good ideas for fantasy short stories

One idea could be a world where magic is tied to emotions. So, when a person is extremely happy, they can create beautiful, floating lights, but when angry, they summon dark, stormy clouds. Another could be a story about a magical library that holds the memories of every person who has ever lived. The main character could be a librarian who discovers a plot to erase certain memories.

One idea could be a world where magic is tied to emotions. For example, when a person is extremely happy, they can create beautiful, floating lights. A young girl discovers she has an unusual ability to control negative emotions like anger and turn them into a powerful force to fight against dark creatures that thrive on despair. She has to learn to balance her emotions to use this power effectively.

A fantasy story could be set in a world where dreams are a tangible reality. There are special hunters who go into people's nightmares to slay the monsters that lurk there. The main character is a young trainee hunter who accidentally enters the wrong nightmare and discovers a conspiracy that could destroy the balance between the dream world and the real world. So, they must fight against powerful dream entities to save both worlds.

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.

One idea could be a story about an old, abandoned house. A young couple decides to explore it at night. As they enter, they hear strange whispers and the sound of a creaking rocking chair. When they turn on their flashlights, they see a faint figure of an old woman in the corner, but when they blink, she's gone.

One good idea often found in short stories is the 'twist ending'. For example, in O. Henry's stories like 'The Gift of the Magi'. The couple sacrifices their most precious possessions for each other, only to find out the gifts they bought are now useless, but it shows their deep love. This kind of twist makes the story memorable.

A story about a young wizard who fails all his magic exams at the academy but discovers a unique and ancient form of magic that no one else can do. He then has to prove himself to his skeptical teachers and peers. This could involve him using this new magic to save the academy from a dark force.

One idea could be a story about a lost key that unlocks a mysterious door in an old attic. The protagonist discovers the key while cleaning out their deceased grandmother's house. As they search for the door it might belong to, they encounter strange events and people who seem to be guarding a secret related to the key.

Draw from personal experiences. Your own life is full of unique situations and emotions that can be translated into a short story. For instance, a memorable trip could be the basis for a story about self - discovery.

A short story idea could revolve around time travel. A scientist accidentally travels back in time to a crucial moment in history. He has to decide whether to interfere or not, and his every action has unforeseen consequences. It can explore themes like fate, free will, and the impact of small actions.