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
144 episodes
Go Go Boots
In today's story, Go Go Boots, Daria is up for a promotionToday's prompt was inspired by '60s fashion and the Summer of Self-Love theme at the yoga studio where I teach,
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Season 1
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Episode 143
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13:12
Five More Minutes
In today's story, Five More Minutes, Maisy has a special app that comes with a costToday's prompt was inspired by my busy schedule and a frequent wish for just five more minutes... Though not at the cost Mai...
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Season 1
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Episode 142
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10:31
Vintage Vinyl
In today's story,Vintage Vinyl, a casual party takes a strange turnToday's prompt was inspired by a recent album purchase, a vintage copy of Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson.
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Season 1
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Episode 141
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9:45
The Dishwasher
In today's story, The Dishwasher, a couple skirts a domestic dispute around a familiar topicToday's prompt was inspired by a recent conversation with some friends about the pros and cons, and ins and outs, o...
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Season 1
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Episode 140
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8:59
Cowbirds
In today's story, Cowbirds, a quarterly convention faces some daring distractionsToday's prompt was inspired by a finch nest in my front door wreath which appears to have been infiltrated by a cowbird egg. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 139
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9:58
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