What is a Short Story?

A short story is a brief work of prose fiction that typically focuses on a single, self-contained incident or a series of linked incidents, with the aim of creating a single effect or mood. It is shorter and less elaborate than a novel, generally able to be read in one sitting.

Here's a breakdown of key characteristics:

• Brevity: Short stories are significantly shorter than novels. While there's no strict word count, they often range from around 1,000 to 7,500 words, though some can be shorter ("flash fiction") or slightly longer (approaching novella length).

• Focus: They usually concentrate on one main plot, a limited number of characters (often one protagonist with a few minor characters), and a central theme or idea.

• Single Effect or Mood: Short stories often aim to create a specific feeling or impression in the reader. Every element of the story (plot, character, setting, language) works towards this unified effect.

• Concise Narrative: Due to their length, short stories demand economy in storytelling. There's little room for extensive backstory, multiple subplots, or lengthy descriptions that don't directly contribute to the central narrative.

• Plot Structure: While some short stories follow a traditional narrative arc (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution), many contemporary short stories experiment with form and may begin in the middle of the action ("in medias res") or have ambiguous endings.

• Character Disclosure: Characters in short stories are often revealed through their actions and dramatic encounters rather than through extensive development or backstory.

• Setting: The setting is often simplified, focusing on one main time and place.

Think of a short story as a snapshot or a focused glimpse into a particular moment or situation in the lives of its characters. It aims for impact and a lasting impression within its concise form.

Flash fiction is a very short form of prose fiction, characterized by its extreme brevity. While there's no universally agreed-upon word count, it's generally accepted that flash fiction stories are under 1,000 words, and often much shorter, sometimes even just a few words. You might also hear terms like microfiction, short short story, sudden fiction, nanotale, or even six-word story used to describe similar very short forms.  

Here are some key characteristics of flash fiction:

• Brevity is paramount: Every word must count. There's no room for lengthy descriptions or unnecessary exposition.  

• Complete narrative: Despite its short length, flash fiction still aims to tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end (though these elements might be implied or very compressed).  

• Focus on a single moment or idea: Often, flash fiction will zoom in on one specific incident, emotion, or image.  

• Implied backstory and world-building: Due to the word limit, much of the context, character history, and world details are often hinted at rather than explicitly stated, relying on the reader's inference.  

• Strong opening and closing: Because there's little space to build momentum, flash fiction often starts with a hook and ends with a powerful image, line, or twist that resonates with the reader.  

• Emphasis on impact: The goal is to create a lasting impression on the reader with a minimal number of words.  

• Experimentation with form: Flash fiction can be more experimental in its structure and narrative style than longer forms.  

• Often features a twist or surprise: The short form can lend itself well to unexpected reveals or shifts in perspective.  

• Precise language: Every word choice is crucial for conveying meaning and emotion effectively.  

Think of flash fiction as capturing a fleeting moment or a powerful feeling in a concise and impactful way. It's about making every word work hard to tell a complete, albeit brief, story.