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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
A legendary dragon is on its way to capture a princess. Plot twist: the princess kidnaps it, and temporarily locks it away in her tower to teach it a lesson.
You find your grandparent's old chessboard in the attic. Absentmindedly, you move a piece. The next day, an opposing piece has been moved.
One character wants a snake, but their roommate has a phobia. They adopt one anyway.
You've just lost something important. Write a story about finding it — or learning to cope with its loss.
Write a story that includes these three words: "clown," "purple," and "apple."
You're driving down a lonely road when you see a machine-looking object jet across the night sky.
Write a story about a ghost hunter who doesn't believe in ghosts -- until he gets stuck in a haunted mansion overnight.
Write a story with these words: "teddy bear," "black," "blood."
You're on a boat that should have reached undiscovered land days ago. Your compass tells you you're on the right path but there is no land in sight.
Write a story based on your very first memory.
A tree falls in the woods. You're around to hear it.
You're at your computer feeling heavy writer's block. Suddenly words start appearing on the screen.
Write a story that takes place over the course of a house party.
The world's most important chess game is about to start.
You visited a psychic for romantic advice. Instead, they tell you that your spouse has a secret.
Write a story about moving to an entirely new city where everything is new and unfamiliar.
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