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
41 Best Narrative Short Story Ideas
Showing 41 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Someone just knocked on the door late at night, but you weren't expecting anyone. When you open the door... no one's there.
Write about a difficult decision you had to make, and how you ended up making it.
Who would you choose as the TIME Person Of The Year? Why?
Write about a wish that you once made.
Write a story about something that seems ordinary to your protagonist but would be perceived as extraordinary by someone else.
Write about a time that you broke the rules.
Write a story based on an experience from your childhood... but set it in a different time period. (Yes, the future counts!)
Think about a moment in your life that elicited very strong emotions. Write about a character going through a different experience that leads to the same emotions.
Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?
Write about a time that you found out something surprising about yourself.
You have to let go of something you treasure.
Write about your favorite hobby.
Write about a time that you felt like an outsider.
Write about what you want to be in the future, whether that's in terms of personality, goals, or career.
What is the memory that you remember the most? Why?
Write about a time you broke a promise. What did it feel like? Why did you break it?
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 🙌
