Your character wants to make a good impression, but her husband has a tendency to drink too much and say exactly what's on his mind. Your character's boss invites her and her husband to dinner.You must leave the city immediately and never return. At a Chinese restaurant, your character opens his fortune cookie and reads the following message: 'Your life is in danger.A babysitter is snooping around her employer's house and finds a disturbing photograph.Are you up to it?Įxtreme challenge: Why not write a book of short stories? Choose seven or eight short story ideas to get started. A campfire, a scream, and a small lie that gets bigger and bigger.Ĭhallenge: 4 stories in 4 weeks using these short story ideas.A horoscope, makeup, and a missing tooth.The first day of school, a love note, and a recipe with a significant mistake.An annoying boss, a bikini, and a fake illness.An ex-boyfriend, a pair of binoculars, and a good-luck charm.Aerobics, a secret diary, and something unpleasant under the bed.A broken wristwatch, peppermints, and a hug that goes too far.Identical twins, a party invitation, and a locked closet.A taxi, an old enemy, and Valentine's Day.A stolen ring, fear of spiders, and a sinister stranger.Have fun!Ĭhoose a set of three elements and write a story that contains all three of them!Įxtreme challenge: combine three of the elements with one of the other short story ideas on this page.

You'll also find links to more creative writing prompts at the bottom of the page.Īny of these ideas can be used either humorously or dramatically. Use these story starters on their own or to get ideas for the CWN online writing courses. Forty-Four Short Story Ideas Here are lots of short story ideas that you can use as writing prompts.

Fiction writing challenge