Story Institute » Short Story Topics

Short Story Topics – Soccer for the Little Ones

Story Institute — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:14:52 +0000

Parents always push their children to achieve greatness in everything they do, especially in sports. Whether they are five and just beginning their venture of kicking a small, checkered ball around a grassy field, or they are fifteen and riding the bench of high school sports team wondering whatever happened to the fun days of just being a part of a team, children are encouraged to play the game.

Choose your age and choose your point of view. Are you the child? Or, are you the parent? Are you the coach, or the cheerleader? Your point of view and the age of the child determines the path of your story. If the child is little, focus on the wonders of playing a game and running up and down the field. If the child is older, focus on the aspects of teamwork or the ups and downs that go along with winning or coming in second. Choose your path and choose your storyline, but write and enjoy.

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Short Story Topics – Rollercoaster Theming

Story Institute — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:33:06 +0000

Life is like a rollercoaster. A common analogy used to explain the ups and
downs of life. When thinking of this rollercoaster though, depending on
your experience you may picture a stand alone coaster. One in the middle of
a park, perhaps sitting next to a carousel or some other ride. Each are
enjoyable experiences as you enter the rides, but once the ride is over…well
its over.

Or perhaps you think about a slightly different experience. One where there
is a theme woven throughout the park experience and the coaster itself isn’t
just stand alone tracks, but maybe a mountain or a space center. There is a
preshow and a story. A feeling of being on a wild train or venturing
through a snowy mountain that is embedded in your mind upon entering and an
experience that continues even after the ride is over.

Short Story Topics – Coffee – Taste and See

Story Institute — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:33:58 +0000

Coffee is a great stimulator. It provides that get up and go when the get up has just about gone, or perhaps hasn’t even shown up for the day. Tammy drinks three cups of this magical brew each morning before she even gets into work…one before her shower, one after the gym, and one on her way to the office. The rest of the day’s menu is very similar. She needs the caffeine, and nothing else seems to work. It has to be coffee or nothing. Somehow, she forgets to buy her usual coffee during her recent trip to the grocery store and runs out late that night to pick up a blend for the morning. Her usual stores are closed and the grocery store seems to be out. Feeling somewhat defeated, she heads back home. On her way, she passes a recently constructed strip mall. One of the stores is a coffee shop and it is open. The moment she walks through the door and the wonderful wafting aroma hits her, she feels a sense of calm, a sense of belonging, a sense of being at home. A clerk greets her and asks, “What is your taste of choice? Wait a minute, let me guess…”

Who is Tammy’s taste? Does the clerk know and guess the right flavor? Where is this store? What kind of coffee doe they sell? What does Tammy think of this place? What caused the feelings when she walked in? How long does she stay? Think about all of these questions and interactions and write until you have fulfilled each unanswered question. Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Flying into a Different Similar Cloud

Story Institute — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:33:48 +0000

Flying above the clouds can be uplifting, but rather dull if you do it often. Such is the case with Bill. He looks forward to being in a different place at the end of the trip, but the path itself is less than exciting. On one trip between Chicago and Orlando, the plane had to fly a little lower and was actually flying through the clouds. Bill looked out of his usual window seat and observed a different world. He stared and saw things within the clouds that he recognized on the ground.

Share what Bill saw. Make sure you keep your story to the plane ride itself. Share how Bill felt. Does he interact with the things he sees? Does he tell anyone on the plane? A suggestion would be to allow others to see the what Bill sees once he share it with them. There are enough stories out there about one passenger going insane and seeing things outside a plane. Keep this one focused on possibilities. Keep this one grounded in an alternative reality that is similar, but in on a higher level than what your reality reflects. Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Vanishing Village

Story Institute — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:33:18 +0000

Unid was a shaman for an ancient tribe. Unfortunately, the tribe had recently vanished. Right before the disappearance, the skies grew dark and Unid lay napping under a poonta tree. When he woke and strolled back to the village, he noticed very little. However, when he got within sight of the moving city, he did notice that no one was moving…He looked around, still a bit groggy from his respite. He searched many of his neighbors’ houses and found no one.

What happened to the village? What happened to Unid? Where did everyone go? Or, was it Unid that disappeared? Why is he still a bit of a sleepy-head? What does Unid do next? Does he just accept the situation and go about his daily routine? Does he try to concoct something to find out the true story? Do we hear any back stories about the village before the vanishing? Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Online – Crossing Over the Clouds

Story Institute — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:33:18 +0000

The online community is full of friends we may never meet. However, it is also filled with those who have other intentions…Choose a person, male or female. Choose an age, teenager or younger, senior citizen or younger. Choose a reason that individual was online. Allow them to venture into a forum. Describe the messages. Describe the context of the site. Describe the dialogue that occurs within a topic. Delve into the steps the person takes within the forum and outside the group.

Does the character tell her in-person friends about the group online? Does the character interact with the online group? Or, does he just log on and read? Is there a get together that causes concern? Is this group a pleasant place to share ideas? Or, is a place where predators lurk? Use your online experiences to drive the story. The cloud can be full or darkness and rain, but it can also be a bright place as well. It is where we choose to travel that makes the difference. Where does your character choose? Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Time in Imagination with Technology

Story Institute — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:33:45 +0000

Time stands still when you do not carry a watch. Time also stands still when you do not know what time is…We can hide from reality and even be put in places to help us pretend more. However, we can not dismiss reality when the lights around us signify changes. Tessa went into the home when she was 12 and has not seen others since then. Her room provides all she needs. It is a small, three-sectioned room that changes with Tessa’s imagination. When she needs to go outside, she exits through one section and ends up in another, viewing trees and feeling the breeze. She interacts with the creations she has drawn or described out loud. The main computer provides the rest. On one particular day, an actual visitor somehow crept into the room…

Who was this visitor? How did Tessa get here in the first place? What is this place? How long has it lasted in this location? Who runs the place? Where did this computer come from? How does it recreate the creatures of Tessa’s imagination? Decide on the path. Decide on the storyline. Decide on the imaginary creatures that enter and exit the space. Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Tree Bending for Peace

Story Institute — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:33:57 +0000

Traincor was a tree bender. He has served as the royal tree bender for the last 20 years. Usually, his life is simple. Usually, he completes his tasks, spends time with his family, and helps neighbors with simple tasks. Usually, he doesn’t see the Czartin, the ruler of the realm. This is not a usually day. This day is different. Today, the Czartin needed the services that only the top tree bender in the realm. A neighboring world had recently contacted the Czartin, sharing their worries, problems, and possibilities of cooperating. Without a partnership, the peace that has lasted for centuries would be at risk. Traincor seemed to be one who could help build the partnership.

Who was this neighboring world? What were the worries, problems, and possibilities? How has peace reigned for as long as it has? What does the realm Traincor lives in look like? What is a tree bender? How can a tree bender help with the challenges? What about Traincor’s family? Where are they? How will they impact his decision to help? What type of person is the Czartin? Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Eaten and Not Burned

Story Institute — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:33:01 +0000

Smithy was also a bit on the heavy side, but he was not too large. He was definitely an over-eater who had hoped at various moments to control his appetite. This was to no avail. Every attempt Smithy made to stop eating caused the desire to grow even more. He never left a meal without eating dessert. After one meal at a new restaurant, his usually painful and immediate heartburn did not return. As he finished his appetizer, he reached for his medication in his top pocket. As he was about to take it, he realized that he did not feel any pain. He put the pill back in his pocket and moved to his main dish. As he continued to eat, he searched for the familiar pain. Nothing…Smithy began to wonder what had happened.

What did he eat? Where was the pain? Why did he not feel the gurgling? Why did he continue to dwell on this? What else did Smithy order? How long did he stay at this new restaurant? What is this place? When did it open? Describe the servers, Describe the ambiance. Describe the food and its taste. Try to stay in the restaurant during this story. Try to be particular about the interactions with others. Try to create a unique ending. ? Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Fit in one Halloween day…

Story Institute — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:33:18 +0000

All Hallows Eve brings up many visions and expectations from most. From little children to aged adults, this evening conjures many thoughts and pictures of the ghoulish, the spirit world, and the supernatural. What is you are one of those creatures. You know, the scary members of the night. The great part for you on this evening is that you can finally blend in with the others. You can finally have a normal life for one day. Your entire year is spent planning for this one day…planning for this one opportunity to be a part of something different…yet, the same. This night is an opportunity to see and experience new adventures. Unlike most days, there are only hours that you have not a complete 24. The missions will need to be limited to around 6 hours.

What can this creature accomplish during this brief time period? What type of creature –plays the part of the adventurer? Is it a vampire? A zombie? A spirit? A werewolf? Or, perhaps a new, yet to be identified ghoul? Why does the party-goer wish to just blend in? What does he/she hope to get out of the evening? Is there a series of Halloweens that can represent the attempts this entity makes to be a part of a different story? Could the stories be based on year and what has happened? Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – What to do for a Living

Story Institute — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:33:42 +0000

Jason’s and Jennifer’s father was a quiet man. He never yelled or struck his children. He never had to discipline his children. Their mother would simply say, “wait until your father gets home,” and they would calm down long before he ever did arrive home. He would ask about their days and watch tv, but that was all. He seemed to be extremely busy at work as he was usually gone before they woke up and returned right as dinner was being put on the table. Jason and Jennifer never even knew where he worked and their mother never talked about it.

Decide on their father’s name. Decide on their living conditions. Decide on what their father does. Decide how Jason and Jennifer find out what their father does. Decide if their mother knows. Decide if there are other characters involved such as Jennifer’s and Jason’s friends. Decide on the short version of this tale and think about the longer possibilities. Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Planned Dis-a-parent

Story Institute — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:33:35 +0000

Derek had been raised by his father. Once, when Derek was eight, he asked where his mother was. His father simply replied, she is no longer with us, frowned and went about his day. For an eight-year old, this meant that she had died. Not wanting to know how or why, Derek, never asked again. That is until he was 17 and applying for a job. On the application was a spot for his mother’s maiden name. He never knew it. In fact, he never knew anyone from his mother’s family. Derek took the application home and was determined to ask his father again about his mother.

Decide how Derek asks his father about this mother. Decide if she is still alive and what adventure he may create to find details. Decide if this is a short story, a novella, or a novel. Decide why there are no pictures of his mother and no contact with her family. Decide why his father never discussed this with him. Decide on the path and why he would follow it. Decide if he ever asks his father, or simply leaves the line blank and thinks about the answer in various settings. Decide if Derek ever does apply for the job.

Where does this take place? What is the family’s financial situation? Has Derek’s father had girlfriends? Does Derek see any member of his father’s family? Do they have any pets? Does Derek share any of his thoughts with his friends? What are their names? How long has he known them? Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Missing Pet, Bunny Gone

Story Institute — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:33:49 +0000

When the Jill’s pet rabbit went missing, her friends jumped to help her find him. He was last seen in his cage chomping on a carrot. Small signs of how he got out, escaped, or was taken away still remain on his home. Tiny strips of fabric, bright green cloth are trapped on the cage lock. Jill’s friends start asking questions of everyone in Jill’s family and neighbors. They find bunny footprints in the dirt leading toward the fence. They also find…

Decide on the other characters. Decide on the name for each character, including the bunny. Decide on the stories shared by each person interviewed. Decide on extra evidence found. Decide on the path the sleuths take to find the furry friend. Decide on the storyline. Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Finding the Golden Path Home

Story Institute — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:33:32 +0000

The clouds cleared and the rainbow made its way across the sky. Tiny feet scurried trying to locate the end of the brightly colored ribbon of light. When you lose the magic that brought you to this land and have no other way back to your own home, you keep trying no matter how long it has been between rainbows. Sure, you have maintained those simple party tricks with playing cards, pulling one coin out of random places, and basic mind-reading, but you lack the direction to find the end and true pot of gold…the path back home.

Decide on how you got here in the first place. Decide if you will truly tell this tale in the first person. Decide on the characters met along this most recent path to the end. Decide if the tale continues or silences after this episode. Decide how long this lost soul has remained without his own country. Decide on your path. Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Romance by Chance or Circumstance

Story Institute — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:33:36 +0000

Valentine’s Day is a romantic day for most. Fred, however, has tried to be romantic. He has set blind dates. He has written poems, bought flowers, and arranged numerous carriage rides…all for other people. Fred always seemed to be there to help most of his friends connect with their romantic counterpart. He has decided to ignore the topic all together for himself. That is until his close friend, Sadie, comes to him for help. She asks Fred to arrange a carriage ride where her date does not show up. She asks for dinner to be arranged using some of Fred’s contact and friends in the restaurant business. However, her date doesn’t show up again. Then, Valentine’s Day arrives…

Decide if Sadie had a bad series of romantic opportunities or has other intentions. Decide how Fred feels about these instances. Decide if Fred understands the situation or simply goes with the flow as usual. Decide if relationships develop due to much effort or through random circumstance. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Weather Controlled

Story Institute — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:33:47 +0000

What if the groundhog was actually the controller of the weather instead of just the predictor of a shortened Winter? What if the groundhog had an extensive series of tunnels that were used to influence the direction of the clouds, the strength of the wind, the flow of the rain upon a dryer earth? What if…what if…

Decide if this story is meant for an adult or child to read. Decide if the groundhog is an ancient creature. Or, is it a very family-oriented culture that has used technology to create the patterns of weather for centuries? Decide if the groundhogs evolved quicker or came from another world to help and influence the progression of our little planet. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – New look at New Years

Story Institute — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:33:04 +0000

It was New Year’s Eve. Ted thought that things could not be worse than last year. In fact, he was not taking any chances. He decided to stay home, watch the celebrations on tv, and go straight to bed shortly after midnight. The doors were locked. The windows sealed shut as the cold tried to reach inside and chill everything within its grasp. Ted did not want to face the same path he did last year. He did not want to see the faces on any of the party-goers this time as he did last year. It was a mess.

Why was Ted so concerned? What happened last year that caused Ted to keep things simple? Was it a girl? Or, did something erupt within him bringing about a Ted than anyone had ever seen? Why was the cold so cold?

Decide on the path. Decide on the past. Decide on the other characters who may call, stop by, or make their way back into the memory of Ted. Decide on the history. Decide on the future. Decide if Ted makes it to bed on time. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Spirits in the Family

Story Institute — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:33:56 +0000

Ghosts are just a part of our imagination and storylines. Ghosts are visions, merely illusions that interact with the residents of this realm only to be shunned and frightened. There is a small family of spirits that somehow bonded, connected together, and decided to live together in an old television. They continually put on shows that they’ve seen either before or after they entered this unique new world. The television was located safely inside a museum, so the family was able to remain and put on the shows each evening.

Decide on the location. Decide on the make up of the family. Is the story just about the ghosts and the tv? Is the story light-hearted? Or, is the story a bit more intense? Decide on the interactions the spirits may have with the living if any. Decide on the personalities of each ghost. Do other relatives come to visit? Or, is it just this small group who became a closer unit? Decide on the path. Decide on the story, and write.

Short Story Topics – Flower Power

Story Institute — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:33:42 +0000

Picking the right flower can make or break a relationship. Do you go with the red ones? The pink ones? The white ones? The roses? The tulips? The brightly-colored, always in bloom ones? Wait, those might be plastic. They might be, but as you pass the store, you are drawn in by the beauty, fragrance, and allure of the rather unique petal filled vase. Something about these flowers says look at me, smell me, buy me.

What happens after you go into the store? What happens if you bring the flowers home to your significant other? What happens as you share in the moment together? Decide on the interaction between people and the flower. Decide on the interaction between the people and each other after interacting with the budding entity. Decide on the happenstance that erupts in the life of the first person to see the flower. Decide on the path. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Pet Turtles Are Funny

Story Institute — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:33:25 +0000

Pets are wonderful for teaching children responsibility. What better way to teach a boy the responsibility of a pet than with a turtle. That is what the eight-year old boy thought. That is until he met the turtle. The creature disappears inside its shell every time the boy gets near. The boy’s sister sits and stares as the reptile for what seems like hours as it appears to dance, bob its head in and out to the rhythm of music, and go for a swim at random moments. When the boy passes, the turtle freezes and collapses inside its shell.

Describe the boy’s feelings. Describe the steps the boy would take to literally pull the creature out of its shell. Describe how the sister acts. Describe the turtle. What makes it special? Why does it stay in its shell? Is it just an ordinary turtle? Or, is there something a little more exciting, more imaginative? Decide on the path. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Away to Nature

Story Institute — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:33:07 +0000

The tall creature lingered into view. The young couple sat on their hotel balcony and watched the long tongue wrapped itself around a nearby tree, slowly stripping off the green leaving only the remnants of a darker, brownish color coated in saliva. The man and woman embrace and watch this simple act of nature. They came here to get away…away from the city life, away from the chaos, away from the “technological advances.” They came here to hide. They came here to be together.

Who is this couple? Where do they live? From what were they trying to get away? Did they succeed in leaving things behind? Or, did they just postpone the impact? Is this the beginning or ending picture of their time away?

Consider piecing the story together in a series of flashbacks. Consider imparting tidbits to the readers in the form of smaller stories. Choose the future or the past as a setting and show the impact of their decisions and lives. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Soothing Sounds of Romance

Story Institute — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:33:27 +0000

Soft harmonious notes simply soothe the soul. They provide opportunities to rest and opportunities to romance. During a concert, anything can happen. Looking into the eyes of your soulmate and becoming lost is still within the realm of possibilities. This is true for Bill. As he listens to the simple melodies and becomes engulfed within the placidity, Bill’s gaze wonders to the oboe player as she fills the auditorium with these gracious notes.

Does Bill meet the oboe player? Who is this musician? What music is playing? Does the music strengthen their relationship if there becomes one? Or, does Bill just admire her from afar? Who is Bill? Did he venture to the concert alone? Or, was he there with friends? Decide on the path he has and will take. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

If you have trouble getting started, read Alone With Someone, a Story Institute Original…

Short Story Topics – Lost Gem in Hiding

Story Institute — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:33:36 +0000

Barley didn’t want to track down the missing emerald. Barley didn’t want to blend into another culture he barely understood. Barley didn’t want to venture into the swamp. Barley just wanted to be Barley…then again, who else would?

This is a simple story about an agent who tracks down missing treasures. The prizes are not stolen. They are just missing. Missing from what is up to you to decide. The emerald is in a community based around some swamp land. While it does not seem like people know it is there, someone may. Barley, if that is his real name, needs to find it.

Think about the environment. Search for the meaning to the lost gem. Think about the people. Do any know of the emerald? If so, what have they done with it. What will they think if they do find out about the gem? Think about the agent. For whom does he work? Will he ever just be himself? Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Looking for Fantasylands

Story Institute — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:33:00 +0000

What is the difference between sprites and fairies? How about fairies and pixies? At some point, they were the same. At some point, they became different. At some point, they just moved away from one location to many. Until one day when another creature finds a document with hints of where each group moved.

What is this document that is found? Who is this other creature? What is the difference? Is there a difference? Will each group be found? Is there a map that goes along with the document? Why did they separate in the first place? Is this a series of short stories?

Decide on the path the character follows. Decide on the mysteries revealed. Decide on the reason for looking for the answers. Decide on the behaviors that separate each group. Decide on the setting. Is it a forest? A swamp? A dessert? All of them? Think about parallels between these groups and ones you know. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…

Short Story Topics – Riding the Kite of Imagination

Story Institute — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:33:20 +0000

Children have adventures when the rest of us are simply living our lives. Siblings have even more special adventures in between fights and scream fests. This story begins with a mother listening into the stories of two sisters playing in their bedroom. “Lets fly a kite and get stuck in the air,” says the littlest one. And, the adventure begins…

Where does it go? Where do the sisters sail on their kite adventure? Are there more to follow? What objects do they see as they rise above the landscape, one sister clinging to the tail, the other soaring on the base? What does the mother think and feel as she watches her children achieving more than just a play time moment?

Reach back into your childhood. Remember the adventures you needed to have before technology took over your daily routines. Reflect on your own children and the journeys they take daily in their minds. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…