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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Write about a character who is confused about what a White Elephant gift exchange is, and ends up going on a search for an actual white elephant.
Write a story about a group of five friends who set out at night for trick or treating… and when they return, they're only four.
A comedian bombs every time every time they get up on stage.
Amazon has invented time travel and introduced pre-emptive shipping. Today, you receive something completely unexpected from your future self.
Write a story centered on the theme of persistence when it comes to exams.
Petals fall to the ground as someone picks apart a flower and says, "they love me, they love me not."
You've just made the discovery of secret playground deep in the woods... and only you know of its existence.
You know how when you see a bear, you should stay calm and make loud noises? For this… creature… you have to do the opposite. You have to run.
"See you later!" you called, not realizing it wasn't true.
"Whatever you do, DO NOT touch this. Or else."
You wake up one day and find that you can suddenly talk to animals.
"I didn't believe in Christmas until now." What might have happened to cause this character to say this?
Write about Christmas from the perspective of the local cat.
"BOO!" you yell, grabbing the shoulders of a person you think is your friend from behind. They turn around and it's a total stranger.
Write a story inspired by a photo on Instagram.
Two elderly people in a retirement home are a secret pair of detectives that have solved some of the biggest crimes and mysteries through anonymous tips.
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