Menu
Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.
Win up to $250 in our weekly writing contest
Submit your short story on Reedsy Prompts.
DIRECTORY
539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
You're kneeling in the dirt, working on your garden when your attention is drawn up by a person saying, "Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt, but..."
You saw something that you weren't supposed to see. Telling the truth could fix a horrible situation for one of the colleagues involved — but it would get you fired.
While on a leisurely stroll through the forest, you find strange footprints. Do you follow them?
After searching for your lost cat for months, it saunters into your house one day. It looks rather plump.
A wand-maker goes to the forest ready to work, only to find a group of environmentalists camped out in front of their favorite hemlock tree.
There's someone standing on the corner of the street you live on. It's the fifth time they've been there this week.
It's your birthday! Write a story about the ideal birthday that you'd spend with your family, your friends, or yourself.
You were reading a book quietly at a cafe when someone passed you a note.
You have a writer's block breakthrough at the worst possible time.
Write a story about a meet-cute between competing Christmas tree shops in town.
In a series of letters to Santa, write a story about growing up.
The world's wealthiest person has recently been put in prison for life. They offer half their fortune to any person, organization, or country that will free them.
Where do you see the future of technology heading? Write an essay explaining why.
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 about the friendship between two different species of animals.
Write a story about Christmas from the perspective of someone who hates Christmas.
Find the perfect editor for your next book
Over 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.
Save your shortlist
Enter your email address to save your shortlist so that you don't lose it!
By continuing, you will also receive Reedsy's weekly publishing tips and access to our free webinars.
Check your email
We've sent over your shortlist. Thank you for using Reedsy's Short Story Ideas Directory 🙌
