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.
Write a story based on your very first memory.
A group of high school students go on an educational field trip to a graveyard to learn about the history of the area. But when a storm starts up and they get trapped, they have to figure out how to survive the night.
Shaking, you take a step back from the sight in front of you. You'd never seen so much blood in your life.
You were mowing your lawn when someone walked by your yard and burst into tears.
You are home alone watching TV. A character dials a number on their phone. Your phone rings.
An evil king has seized control of the land. The world's only hope? An even eviller witch who has the powers to stop him.
It's the year 2099, and everyone has a smartwatch that can tell them what age they die.
A long-standing feud erupts during a funeral or wedding.
You work at an airport and notice the same person waiting in "arrivals" every week. Each time, they leave alone. One day you muster the courage to ask who they are waiting for.
Write a story about a character who is under intense pressure to succeed at something.
While looking through old photos you discover something that unequivocally settles an argument that ended a childhood friendship decades ago.
You just discovered England's biggest secret: every time they sing "God Save the Queen" it extends the queens life.
Your mom has just sat you down and told you that you'll have a baby sister.
Write a story about the friendship between two different species of animals.
Write about a time that you found out something surprising about somebody else.
Who would you choose as the TIME Person Of The Year? Why?
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 🙌
