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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Re-write Romeo and Juliet as a short story... but make it horror.
Set your story entirely under mistletoe.
Write a story about trust. Include a pair of siblings in it.
What is the memory that you remember the most? Why?
"Savor this sunset, folks. It might be the last one we ever see."
The money is good. But the lies have built up. This empire of yours has been built on a secret, a stolen technology, and the guilt has reached its peak. You have to come out with the truth
Write a love poem inspired by a recently received text message.
You're the principal for the day! Write a story about what you would do with these newfound responsibilities.
Write about your favorite hobby.
A character must confront their fear of commitment if they want to save their failing relationship.
You signed up for what you thought was a sweepstakes to win the latest Apple iPhone model, only to discover to your horror when you get to the fall festival that it's actually a competition to see who can eat the most apples in 30 minutes.
You head into the forest with your trusty lantern that's been enchanted to burn forever. You're looking for something.
Write a story about a character who can only tell the truth.
It's Christmas, and you somehow need to manuever your parents into buying you the gift that you want.
You caught the girl in classroom 3B stealing your favorite eraser, which means war.
You just discovered England's biggest secret: every time they sing "God Save the Queen" it extends the queens life.
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