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
139 episodes
Welcome Back
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 a...
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Season 1
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Episode 138
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10:46
Autopen
In today's story, Autopen, Mayor Mann's mundane day turns into a flight of fantasyToday'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 y...
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Season 1
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Episode 137
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11:22
Lucky Break
In today's story, Lucky Break, Kyra and Thomas make Sunday breakfastToday's prompt was inspired by a disappointing game of sudoku. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing.
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Season 1
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Episode 136
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10:46
Script
In today's story, Script, Alvin bravely faces a classroom bullyToday's prompt was chosen at random. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy t...
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Season 1
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Episode 135
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10:34
That Don't Look Right
In today's story, That Don't Look Right, Eloise anxiously awaits the unveiling of her newest creationToday's prompt came from my friend Gretchen Schutte, who is also a meditation and yoga teacher. You can learn more abo...
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Season 1
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Episode 134
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11:02
A Herd of Turtles
In today's story, A Herd of Turtles, a group of turtles travel through the woods togetherToday'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 slo...
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Season 1
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Episode 133
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11:11
New Year, Same You
In today's story, New Year, Same You, Linda breaks with tradition and finds a new path into the new yearToday's prompt was inspired by the push that we often feel to reinvent ourselves at the beginning of every year. Pe...
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Season 1
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Episode 132
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13:15
Merry and Bright
In today's story, Merry and Bright, Maisy Mouse and Sarah Fox enjoy holiday fun on the Morning of GoodMerry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Today's prompt was inspired by the holidays and a celebration of light i...
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Season 1
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Episode 131
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6:39
Gnome for Christmas
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 f...
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Season 1
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Episode 130
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14:26
Turkey Trot
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 129
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9:23
Pumpkins
In today's story, Pumpkins, a quiet man in a quiet town thinks about pumpkinsToday'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 com...
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Season 1
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Episode 128
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10:36
Black Cat
In today's story, Black Cat, a coven gathers to discuss current eventsToday's prompt was loosely inspired by Halloween and the fall season, which is often rushed through on our way to the winter holidays. <...
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Season 1
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Episode 127
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12:29
Local News
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 126
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10:53
Is That Me?
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 medit...
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Season 1
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Episode 125
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11:45
Wait For It
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 writ...
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Season 1
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Episode 124
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13:31
Labor of Love
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.&nbs...
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Season 1
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Episode 123
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10:49
Migraine
In today's story, Migraine, a debilitating migraine stirs a stew of thoughts and emotionsToday's prompt was inspired by a recent migraine. Being knocked down by a migraine can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 122
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14:33
Condesplaining
In today's story, Condesplaining, a new arrival gets a lesson on small town rulesToday's prompt is a made-up word. It's essentially a gender-neutral version of "mainsplaining." In other words, it describes the act of exp...
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Season 1
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Episode 121
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13:27
Widgets
In today's story, Widgets, a writer wanders through a wobbly chat about whatchamacallitsToday'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 su...
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Season 1
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Episode 120
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9:53
City Life
In today's story, City Life, some small town kids head to a big city summer campToday's prompt was inspired by some upcoming vacation plans. While I sometimes like to head to the beach or mountains, I also need a few cit...
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Season 1
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Episode 119
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10:27
Think Tank
In today's story, Think Tank, what happens when a group of researchers consider the future?Today's prompt came up when I was telling Peter a story about how my mom used to say that I should be put in a think tank someday...
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Season 1
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Episode 118
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13:40
Never Say Never
In today's story, Never Say Never, a couple tries to write their wedding vows Today's prompt was inspired by a book on my shelf called Never, Never Quit by Karen Hallion (great book!). This story has nothing to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 117
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12:00
Reusable Straws
In today's story, Reusable Straws, a gathering of drinking straws gives way to deeper meaning. Today's prompt was inspired by a reusable straw sitting on my desk. I didn't expect such a mundane item would lead where it d...
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Season 1
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Episode 116
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12:55
