What are some good themes to make a short story about?

A story based on a real-life event or a historical period can be interesting too. It allows you to explore and bring to life a moment in time that people might not be familiar with.

Adventure is a great theme. You can have a protagonist embark on a journey to an unknown land, facing various challenges like dangerous terrains and wild beasts. Another one could be friendship. Stories about how friends support each other through tough times are always heartwarming. Also, mystery is good. A puzzling event that the characters need to solve can keep the readers engaged.

Friendship could be a great theme. For example, our children could make new friends from different backgrounds and learn about acceptance and loyalty.

Revenge. It creates a lot of tension and drama. Imagine a character who has been wronged and spends their life plotting to get back at the person who did them harm. Redemption is another good one. A character who has made mistakes in the past tries to make up for it. And then there's the theme of survival. It could be set in a harsh environment like a desert or a war - torn area where the characters fight to stay alive.

Well, one important element is a strong character. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Jay Gatsby is a complex character with his dreams and desires, which drives the whole story. His mysterious past and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan are what make the story interesting. Another element is a vivid setting. Take 'Wuthering Heights'. The desolate moors of Yorkshire add a sense of wildness and isolation to the story. The detailed description of the weather, the landscape, and the old houses helps to create an immersive atmosphere. And of course, a good plot is essential. A plot that has twists and turns, like in 'The Cask of Amontillado' where the narrator lures his so - called friend into the catacombs with the pretense of tasting a rare wine but actually to seek revenge. This kind of plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Surprise. For example, if a character is known for being extremely punctual and then misses the most important appointment of their life due to their own over - confidence in their punctuality. It creates an ironic situation.

One element is the setting. For example, an old, abandoned place like an asylum or a cemetery can immediately create a spooky atmosphere. Another is the use of the unknown. If you leave things unexplained, like a strange noise in the dark that has no obvious source, it makes the reader's imagination run wild. And the presence of something not quite human, like a ghostly figure or a deformed creature, also adds to the creepiness.

For engineers, a good short story might include elements like innovative engineering concepts presented in an understandable way. It could also have characters who grow and learn through their engineering experiences, and maybe a touch of suspense or mystery related to the technical aspect.

Well, first of all, a good short story has a clear and concise narrative. There's no room for rambling in a short story, so every word counts. The story should be able to convey its essence quickly. Characterization is important too. The characters should be distinct enough that the reader can form an immediate impression. For instance, in Hemingway's short stories, his characters are often defined by their few but telling actions and words. Additionally, the pacing has to be right. It can't be too slow or the reader will lose interest, and not too fast that the story feels rushed. A good balance in pacing keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

For a short story to be good, it should have a strong beginning to hook the readers, a middle that keeps them engaged, and a satisfying ending. Also, the theme should be clear and relevant. Good use of language and a unique perspective can make it stand out.