Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

Send us Fan Mail 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 c...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sugge...

Send us Fan Mail 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 th...

Send us Fan Mail 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,...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 an...

Send us Fan Mail 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'...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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....

Send us Fan Mail 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 revi...

Send us Fan Mail 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, pl...

Send us Fan Mail 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 s...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Y...

Send us Fan Mail 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....

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 a...

Send us Fan Mail 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 enj...

Send us Fan Mail 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 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. Y...

Send us Fan Mail 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.  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 f...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Migraine , a debilitating migraine stirs a stew of thoughts and emotions Today's prompt was inspired by a recent migraine. Being knocked down by a migraine can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. If you struggle with migraines or other health issues, please know that you are not alone. Seek help from friends, doctors, and support groups. As alwa...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Condesplaining , a new arrival gets a lesson on small town rules Today's prompt is a made-up word. It's essentially a gender-neutral version of "mainsplaining." In other words, it describes the act of explaining something without regard for the listener's expertise. If you have a prompt suggestion, let me know and I'll be sure t...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Widgets , a writer wanders through a wobbly chat about whatchamacallits Today'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 suggestion, let me know and I'll be sure to credit you in the episode! As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, City Life , some small town kids head to a big city summer camp Today'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 city trips throughout the year. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy today's sto...