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DIRECTORY
539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
As the floor trembles and the walls shake, you know there is only one way to survive.
A writer becomes trapped inside their own book.
"The grass is always greener on the other side." You were prepared to find out.
"By the time I wake up in the morning, I want them dead."
You are the Grinch who hates Halloween, and your mission this year is to replace every single Ferroro Rocher with brussel sprouts.
Pick one of your Instagram photos. Write about the story behind it.
You have a writer's block breakthrough at the worst possible time.
Write a story about a high-stakes decoration competition between neighbors vyying for the title of Most Festive Home in their city (and the local newspaper feature that comes with it).
Write a story about a terrible, unfixable hair cut.
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.
You are home alone watching TV. A character dials a number on their phone. Your phone rings.
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