Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

In today's story, No Help, Gramps teaches Dina a new trick

Today's prompt came up when I asked my spouse for a suggestion. He couldn't think of one, so I joked that he was no help... which turned out to be a help after all. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let me know!

As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy today...

In today's story, Heart's Most Desire, Mary shops for the perfect gift for her niece

Today's prompt was suggested by my friend Gretchen Schutte. While this story did not wander into the world of yoga, Gretchen is a fabulous yoga and meditation teacher. You can visit her website at PeaceinthePause.com! 

As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If yo...

Hi, friends! No new story today... I'll be back with a new story next week. I'm taking this week off because I have a new novel coming out at the end of August and am particularly busy at the moment.

My new novel, Elders and Aliens, will be the third and final book in The Psychic Traveler Society series. You can learn more about this series, and all of my novels, at my website: SusanQuilty.com.

Until n...

In today's story, Rusty, teenagers are surprised during a game of mini golf

Today's prompt came to me while I was working on the layout review and final edits on my new book, which will be the third and final book in The Psychic Traveler Society series. I enjoy this part of the publishing process, but it's also been a while since my finalizing my last book, so I'm feeling a little rusty. 

As...

In today's story, Wolves, two brothers share time away from their pack

Today's prompt was suggested by one of my younger listeners, Lincoln McMullan. Thanks, Lincoln! If you have a prompt idea, send me a word or phrase and it may be used in a future story. You can reach me through social media or my website. 

As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If y...

In today's story, Fireworks, a meet cute occurs at a suburban block party

Today's prompt was inspired by the Fourth of July holiday, also known as the U.S. Independence Day. Fireworks are a popular part of the July 4th celebration, from sparklers and bottle rockets to commercial firework displays.

As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy t...

In today's story, Fairytale, a group of fairy friends worry over a lost book

Today's prompt was chosen because it's been awhile since we had a fantasy story. As always, the story was free-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. Thank you!


More about Susa...

In today's story, Popcorn, a new house brings up some old feelings

Today's prompt came up while I was explaining this podcast at a social gathering. There was a bowl of popcorn on the table, so I said a prompt could be anything, like popcorn. Then I decided to actually use that as my next prompt.

As always, the story was free-written from the prompt with no planning and very little editing. 

If...

In today's story, Conventional, friends discuss ideas of beauty

Today's prompt was inspired by my recent book signing events, including one mini convention at a local comic book shop. Thinking about conventions spurred ideas of what it means to be conventional... or unconventional.

As always, today's story was free-written from the prompt with no planning and very little editing. It might be a littl...

In today's story, Bright Idea, new tech sends Lynn running for her life

Today's prompt came from a recent dream. Most of that dream was quickly forgotten, except for some shining stars that became the tech in this story.

Though it was dream inspired, today's story was still free-written from the prompt with no planning and very little editing. It's a rough take that I might revisit when there&...

In today's story, Chicken à la King, farmyard friends can have big dreams

Today's prompt came to me randomly, inspired by hunger and thoughts of what to make for dinner. I don't think I've ever had chicken à la king, but it's one of those recipe names I often hear and it seemed like it could lead to an interesting story.

As always, today's story was free-written from the prompt with n...

In today's story, Crochet Party, some friends get together to try a new craft

Today's prompt was inspired by a recent project where I crocheted a tissue box cover because I couldn't find one that I liked in a store. If you're curious about that project, I put pictures and a free pattern on my website: Crochet Tissue Box Cover

As always, today's story was free-written from the prompt with ...

In today's story, Rhyme Time, a friendly walk sparks rhyming talk

Today's prompt was loosely inspired by a podcast I enjoy called Something Rhymes with Purple. It is a British podcast that delves into the origin of words. You can find the podcast here: Something Rhymes with Purple.

The story today got a bit silly. I focused on rhyme, not meter, so there are a few rough places I would have smoothed out ...

In today's story, Rhinestone Princess, a young girl finds beauty in her mom's jewelry box

Today's prompt was inspired by a rhinestone hair clip sitting on my desk. I have no idea if rhinestone princess is a common phrase, but it popped into my head and seemed promising for a freewritten story. 

If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. ...

In today's story, Layover, coworkers consider a bit of history

Today's prompt was suggested by my friend and fellow yoga teacher, Gretchen Schutte. In addition to teaching at local studios and online, Gretchen also holds yoga retreats in lovely international destinations. Which may be why she had travel on the mind when suggesting this prompt! You can learn more about Gretchen's yoga retreats and regular pra...

In today's story, Yellow Roses, a gift of roses has deeper meaning

Today's prompt is in honor of my mom, who died 34 years ago and loved yellow roses. Freewriting is a great way to exercise creativity. It can also be a good way to explore deep emotion. 

If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you!

More about Susan Quilty

In today's story, Sheet Music, a daughter's visit sparks memories of monkeys and music

Today's prompt was inspired by a glance up from my desk, which landed my gaze on the sheet music sitting on my piano. A look around the room is often a good way to choose a prompt for a short story or other writing exercise. 

If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for...

In today's story, Weird Blanket, a boy's trip to his local comic book shop takes a magical turn

Today's prompt was requested by my husband, Peter, after hearing the phrase on an episode of Community. I started the story with no idea how I'd include a weird blanket, but I got there eventually!

If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Writt...

In today's story, Resolutions, space travelers pursue a legendary ghost ship called the Resolute.

Happy New Year! Today's prompt is a seasonal nod to new year resolutions. Note: As we move into 2023, Freely Written will now have new stories every two weeks, skipping the commentary episodes that used to be included every 5th episode.

More about Susan Quilty

Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, in...