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
129 episodes
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
Birds of a Feather
In today's story, Birds of a Feather, a house finch and two mourning doves discuss the new bird feeder in townToday's prompt was inspired by my new smart bird feeder. Watching birds is surprisingly entertaining. Especial...
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Season 1
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Episode 115
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11:17
Sleep Edition: Soft Summer Rain
Special Sleep Edition: Today's story, Soft Summer Rain, is a sleepy story that may lull you into a gentle nap or a goodnight's sleep. Today's prompt was inspired by a rainy local authors' event and the drowsiness ...
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Season 1
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Episode 114
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10:42
Infinity Plus One
In today's story, Infinity Plus One, two sisters argue over who loves cinnamon toast the most. Today's prompt was loosely chosen based on my use of an infinity strap during a virtual yoga class. It's one of my favorite y...
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Season 1
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Episode 113
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9:35
Tread Softly
In today's story, Tread Softly, a young woman reflects on lessons she learned from her older brother. Today's prompt was inspired by a book of the same title. When I was young, I loved Tread Softly by Corinne Ge...
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Season 1
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Episode 112
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12:35
Cake
In today's story, Cake, thoughts of sweets freely rambleToday's prompt is a loose stream of consciousness ramble that begins with sleeping on a bed made of chocolate cake. Or something like that... Sometimes stories have...
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Season 1
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Episode 111
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10:58
Under Where
In today's story, Under Where, a fairy finds a career without collecting teeth Today's prompt is a bit of word play based on the phrase "under where" sounding like the word "underwear." Yes, very silly. Sometimes silly i...
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Season 1
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Episode 110
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14:17
Out For Delivery
In today's story, Out For Delivery, a casual conversation finds some feelings Today's prompt came up while I was waiting for a package to be delivered. Tracking information is great until it becomes a distraction yo...
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Season 1
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Episode 109
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12:09
Breathe
In today's story, Breathe, life unfolds one breath at a timeToday's prompt was inspired by my other job, which is teaching yoga. Breath is a key part of a yoga practice. Breathing practices can help you feel centered and...
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Season 1
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Episode 108
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12:23
Clockwork
In today's story, Clockwork, romance blooms in a clock shopToday's prompt came from a hazy dream of gears moving like clockwork. Today's episode also includes a reintroduction for listeners who are new to Freely Writ...
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Season 1
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Episode 107
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9:42
Splitting Hairs
In today's story, Splitting Hairs, a detective meets the familyToday's prompt was loosely inspired by a trip to get my hair cut... which doesn't really have much to do with the expression. The phrase just came to mind, w...
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Season 1
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Episode 106
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14:11