What are the characteristics of short short monster stories?
They are brief. Usually, they focus on a single monster or a small group of monsters. For example, a short short monster story might quickly introduce a monster like a one - eyed giant and then show how it interacts with the environment or humans in just a few sentences. They often have a simple plot to convey a sense of horror or mystery in a short span.
Short short monster stories are concise. They tend to have vivid descriptions of the monsters in a limited number of words. For instance, a story might describe a monster as having 'razor - sharp claws and a slavering maw' right away to create an immediate impact. Also, they commonly end with a twist or a cliffhanger, leaving the reader with a sense of unease. Like a story that ends with the monster seemingly defeated, but then a small sign suggests it might return. Moreover, they can use common monster tropes in a new and interesting way within their short length.
In short short monster stories, the focus is on creating a quick and impactful impression. The monsters are often described with unique features that set them apart. For example, a story may have a monster that is made of smoke and can seep through the tiniest cracks. The plot moves fast, usually starting right in the middle of the action or with the introduction of the monster. There is not much room for long - winded backstories, so they rely on the immediate situation and the reader's existing knowledge of monsters to build tension. They also might play on our primal fears of the unknown and the dangerous in a very compact way.