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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: Story Prompt

Three young professional women drinking wine and chatting in an upscale city bar AI image

Global

On August 4, 2024July 27, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

“He’s the Global Head of Finance for Midas Private Bank, and went to Rugby and Oxford and turned down a place on the Olympic team to build houses in Africa…” Gretel tuned out. Sondra’s new boyfriend sounded too good to be true, literally. He was either a fabulously skilled and plausible liar, or Sondra was …

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make-up counters in a department store arranged in a semi-circle on a white tiled floor, one of them pastel pink, selling cheaper cosmetics, another is glossy black and white and very high end, there are three others in various colours and styles. AI image

Coverage

On June 2, 2024May 19, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

“We need the best concealer you have, and the foundation with the most coverage.” Becky had towed Joanna into the space in the middle of all the make-up counters in their local department store. The floor was refusing to open up for Joanna to sink into. That was Sarah Wyndham behind the pastel pink counter. …

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Fantasy image of a queen looking down on two kneeling men, one in very ornate clothing they are facing her at the base of the stairs. She's standing on the dais and looks contemptuous at something they've said or done AI image

Original

On May 26, 2024May 4, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

The new queen looked down at the latest candidate for the role of her consort. "It's an original tactic I suppose. A repulsive one, but original." Her words wiped away the kneeling man's smirk, he twisted his head to shoot a glare at the next man in line. The smirk had settled on his face. …

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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 two ornate, old-style ladies' fans on a polished wooden table with a porcelain vase next to them AI image

Acid

On May 12, 2024April 6, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

“Charmed, I’m sure.” Lady Charlotte’s words dripped acid. Even someone as dense as Lord Bernard felt their burn, and squirmed. He attempted what he probably thought was a rakish grin. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I’ve come to steal Miss Anya away.” Anya flicked her fan open and grimaced at her cousin …

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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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A beautiful farmhouse style kitchen with a teapot, two mugs and a plate of biscuits on the table AI image

A Windfall

On May 1, 2024April 6, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn Random Fiction, StoryLeave a comment

A woman inherits a house from her estranged grandmother. Upon entering the house, she discovers a secret room. Describe the room. (note: I got nowhere near the point of describing the room...) I barely knew I had a grandmother. Mum hated her with a passion. Mum hates a lot of people, including me. Either way, …

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bedraggled angry wet kitten with grey fur in a forest AI image

Bundle

On April 7, 2024March 23, 2024 By Kat RedfernIn 10 Minute Sprints, StoryLeave a comment

They were camping that night, set up in a roadside clearing used by trade caravans who’s plodding horses and bulky wagons couldn’t make the full run through the forest between dawn and dusk. It was a large clearing with a well-worn path to a wide, clear stream nearby. Tonight, the clearing was empty of everyone …

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Rainy beach with cliffs

Lost Island

On August 21, 2019February 15, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Lost Island, StoryLeave a comment

Prompt: There is an island where all lost things end up. Today you wake up, cold and wet, on the beach of that island. Sophia shifted slightly where she lay. Whatever it was she was lying on wasn't very comfortable, it was cold, wet and scratchy. As reason began to return, she realised she was …

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Overgrown steps leading to an old Japanese shrine gate

The Forgotten God

On August 18, 2019March 9, 2020 By Kat RedfernIn Forgotten God, StoryLeave a comment

Pinterest Story Prompts: Write about a character who happens to be a god. The catch? This character is practically powerless, as nobody worships them any more. Double catch? Suddenly, one day, they feel that someone is praying for their protection. - maxkirin.tumblr.com If you want a beautiful story about a forgotten god, read this set …

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