Freely Written: Short Stories From a Simple Prompt
Episodes
Gingerbread
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Gingerbread, Penny comes home in time for the family's annual gingerbread contestToday's prompt was ins...
Cranberry Sauce
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cranberry Sauce, Jason learns to make his mom's spicy orange cognac cranberry sauce Today's prompt was ...
Take a Hike
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Take a Hike, Emily's friends lend support during her first mountain hike Today's prompt was inspired b...
Window Washer
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Window Washer, Daisy's new office has a window that could be a benefit or a distractionToday's prompt w...
Cabin in the Woods
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cabin in the Woods, three friends enjoy a leisurely break at a very special cabinToday's prompt was inspired...
Dream Catcher
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Dream Catcher, Harold shows Molly how to catch and combine wisps of dreamsToday's prompt immediately made me...
Two-Day Shipping
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Two-Day Shipping, Mary is frustrated with the botched plans of her billionaire boss Today's prompt came up w...
Cut and Paste
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cut and Paste, friends spend their day off together Today's prompt is in honor of the very useful cut-and-pa...
Bite the Dust
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Bite the Dust, fairy life is shaped by prophecyToday's prompt is an idiom that means to die or come to an e...
Spotted Lanternfly
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Spotted Lanternfly, the night foragers are in search of a light sourceToday's prompt was inspired by the inv...
Under the Weather
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Under the Weather, the neighbors are watchingToday's prompt was chosen at random from a list of idioms. Note...
Go Go Boots
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Go Go Boots, Daria is up for a promotionToday's prompt was inspired by '60s fashion and the Summer of S...
Five More Minutes
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Five More Minutes, Maisy has a special app that comes with a costToday's prompt was inspired by my busy sche...
Vintage Vinyl
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story,Vintage Vinyl, a casual party takes a strange turnToday's prompt was inspired by a recent album purchase, a ...
The Dishwasher
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, The Dishwasher, a couple skirts a domestic dispute around a familiar topicToday's prompt was inspired by a r...
Cowbirds
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cowbirds, a quarterly convention faces some daring distractionsToday's prompt was inspired by a finch nest i...
Welcome Back
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Welcome Back, Jennie just has one of those faces, the kind where people think they have seen her somewhere before...
Autopen
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Autopen, Mayor Mann's mundane day turns into a flight of fantasyToday's prompt was inspired by a news h...
Lucky Break
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Lucky Break, Kyra and Thomas make Sunday breakfastToday's prompt was inspired by a disappointing game of sud...
Script
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Script, Alvin bravely faces a classroom bullyToday's prompt was chosen at random. As always, the story was f...
That Don't Look Right
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, That Don't Look Right, Eloise anxiously awaits the unveiling of her newest creationToday's prompt came ...
A Herd of Turtles
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, A Herd of Turtles, a group of turtles travel through the woods togetherToday's prompt came from an idiom: th...
New Year, Same You
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, New Year, Same You, Linda breaks with tradition and finds a new path into the new yearToday's prompt was ins...
Merry and Bright
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Merry and Bright, Maisy Mouse and Sarah Fox enjoy holiday fun on the Morning of GoodMerry Christmas! Happy Hanukk...
Gnome for Christmas
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Gnome for Christmas, Doc takes a solitary trip to his cabin in the woods. Today's prompt was inspired by a h...
Turkey Trot
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Turkey Trot, Max learns about a family tradition. Today's prompt was inspired by Thanksgiving, a holiday tha...
Pumpkins
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Pumpkins, a quiet man in a quiet town thinks about pumpkinsToday's prompt came up as a way to hold on to the...
Black Cat
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Black Cat, a coven gathers to discuss current eventsToday's prompt was loosely inspired by Halloween and th...
Local News
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Local News, Joyce helps her grandson with his homework Today's prompt was a local news crew spotted at a sce...
Is That Me?
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Is That Me?, a scientist takes an unforgettable step in her career. Today's prompt came up during a conver...
Wait For It
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Wait For It, two women chat on a bus. Today's prompt came up while thinking about the patience it takes fo...
Labor of Love
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Labor of Love, Love reflects on her day's work, including a challenging repair call. Today's prompt ca...
Migraine
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Migraine, a debilitating migraine stirs a stew of thoughts and emotionsToday's prompt was inspired by a rece...
