120 Short Story Ideas for Writers

short story ideas Are you stuck in a creative rut? Do you need a spark to ignite your next short story?

I hear you.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a newbie, coming up with fresh and exciting story ideas can be a real challenge. I’m here to help with this article packed full of short story writing prompts, offering a plethora of short story ideas across a veritable smorgasbord of genres.

From the mystical realms of fantasy to the futuristic landscapes of science fiction, the heartfelt world of romance, the gripping tension of crime stories, the nuanced narratives of women’s fiction, and imaginative tales for children, you’ll find inspiration for your next writing project.

We’ll explore tips on how to decide what to write about, ensuring you choose a story idea that resonates with you and your readers.

Are you ready to get your short story on?

Then let’s do this thing.

Fantasy Short Story Writing Prompts

A dragon hoards not gold but forgotten memories.
An enchanted forest appears only once every hundred years.
A young wizard’s apprentice discovers a spell that can change the past.
There’s a kingdom where every citizen has a unique magical ability, except for one individual.
A cursed object brings fortune to its owner at a great personal cost.
A group of adventurers are on a quest to find a mythical creature believed to be extinct.
A sorcerer loses their magic and must rely on their wits to save their realm.
An ancient prophecy predicts the rise of a hero, but the chosen one is reluctant.
A fairy tale villain is misunderstood and seeks redemption.
A magical competition prize is a wish granted by the gods.
A hidden society of elves live in the modern world, influencing human events.
A castle moves locations every night, confusing those who seek it.
A warrior is bound by an oath to protect a powerful artifact.
A mysterious island appears and disappears with the tides.
A magical library’s books come to life and interact with readers.
A hero must journey to the underworld to rescue a loved one.
A witch casts spells using songs instead of incantations.
A magical creature grants wishes but requires a personal sacrifice.
A kingdom’s seasons change at the whim of the monarch.
A cursed prince can only communicate through writing.

fantasy writing prompts

Sci-fi Short Story Prompts

A colony on Mars discovers a mysterious signal from deep space.
A time traveler becomes stuck in a dystopian future.
A spaceship crew encounters an alien species that communicates through emotions.
It’s a post-apocalyptic earth where humanity survives in floating cities above a toxic atmosphere.
A scientist creates a portal to parallel universes, each more dangerous than the last.
In a city where everyone has augmented reality implants, a conspiracy threatens their reality.
An android develops human emotions and ethical dilemmas follow.
A rogue planet enters our solar system, bringing unknown life forms with it.
A genetic experiment grants humans extraordinary abilities at a high cost.
You can buy memories, sell them, and steal them.
A society bans all forms of art and creativity, but a group of rebels fights to preserve it.
A scientist discovers a way to communicate with plants and learns they have their own society.
Climate change has drastically altered the planet, and humanity must adapt.
A detective who solves crimes by entering the memories of the deceased.
The government monitors and regulates dreams.
A spaceship is on a mission to find a new habitable planet, and they encounter an ancient alien civilization.
Humans can upload their consciousness into robotic bodies.
A group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world discover an underground city.
A journalist uncovers a government conspiracy involving genetic manipulation.

sci-fi story prompts

Romance Narrative Prompts

Two rival chefs compete in a cooking contest and discover a mutual attraction.
Write a love story between a time traveler and a historian.
A romance blossoms in a small town during a significant festival.
An artist falls for their muse who is hiding a secret.
A chance meeting on a train changes two strangers’ lives forever.
A romance unfolds through a series of letters found in an old attic.
It’s a second chance romance between high school sweethearts who meet again at a reunion.
A relationship starts with a mistaken identity.
The protagonist must choose between a past love and a new flame.
A long-distance relationship is challenged by unexpected circumstances.
A romance happens between a human and a supernatural being.
A couple must overcome their families’ long-standing feud to be together.
A summer romance must survive the return to real life.
A love story is set in a historical period with societal challenges.
A romance begins with a lie but grows into something real.
A story of unrequited love finally gets a happy ending.
A couple meet during a natural disaster and bond through the experience.
A romance develops during a road trip across the country.
A relationship starts as a fake engagement but turns genuine.

