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.
Write a story about the gifts that two people buy for each other over a period of ten years, and how that shows the change in their relationship over time.
You just discovered England's biggest secret: every time they sing "God Save the Queen" it extends the queens life.
Write a story with these words: "teddy bear," "black," "blood."
You participated in your office's Secret Santa, but no one will admit to buying your gift. Write a story about the search for the mysterious gifter.
"I have to go!" she/he said suddenly, jumping up from the table during dinner.
You hear a scream and it's coming from inside your own home.
You caught the girl in classroom 3B stealing your favorite eraser, which means war.
Write a story inspired by a photo on Instagram.
You're cleaning the attic when you find something terribly old, terribly fragile, and terribly powerful...
You're haunted by a ghost. That's not the problem. The problem is that this ghost is really, really, really chatty.
After the brief pause that follows your mother's angry question of "Who did this?", all of you look at the cat.
Write a story about the all-out war among the PTA moms to snatch up the last Spider-Man costume in the costume shop.
Write a story in which a Christmas song plays an important role in the plot.
You are born with the ability to stop time. One day, you see something else moving when you have already stopped time.
You are a student working on a team project. You and your group are accidentally locked in the school library overnight.
From a dog's perspective, humans seem to be either immortal or at least live extremely long lives. Write from the perspective of a dog contemplating this.
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 🙌
