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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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Tag: Fantasy

A photo of a high end art gallery in Sydney, Australia, with modern looking paintings and sculptures. There is an out-of place sculpture, about 2 feet tall, made from an uneven tree stump chopped and chain sawed into a rough but sweet tree troll standing on the floor. There is a truth in the twinkle of the near-hidden eyes and shy but shrewd tilt of its oddly flattened head. AI image

Crude

On June 30, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

It was a crude approximation of a sculpture, but that added to its charm. An uneven tree stump chopped and chain sawed into a shape Melanie could only describe as a rough but sweet tree troll. Did they even have trolls in Australia? They certainly had all manner of amazing creatures, invisible to most. It …

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Historical fantasy image of a fresh loaf of bread on a wooden table with a crock of butter and a jar of honey. The honey jar is made of pottery and has a wobbly bee painted on it AI image

Starting the Day

On June 26, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

She sighed and stretched. Her shoulders grumbled, but didn’t scream, so she stretched them again as she sat, then clambered out of their snug little nest of blankets. Cadan’s grin made her blush, worse when she realised he was barely even half dressed. She scurried to where she’d left her clothes the previous evening, in …

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A badger wearing a funny greeny-brown waistcoat like Grandad's and holding a plant pot with a great big green feather in it AI image

Woods Cottage – Day 4

On June 19, 2024June 15, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn One Day at a Thyme, StoryLeave a comment

I, in a weak moment, had agreed to keep an eye on both the Holmeshallow Farm kids for the day. Not that I should be referring to Sarah as a child, she'd be mortally offended. Ben, on the other hand, is a textbook example of a boisterous, curious boy-child, who leaps into trouble like it's …

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A Stop Along the Road – Archer

On June 12, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn A Stop Along the Road, StoryLeave a comment

Let me tell you of the first guest I have received since Her Majesty’s request. A tall, quiet man with dark hair and an aura of secrets going by the name of Archer. And, yes, he knew how to use the bow and arrows he carried. He arrived at my door in the pink of …

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Fantasy image of ladies in long colourful gowns talking and giggling on a balcony overlooking a sparring yard. They're watching knights and soldiers training in the yard AI image

Rich

On June 9, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

"Wow, your dad must be really rich." Byron almost managed to sound as wide-eyed and awed as he was trying to look. It was a good thing the girl he was talking to was as unobservant as she was arrogant. The girl, who'd announced herself as Lady Amelia Littleham when Reba and Byron had failed …

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fantasy story simple wooden double bed in a cottage bedroom with rumpled sheets and blankets with a single oil lamp on the bedside table for light in the dark, time of day pre-dawn AI image

Massage

On May 29, 2024May 19, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn Story, ThrushbeardLeave a comment

Matthew closed the door as he, Sarah and Tilly stared, shocked, at Cadan. He shifted uncomfortably. “He needed to know, that’s all.” Tilly’s giggle burst free. “That was better than the midsummer puppet show at the castle. I need to go warn Ma.” Matthew opened the door again with a rueful smile and watched Tilly …

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A fluffy grey kitten sitting on an old wooden table, looking smug AI image

Threaten

On May 19, 2024May 4, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Byron glared at the smirking boy standing over his table. “Did you just threaten my cat?” “A cat? That’s not a cat, it’s my new winter hat.” The boy went to grab Misty who yowled and slashed out, drawing blood. “I’ll wring your filthy little neck.” Bryon scooped Misty behind him and stood. The boy …

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image of a large simple stone house in the mountains, with cliffs behind it, surrounded by a luxuriant garden with vegetable crops and fruit trees AI image

A Stop Along the Road – Introduction

On May 8, 2024May 24, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn A Stop Along the Road, Random FictionLeave a comment

A new solo RPG - this is the introduction. The instalments, as they come, are prompted by tarot cards. Her Majesty has asked me to keep record of the travellers who spend a night beneath my roof. She says it would be useful. Helpful even. I don't know about that but she's a good girl, …

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Action shot of a fluffy grey tabby kitten playing with a red ribbon on a bare wooden floor AI image

Dash

On May 5, 2024April 6, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Misty dashed across the room, chasing the end of the ribbon Byron was flicking about. Reba was fairly sure the giggling farm girl who’d gifted him her apple-red ribbon at their last stopping point did not have this fate in mind for it. Or maybe she did, she cooed over the snarling kitten as so …

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Angry grey kittenAI image

Corner

On April 28, 2024April 6, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

Byron’s new cat crouched in the corner of their inn room and growled. It had been fine until the inn’s serving girl had waltzed in with (barely) warm washing water and a request to. “See the sweet little kitty.” Byron had nodded to his bed, where the cat, named Misty for reasons beyond Reba’s understanding, …

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Sackcloth and Sky by Kat Redfern
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