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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

Drawing of two winged youths dancing - Gemini Constellation

Recruitment

On November 24, 2019March 9, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Forgotten God, StoryLeave a comment

"If you want to make things clear, why not write out a list of the things this person needs to be, or have, and get a couple of other people to check it, so you know you haven't missed anything important?" Lorsan nodded at Lydia's suggestion and fetched pen and paper, relieved he had someone …

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Desert dunes at night

Into the Desert

On November 20, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Desert Quest, StoryLeave a comment

This started out as a challenge to see if I could do the opposite of the first instalment of Secrets and write entirely without dialogue. It's running away with me as well. In the Year of the Jackal, under the third moon, a strange convoy left the desert city of Ibram to chase a legend. …

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Fruit bun on a wooden board

Promise Kept

On November 17, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

Alec returned to his office, having dumped the armful of lavender on the nearest available table in the solar and walking out, determinedly oblivious to the cries of dismay over the mess he'd supposedly made of the embroidery threads spread across it. He arrived just in time to head off Nathan's search for him and …

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Forest Portal Hever Castle Kent England by besttravelphotos

Further Down the Corridor

On November 14, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

Writing exercise - three doors, fifteen minutes per door. Door 1 It was a nondescript, wooden door, greyed with age but not cracked. It opened into a fog. Walking through she found herself in a dimly lit forest. The trees half veiled by the mist that settled across everything, weaving translucent ribbons over branches and …

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Red Ferrari

Party Favours

On November 10, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Changing Lanes, StoryLeave a comment

The car drew up with a crunch of gravel, slotting neatly beside a red Ferrari Chris identified as belonging to one of his competitors. "Too flashy, the Italians are far too flamboyant for an English manor." Cesca was nothing if not biased. The house was a stark tribute to modernism - all white, glass and …

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Ancient autumn castle

Meetings

On November 6, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

Alec looked at the clock ticking its way toward lunch and grimaced. He'd dealt with the guards from the day before and was now avoiding the requested meeting with Her Ladyship. It was a necessary hurdle though, she'd waylay him otherwise and he'd never get out to check on Kid. Nathan was on kitchen invasion …

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High heeled shoes, perfume bottle and pearls

Hunting Season

On November 3, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Changing Lanes, StoryLeave a comment

Ally waved to Cesca from across the station car park and she bounded over to Chris' car, quickly settling herself in the back seat. "Well this is a bit of a different ride to your usual set of wheels." Chris nodded, "Horses for courses, this is my 'I'm a professional, take me seriously car'. Sometimes …

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Sunlight between tree trunks in a forest

Food and Promises

On October 30, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

Once washed, Kid's hair proved to be the promised white-blond and almost seemed to glow in the low light of the cottage fires. What also now showed were the bruises and scars on his too-thin arms and legs. Nora had come up with a men's shirt, supplemented with a blanket Alec somehow managed to wrap …

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Blue floral tea cup and open book on a table

First Encounters

On October 28, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Changing Lanes, Story1 Comment

It was a chilled out Saturday afternoon and Ally and Cesca were enjoying the back garden. Tea and reading, life in the slow lane at its best. Ally had already been fully grilled on the latest Chris developments, with Cesca suitably impressed and amused by a description of his home and the revelation of his …

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Forest path in late afternoon

Healer’s Cottage

On October 23, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

They moved into the gloom of the forest and onto a little-used path. Alec looked down at a nudge from his new charge. "The lady story please." "You want to know why she's scared and sad, yes?" "Yes." "The Lady Mellisande is the valued and indulged only child of Lord Humphrey of Wolfgrove." "Interesting choice …

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Sackcloth and Sky by Kat Redfern
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