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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
You've just made the discovery of secret playground deep in the woods... and only you know of its existence.
"The grass is always greener on the other side." You were prepared to find out.
A plane that's been missing for years suddenly lands at a major airport.
It's the first day of summer camp, and one of this year's new campers is the child of a major celebrity. Write a story about the first week from the head camp counselor's perspective.
Write a story about a character learning a new sport.
Write a story that retells a famous fairy tale, but in a modern-day high school setting.
Write a story about a search for a Santa suit.
A logical person starts acting irrationally.
Write a story about friendship that uses holiday traditions from different cultures.
Write a story that takes place where poets and writers are the biggest celebrities.
A bittersweet farewell: bitter for one person, sweet for the other.
It's dodgeball day in P.E., and in a desperate attempt not to be picked last again for the teams, you...
Write about a difficult decision you had to make, and how you ended up making it.
A couple gets in a fight after one finds out that the other has secretly wasted $50,000 on lottery tickets over the past 15 years.
Write about what you want to be in the future, whether that's in terms of personality, goals, or career.
You're scrolling through the pictures on your phone. You notice a new one: it's of you sleeping.
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