Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt
Short stories spark your imagination. Join author Susan Quilty as she uses simple writing prompts to free-write her way into strange, silly, or poignant tales. Biweekly episodes offer new stories. To learn more about Susan and her books, visit SusanQuilty.com. Note: Prior to 2023, every 5th episode featured story commentary instead of a new story.
Episodes
In today's story, Give an Inch, Madame Zara offers words of wisdom at a school's Winter Carnival
Today's prompt was chosen from a list of English idioms. In these challenging times, a short story break may help you step away from everything else and take a little time to nurture yourself.
If you're looking for ways to speak out about our current situation (in the U.S.), you can check out 5...
In today's story, Miss the Boat, Tommy and Tabitha hurry to catch a boat to the woodland college
Today's prompt was chosen from a list of English idioms. In these challenging times, a short story break may help you step away from everything else and take a little time to nurture yourself.
If you're looking for ways to speak out about our current situation, you can check out 50501, Indivisible, ...
In today's story, Winter Slumber, Grandad teaches Meredith a gentle lesson
Today's prompt was inspired by the start of 2026. Happy New Year! May you stay safe and see a turn toward better days.
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written ...
In today's story, Gingerbread, Penny comes home in time for the family's annual gingerbread contest
Today's prompt was inspired by Sweet Gingerbread Man, a song by Sammy Davis Jr. that always makes me smile.
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories f...
In today's story, Cranberry Sauce, Jason learns to make his mom's spicy orange cognac cranberry sauce
Today's prompt was inspired by my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner: cranberry sauce! For those who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. ...
In today's story, Take a Hike, Emily's friends lend support during her first mountain hike
Today's prompt was inspired by my own recent hike and by stories of my child's recent hike, both with lovely mountain views.
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's sh...
In today's story, Window Washer, Daisy's new office has a window that could be a benefit or a distraction
Today's prompt was inspired by an afternoon of cleaning my windows (less fun than writing!). If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Trav...
In today's story, Cabin in the Woods, three friends enjoy a leisurely break at a very special cabin
Today's prompt was inspired by a recent long weekend with my close friends, Wendy and Jen. If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. ...
In today's story, Dream Catcher, Harold shows Molly how to catch and combine wisps of dreams
Today's prompt immediately made me think of an entity that could give dreams to people, though it took a different turn when I started writing. If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and...
In today's story, Two-Day Shipping, Mary is frustrated with the botched plans of her billionaire boss
Today's prompt came up while I was online shopping before writing. It didn't spark an immediate idea, but I managed to write my way into something that kind of works...? If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes no...
In today's story, Cut and Paste, friends spend their day off together
Today's prompt is in honor of the very useful cut-and-paste function, something I use quite often. Though the story wanders into weirder territory. If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: Th...
In today's story, Bite the Dust, fairy life is shaped by prophecy
Today's prompt is an idiom that means to die or come to an end. It takes on a very different meaning in this story of life in the fairy world.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, and I'll be sure t...
In today's story, Spotted Lanternfly, the night foragers are in search of a light source
Today's prompt was inspired by the invasive species that are gaining ground in Virginia and many US states. They're quite pretty insects, if only they weren't damaging crops and trees.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely...
In today's story, Under the Weather, the neighbors are watching
Today's prompt was chosen at random from a list of idioms. Note: the occasional background sounds are thunder from the rainstorm that was raging during recording. It was much louder in person!
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send ...
In today's story, Go Go Boots, Daria is up for a promotion
Today's prompt was inspired by '60s fashion and the Summer of Self-Love theme at the yoga studio where I teach, Sthira Sukham Yoga.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, and I'll be sure to credit you...
In today's story, Five More Minutes, Maisy has a special app that comes with a cost
Today's prompt was inspired by my busy schedule and a frequent wish for just five more minutes... Though not at the cost Maisy is willing to pay.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, a...
In today's story,Vintage Vinyl, a casual party takes a strange turn
Today's prompt was inspired by a recent album purchase, a vintage copy of Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, and I'll be sure to credit you in the episode....
In today's story, The Dishwasher, a couple skirts a domestic dispute around a familiar topic
Today's prompt was inspired by a recent conversation with some friends about the pros and cons, and ins and outs, of dishwashers.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, and I&ap...
In today's story, Cowbirds, a quarterly convention faces some daring distractions
Today's prompt was inspired by a finch nest in my front door wreath which appears to have been infiltrated by a cowbird egg.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, and I'll be sure to cre...
In today's story, Welcome Back, Jennie just has one of those faces, the kind where people think they have seen her somewhere before.
Today's prompt was inspired by a yoga student who returned to one of my classes after a long absence. While the story itself is not related, I was happy to welcome them back to my class.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your frie...
Popular Podcasts
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.
Listen to the latest news from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are here and have everyone talking. iHeartPodcasts is buzzing with content in honor of the XXV Winter Olympics We’re bringing you episodes from a variety of iHeartPodcast shows to help you keep up with the action. Follow Milan Cortina Winter Olympics so you don’t miss any coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and if you like what you hear, be sure to follow each Podcast in the feed for more great content from iHeartPodcasts.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.