Condesplaining
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Condesplaining, a new arrival gets a lesson on small town rulesToday's prompt is a made-up word. It's e...
Widgets
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Widgets, a writer wanders through a wobbly chat about whatchamacallitsToday's prompt had no obvious inspirat...
City Life
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, City Life, some small town kids head to a big city summer campToday's prompt was inspired by some upcoming v...
Think Tank
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Think Tank, what happens when a group of researchers consider the future?Today's prompt came up when I was t...
Never Say Never
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Never Say Never, a couple tries to write their wedding vows Today's prompt was inspired by a book on my shel...
Reusable Straws
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Reusable Straws, a gathering of drinking straws gives way to deeper meaning. Today's prompt was inspired by ...
Birds of a Feather
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Birds of a Feather, a house finch and two mourning doves discuss the new bird feeder in townToday's prompt w...
Sleep Edition: Soft Summer Rain
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textSpecial Sleep Edition: Today's story, Soft Summer Rain, is a sleepy story that may lull you into a gentle nap or a goodnight's...
Infinity Plus One
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Infinity Plus One, two sisters argue over who loves cinnamon toast the most. Today's prompt was loosely chos...
Tread Softly
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Tread Softly, a young woman reflects on lessons she learned from her older brother. Today's prompt was inspi...
Cake
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cake, thoughts of sweets freely rambleToday's prompt is a loose stream of consciousness ramble that begins w...
Under Where
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Under Where, a fairy finds a career without collecting teeth Today's prompt is a bit of word play based on t...
Out For Delivery
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Out For Delivery, a casual conversation finds some feelings Today's prompt came up while I was waiting for ...
Breathe
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Breathe, life unfolds one breath at a timeToday's prompt was inspired by my other job, which is teaching yog...
Clockwork
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Clockwork, romance blooms in a clock shopToday's prompt came from a hazy dream of gears moving like clockwor...
Splitting Hairs
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Splitting Hairs, a detective meets the familyToday's prompt was loosely inspired by a trip to get my hair cu...
Boxing Day
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Boxing Day, an American family learns about a new (to them) holidayToday's prompt was inspired by Boxing Day...
Advent
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Advent, a neighborhood sitter has a very special advent calendar. Today's prompt was inspired by the Christm...
Leftovers
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Leftovers, a post-Thanksgiving breakfast includes pumpkin pie and questions.Today's prompt was suggested b...
Cozy Mystery Club
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cozy Mystery Club, five friends decide it's time for their book club to investigate a real-life crime.Today&...
Cuckoo Catfish
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cuckoo Catfish, Katie tells Cal about chaperoning their son's field tripToday's prompt was based on a r...
The Wash 'N Dryer
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, The Wash 'N Dryer, Katie's taunting sends Billy on an adventure Since this is the 100th episode of Free...
Second Summer
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Second Summer, Hillary overthinks her way to a coffee dateToday's prompt was based on the weather. October i...
Vacation Mode
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Vacation Mode, Hal is fascinated by his neighbors' smart home Today's prompt was based on my state of m...
No Help
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, No Help, Gramps teaches Dina a new trickToday's prompt came up when I asked my spouse for a suggestion. He c...
Heart's Most Desire
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Heart's Most Desire, Mary shops for the perfect gift for her nieceToday's prompt was suggested by my fr...
Back Next Week
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHi, friends! No new story today... I'll be back with a new story next week. I'm taking this week off because I have a new nove...
Rusty
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Rusty, teenagers are surprised during a game of mini golfToday's prompt came to me while I was working on th...
Wolves
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Wolves, two brothers share time away from their packToday's prompt was suggested by one of my younger listen...
Fireworks
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Fireworks, a meet cute occurs at a suburban block partyToday's prompt was inspired by the Fourth of July hol...
Fairytale
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Fairytale, a group of fairy friends worry over a lost bookToday's prompt was chosen because it's been a...
Popcorn
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Popcorn, a new house brings up some old feelingsToday's prompt came up while I was explaining this podcast a...
Conventional
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Conventional, friends discuss ideas of beautyToday's prompt was inspired by my recent book signing events, i...
Bright Idea
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Bright Idea, new tech sends Lynn running for her lifeToday's prompt came from a recent dream. Most of that d...
Chicken à la King
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Chicken à la King, farmyard friends can have big dreamsToday's prompt came to me randomly, inspired by hung...
