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.
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To Freewrite Podcasts
Welcome to a stream-of-consciousness podcast from Brian and Siena. Every episode is a verbal freewrite, ranging in topic from philosophy to fried chicken to infinity and beyond. We go wherever the conversation takes us, and we hope you'll come along!
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Hosted by award-winning story coach K.M. Weiland, the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast will take you deep into story theory, writing techniques, and all the incredible wisdom of story. There is no such thing as "just a story." Come along to find out how to write YOUR best story, astound the world, and (just maybe) change your life!
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Multimedia artist Ben Aqua discusses YouTube, photography, music, art, QPOC life, and the creative process — with a sprig of Absolutely Nonsensical behavior.
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Send us a text 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 Psych…
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S17:E28: Reflections on Turning 40 (+40 Things You Might Not Know About Me)
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Today, I'm turning forty and taking a quiet moment to reflect on the decade that brought me here. My thirties were a season of transformation, challenge, and deep awakening. They changed me utterly, teaching me about pain as a portal, creativity as a life force, and story as the map that guides us home to ourselves. In this episode, I'm sharing 40 …
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S17:E27: 5 Ways to Keep the Story Moving Between the Big Moments
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Do you ever feel stuck in the "in-between" sections of your story that come after one major plot point but before the next? You're not alone. Many writers can identify the big beats of their story's structure, but find the real challenge is connecting those plot points in a way that feels organic and alive. In this episode, K.M. Weiland shares a po…
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Send us a text 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…
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S17:E26: The Real Purpose of the Second Act (And Why You Can't Skip It)
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What would stories be without their long, uncertain middles? In this episode, we explore the real purpose of the Second Act in story structure. The Secodn is the heart of every story, where transformation happens. You'll learn why this "middle" isn't just filler, but the symbolic journey that tests your characters, deepens your theme, and gives you…
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S17:E25: "Who Am I?" The Midpoint as Self-Recognition in Story Structure
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Discover how the Midpoint in story structure is more than a Moment of Truth. It's self-recognition in which characters remember who they are.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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 …
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Send us a text 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 w…
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S17:S24: Big vs. Small Character Arcs: Understanding the Degrees of Change in Storytelling
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Not every story needs a protagonist who undergoes a massive, life-altering transformation. Some of the most memorable tales hinge on smaller, quieter shifts, or even on characters who remain steadfast throughout. In this episode, we'll explore the full spectrum of character arcs: Big arcs that redefine a protagonist's worldview Small arcs that mirr…
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Send us a text In today's story, Two-Day Shipping, Mary is frustrated with the botched plans of her billionaire boss Today's prompt came up while I was online shopping before writing. It didn't spark an immediate idea, but I managed to write my way into something that kind of works...? If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know! More about…
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S17:E23: How a Character's Personality Shapes Arc, Voice, and Goals
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What makes a character unforgettable? It's not just quirks or dialogue. It's personality. Your characters' personalities shape their arcs, influence their voices, drive their goals, and and connect plot and theme into a cohesive whole. In this episode, we'll explore why personality is the secret ingredient to compelling storytelling and how you can…
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S17:E22: Why All Stories Are Myth—and How They Transform Us
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Why All Stories Are Myth (and How They Transform the Psyche) What if every story you've ever loved—whether it's Spirited Away, The Lord of the Rings, or Pride & Prejudice—wasn't just entertainment or even "realistic" fiction, but myth in disguise? In this week's episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast, we explore the mythic foundation…
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S17:E21: What's Happened to Modern Storytelling? (+ 6 Ways Storytelling Can Find Its Soul Again)
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Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text In today's story, Cut and Paste, friends spend their day off together Today's prompt is in honor of the very useful cut-and-paste function, something I use quite often. Though the story wanders into weirder territory. If you have a prompt suggestion, please let me know! More about Susan Quilty Susan Quilty mainly writes novels, inclu…
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S17:E20: Writing Better Character Conflicts With the 5 Conflict Management Styles
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Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a pr…
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S17:E19: The 5 Types of Scene Endings Every Writer Must Master
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Discover the 5 types of scene endings—Yes, No, No But, and No And—and why one of them might be weakening your story's momentum.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E18: 7 Ways to Watch and Read More Intentionally
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If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends…
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S17:E17: What Makes a Story "Bad"? A Guide to Why Your Narrative Isn't Working
