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DIRECTORY
539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Write a story with the worlds: "calculation," "corn," and "mayor."
A door in the locker room leads to a magical fantasy world.
Write a story about a search for a Santa suit.
You have to let go of something you treasure.
You're the principal for the day! Write a story about what you would do with these newfound responsibilities.
While looking through old photos you discover something that unequivocally settles an argument that ended a childhood friendship decades ago.
You are a student working on a team project. You and your group are accidentally locked in the school library overnight.
The old bus driver who drives you to work every day always tells you rambling stories about his friends, who all seem to have passed away. Eventually, you begin to suspect he is immortal.
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.
Write a story about a character who can only tell lies.
When people die, they are transported to the event that ultimately caused their death. One day, you are hit by a car and sent 12 years into the past.
The money is good. But the lies have built up. This empire of yours has been built on a secret, a stolen technology, and the guilt has reached its peak. You have to come out with the truth
Write a story where your character gets close to obtaining their greatest desire.
You discover a secret family member you never knew existed.
Write a story where your character faces a deep fear.
You find a note in your locker that is not intended for you, but the person with the next locker over. What does the note say? What do you do with it?
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