Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

Send us Fan Mail 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--which prompted some weird ideas in my young mind. Peter said think tank should be my next prompt, and here we are! As always, this story was written...

Send us Fan Mail 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 do with that book, but the title made me think of the expression 'never say never' and I ran with it.  As always, this story was written from the promp...

Send us Fan Mail 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 did, but I really like the story that emerged.  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Birds of a Feather , a house finch and two mourning doves discuss the new bird feeder in town Today's prompt was inspired by my new smart bird feeder. Watching birds is surprisingly entertaining. Especially when it leads to a fun little story.  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you enjoy toda...

Send us Fan Mail 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 that came after a day of selling my books to new readers. It's a special story with a softer tone, designed to help you fall asleep.  As always,...

Send us Fan Mail 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 yoga props, a short cotton strap sewn in the shape of an infinity sign or figure eight.  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Gerson. I recently tracked down a copy and was delighted to read it again.  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little edi...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Cake , thoughts of sweets freely ramble Today'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 less story and more nonsense. This is one of those times.  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing...

Send us Fan Mail 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 is good way to let your imagination flow.  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editin...

Send us Fan Mail 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 you check every few minutes as your delivery get closer. As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you e...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Breathe , life unfolds one breath at a time Today'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 better prepared to handle all aspects of your life.  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If y...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Clockwork , romance blooms in a clock shop Today'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 Written.  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 wi...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Splitting Hairs , a detective meets the family Today'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, which is enough to make it a writing prompt! As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very little editing. If you en...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Boxing Day , an American family learns about a new (to them) holiday Today's prompt was inspired by Boxing Day, a holiday celebrated in many countries on December 26th, the day after Christmas. Happy holidays! 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 wit...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Advent , a neighborhood sitter has a very special advent calendar. Today's prompt was inspired by the Christmas season. Do you use an advent calendar to countdown the days to Christmas? Do you have a fun one to share? Let me know through social media or my website (links below).  As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and ve...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Leftovers , a post-Thanksgiving breakfast includes pumpkin pie and  questions. Today's prompt was suggested by my friend Wendy McMullan in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. What are your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers? How do you like to celebrate this and other winter holidays? As always, this story was written from the prompt, with no planning and v...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Cozy Mystery Club , five friends decide it's time for their book club to investigate a real-life crime. Today's prompt was inspired by some thoughts about book genres. What is your favorite style of book? Do you like cozy mysteries, science fiction, romance, or another genre? Do you read a little of everything?  As always, the story was written fro...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Cuckoo Catfish , Katie tells Cal about chaperoning their son's field trip Today's prompt was based on a recent trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It's a great place to see a wide range of aquatic life. Apparently, it's a good place to get a story prompt, too! As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, The Wash 'N Dryer , Katie's taunting sends Billy on an adventure Since this is the 100th episode of Freely Written, today's story is not written from a random prompt. Instead, it is a story that Susan wrote way back in high school when she was about 16 years old. Enjoy this bit of fiction from the early '90s and our next episode will be b...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Second Summer , Hillary overthinks her way to a coffee date Today's prompt was based on the weather. October is my favorite time of year, yet fall is often interrupted by second summer, a time when hot sunny days return for one last gasp before the chill of fall fully sets in.  As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Vacation Mode , Hal is fascinated by his neighbors' smart home Today's prompt was based on my state of mind, since the story was written right before I left for a beach vacation! I'm home now and very glad I had a chance to spend a week with an ocean view and the sound of waves lulling me to sleep each night. As always, the story was written f...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, No Help , Gramps teaches Dina a new trick Today's prompt came up when I asked my spouse for a suggestion. He couldn't think of one, so I joked that he was no help... which turned out to be a help after all. If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let me know! As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and very...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Heart's Most Desire , Mary shops for the perfect gift for her niece Today's prompt was suggested by my friend Gretchen Schutte. While this story did not wander into the world of yoga, Gretchen is a fabulous yoga and meditation teacher. You can visit her website at PeaceinthePause.com !  As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no plan...

Send us Fan Mail Hi, friends! No new story today... I'll be back with a new story next week. I'm taking this week off because I have a new novel coming out at the end of August and am particularly busy at the moment. My new novel, Elders and Aliens, will be the third and final book in The Psychic Traveler Society series. You can learn more about this series, and all of my novels, at my w...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Rusty , teenagers are surprised during a game of mini golf Today's prompt came to me while I was working on the layout review and final edits on my new book, which will be the third and final book in The Psychic Traveler Society series. I enjoy this part of the publishing process, but it's also been a while since my finalizing my last book, so I&ap...