115 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.

    Sleep Edition: Soft Summer Rain

    Sleep Edition: Soft Summer Rain

    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, 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
    Infinity Plus One

    Infinity Plus One

    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 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
    Tread Softly

    Tread Softly

    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 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.

    • 12 min
    Cake

    Cake

    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. 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
    Under Where

    Under Where

    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 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.

    • 14 min
    Out For Delivery

    Out For Delivery

    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 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.

    • 12 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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