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DIRECTORY
539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
A character starts remembering things that never happened.
You bump into someone while walking to the bus. They feel the bump, but can't seem to see or hear you.
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.
Describe a change that you think you've gone through.
The world's wealthiest person has recently been put in prison for life. They offer half their fortune to any person, organization, or country that will free them.
Pick a color and write a story based on the feelings that that color evokes for you.
While on a leisurely stroll through the forest, you find strange footprints. Do you follow them?
The monster from your nightmare is standing next to you when you wake up.
Write a story from the perspective of a snowman who has just come to life. Plot twist: he's missing eyes.
"I'd like to buy a plane ticket to your furthest destination today," you told the airline employee.
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.
It's your first spring… and you have allergies!
You are a Nobel Prize Winner, on your way to the awards ceremony. Suddenly, you are transported back in time.
Write a story where someone says, "If only I could have met you ten years later, maybe… this all could have turned out differently."
A habitually fearful person turns brave.
Two people are playing chess. One person can read minds, the other person can see the future.
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