10 more short story starters

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Over the last few years, the posts in this series have remained some of the most popular articles on this site. You can use the search facility at the top of the page, or the cloud of topics on the sidebar to search for more of these writing hints.

They are designed to get you thinking before you write. Use any of these story starters to get you going whenever you are struggling to come up with an idea for a story. I have received plenty of positive comments from writers (and teachers) who have used these ideas.

Over to you.

Short story starters

1. Adele froze on the spot. The eerie noise continued to come from somewhere just ahead of her. She had no idea what it was.
2. Before Betty could react, most of the ceiling collapsed onto the furniture below, except for the spot where she stood.
3. Carl sprinted down the path in the direction of the explosion. As he ran he fumbled with his phone.
4. It was almost midnight when Dave finally dragged himself to his bedroom. As he slowly undressed, he was aware of a presence in the room.
5. On the first day in this strange land, Ella’s stomach was jittery with anticipation. She could barely wait to explore her new surroundings.
6. As the storm clouds gathered to the north, Harry lengthened his stride as he hurried towards home. Flashes of lightning lit up the dark cloud, and the thunder cracked ominously.
7. ‘How could I ever think so poorly of you,’ asked Julia, ‘when I have done so much for you these last five years?’
8. Katie stood and stared at the sign. ‘Oh, no! Not today. Of all days – this has to happen. I can’t believe my rotten luck.’
9. As Nola opened the old book, a paper fluttered to the floor.
10. ‘Can it get any better than this?’ said Peta. ‘This has to be the best place ever.’

Conditions of use:

• Feel free to use any of the story starters listed above.
• Change anything to suit your needs.
• Give it your best shot.
• Edit your work carefully before sending it off to a publisher or posting it on your blog.
• Let me know in the comments section how it went.
• If you publish your story on your website or on your blog let me know so I can make a link to it for others to read.
• Now start writing.

Good writing.

Trevor