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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Write a story that inverts the trope of the Chosen One.
You left cookies on the table on the day before Christmas. When you wake up the next day, the cookies are gone, and in their place is a note. What does it say?
Each year, the Springers host the town's most epic Halloween costume party. You're determined to win the grand prize this year, except that this year the theme is "Willy Wonka."
Write a story that draws from a moment in your life where you wish you'd made a different choice. Have your protagonist make that choice, and then see what happens.
You are put in charge of a mission to Mars on NASA's most advanced space shuttle yet. Organize your team.
The world's most important chess game is about to start.
You bump into someone while walking to the bus. They feel the bump, but can't seem to see or hear you.
Write about a time that you were lost (metaphorically or literally).
Describe a change that you think you've gone through.
A wand-maker goes to the forest ready to work, only to find a group of environmentalists camped out in front of their favorite hemlock tree.
You are a Nobel Prize Winner, on your way to the awards ceremony. Suddenly, you are transported back in time.
It was just a regular day at the office. Then the power went out.
You wake up the day after an epic party. You're not where you expected to be.
You're on a sleepover with your best friend, when your best friend starts to act strangely.
"See you later!" you called, not realizing it wasn't true.
Write a story about a character learning a new sport.
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