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What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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! If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a revi…
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S17:E16: Why Intentional Storytelling Matters in an Era of AI and Algorithm-Driven Content
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Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here's why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, a…
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S17:E15: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 2 of 2)
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Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You …
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S17:E14: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 1 of 2)
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Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, and I'll be …
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S17:E13: Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights
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Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E12: Using the Enneagram for Character Development: Avoiding Repetition for Lies Each Type Might Believe
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Discover the unique lies each Enneagram subtype believes and how these shape their fears, desires, and character development in storytelling.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can als…
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S17:E11: The Most Dangerous Arc: Breaking Down the Corruption Character Arc
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Unlock the intricacies of the Corruption Character Arc. Discover how fear, pride, and desire lead to a character's downfall.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E10: Writing a Fall Arc: How to Show a Character's Moral Decline
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Writing a fall arc involves capturing characters' heartbreaking journeys. Discover techniques for depicting their moral decline.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prom…
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S17:09: Disillusionment Arc in Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Character Growth
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Understand the Disillusionment Arc in storytelling, a powerful journey portraying human growth through confronting stark realities.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text In today's story, Welcome Back, Jennie just has one of those faces, the kind where people think they have seen her somewhere before. Today's prompt was inspired by a yoga student who returned to one of my classes after a long absence. While the story itself is not related, I was happy to welcome them back to my class. If you enjoy to…
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S17:E08: How Writers Can Use the Four Stages of Knowing in Character Arcs
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Explore the four stages of knowing in character arcs to understand transformation and enhance your storytelling skills.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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 If you enjoy today's story, please share it with yo…
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S17:E07: How to Make Your Fantasy World Feel Real: 6 Pillars of Organic Worldbuilding
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From magic to government, discover the 8 key pillars of worldbuilding that will make your fantasy world feel real.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a…
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S17:E06: Your Character's Three Choices: Character Goal Examples for Writers
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Discover essential character goal examples for writers and learn how to craft compelling, multi-layered motivations using the "three choices."By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a review for Freely Written. You can also send me a prompt suggestion, and I'll be…
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S17:E05: 5 Proven Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt in Writing
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Learn how to conquer self-doubt in writing and transform it into a driving force for growth and improvement.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E04: Exploring the Impact of AI on Fiction Writing: Opportunities and Challenges
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Delve into the impact of AI on fiction writing. Explore the opportunities and concerns surrounding the incorporation of AI in creative work.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your friends and leave a …
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S17:E03: The Writer's Road to Creative Burnout Recovery
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Recover from creative burnout with these holistic strategies. Create space in your life to rebuild creativity and overcome writer's block.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text 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. If you enjoy today's story, please share it with your fri…
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S17:E02: The Rules of Fiction: What They Are and What They're Not
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Demystify the rules of fiction and learn how they empower storytelling. Discover how underlying structure enhances creative autonomy.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text In today's story, New Year, Same You, Linda breaks with tradition and finds a new path into the new year Today's prompt was inspired by the push that we often feel to reinvent ourselves at the beginning of every year. Personal growth is great, but what if we embrace our same selves--as we are--before trying to change into someone new…
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S17:E01: Reflecting on 6 Life-Changing Lessons in 2024
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Gain insights from life-changing lessons and intentions for growth in the new year. Explore the powerful connection between writing and life.By K.M. Weiland
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Send us a text In today's story, Merry and Bright, Maisy Mouse and Sarah Fox enjoy holiday fun on the Morning of Good Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Today's prompt was inspired by the holidays and a celebration of light in the dark of winter. It's a shorter story than most episodes, but took me twice as long to write... working on all of those rh…
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