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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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Wood mouse on autumn leaves

Incognito Mode

On March 4, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Lost Island, StoryLeave a comment

The Overlord accompanied Sophia and Connor as far as the forest road leading to Lillia's main city - they had left the island the same way Connor had arrived, rather to Sophia's relief. She wasn't very confident about the water route from the cove she had washed up in. They only had Connor's bay mare …

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Ornate white teaset with pink floral decoration

Friends and Lovers

On March 1, 2020March 1, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Calypso, StoryLeave a comment

"Oh, you're that Calypso, Hecate's daughter. Yes, she's a bit intense. A little goes a long way I find." Calypso, who'd given up four of her hard-won Sundays so far to have awkward and uncomfortable tea with her mother, agreed fervently. They compared notes on offices. Calypso sat watch at the London Headquarters. Circe was …

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Young white wolf in front of tall grass

Setting Out

On February 26, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

The following week was busy. Preparations were made for Lady Mellisande's journey, and then scaled back when the Commander put his foot down on excess and deliberately drawing attention to themselves. It ended up being a very simple travelling group, aiming for safety in anonymity, rather than bluster. The steward was consoled and conversed with …

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Log cabin in the woods

A Hint of Things to Come

On February 23, 2020February 23, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Anaria looked around, puzzled, "It's not terribly messy, surely it can wait until the caretaker arrives." "We are the caretakers and it's simple manners to make sure the next cold, tired little town girl through that door has enough wood for the fire and dry blankets to sleep on." She flushed and mumbled, "I don't …

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Rail tree tunnel Kleven Ukraine by besttravelphotos

Djinn Surprises

On February 19, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Lost Island, StoryLeave a comment

Eventually Sophia felt she had enough of a plan to discuss with the djinn, while still being flexible enough to cope with unexpected suggestions and ideas. After a brief argument, Connor stayed at the cottage and slightly sulkily discussed woodsmanship with the Overlord. He brightened up as Acron started contributing to the conversation, providing information …

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Champagne being poured into glasses

Disrupted Afternoon

On February 16, 2020February 16, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Changing Lanes, StoryLeave a comment

Simon was politely prompt the next afternoon and handed Chris a bottle of wine at the door. He kept hold of a second bottle, champagne this time, 'for the birthday girl'. "Seriously though, I looked those three up last night. I get the very strong impression those magazines and gossip blogs don't know the half …

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Handwritten book from pixabay

The Nomadic Scribe

On February 12, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Desert Quest, StoryLeave a comment

The innkeeper was indeed able to provide aid and direction. The elf passed through his inn regularly, always coming from the same, little-used track. He could add, every time the elf returned from the city, there was a companion. And every time, a few weeks later, that companion would return to the inn from that …

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Sword against the sky by snake3yes on flickr

Decisions Made

On February 9, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Secrets, StoryLeave a comment

Alec was up early the next day. It was going to be a tedious one of meetings and questions and he needed the focus and discipline of drill to settle his mind. Arriving at the practice field, he moved into the warm-up routine he'd been drilled in from childhood. He then moved through sword, daggers, …

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multicoloured scarves hanging on display

Fashion Statements

On February 5, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Story, Tunnels & DragonsLeave a comment

Marcus returned to his quarters after an irritating meeting with the royal council, fending off demands, suppositions and inquisitions around his mysterious guest. He and Sariya had decided it was easier for her to stay reasonably secluded for now, and give her a chance to absorb some of the ways and knowledge of his world, …

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Imposing marble-clad office reception area

Breaking the Ice

On February 2, 2020February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Calypso, StoryLeave a comment

Calypso gasped in horror. Mercury glanced at her, "There's more sweetness and you're not going to like it. "He faced forward again, "Titan's previous owner, Atticus Titan has been assigned the heavy responsibility of sourcing all fabrics for Z Fashion lines from now on. Given the location of the company's key suppliers in South-East Asia, …

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