Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Wolves , two brothers share time away from their pack Today's prompt was suggested by one of my younger listeners, Lincoln McMullan. Thanks, Lincoln! If you have a prompt idea, send me a word or phrase and it may be used in a future story. You can reach me through social media or my website.  As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no pla...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Fireworks , a meet cute occurs at a suburban block party Today's prompt was inspired by the Fourth of July holiday, also known as the U.S. Independence Day. Fireworks are a popular part of the July 4th celebration, from sparklers and bottle rockets to commercial firework displays. As always, the story was written from the prompt, with no planning and ve...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Fairytale , a group of fairy friends worry over a lost book Today's prompt was chosen because it's been awhile since we had a fantasy story. As always, the story was free-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. Thank...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Popcorn , a new house brings up some old feelings Today's prompt came up while I was explaining this podcast at a social gathering. There was a bowl of popcorn on the table, so I said a prompt could be anything, like popcorn. Then I decided to actually use that as my next prompt. As always, the story was free-written from the prompt with no planning and...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Conventional , friends discuss ideas of beauty Today's prompt was inspired by my recent book signing events, including one mini convention at a local comic book shop. Thinking about conventions spurred ideas of what it means to be conventional... or unconventional. As always, today's story was free-written from the prompt with no planning and very...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Bright Idea , new tech sends Lynn running for her life Today's prompt came from a recent dream. Most of that dream was quickly forgotten, except for some shining stars that became the tech in this story. Though it was dream inspired, today's story was still free-written from the prompt with no planning and very little editing. It's a rough tak...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Chicken à la King , farmyard friends can have big dreams Today's prompt came to me randomly, inspired by hunger and thoughts of what to make for dinner. I don't think I've ever had chicken à la king, but it's one of those recipe names I often hear and it seemed like it could lead to an interesting story. As always, today's story was...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Crochet Party , some friends get together to try a new craft Today's prompt was inspired by a recent project where I crocheted a tissue box cover because I couldn't find one that I liked in a store. If you're curious about that project, I put pictures and a free pattern on my website: Crochet Tissue Box Cover As always, today's story was...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Rhyme Time , a friendly walk sparks rhyming talk Today's prompt was loosely inspired by a podcast I enjoy called Something Rhymes with Purple. It is a British podcast that delves into the origin of words. You can find the podcast here: Something Rhymes with Purple . The story today got a bit silly. I focused on rhyme, not meter, so there are a few rough...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Rhinestone Princess , a young girl finds beauty in her mom's jewelry box Today's prompt was inspired by a rhinestone hair clip sitting on my desk. I have no idea if rhinestone princess is a common phrase, but it popped into my head and seemed promising for a freewritten story.  If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Layover , coworkers consider a bit of history Today's prompt was suggested by my friend and fellow yoga teacher, Gretchen Schutte. In addition to teaching at local studios and online, Gretchen also holds yoga retreats in lovely international destinations. Which may be why she had travel on the mind when suggesting this prompt! You can learn more about G...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Yellow Roses , a gift of roses has deeper meaning Today's prompt is in honor of my mom, who died 34 years ago and loved yellow roses. Freewriting is a great way to exercise creativity. It can also be a good way to explore deep emotion.  If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! M...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Sheet Music , a daughter's visit sparks memories of monkeys and music Today's prompt was inspired by a glance up from my desk, which landed my gaze on the sheet music sitting on my piano. A look around the room is often a good way to choose a prompt for a short story or other writing exercise.  If you enjoy today's story, please share it with...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Weird Blanket , a boy's trip to his local comic book shop takes a magical turn Today's prompt was requested by my husband, Peter, after hearing the phrase on an episode of Community. I started the story with no idea how I'd include a weird blanket, but I got there eventually! If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends a...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Resolutions , space travelers pursue a legendary ghost ship called the Resolute. Happy New Year! Today's prompt is a seasonal nod to new year resolutions. Note: As we move into 2023, Freely Written will now have new stories every two weeks, skipping the commentary episodes that used to be included every 5th episode. More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Winter Solstice , a teen pushing back on childhood traditions leads to a wider view of the world. Today's prompt was inspired by the Winter Solstice, which will occur on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. There are many ways to celebrate the longest night of the year. It's also interesting to consider what's happening on the other side of...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Invisible Work , Carrie wins some invisible help for her invisible work Today's prompt was inspired by the extra invisible work that can come up during the holiday season. Sending holiday cards, planning dinners, shopping for gifts, and more. On top of the daily effort that goes into laundry, groceries, cooking, and other chores.  More about Susan Quilt...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Saying Grace , tensions rise over a Thanksgiving tradition Today's prompt was inspired by the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Many families have complicated holiday gatherings, and sometimes a small detail can trigger big feelings.  More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The P...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Confluence , a young woman goes on a mystical journey The word for today's prompt came up during a walk in the woods with my friend, Gretchen Schutte. Our walk took us to a confluence, where two rivers join, and our brief chat about the word stuck with me when I later sat down to write. Other aspects of our walk may have inspired the story as well, sinc...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode today! Instead of sharing a new story, Susan is sharing her thoughts on the stories she told in episodes 71 to 74. Check back for new stories every other Tuesday. Every fifth episode (like this one) will offer bonus commentary on the previous 4 stories. To avoid spoilers, listen to those story episodes before this one! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writ...

Send us Fan Mail Today's story, Gift Baskets , is a story about gift baskets told by gift baskets Today's prompt was inspired by an episode of The Office where Michael Scott buys gift baskets for some potential clients. Actually, it was inspired by an episode of the Office Ladies podcast where Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey talk about that episode of The Office. The story based on that...

Send us Fan Mail Today's story, Tell Me a Story , follows the life of a born storyteller Today's prompt was pulled from thin air while setting aside time for writing break. What better topic for a short story than a look at how stories can give color and meaning to our lives? More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA ser...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Pizza Party , the students aren't the only ones excited about a pizza party at school Today's story prompt came from an ad for pizza on TV. Nope, the ad didn't have a pizza party, but the simple sight of pizza was enough to suggest this great prompt.  More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels an...

Send us Fan Mail In today's story, Where Do I Begin? , an office conversation gets a little out of hand Today's story prompt came from an earworm. Yes, I had the theme from Love Story stuck in my head and its lyrics start with the phrase, Where do I begin...  Which is, of course, a great place to start a story.    More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two s...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus episode today! Instead of sharing a new story, Susan is sharing her thoughts on the stories she told in episodes 66 to 69. Check back for new stories every other Tuesday. Every fifth episode (like this one) will offer bonus commentary on the previous 4 stories. To avoid spoilers, listen to those story episodes before this one! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writ...