A time - travel plot could be interesting. A character finds an old watch that transports them back to a significant moment in history, like the signing of an important treaty. There, they face a dilemma: whether to interfere with the events or let history take its course. This creates tension and a moral quandary that can be explored within the short story.
An interesting plot idea would be to set a short story in a world where time has stopped. The main character is the only one still able to move. They wander through a frozen city, seeing people and things caught in mid - action. As they explore, they find a strange device that might be the key to restarting time. But there are also forces that seem to want to keep time frozen. The character has to figure out how to use the device and overcome these obstacles, all while reflecting on the meaning of time and life.
In the story of the lonely artist, a plot twist could be that the living paintings were actually created by a rival artist who wanted to drive him crazy. But instead, it inspired him. And in the end, the rival artist realizes his mistake and they end up collaborating.
Here's another plot. A young artist is struggling to find inspiration. One day, they meet a strange old man in the park who tells them a wild story about a magical land that only appears to those with a creative heart. The artist is skeptical at first but starts to have vivid dreams about this land. They then decide to paint what they see in their dreams, and as they do, they start to bring elements of this magical land into the real world, changing their life and the lives of those around them in unexpected ways.
There are two friends, one is a very successful businessperson and the other is an aspiring writer who is constantly struggling. The successful friend offers to help the writer by funding their next project. But in return, they want the writer to include some ideas that the businessperson believes will make the book more marketable. This causes a conflict between the friends as the writer wants to stay true to their artistic vision while the businessperson wants a return on their investment. The story can explore how they resolve this conflict and whether their friendship survives.
One idea could be that the character who seems to be the hero is actually the villain all along. For example, in a story about a detective solving a crime, it turns out that the detective was the one who set up the crime in the first place to gain fame.
One idea could be a story about a young artist who discovers an old, forgotten attic in their new home. Inside, they find a mysterious painting that seems to come alive at night. As they explore the secrets of the painting, they are drawn into a different era and must find their way back while also learning about the artist who created it.
In a post - apocalyptic world, a young girl discovers she has a special ability to communicate with animals. She uses this ability to find food and water sources that other survivors have overlooked. But there are also those who would use her power for their own gain, so she has to constantly be on the run while also trying to help those she can.
One plot idea could be a young adventurer who stumbles upon an old map in a dusty attic. Driven by curiosity, he sets off on a journey. Along the way, he faces various challenges like harsh weather and dangerous terrains. When he finally reaches the unknown land, he discovers a lost civilization and has to learn their ways to survive.
One idea could be a story about a lonely lighthouse keeper. He has spent years in isolation, watching the sea. One day, he discovers a strange object washed ashore. This object turns out to be a magical item that starts to change his life and the way he views the world around him.