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.
Rewrite a famous romantic scene from the perspective of a bystander who has no idea what is going on.
A door in the locker room leads to a magical fantasy world.
You were staring out the bus window idly when someone sat down and said, "What a DAY!"
You wish upon what looks like a star but is actually a satellite. Your wish has been recorded, catalogued, and an agent is now assigned the task of granting your wish.
You eavesdrop on a hushed conversation taking place in the hallway. What's being said is not nice about someone you know.
Your date finds an engagement ring inside a slice of cake they ordered for dessert. You weren't planning to propose.
While transferring between international flights at an airport, you befriend a strange person while passing through security.
Write a story about a group of friends who volunteer at a soup kitchen on the weekends.
You are a space kitty, traveling from planet to planet. You write a letter home and this is what it says.
You bump into someone while walking to the bus. They feel the bump, but can't seem to see or hear you.
Re-write Romeo and Juliet as a short story... but make it horror.
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 🙌
