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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Set your story at a noisy school assembly, where two characters are trying to hold an important and private conversation.
Write a story about trust. Include a pair of siblings in it.
You're beginning to believe the person writing the daily crossword puzzle in your newspaper is trying to send you an encoded message.
You find your grandparent's old chessboard in the attic. Absentmindedly, you move a piece. The next day, an opposing piece has been moved.
Write a story that's set at a ski resort during Christmas.
Money really does grow on trees and is heavily regulated by governments.
Write a story that takes place over the course of a house party.
Santa Claus is backed up with orders recently, and you're in charge of writing the official letter of apology to all of the children around the world informing them that their presents may arrive a week late this year.
Set your story entirely under mistletoe.
Write about a time you broke a promise. What did it feel like? Why did you break it?
Write about your goals at ages 5, 10, 15, and 20.
"I didn't believe in Christmas until now." What might have happened to cause this character to say this?
You're a janitor at a large school. People wouldn't believe the things you've heard.
A plane has just crashed onto a deserted island. It's carrying 12 convicted criminals.
Write about a time you were given responsibility.
You are the only person who has to go into work on a public holiday.
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