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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: Story

Open wood fire in old brick fireplace

First Night

On January 19, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Anaria came to as a chill breeze hit her side, where the reassuring warmth of the forester had been a moment earlier. She blinked at him blearily as he came around the cart to lift her down. She struggled a moment. "You're going to be cold and stiff after that ride, it's no trouble to …

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Feahter quill and bottle of black ink from pixabay

Solvek’s Tale

On January 16, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Desert Quest, StoryLeave a comment

In a large city beyond the Greylinn mountains, a number of years ago, there lived a young man, and yes, that young man was Solvek. He had caught the eye of the city archivist a few years before and had been successfully apprenticed in the library and scriptorium. He had progressed steadily through the ranks …

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Stone path leading through archways of roses

Fencing

On January 12, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Changing Lanes, StoryLeave a comment

Simon shot Chris a double-barrelled glare. All his plans for his afternoon's entertainment had gone up in smoke thanks to his guests and now he was in the spotlight. Chris was oblivious, deep in conversation with the other two architects, while Ally and Lexi blocked an increasingly-frustrated Marge. Actually, that was looking fun. If there …

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Edward VIII postbox

Fated Ending

On January 7, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Calypso, StoryLeave a comment

Posting early as my mother wanted something to read. 🙂 Two days after she wafted the letter into the nearest post box, a young man jetted into the front office and inspected her across the reception desk. She gave him a politely cool look and asked his business. "You'd be Calypso then. Hecate said you …

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Open book on a wooden table from pixabay

Out in the Cold

On January 5, 2020March 9, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Finally, the dance wound to a close and she darted back across the square with boots and umbrella, for the rain had set in with a will. Supper was informally served in the large front room, facing directly onto the square. The plates were cleared and Anaria turned to her mother. "Please may I have …

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Carved wooden box by Kit on flickr

Mislaid Mail

On January 1, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

The group handed their horses off to the stable hands and made their way through the Great Hall to the various parts of the castle that called for the hours before the evening meal. Lady Mellisande was waylaid by the steward's assistant, and something in his manner made Alec pause in his plan to turn …

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Map of the lands from the Lost Island story

A Quest

On December 29, 2019March 9, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Lost Island, StoryLeave a comment

The Overlord laughed, "I shall look forward to meeting your candidates Lady Sophia and look forward even more to watching them strike terror into the hearts of my advisors." The deity sniffed, "It serves them right. Don't be afraid to deviate a little from their list, Sophia. Remain aware of the political implications but know …

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Black ink image of a dragon from pixabay

Mythical Meeting

On December 25, 2019March 9, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Forgotten God, StoryLeave a comment

Lydia patted Lorsan on the back, probably the only one to have any understanding of how uncomfortable this comfortably forgotten god was with this sudden attention and expectation. While he was still goggling at her casual comfort, she opened the back door and stepped outside. Lorsan hurried to catch up so he could perform the …

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Castlerigg Stone Circle by johndal on flickr

The Stone Circle

On December 22, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Desert Quest, StoryLeave a comment

Solvek held up a hand, halting the entire group before any member set foot between the stones. In that moment they all felt the presence. Something ancient and unfriendly, silently circling to prevent invasion of the sacred space. They stepped back from the stones, straining all senses to understand more. Figures appeared in the spaces, …

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The Shard, London

Dragon’s Den

On December 18, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Changing Lanes, StoryLeave a comment

The wagon pulled up in front of what used to be an impressive set of stairs, sweeping down to the carriage turn from an imposingly arched front door. Now, it looked sad, and a little apologetic, as it did its best to hold onto the crumbling stone with overgrowing tendrils of ivy and to fill …

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