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
47 Best Dramatic Short Story Ideas
Showing 47 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
You're on an island in the middle of the ocean. One day you find a bottle washed up on the shore with a piece of paper in it.
"Have a good night," you say, and breath a huge sigh of relief the moment you walk away.
"Savor this sunset, folks. It might be the last one we ever see."
As you ride your motorcycle off into the sunset, you see something unexpected on the horizon.
You discover a secret family member you never knew existed.
Something unusual is found in a winter coat pocket.
You wake up unable to say a word, but can all of a sudden write the most amazing music.
You are home alone watching TV. A character dials a number on their phone. Your phone rings.
As the floor trembles and the walls shake, you know there is only one way to survive.
A bittersweet farewell: bitter for one person, sweet for the other.
You're on a boat that should have reached undiscovered land days ago. Your compass tells you you're on the right path but there is no land in sight.
A long-standing feud erupts during a funeral or wedding.
Everyday, you sit at your window to watch a neighbor play a musical instrument. You can't hear the music, but you're transfixed by the musician's expression.
You're on a train when someone sits across from you and begins to cry.
You live in a future where music in any form is considered repugnant. You find an old music box.
While dozing by the fire in your winter cabin, you hear a knock at the door. Blizzard conditions have closed all surrounding roads, and the nearest neighbor is miles away.
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 🙌
