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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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Category: Secrets

historical fantasy style. A half finished homespun wool scarf in a dull green on two carved wooden knitting needles. The scarf is clearly being made by a beginner, with wobbly edges, and uneven stiches Ideogram image

Wobbly Knitting

On March 12, 2025February 21, 2025 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

A week passed, with Martha appearing in Maggie’s workroom on the days Eleanor was there, Tilly said she stayed at the forge or roamed about the village on the other ones. On healing days, she chopped and ground and mixed and stirred and strained. It was tedious work, and for all Sarah claimed to experiment …

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The Kissing Tree

On September 3, 2023July 30, 2023 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

Juliana hurried through the entrance to the station, weaving through the crowds with practiced ease. She kept her pace to a purposeful walk. It took effort, a lot of effort, but anything faster would have made her stand out, made people take notice and would make weaving more difficult. Her advantage right now was in …

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Echo a Scene

On December 28, 2022November 25, 2022 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, Story, Writing ExercisesLeave a comment

Another of the Steering the Craft exercises... Mellisande sat in the arbour of the castle’s rose garden, pretending to work on a delicate piece of embroidery. In truth, she was watching her guard. Why she was under the direct protection of one of the castle commander’s most trusted deputies was a question she dearly wanted …

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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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swords and shield by Bernhard Staerck on Pixabay

Guests for Tea

On February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

Alec prowled across the room to the window on the far side, drumming his fingers on his leg. An inner door opened and Janet came through with a couple of members of the kitchen staff, each bearing a laden tray. They arranged the contents on a side table, then Janet's two helpers bobbed quick curtseys …

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The Palace

On January 20, 2021January 20, 2021 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

As they entered the city, Alec dropped back to ride beside the coach. Mellisande opened the window next to her and narrowed her eyes at him. "You've done it again haven't you?" "What?" "Changed into a guard captain." Alec frowned and looked down at himself. "It wasn't intentional. It just seems a better way to …

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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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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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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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Interlude

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

The following six weeks flowed by with surprising speed and ease. Kid, after his initial reticence was overcome, took to his magic instruction like a duck to water, even going so far as to not need one of his Wolfgrove 'guardians' in support at the classes after a couple of weeks. Within three, the lessons …

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