• Miss the Boat
    Jan 21 2026

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    In today's story, Miss the Boat, Tommy and Tabitha hurry to catch a boat to the woodland college

    Today's prompt was chosen from a list of English idioms. In these challenging times, a short story break may help you step away from everything else and take a little time to nurture yourself.

    If you're looking for ways to speak out about our current situation, you can check out 50501, Indivisible, and Common Cause. Stay safe.

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

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    12 mins
  • Winter Slumber
    Jan 7 2026

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    In today's story, Winter Slumber, Grandad teaches Meredith a gentle lesson

    Today's prompt was inspired by the start of 2026. Happy New Year! May you stay safe and see a turn toward better days.

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

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    12 mins
  • Gingerbread
    Dec 10 2025

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    In today's story, Gingerbread, Penny comes home in time for the family's annual gingerbread contest

    Today's prompt was inspired by Sweet Gingerbread Man, a song by Sammy Davis Jr. that always makes me smile.

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

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    11 mins
  • Cranberry Sauce
    Nov 26 2025

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    In today's story, Cranberry Sauce, Jason learns to make his mom's spicy orange cognac cranberry sauce

    Today's prompt was inspired by my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner: cranberry sauce! For those who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving!

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

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    13 mins
  • Take a Hike
    Nov 12 2025

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    In today's story, Take a Hike, Emily's friends lend support during her first mountain hike

    Today's prompt was inspired by my own recent hike and by stories of my child's recent hike, both with lovely mountain views.

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

    Support the show

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    13 mins
  • Window Washer
    Oct 29 2025

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    In today's story, Window Washer, Daisy's new office has a window that could be a benefit or a distraction

    Today's prompt was inspired by an afternoon of cleaning my windows (less fun than writing!). If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

    Support the show

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    10 mins
  • Cabin in the Woods
    Oct 15 2025

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    In today's story, Cabin in the Woods, three friends enjoy a leisurely break at a very special cabin

    Today's prompt was inspired by a recent long weekend with my close friends, Wendy and Jen. If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Dream Catcher
    Oct 1 2025

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    In today's story, Dream Catcher, Harold shows Molly how to catch and combine wisps of dreams

    Today's prompt immediately made me think of an entity that could give dreams to people, though it took a different turn when I started writing. If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know!

    More about Susan Quilty

    Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, including two standalone novels and her 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 let go of perfection and encourage writing for fun.

    Website: SusanQuilty.com
    The Freely Written Book: Freely Written Vol. 1
    Freely Written merch: Bitter Lily Books Shop

    Instagram: Susan.Quilty

    Facebook: SusanQuilty.Writer

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins