How about a story based on a first love experience? It can explore all the emotions and challenges. Or a tale of a person trying to achieve a seemingly impossible dream. There are many possibilities to make it engaging.
You could write about a mysterious adventure in a far-off land. Maybe a character discovers an ancient treasure and has to face all kinds of challenges to keep it.
Well, there's a lot. Like a person's unexpected adventure on a solo camping trip. Or a magical encounter in a garden at night. Also, a heartwarming moment shared between a grandparent and a child could be a great topic.
A time - traveling encounter. For example, a person accidentally travels back in time and meets their younger self. They have to deal with the consequences of this strange meeting and how it changes their perspective on life.
In 'A Short History of the Short Story', the main topics would probably start with the very early forms of short storytelling. Then it would move on to how the form changed as literature became more formalized. It would also look at how short stories were received by different audiences. Another key topic would be how the short story has been a vehicle for exploring various aspects of the human condition, from love and loss to power and identity. And it would surely touch on how the short story has adapted to different literary trends over the years.
One good topic could be a post - apocalyptic world. You can explore how survivors adapt, form new communities, and deal with the scarcity of resources. Another topic is a family mystery. Maybe there's a long - lost relative or a secret that has been hidden for generations within a family. A third option is a time - travel adventure. The protagonist could travel to different historical periods and interact with famous figures while also facing the consequences of changing the past.
One good topic could be a day in the life of a pet. You can show all the funny things they do, like chasing their own tail or begging for treats in a really cute way. Another topic is a misadventure at school. For example, a student accidentally glues their hand to the desk. Or you could do a story about a magical forest where all the animals can talk and they have to solve a problem together, like finding a missing key to unlock the magic gate.