“Ugh, what should I write about?” Do you ever get stuck when facing a blank page? Sometimes, you need a good writing prompt to get the creative juices flowing. You might go back and use some of what you’ve written, or you might just use it as a warmup until you feel more confident or get a sudden flash of inspiration. If you’re having trouble coming up with story ideas right now, don’t fret! I put together this list of short story ideas so you can get yourself started in no time. 🙂 Hope you find one that helps!
Short Story Ideas: No. 1
She shivered at the edge of the diving board. It didn’t help that the air smelled like an oncoming thunderstorm, the kind that were common on August afternoons like this one. Bouncing gently on the board, she looked down and saw…
Short Story Ideas: No. 2
The dog showed up on Wednesday after school. Ben knew his grandmother wouldn’t be happy if the dog came inside, so he took half a loaf of bread from the kitchen and headed to the backyard. The dog was still waiting for him.
“Here, “ Ben said. He held out the slice of whole wheat. The dog trotted forward and…
Short Story Ideas: No. 3
Alexis clenched her fists. She wanted to smash every plate in the cupboard, to punch holes in the wall and set the perfect green lawn on fire. “Don’t touch me,” she shouted. “If you do, I’ll…”
Short Story Ideas: No. 4
“I’m proud of you. I know I don’t say it enough, but it’s true.”
Mathias rubbed his thumb over the car’s worn steering wheel. Why was his father being so kind now, after Mathias had been inexcusably rude at the funeral last week? “Dad,” he whispered hoarsely, “I need to tell you the truth. I…”
Short Story Ideas: No. 5
He didn’t tell his mom he had dropped out. It would have killed her. Instead, he left the house every morning like he was going to school and drove all the way to…
Short Story Ideas: No. 6
Hayden felt the butterflies in her stomach swoop and swirl. Above her, the lights of the Ferris wheel spun pink and blue. It was easy to lean in for the kiss, and she felt him smile against her mouth.
“Hey,” he said. “I’m really glad that…”
Short Story Ideas: No. 7
Tanisha blew on her fingers to keep them warm. Thick snowflakes were beginning to fall, but it was worth it to be out at the fire department parking lot, picking out the perfect Christmas tree.
“How about this one?” her aunt suggested.
Tanisha turned. The tree was…
Short Story Ideas: No. 8
The hospital. His brother was in the hospital. Grabbing his coat, Theo pounded down the steps and out to the street. He tried to imagine what could have happened in the last six hours. Car accident. Burns from the kitchen stove, Or maybe…
Short Story Ideas: No. 9
Jonah grinned. Five more dollars. Five more dollars and he could finally buy…
Short Story Ideas: No. 10
The key felt good in her hand, like it was meant to come to her. Smiling to herself, Evangeline reached out and unlocked…
If you enjoyed these, try these fantasy writing prompts!
Happy writing,
Emily