Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

Sixth Sense

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In today's story, Sixth Sense, coworkers at a university library have a late-night chat about ESP

Today's prompt was inspired by a recent newsletter topic. If you'd like to sign up for the Grounded in Reality newsletter, find it here: Grounded in Reality with Susan Quilty

If you have a suggestion for a writing prompt, please let us 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

Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt

Sixth Sense

Tit for Tat

Watch Out

Donuts with Grownups

Millions of Peaches

Give an Inch

Miss the Boat

Winter Slumber

Gingerbread

Cranberry Sauce

Take a Hike

Window Washer

Cabin in the Woods

Dream Catcher

Two-Day Shipping

Cut and Paste

Bite the Dust

In today's story, Bite the Dust, fairy life is shaped by prophecy

Today's prompt is an idiom that means to die or come to an end. It takes on a very different meaning in this story of life in the fairy world.

Spotted Lanternfly

In today's story, Spotted Lanternfly, the night foragers are in search of a light source

Today's prompt was inspired by the invasive species that are gaining ground in Virginia and many US states. They're quite pretty insects, if only they weren't damaging crops and trees.

Under the Weather

In today's story, Under the Weather, the neighbors are watching

Today's prompt was chosen at random from a list of idioms. Note: the occasional background sounds are thunder from the rainstorm that was raging during recording. It was much louder in person!

Go Go Boots

In today's story, Go Go Boots, Daria is up for a promotion

Today's prompt was inspired by '60s fashion and the Summer of Self-Love theme at the yoga studio where I teach, Sthira Sukham Yoga.

Five More Minutes

In today's story, Five More Minutes, Maisy has a special app that comes with a cost

Today's prompt was inspired by my busy schedule and a frequent wish for just five more minutes... Though not at the cost Maisy is willing to pay.

Vintage Vinyl

In today's story,Vintage Vinyl, a casual party takes a strange turn

Today's prompt was inspired by a recent album purchase, a vintage copy of Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson.

The Dishwasher

In today's story, The Dishwasher, a couple skirts a domestic dispute around a familiar topic

Today's prompt was inspired by a recent conversation with some friends about the pros and cons, and ins and outs, of dishwashers.

Cowbirds

In today's story, Cowbirds, a quarterly convention faces some daring distractionsToday's prompt was inspired by a finch nest in my front door wreath which appears to have been infiltrated by a cowbird egg.

Welcome Back

Autopen

In today's story, Autopen, Mayor Mann's mundane day turns into a flight of fantasyToday's prompt was inspired by a news headline that's better left ignored and a curiosity about how an autopen works. Here's a video if you'd like to see a modern autopen in action: Autopen on YouTube

Lucky Break

In today's story, Lucky Break, Kyra and Thomas make Sunday breakfastToday's prompt was inspired by a disappointing game of sudoku. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing.

Script

In today's story, Script, Alvin bravely faces a classroom bullyToday's prompt was chosen at random. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing.

That Don't Look Right

In today's story, That Don't Look Right, Eloise anxiously awaits the unveiling of her newest creationToday's prompt came from my friend Gretchen Schutte, who is also a meditation and yoga teacher. You can learn more about her offerings at PeaceinthePause.com.

A Herd of Turtles

In today's story, A Herd of Turtles, a group of turtles travel through the woods togetherToday's prompt came from an idiom: they're off like a herd of turtles. Or, they're moving like a herd of turtles. It refers to slow and steady progress that will eventually be successful.

New Year, Same You

Merry and Bright

In today's story, Merry and Bright, Maisy Mouse and Sarah Fox enjoy holiday fun on the Morning of Good

Gnome for Christmas

Turkey Trot

Pumpkins

Black Cat

Local News

Is That Me?

Wait For It

Labor of Love

Migraine

Condesplaining

Widgets

City Life

Think Tank

Never Say Never

Reusable Straws

Birds of a Feather

Sleep Edition: Soft Summer Rain

Infinity Plus One

Tread Softly

Cake

Under Where

Out For Delivery

Breathe

Clockwork

Splitting Hairs

Boxing Day

In today's story, Cowbirds, a quarterly convention faces some daring distractions

Today's prompt was inspired by a finch nest in my front door wreath which appears to have been infiltrated by a cowbird egg.

In today's story, Autopen, Mayor Mann's mundane day turns into a flight of fantasy

Today's prompt was inspired by a news headline that's better left ignored and a curiosity about how an autopen works. Here's a video if you'd like to see a modern autopen in action: Autopen on YouTube

In today's story, Lucky Break, Kyra and Thomas make Sunday breakfast

Today's prompt was inspired by a disappointing game of sudoku. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing.

In today's story, Script, Alvin bravely faces a classroom bully

Today's prompt was chosen at random. As always, the story was free-written with no planning and very little editing.

In today's story, That Don't Look Right, Eloise anxiously awaits the unveiling of her newest creation

Today's prompt came from my friend Gretchen Schutte, who is also a meditation and yoga teacher. You can learn more about her offerings at PeaceinthePause.com.

In today's story, A Herd of Turtles, a group of turtles travel through the woods together

Today's prompt came from an idiom: they're off like a herd of turtles. Or, they're moving like a herd of turtles. It refers to slow and steady progress that will eventually be successful.