Menu
Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.
Win up to $250 in our weekly writing contest
Submit your short story on Reedsy Prompts.
DIRECTORY
539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Santa Claus is backed up with orders recently, and you're in charge of writing the official letter of apology to all of the children around the world informing them that their presents may arrive a week late this year.
You catch a falling star and put it in your pocket.
You discover a strange map that's been stuffed into your locker.
A tree falls in the woods. You're around to hear it.
You are part of a huge team of accountants that manages the karma of people on earth.
Write a children's book that's set entirely in space.
You're the director at a marketing agency. Your next project: to come up with an irresistibly catchy Christmas jingle. The only problem is that you hate Christmas.
As you ride your motorcycle off into the sunset, you see something unexpected on the horizon.
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.
Write a story about a character who can only tell lies.
You canÍt believe what you just read on the scroll. You have to tell someone.
A story that takes place in the Wild West, but the world is frigid, covered with snow and ice instead of sand.
A reindeer is loose! What can you, a mere elf on the lowest rung of Santa's helpers, do?
"By the time I wake up in the morning, I want them dead."
You're on a sleepover with your best friend, when your best friend starts to act strangely.
"I have to go!" she/he said suddenly, jumping up from the table during dinner.
Find the perfect editor for your next book
Over 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.
Save your shortlist
Enter your email address to save your shortlist so that you don't lose it!
By continuing, you will also receive Reedsy's weekly publishing tips and access to our free webinars.
Check your email
We've sent over your shortlist. Thank you for using Reedsy's Short Story Ideas Directory 🙌
