Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

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

July 9, 2025 10 mins

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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 ...

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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...

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June 11, 2025 10 mins

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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...

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May 28, 2025 9 mins

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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....

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May 14, 2025 8 mins

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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...

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April 16, 2025 9 mins

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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...

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April 2, 2025 10 mins

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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...

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March 19, 2025 11 mins

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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...

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March 5, 2025 10 mins

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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...

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February 19, 2025 10 mins

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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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February 5, 2025 11 mins

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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...

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January 22, 2025 11 mins

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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...

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January 8, 2025 13 mins

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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...

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December 25, 2024 6 mins

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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...

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December 11, 2024 14 mins

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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...

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November 27, 2024 9 mins

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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...

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November 13, 2024 10 mins

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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...

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October 30, 2024 12 mins

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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...

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October 16, 2024 10 mins

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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...

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October 2, 2024 11 mins

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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...

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