Menu
Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.
Win up to $250 in our weekly writing contest
Submit your short story on Reedsy Prompts.
DIRECTORY
29 Best Dark Short Story Ideas
Showing 29 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Write a story in which it becomes night forever. The sun has gone.
You find a note in your locker: "Save yourself while you still can."
You're digging in your garden when you unearth something that makes you stagger from shock.
You're on a sleepover with your best friend, when your best friend starts to act strangely.
The monster from your nightmare is standing next to you when you wake up.
You start hearing sounds, but when you ask your friend about it, they look at you with a confused expression.
Only one swordsman emerges alive from a bloody battle. And without a single wound. How does he explain his survival?
Write a story with these words: "teddy bear," "black," "blood."
Your diary has started leaking blood. You have to find out what this means, but you have a time limit because the more blood that leaks from it, the weaker you seem to get.
Write a story about a ghost hunter who doesn't believe in ghosts -- until he gets stuck in a haunted mansion overnight.
You went to sleep in a bed, but you woke up on the cold dark floor the forest.
A child was stolen, and a straw doll left in their place.
Write a story in the form of letters. Plot twist: it's revealed that the character who wrote them died from unnatural causes years ago.
Find the perfect editor for your next book
Over 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.
Save your shortlist
Enter your email address to save your shortlist so that you don't lose it!
By continuing, you will also receive Reedsy's weekly publishing tips and access to our free webinars.
Check your email
We've sent over your shortlist. Thank you for using Reedsy's Short Story Ideas Directory 🙌