Crochet Party
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Crochet Party, some friends get together to try a new craftToday's prompt was inspired by a recent project w...
Rhyme Time
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Rhyme Time, a friendly walk sparks rhyming talkToday's prompt was loosely inspired by a podcast I enjoy call...
Rhinestone Princess
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Rhinestone Princess, a young girl finds beauty in her mom's jewelry boxToday's prompt was inspired by a...
Layover
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Layover, coworkers consider a bit of historyToday's prompt was suggested by my friend and fellow yoga teache...
Yellow Roses
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Yellow Roses, a gift of roses has deeper meaning Today's prompt is in honor of my mom, who died 34 years ago...
Sheet Music
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Sheet Music, a daughter's visit sparks memories of monkeys and musicToday's prompt was inspired by a gl...
Weird Blanket
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Weird Blanket, a boy's trip to his local comic book shop takes a magical turnToday's prompt was request...
Resolutions
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Resolutions, space travelers pursue a legendary ghost ship called the Resolute. Happy New Year! Today's prom...
Winter Solstice
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Winter Solstice, a teen pushing back on childhood traditions leads to a wider view of the world. Today's pro...
Invisible Work
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Invisible Work, Carrie wins some invisible help for her invisible workToday's prompt was inspired by the ext...
Saying Grace
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Saying Grace, tensions rise over a Thanksgiving traditionToday's prompt was inspired by the upcoming Thanksg...
Confluence
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Confluence, a young woman goes on a mystical journeyThe word for today's prompt came up during a walk in the...
Bonus Commentary: Episodes 71 to 74
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textBonus episode today! Instead of sharing a new story, Susan is sharing her thoughts on the stories she told in episodes 71 to 74.Check ba...
Gift Baskets
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textToday's story, Gift Baskets, is a story about gift baskets told by gift basketsToday's prompt was inspired by an episode of Th...
Tell Me a Story
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textToday's story, Tell Me a Story, follows the life of a born storyteller Today's prompt was pulled from thin air while setting a...
Pizza Party
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Pizza Party, the students aren't the only ones excited about a pizza party at schoolToday's story promp...
Where Do I Begin?
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Where Do I Begin?, an office conversation gets a little out of handToday's story prompt came from an earworm...
Bonus Commentary: Episodes 66 to 69
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textBonus episode today! Instead of sharing a new story, Susan is sharing her thoughts on the stories she told in episodes 66 to 69.Check ba...
Up, Up, and Away
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Up, Up, and Away, two friends take flight before parting for college The prompt for today's story was inspir...
Cheese
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Cheese, a retro '80s photo shoot gets some added flair Last episode's prompt came from my best friend&a...
Getting Lost
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Getting Lost, Stanley explores the Maze of Mirrors The prompt for today's story comes from one of my younge...
The Frog and the Lotus
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, The Frog and the Lotus, a frog goes on a quest for a magical blue lotusThe tale in this story has the flavor of a...
Bonus Commentary: Episodes 61 to 64
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textBonus episode today! Instead of sharing a new story, Susan is sharing her thoughts on the stories she told in episodes 61 to 64.Check ba...
If I Could Fly
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, If I Could Fly, Jerry wants to go to the pool, his mom wants him to do a little writing first Today's prompt...
Sandy Beach
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Sandy Beach, a destination wedding brings new friends togetherToday's prompt celebrates the start of summer....
Goulash
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Goulash, Â Ronny's dad serves up a magical dinnerToday's prompt was inspired by a random online article...
Summer Camp
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textToday's story, Summer Camp, Â features a summer camp and a little magicToday's prompt was inspired by a chat at a recent book ...
Bonus Commentary: Episodes 56 to 59
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textBonus episode today! Instead of sharing a new story, Susan is sharing her thoughts on the stories she told in episodes 56 to 59.Check ba...
What Did You Hear?
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, What Did You Hear?, Â Alice has a talk with her teenage daughterToday's prompt simply came from a question I...
You are My Sunshine
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text*Exciting News!* A new book, Freely Written Vol. 1, is now available! It features 20 stories from this podcast and makes a great gift fo...
Forgiveness
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, Forgiveness,  a young women treks up a mountain in search of mystical answersToday's prompt was inspired b...
The Academy
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today's story, The Academy  a shimmering door leads students to their futuresToday's prompt was inspired by the Academy Aw...