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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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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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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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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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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

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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

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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

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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