

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Inner Courtyard Alnwick Castle by Derek Voller

Child’s Play

On July 15, 2020July 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, Story1 Comment

There were about twenty children of various sizes and ages, running, shouting, and playing complicated games involving skipping ropes, pebbles, sticks or padded leather balls. Kid stared. The group settled on an open bench with a good view of the action, Kid glued to Alec's side. The children were soon sending curious glances their way …

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Eiffel Tower from a cobbled street

Paris

On July 12, 2020July 12, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Calypso, StoryLeave a comment

Calypso settled into her plane seat with a secret grin. She'd flown before of course, her father had always taken her with him when he travelled but this was the first time without him. And her first time on a private company jet, rather than tucked under her father's eye in business class on a …

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Cult Unawares

On July 10, 2020July 10, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

Prompt: You have been kidnapped by a cult preparing to sacrifice you to their god. Problems? You’re immortal, the god they worship is a close friend of yours and the entire cult was the result of a prank you forgot you pulled centuries ago. Jared returned to consciousness with an irritated snarl, he did not …

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Homework supplies grid-ruled notepad, stationery and laptop

Homework

On July 8, 2020July 8, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Greenwitch, StoryLeave a comment

Edda pointed Adam to the table when they walked back into the kitchen. He groaned, but went. “What are you studying that’s so hard?” “It’s science stuff – chemistry to be exact. I’m fine with physics, that’s fun, but chemistry just doesn’t like my brain, or the other way around.” “Oh, you need to talk …

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Home Truths

On July 5, 2020July 5, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Tunnels & DragonsLeave a comment

She stormed through the door, slamming it behind her, Crys spinning into the room through the chimney to keep an eye on things. “You jumped up little trollop. I know what you’re about and it won’t work. I am the leader of the fluffies and you will never be able to take my place.” Sariya …

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Drills to Improve My Writing

On July 3, 2020July 3, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn AnalysisLeave a comment

I recently came across an article - How to Improve your Writing: the 7 drills by Mason Engel and made some notes. The first thing that comes up is the ever-present advice on improving your writing. Write a lot, read a lot, repeat. This is all well and good. It's solid advice, especially when you're …

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Ghosts of the Past

On July 1, 2020July 1, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Changing Lanes, Story2 Comments

Lexi looked guilty, "The only full-length things I own are formal." Paul looked at her dress with it's below-the-knee skirt, "Not all the stories in the house are pre 1900. I have a particular set of scenes in mind you'll be perfect for." He stood and started directing his troops. The first set of images …

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Time to Learn

On June 28, 2020June 28, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Learning started as soon as they walked back through the front door of the cottage, Sarah directing her through the steps of full breakfast preparation. Sorting through one cupboard for plates and mugs, Anaria happened upon a couple of dishes that were either small bowls or large mugs without handles. She pulled them out with …

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Sackcloth and Sky by Kat Redfern
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