Writing a good story is all about the idea. A good story idea can inspire an entire novel, script, or short story, and can transport readers to new and exciting worlds. However, coming up with a good story idea can be a daunting task, even for the most experienced writers. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of good story ideas to help you kickstart your writing and get your creative juices flowing.
- A time-travel adventure: Imagine going back in time and witnessing historical events firsthand or going into the future and seeing what the world will be like. “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon is an excellent example of a time-travel adventure story, where the protagonist, Claire Randall, travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland.
- A mystery: Create a compelling mystery with twists and turns that keep your readers guessing until the very end. “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown is an excellent example of a mystery story, where the protagonist, Robert Langdon, tries to solve a murder and unravel a secret code hidden in a painting.
- A coming-of-age story: Follow a character as they navigate the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger is an excellent example of a coming-of-age story, where the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, navigates the challenges of growing up and finding his place in the world.
- A love story: Explore the complexities of human relationships with a compelling love story. “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks is an excellent example of a love story, where the protagonist, Noah Calhoun, falls in love with Allie Nelson, but their relationship is tested by social class differences and family expectations.
- A dystopian world: Set your story in a dark and dangerous future where society has crumbled and humanity is struggling to survive. “1984” by George Orwell is an excellent example of a dystopian world story, where the protagonist, Winston Smith, lives in a totalitarian society where freedom and individuality are prohibited.
- A fairy tale retelling: Take a classic fairy tale and give it a modern twist with new characters, settings, and conflicts. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer is an excellent example of a fairy tale retelling, where the protagonist, Cinder, is a cyborg mechanic who falls in love with a prince in a futuristic world.
- A survival story: Follow a character as they struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is an excellent example of a survival story, where the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, fights for survival in a deadly competition where only one can win.
- A revenge story: Create a compelling tale of revenge where the protagonist seeks justice against those who have wronged them. “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas is an excellent example of a revenge story, where the protagonist, Edmond Dantès, seeks revenge against those who falsely imprisoned him and took away everything he had.
- A superhero origin story: Explore the origin of a superhero character and the challenges they face as they learn to control their powers and use them for good. In “Spider-Man” by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider and gains superhuman abilities. He faces challenges as he learns to control his powers and uses them to fight crime as Spider-Man.
- An apocalyptic event: Set your story in the aftermath of a catastrophic event that has changed the world forever. In “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy, a father and son travel through a post-apocalyptic world after an unspecified disaster has destroyed civilization.
- A thriller: Keep your readers on the edge of their seats with a fast-paced thriller that keeps them guessing until the very end. In “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, a woman goes missing, and her husband becomes the prime suspect. The story is told from both of their perspectives, keeping readers guessing until the shocking twist ending.
- A comedy: Make your readers laugh with a light-hearted and humorous story that pokes fun at everyday life. In “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding, a single woman navigates the ups and downs of dating and life in London, with plenty of humorous mishaps along the way.
- A historical fiction: Set your story in a specific historical period and explore the events and people that shaped it. In “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett, set in 12th-century England, a master builder works to construct a cathedral amidst political and social upheaval.
- A fantasy world: Create a new world with magical creatures, fantastic landscapes, and mythical beings. In “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, a hobbit named Frodo Baggins embarks on a quest to destroy a powerful ring in a world full of magical creatures and epic battles.
- A tragedy: Write a heart-wrenching tale of loss and grief that explores the depths of the human experience. In “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, two young lovers from rival families fall in love and meet a tragic end, as their families’ feud leads to their untimely deaths.
These are just a few good story ideas to get you started. Remember, the key to a good story is to create a compelling plot with interesting characters that readers can connect with. So, take these ideas and let your imagination run wild. Happy writing!
