So many ideas! So many plots and characters and situations! We are surrounded by story ideas, but sometimes we need something for short stories. What do we do when it seems that everything we think of is complicated, involved, novel length if not a six book series length?

Let me give you some suggestions on how to get ideas for short stories.

• One Bible verse – Don’t try to do a long section. Stick with one verse and write a short story using that verse as the theme.
  
  
• One quote – If you find a quote you like, you might try using it as the theme of a short story. Just make sure it isn’t a long quote or your story might end up being longer than you wanted.
  
  
• One line from a hymn or song – Using a full song or hymn might be too much for a short story. I’ve done it before, but pick a theme from the song/hymn to focus on and then pick and choose the parts of the hymn you share.
  
  
• Few characters – Let’s face it. Lots of characters usually means lots of words. So, pick 1-3 characters to focus on in a short story. You can have dozens of others running about the yard, or crowding the train station, but keep your focus on those few.
  
  
• Picture/image of one scene – See if you can write your story all in one setting.

Ideas are everywhere. You just have to think small. Think snippets instead of novels. Look for small themes not large ones.

Do you have any tips on finding ideas for short stories? Do you enjoy reading short stories? Have you ever written a short story?