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, 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...
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...
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