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 about a power hungry wizard summoning an eldritch creature from a blood-stained spellbook.
Write a story about a character who moves from a small town to a big city for the first time.
Set your story at a sunny day in the park.
The old bus driver who drives you to work every day always tells you rambling stories about his friends, who all seem to have passed away. Eventually, you begin to suspect he is immortal.
Write a story that's entirely set in the cafeteria.
A logical person starts acting irrationally.
Write about the most epic Easter egg hunt ever.
Describe a character and their life using only the apps on their phone.
If a fire broke out in your home, what are the first three things that you would grab? Why?
You are born with the ability to stop time. One day, you see something else moving when you have already stopped time.
Write a children's book that's set entirely in space.
Write a story about a character's first day at an after-school job in a retail store.
In a series of letters to Santa, write a story about growing up.
Your family's run out of coal to heat your home in December. To procure coal for your family, you have to figure out how to get onto Santa's naughty list... quickly.
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 eavesdrop on a hushed conversation taking place in the hallway. What's being said is not nice about someone you know.
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 🙌
