104 episodes

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.

Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt Susan Quilty

    • Fiction
    • 5.0 • 3 Ratings

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.

    Leftovers

    Leftovers

    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

    • 10 min
    Cozy Mystery Club

    Cozy Mystery Club

    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

    • 9 min
    Cuckoo Catfish

    Cuckoo Catfish

    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

    • 9 min
    The Wash 'N Dryer

    The Wash 'N Dryer

    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

    • 11 min
    Second Summer

    Second Summer

    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

    • 11 min
    Vacation Mode

    Vacation Mode

    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

    • 10 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
3 Ratings

3 Ratings

Kimtisha ,

Love this Podcast!

I love these short stories from Susan Quilty. It's fun to see how she comes up with stories from "a simple prompt." Writers will enjoy this podcast. Like myself, some may be inspired to try writing from Susan's prompt themselves.

GretchenSchutte ,

Take a break for a delight adventure

Providing a delightful break in the day, Susan’s Freely Written short stories set a scene, spark intrigue, and stimulate emotion in under 10 minutes.

Take a listen to go on a short adventure from wherever you are.

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