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, 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...
In today's story, Autopen, Mayor Mann's mundane day turns into a flight of fantasy
Today's prompt was inspired by a news headline that's better left ignored and a curiosity about how an autopen works. Here's a video if you'd like to see a modern autopen in action: Autopen on YouTube
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a re...
In today's story, Lucky Break, Kyra and Thomas make Sunday breakfast
Today's prompt was inspired by a disappointing game of sudoku. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing.
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, Script, Alvin bravely faces a classroom bully
Today's prompt was chosen at random. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing.
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. Th...
In today's story, That Don't Look Right, Eloise anxiously awaits the unveiling of her newest creation
Today's prompt came from my friend Gretchen Schutte, who is also a meditation and yoga teacher. You can learn more about her offerings at PeaceinthePause.com.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also...
In today's story, A Herd of Turtles, a group of turtles travel through the woods together
Today's prompt came from an idiom: they're off like a herd of turtles. Or, they're moving like a herd of turtles. It refers to slow and steady progress that will eventually be successful.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freel...
In today's story, New Year, Same You, Linda breaks with tradition and finds a new path into the new year
Today's prompt was inspired by the push that we often feel to reinvent ourselves at the beginning of every year. Personal growth is great, but what if we embrace our same selves--as we are--before trying to change into someone new.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it w...
In today's story, Merry and Bright, Maisy Mouse and Sarah Fox enjoy holiday fun on the Morning of Good
Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Today's prompt was inspired by the holidays and a celebration of light in the dark of winter. It's a shorter story than most episodes, but took me twice as long to write... working on all of those rhymes!
If you enjoy today's story, pleas...
In today's story, Gnome for Christmas, Doc takes a solitary trip to his cabin in the woods.
Today's prompt was inspired by a holiday gnome that was a gift from my friend, Wendy. The gnome sits on the entry table by my front door during the holidays and he always makes me smile. Christmas can bring mixed emotions, but I hope you can find some joy this holiday season.
If you enjoy toda...
In today's story, Turkey Trot, Max learns about a family tradition.
Today's prompt was inspired by Thanksgiving, a holiday that often involves eating turkey, putting out turkey-themed decorations, and running races with fun names like turkey trot or gobble wobble.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also se...
In today's story, Pumpkins, a quiet man in a quiet town thinks about pumpkins
Today's prompt came up as a way to hold on to the fall season before the winter holidays take over. It turned into a cozy story, opting for comfort and community over the thrill of drama.
If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send m...
In today's story, Black Cat, a coven gathers to discuss current events
Today's prompt was loosely inspired by Halloween and the fall season, which is often rushed through on our way to the winter holidays.
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 i...
In today's story, Local News, Joyce helps her grandson with his homework
Today's prompt was a local news crew spotted at a scenic overlook during a recent vacation. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing.
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 pro...
In today's story, Is That Me?, a scientist takes an unforgettable step in her career.
Today's prompt came up during a conversation with my friend Gretchen Schutte. You can connect with Gretchen about yoga and meditation on her website: https://www.peaceinthepause.com/
As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy today's st...
In today's story, Wait For It, two women chat on a bus.
Today's prompt came up while thinking about the patience it takes for situations--and people--to grow and change.
As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me...
In today's story, Labor of Love, Love reflects on her day's work, including a challenging repair call.
Today's prompt came from simple word association as it was written on Labor Day. Labor Day... Labor of Love.
As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a re...
In today's story, Migraine, a debilitating migraine stirs a stew of thoughts and emotions
Today's prompt was inspired by a recent migraine. Being knocked down by a migraine can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. If you struggle with migraines or other health issues, please know that you are not alone. Seek help from friends, doctors, and support groups.
As always, this story was w...
In today's story, Condesplaining, a new arrival gets a lesson on small town rules
Today's prompt is a made-up word. It's essentially a gender-neutral version of "mainsplaining." In other words, it describes the act of explaining something without regard for the listener's expertise. If you have a prompt suggestion, let me know and I'll be sure to credit you in the episode!
In today's story, Widgets, a writer wanders through a wobbly chat about whatchamacallits
Today's prompt had no obvious inspiration. It just came to me in a flash while wondering what prompt to use. If you have a prompt suggestion, let me know and I'll be sure to credit you in the episode!
As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If yo...
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