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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
You discover a strange map that's been stuffed into your locker.
You have wondered how to bring down Jane Lotsacash for years. Now, the key to her demise rests on your desk...
You are traveling when you are informed by an airport official that your passport isn't valid, and the country you claim to be from doesn't exist.
While transferring between international flights at an airport, you befriend a strange person while passing through security.
Write a story about a rival studio that is desperately trying to create a song to outsell Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
Write a children's book about diversity.
Write a story based on your very first memory.
During a group project, the class clown is stalling on doing their share of the work.
Set your story at a sunny day in the park.
Write a story about a pair of siblings who open up a lemonade stand during summer vacation, and the rivalry that flares up when their neighbors decide to start a Kool-Aid stand at the same time.
You're spending the night in an old Victorian home-turned-hotel. You're just about to go into your room, when you hear a harp playing from inside it.
You find your grandparent's old chessboard in the attic. Absentmindedly, you move a piece. The next day, an opposing piece has been moved.
An introvert sits down next to an extrovert in the classroom. What happens?
Write about the first time you learned to do something.
Write a story that's set at a ski resort during Christmas.
It's the first day of summer camp, and one of this year's new campers is the child of a major celebrity. Write a story about the first week from the head camp counselor's perspective.
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