Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

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 very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 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 you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 back to the usual format... a story written from a 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 you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 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 you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 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 you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 website: SusanQuilty.com. Until next week's new story, you can listen to past episodes of Freely Written in any order. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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'm feeling a little rusty. As always, the 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. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Facebook: Freely Written The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 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 you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 very little editing. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 little editing. It might be a little twisted, but no where near as dark as it could have been with that title and a farmyard setting! If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 take that I might revisit when there's time to polish it into a longer story. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Patreon: Patreon.com/SusanQuilty The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 free-written from the prompt with no planning and very little editing. It might be a little twisted, but no where near as dark as it could have been with that title and a farmyard setting! If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Patreon: Patreon.com/SusanQuilty The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 free-written from the prompt with no planning and very little editing. It wandered its way to an end and now I kind of want to host a crochet party of my own! If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Patreon: Patreon.com/SusanQuilty The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 places I would have smoothed out if this wasn't a free-written story. But that's the way it goes with a freely written story! If you like to play with rhyming words, you might want to check out the handy site mentioned in this episode: Rhyme Zone. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Patreon: Patreon.com/SusanQuilty The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show

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 leave a review for Freely Written. Thank you! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her current YA series: The Psychic Traveler Society. Susan's short stories for Freely Written are created during quick writing breaks and shared as a way to practice her narration skills before she dives into recording audio versions of her novels. Website: SusanQuilty.com Patreon: Patreon.com/SusanQuilty The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1 Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop Support the show