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
539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Two super competitive colleagues meet at the office's monthly Bingo night.
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 a descriptive story about a household using only one of the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, or taste.
"Pick a card, any card. But take care — which card you pull out will determine your fate."
Everyday you are delivered a newspaper at your front door that accurately predicts what will happen in the next 24 hours.
Write a story about someone trying to hide a pet from their parents.
The one place where the sun rises in the west and sets in the east.
You are an expert spy for the British government, trained to perfection. Your only weakness is that your background music alerts enemies to your presence.
A group of seniors in university have been planning a graduation prank all year. Today's finally the day.
Write about what you want to be in the future, whether that's in terms of personality, goals, or career.
Write a story that ends with a shocking plot twist.
Write about a time you failed.
You are in charge of organizing a lunch for four famous historical figures. Who do you invite? Why?
Write a story about two costume shops who try to outdo each other with bigger and crazier costumes each Halloween.
You hear music emanating from aisle 3 of your local grocery store. No one else hears it.
Write a story that starts with the pick-up line, "I must be a snowflake because I’ve fallen for you."
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 🙌
