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539 Best Short Story Ideas for Authors in 2026
Showing 539 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
The world's wealthiest person has recently been put in prison for life. They offer half their fortune to any person, organization, or country that will free them.
Rewrite a famous romantic scene from the perspective of a bystander who has no idea what is going on.
Two colleagues with poor communication skills have to collaborate for the first time on a project.
Write a descriptive story about a household using only one of the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, or taste.
Because of a freak science experiment, you just had a body swap — with the principal of your high school! What do you do with your newfound role?
One person's trash is another's treasure.
Someone steps out of your television set… and you were watching a horror movie.
Write a story about a character learning a new sport.
Write a story that's entirely set in the cafeteria.
Write a story about a search for a Santa suit.
You're in charge of creating the new school lunch menu. What kind of menu would you make?
You're sitting in a coffee shop watching someone type on their computer. They type the words, "It begins raining outside", and it instantly starts raining.
"Hi. It's me."
You participated in your office's Secret Santa, but no one will admit to buying your gift. Write a story about the search for the mysterious gifter.
What are you talking about, dude? I'm right here? Can't you see me?
Mars is the new wild west, complete with gunslingers.
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