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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 takes place over the course of a house party.
A pessimist becomes an optimist.
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.
Fairy godmothers exist, and yours just introduced herself to you on your 15th birthday.
August 30, 1946: The date of the one and only time travel convention. You attend every year.
Write a story that retells a Shakespeare play, but in a modern-day high school setting.
You just got the new dog that you've wanted for such a long time, but you're finding that it's a lot more responsibility than you expected.
Write about the origin of the saying "April showers bring May flowers."
You know how when you see a bear, you should stay calm and make loud noises? For this… creature… you have to do the opposite. You have to run.
You discover a secret family member you never knew existed.
Two strangers have an interesting encounter on a park bench during a snowy, winter evening.
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