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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
A person dictates who he or she will date based on quantitative measures, such as horoscopes, how they perform on a test, etc.
Write a story about the passage of time based only upon a series of birthday wishes.
The objects in the Chemistry classroom come to life when students and teachers are not around.
You stumble across an abandoned house in the woods.
Write a story about a family adopting a black cat, just in time for Halloween.
A man sidles up to a woman in a bar. Little does he know she's an undercover cop following him.
There is a fountain that truly does grant wishes to those who throw coins in it.
Write a story about a meet-cute between competing Christmas tree shops in town.
"I have to go!" she/he said suddenly, jumping up from the table during dinner.
Write a story that takes place entirely in the dark.
A former party animal lives in a retirement home. They've decided it's time for one last bash.
What is the memory that you remember the most? Why?
Where do you see the future of technology heading? Write an essay explaining why.
Write a retelling of a fairy tale — from the perspective of a child.
Write about a time when you tried something unfamiliar.
Your new cell phone number used to be the number of a very popular personal therapist.
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