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
47 Best Dramatic Short Story Ideas
Showing 47 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Something unusual is found in a winter coat pocket.
You find a well-kept, spotless leather bound book in the middle of a vast desert.
A plane that's been missing for years suddenly lands at a major airport.
Two friends are meeting at a high school reunion. They have not seen each other in ten years.
"See you later!" you called, not realizing it wasn't true.
You're in an airport, watching people say goodbye before heading through security.
You find your grandparent's old chessboard in the attic. Absentmindedly, you move a piece. The next day, an opposing piece has been moved.
"Have a good night," you say, and breath a huge sigh of relief the moment you walk away.
You thought you were the last person left on Earth. Today you found out that might not be true.
You're on a boat that should have reached undiscovered land days ago. Your compass tells you you're on the right path but there is no land in sight.
There is a fountain that truly does grant wishes to those who throw coins in it.
There's an urban legend about a taxi cab that doesn't take you where you want to go, but where you need to go. One night, you step into this cab.
Everyday, you sit at your window to watch a neighbor play a musical instrument. You can't hear the music, but you're transfixed by the musician's expression.
You were sitting on a park bench, enjoying the sun, when a stranger sat next to you and started typing on an old fashioned typewriter.
As you ride your motorcycle off into the sunset, you see something unexpected on the horizon.
You've done the unthinkable in the 21st century: found undiscovered land.
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 🙌
