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've been asked to watch the class pet over a long weekend. It gets loose on its first night at your house.
A character's best friend is leaving town forever, and they haven't told them that they love them yet.
A pessimist becomes an optimist.
Write an unrequited loved story using situational irony.
An entrepreneur is suffering self-doubt from a string of failures, and this is their last chance.
You're at your computer feeling heavy writer's block. Suddenly words start appearing on the screen.
Write a story with these words: "teddy bear," "black," "blood."
Write a story that takes place over the span of the longest Monopoly game ever.
You visited a psychic for romantic advice. Instead, they tell you that your spouse has a secret.
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..."
Write a story about a character who sees the ocean for the first time.
Each year, the Springers host the town's most epic Halloween costume party. You're determined to win the grand prize this year, except that this year the theme is "Willy Wonka."
One character wants a snake, but their roommate has a phobia. They adopt one anyway.
Write a story about Christmas from the perspective of someone who hates Christmas.
You're driving down a lonely road when you see a machine-looking object jet across the night sky.
Write a story about the small kindnesses that you see every day.
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 🙌
