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.
Set your story at a sunny day in the park.
Write a story about a family adopting a black cat, just in time for Halloween.
Write a story that evokes the feeling of nails on a chalkboard!
Write about a time you were given responsibility.
You open a fortune cookie at a Chinese restaurant. Inside is a handwritten note.
Write about a wish that you once made.
Write a story about coming out. The ending is a happy one.
A 50-year-old has started to do the daily Sudoku, scared that she is starting to lose her memory.
A young boy working up the courage to ask his long-time crush to dance with him at the school dance.
Write a story about a world in which Mondays don't exist.
As the floor trembles and the walls shake, you know there is only one way to survive.
You are a curmudgeonly old man whose name is Writer S. Block. You just spotted your next victim.
Write a story about your dream vacation.
Doppelgangers exist in this world. You just met yours — and they're not friendly.
You are granted one wish. But you have to use the wish for someone else.
Write a story about two characters competing to take the worst ever picture-day portrait.
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 🙌
