You can start by looking at real - world mythology. For instance, Greek mythology has all kinds of gods, monsters, and epic quests. You can take elements from it and twist them into your own unique fantasy idea. Say, take the concept of the Minotaur and place it in a modern - day city underground where it has been forgotten for centuries and is now awakened by an accidental excavation.
Read a lot of urban fantasy works. This will expose you to different concepts and ideas that you can build on or twist in your own way. You can also take elements from different mythologies and blend them into an urban setting. For example, take the concept of Norse Valkyries and make them motorcycle-riding warriors in a modern city. And don't be afraid to play with the rules of magic. Maybe in your story, magic is powered by recycled materials.
Read a lot of existing fantasy stories. This exposes you to different concepts and tropes that you can then put your own spin on. For example, if you read about a magical school, you could create a school that floats in the air or is underwater. Another way is to look at real - world myths and legends. Take elements from them and blend them into your fantasy world. For instance, you could use the idea of a phoenix from Greek mythology and make it a central part of your story, perhaps as a protector of a magical kingdom. Also, daydreaming can be really helpful. Let your mind wander and think about strange and wonderful things like a city made of clouds or a race of people who can communicate with plants.
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 of other fantasy novels. This will expose you to different concepts, worlds, and characters that can inspire your own ideas. For instance, if you read about a magical forest in one book, you might think about creating your own version with different types of magical plants and creatures.
Read a lot of existing fantasy stories. This can inspire you. For instance, if you read about a magical ring in one story, you might think about creating a story around a magical bracelet. It gives you a starting point.
Mix different horror elements. For instance, combine a supernatural entity like a demon with a scientific experiment gone wrong. The demon could be unleashed during a top - secret experiment in a laboratory. The scientists are now at the mercy of the demon as it starts to possess them one by one, causing chaos and death in the lab.
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 absurd things around you. For example, if you see a dog wearing a funny hat, think about what kind of story could come from that. Maybe the dog is a secret agent on a mission and the hat is part of his disguise. Another way is to mix up different genres or concepts. Take a western setting and add some aliens to it. A cowboy fighting aliens with his lasso could be a really funny story. Also, think about giving inanimate objects personalities. A grumpy old toaster that only toasts bread on Tuesdays could be a great character in a story.
You could start with a character. Say, a Christmas tree farmer who discovers a very special tree on his farm. This tree has a strange glow and seems to have a mind of its own. As he tries to figure out what to do with it, all sorts of magical things start to happen around the farm. Or think about a family that has lost the meaning of Christmas due to a recent tragedy. Then, something or someone comes along to help them rediscover the joy of the holiday. You can also draw inspiration from the weather. A story about a huge snowstorm that traps a group of strangers together in an old inn on Christmas day, and they end up sharing their stories and forming unexpected friendships.
Think about your fears. If you're afraid of heights, you could create a story about a skyscraper that has some sort of malevolent force on the top floors. People who go up there start to experience vertigo even more intensely and see strange apparitions that make them lose their balance and fall.