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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
For years, four characters have met for a monthly card game. Write a story in which one character realizes that another is cheating.
A forgotten object is found in an attic during spring cleaning.
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.
It's your birthday! Write a story about the ideal birthday that you'd spend with your family, your friends, or yourself.
You enter a room where someone is having a phone call. They don't see you and you overhear a big secret that you clearly weren't meant to.
Write a story that's set at a ski resort during Christmas.
Write about the origin of April Fools' Day.
A character doesn't know how to break up with their partner, and keeps putting it off until the very moment that the partner bends down on one knee and proposes.
Emotional baggage must now be checked in at the airport.
A group of students hold a high-stakes competition to see who can carve the best jack-o-lantern. The class clown is appointed the judge.
You discover a strange map that's been stuffed into your locker.
Write a story that takes place where poets and writers are the biggest celebrities.
A character on their deathbed tells their family about their regrets.
A plane has just crashed onto a deserted island. It's carrying 12 convicted criminals.
You open a door, but before you can go through, someone sneaks in front of you without saying "thank you." You've had an awful day and this is the last straw.
Write a story based on the last text you received.
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