Crime Story Ideas to Write About

A detective must solve a crime in a town where everyone has a motive.
A heist gone wrong and there are consequences.
A series of mysterious disappearances happen in a small coastal village.
A journalist uncovers a conspiracy while investigating a high-profile murder.
An unsolved case draws a retired detective back into the game.
A cat-and-mouse game happens between a cunning thief and a determined investigator.
A crime syndicate’s power struggle is seen through the eyes of an undercover cop.
A lawyer discovers their client is guilty and must decide whether to reveal the truth.
A cold case is reopened when fresh evidence comes to light.
A crime that is planned and executed perfectly but leaves one small clue.
A detective has to work with their estranged sibling to solve a crime.
A vigilante takes justice into their own hands in a corrupt city.
A series of crimes mimic famous literary murders.
A detective realizes the criminal they’re hunting is someone from their past.
A forensic scientist discovers evidence has been tampered with.
A criminal experiences remorse and tries to undo their wrongs.
A detective uses unorthodox methods to solve crimes.

crime story prompts

Women’s Fiction Story Topics

Tell a woman’s journey of self-discovery after a major life change.
A female entrepreneur breaks into a male-dominated industry.
A mother and daughter must navigate their complicated relationship.
A group of women reconnect at a high school reunion and confront their pasts.
A woman has a quest to uncover her family’s hidden history.
The bonds of friendship are tested by secrets and betrayals.
A widow finds love and purpose after loss.
A woman fights for justice in a corrupt legal system.
Delve into the impact of a life-changing diagnosis on a woman’s outlook and relationships.
A woman travels the world after a personal tragedy and finds healing.
Women support each other through life’s challenges.
A female athlete overcomes obstacles to achieve her dreams.
A woman starts a new life in a different country and faces cultural challenges.
Write a story of forgiveness and reconciliation between estranged sisters.
A woman becomes an advocate for a cause she believes in.
A female artist struggles with self-doubt but finds her voice.
A woman leaves an abusive relationship and rebuilds her life.
Tell a tale of friendship between women from different generations.
A woman rediscovers her passion for a hobby she abandoned.

Children’s Ideas for a Story

A group of kids discovers a magical portal in their backyard.
An adventurer finds hidden treasure in a haunted house.
A young hero must save their school from an evil wizard.
Talking animals team up to solve a mystery in the forest.
A child invents a time machine and travels to different historical periods.
A magical pet grants wishes but with unintended consequences.
A friendship starts between a human child and a misunderstood monster.
An adventure is in a world where toys come to life when no one is looking.
A young detective solves mysteries around their neighborhood.
A group of kids form a secret club to protect their town.
A child can talk to ghosts and help them solve their problems.
A magical treehouse transports kids to different worlds.
A young inventor creates gadgets to help their friends.
Tell a story about a child who can communicate with animals.
A group of friends discover a hidden city beneath their town.
A child finds a map leading to a pirate’s treasure.
A young hero must save their kingdom from an evil sorcerer.
A child learns they are the heir to a magical kingdom.
A young artist brings their drawings to life.

children's story prompts

How to Decide What to Write a Story About

Choosing the right story idea can be daunting, but these tips can help:

Follow Your Passion: Write about what excites you. Your enthusiasm will translate to the page and engage your readers.
Know Your Audience: Consider who you’re writing for. Tailoring your story to your audience’s interests can guide your choice of ideas.
Explore “What If” Scenarios: Ask yourself “What if?” to generate unique and intriguing story concepts.
Draw From Personal Experience: Use your life experiences as inspiration for authentic and relatable stories.
Read Widely: Exposure to different genres and styles can spark new ideas and perspectives.
Mix Genres: Combine elements from different genres to create something fresh and unexpected.
Start With a Character: Develop an interesting character and build a story around their journey.
Consider the Setting: Sometimes, a unique setting can inspire the entire plot.
Think About Themes: Reflect on the themes you want to explore, such as love, loss, justice, or adventure.
Use Prompts: Writing prompts, like the ones in this article, can jumpstart your creativity.
Free Writing: Spend some time free writing to see what ideas naturally emerge.
Brainstorm: Create a mind map or list of ideas and see which ones stand out to you.
Seek Feedback: Discuss your ideas with friends or fellow writers to gain new insights.
Reflect on Dreams: Sometimes dreams can provide the basis for interesting stories.
Observe the World: Look around you for inspiration in everyday life, nature, and current events.
Challenge Yourself: Push the boundaries of your comfort zone by trying new genres or styles.
Revisit Old Ideas: Look at your past notes or unfinished stories for ideas that you can revive or reimagine.
Consider Moral Dilemmas: Stories that tackle complex ethical questions can be interesting and thought-provoking.
Use Music or Art: Let your favorite music or artwork inspire a mood, setting, or scene for your story.
Imagine Alternate Realities: Create stories based on alternate histories or future possibilities.

With these prompts and tips, you are well-equipped to embark on your next writing adventure.

And finally, always remember that story comes first. Focus on:

Creating engaging characters
Penning interesting plots
Structuring solid settings

A tool like Fictionary helps you turn your draft into an interesting story readers love. So, with the right writing prompts and a strong narrative foundation, your writing can truly shine.