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41 Best Narrative Short Story Ideas

Showing 41 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.

Write about a time you broke a promise. What did it feel like? Why did you break it?

Describe your greatest fear, and how you have or have not overcome it yet.

Write about a time that you encountered an obstacle, and how you overcame it.

Write a story that draws from a moment in your life where you wish you'd made a different choice. Have your protagonist make that choice, and then see what happens.

If a fire broke out in your home, what are the first three things that you would grab? Why?

Write about a time that you found out something surprising about yourself.

Write about a time that you broke the rules.

Write about the first time you learned to do something.

You have to let go of something you treasure.

Write about a time when you were hurt by someone unexpected.

Turn one of your grandparent's old stories into fiction.

Write about your goals at ages 5, 10, 15, and 20.

Write about the dream that you've held onto for the longest.

Write about a time that you were challenged in a belief that you had.

Write about a time that you taught something to somebody.

Write a story based on an experience from your childhood... but set it in a different time period. (Yes, the future counts!)

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