Look around you. Real - life experiences can be a great source. For example, if you've seen an old couple holding hands in the park, you can base a story on that kind of long - lasting love. You can also think about different settings like a busy city street or a quiet beach. A story could start with two strangers meeting in one of those places.
You can start by thinking about your own fears. For example, if you're afraid of the dark, you could create a story where a character is trapped in a pitch - black place with something unknown lurking. Another way is to look at real - life events and give them a spooky twist. Say there was a news story about a missing person. In your horror story, the missing person could be the victim of a supernatural force that hides in the woods. Also, folklore and urban legends are great sources. You can take elements from them, like the idea of a werewolf or a vampire, and put your own unique spin on it.
To develop good ideas for fantasy short stories, think about the relationships between characters. For example, a friendship between a human and a magical being could be the basis of a story. The conflict could be that the magical being is hunted by other humans because of its power. Another way is to think about how magic affects the world. If magic is a finite resource, how does that change society? Does it lead to wars? Or does it create a caste system where those with magic are at the top? By exploring these aspects, you can come up with engaging and unique ideas for your fantasy short stories.
Read a lot. Reading different types of fiction exposes you to various storylines, characters, and settings, which can inspire your own ideas. Also, observe the world around you. Everyday events, people's behaviors, and even the environment can give you ideas. For example, if you see an old, abandoned building, you could imagine a story about what happened there in the past or what secrets it might hold.
Look at real - life situations. For instance, conflicts at work, like colleagues competing for a limited number of promotions. You can take this and fictionalize it for your short story.
Look at your own experiences. Maybe that time you got lost in a new city can be turned into an adventure story. You just need to exaggerate some parts and add fictional elements.
You can start by observing the world around you. People you meet, places you visit, and things you do can all be sources of inspiration. For instance, if you notice an old, abandoned building, you could create a story about the secrets it holds or the people who used to live there.
Think about emotions deeply. What are the most intense emotions that come with love? Jealousy, passion, longing. Build your story around these emotions. For example, you could have a character who is jealous of their partner's past relationship. This jealousy causes conflict in the relationship, but through communication and understanding, they overcome it. Also, consider adding some mystery to the story. Maybe one of the characters has a secret that, when revealed, either makes or breaks their relationship.
Look at nature for inspiration. For instance, a forest could be a magical place full of fairies and hidden paths. Or a waterfall could be a portal to another world. You can also think about different mythologies and incorporate elements from them, like Greek or Norse mythology.
Look at real - life historical events or places with a dark past. For example, old asylums or abandoned prisons. These can provide a great backdrop for your story. You can also think about different types of supernatural elements like ghosts, vampires, or witches. Combine them with a character who has a flaw or a secret that gets drawn into the dark world of the gothic setting.
Think about historical events or places. Abandoned mental asylums, old cemeteries, and haunted castles are great starting points. For instance, if you choose an abandoned mental asylum, research the history of how these places were run in the past. You might find out about cruel treatments and experiments. Then, you can create a story where a character goes to explore the asylum and discovers the ghosts of the patients who suffered there. You can also use local legends and folklore. If there's a story in your town about a witch who was burned at the stake, you could base your gothic horror story on that, with the witch's spirit coming back to seek revenge.