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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Set your story entirely under mistletoe.
"I have to go!" she/he said suddenly, jumping up from the table during dinner.
Write a story that includes these three words: "clown," "purple," and "apple."
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 story about acceptance that involves a new exchange student.
Write a story about Christmas from the perspective of someone who hates Christmas.
Write about the first time you learned to do something.
Time travel is real and time tourists show up in large numbers around major historical events. One day, thousands of time tourists are in ships above the earth, quietly waiting.
"Hi. It's me."
Something unusual is found in a winter coat pocket.
Write a story about the unlikely friendship that starts up between a young character and the eccentric old lady next door.
You have wondered how to bring down Jane Lotsacash for years. Now, the key to her demise rests on your desk...
Two elderly people in a retirement home are a secret pair of detectives that have solved some of the biggest crimes and mysteries through anonymous tips.
Write a story using the Halloween colors somewhere in the piece: orange, black, purple, and green.
The voice in your head is your only friend. The AI implant is your only ally. And she's just started to become sentient...
You are put in charge of a mission to Mars on NASA's most advanced space shuttle yet. Organize your team.
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