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, Reflecting Pool, Daryl throws a pool party
Today's prompt was inspired by the fiasco that's unfolding at the Reflecting Pool in DC. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short storiesfor Freely W...
In today's story, Touch Grass, Beth struggles to balance work and motherhood
Today's prompt was inspired by a brief moment in an old Bewitched episode. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short storiesfor Freely...
In today's story, Petrichor, Ed introduces his new dog to his old friend
Today's prompt was inspired by the ongoing rain in Northern Virginia. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short storiesfor Freely Written ...
In today's story, Paperweight, Jane tries to pick up a piece of paper
Today's prompt was inspired by a paperweight we made during a recent trip to Newport, RI. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short storiesfo...
In today's story, Road Trip, Captain Mae Pauly agrees to a new journey
Today's prompt was inspired by the warm weather and an urge to hit the open road. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short storiesfor Freel...
In today's story, Sixth Sense, coworkers at a university library have a late-night chat about ESP
Today's prompt was inspired by a recent newsletter topic. If you'd like to sign up for the Grounded in Reality newsletter, find it here: Grounded in Reality with Susan Quilty
If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us know!
More about Susan Quilty
Susan Quilty mainly writes novels...
In today's story, Tit for Tat, a teacher tries to impart an important lesson before school lets out for Spring Break
Today's prompt was chosen from a list of common expressions. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us 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, Watch Out, the king's men are sent out to explore strange sounds in the forest
Today's prompt was inspired by a recent tornado watch, not to be confused with a tornado warning... which can be really confusing.
Note: If you're looking for ways to speak out about our current situation (in the U.S.), you can check out 50501, Indivisible, and Common Cause. You can also visit 5calls.org to s...
In today's story, Donuts with Grownups, Livvy invites her Uncle Mal to a school event.
Today's prompt refers to a fairly common school social event where students can bring a parent or other adult to enjoy doughnuts together before classes begin.
Note: If you're looking for ways to speak out about our current situation (in the U.S.), you can check out 50501, Indivisible, and Common Cause. You can a...
In today's story, Millions of Peaches, Daria and Tommy are learning to survive on their own in their mostly abandoned town
Today's prompt is a phrase from the lyrics of a song that was stuck in my head: Peaches by The Presidents of the United States of America. Anything can be a writing prompt. If you have a suggestion, please let me know!
Note: If you're looking for ways to speak out about our current situati...
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 50501, Indivisib...
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, and Common...
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 storiesfor Freely Written are create...
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 storiesfor Freely Writt...
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. Susan's ...
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 short storiesfor...
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 Traveler Society.&...
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. Susan's ...
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 her YA series...
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 novels, including two...
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