Menu

More apps built by Reedsy

Assemble a team of professionals

The writing app for authors

Writing courses, events and memberships

Get your book reviewed

Weekly writing prompts and contests

Menu
Prompts
Contests
Stories
Blog
Directory
Weekly Prompts Contest
Reedsy Literary Prize
Magazine
FAQ

Best Short Story Writing Prompts

Join our ongoing contests and win up to $1,500. Flex those creative muscles with these writing prompts.

Showing 285 prompts reset

This week's contest:
Win $250

In Real Time

0 contest entries /
0 stories

--

days

--

hours

--

mins

--

secs

View contest
Closes at 23:59 - Sep 04 EST

Tell a story using a series of diary or journal entries.

– 135 stories

It took a few seconds to realize I was utterly and completely lost.

– 72 stories

At the intersection, I could go right and head home — but turning left would take me...

– 81 stories

He looked between us once more and said, “It’s either her or me…”

– 37 stories

I stared at the crowd and told the biggest lie of my life.

– 55 stories

You know what? I quit.

– 101 stories

Set your story in a writing class, workshop, or retreat.

– 37 stories

Write about someone who can only find inspiration (or be productive) at night.

– 55 stories

Center your story around an author, editor, ghostwriter, or literary agent.

– 58 stories

Write a story in which the first and last words are the same.

– 96 stories

Write a story with the line “I didn’t have a choice.”

– 85 stories

Write about a character who becomes the villain in another character’s story.

– 38 stories

Write a story with the line “I don’t understand.”

– 86 stories

Write a story where someone gets into trouble and a stranger helps them out.

– 51 stories

Write a story about something getting lost in translation — literally or figuratively.

– 48 stories

Write a story that includes the line “This isn’t what I signed up for.”

– 96 stories

Center your story around a character whose biggest fear or worst nightmare comes true.

– 57 stories

Center your story around something that doesn’t go according to plan.

– 124 stories

Write a story about a place that hides something beneath the surface.

– 81 stories

Start or end your story with someone arriving somewhere for the first or last time.

– 92 stories

How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months. Learn more →

How to Write a Novel

We made a writing app for you

Yes, you! Write. Format. Export for ebook and print. All for free.