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Prompt for Writing a Short Story

A creative-writing prompt that produces a vivid short story with real structure instead of a rambling draft.

Writing · Works great in Any AI

Copy-ready prompt

Write a [genre] short story of about [word count] words.
Premise: [one-line idea].
Main character: [name, one defining trait, one flaw].
Setting: [where/when].
Requirements:
- Open in the middle of a scene, not with backstory.
- Show character through action and dialogue, not narration.
- Build one clear conflict and resolve it with a satisfying or surprising turn.
- Use sensory detail; vary sentence length for rhythm.
Tone: [tone].

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Why this prompt works

AI fiction sags when it starts with backstory and tells instead of shows. This prompt forces an in-scene opening, character revealed through action, and a single clear conflict — the fundamentals that give a short story shape and momentum.

How to customize it

Give the character a flaw; conflict and growth come from it.
Keep the premise to one line so the story stays focused.
Ask for two alternative endings if you want options.

Tip: replace the parts in [square brackets] with your own details before you send. The more specific you are — audience, tone, goal, constraints — the better the AI output.