What are the characteristics of books that are novels or short stories?

One characteristic is their brevity. They usually focus on a single event or a short period in the characters' lives. For example, in Hemingway's short stories, he can convey a lot with just a few words.

Books that are a collection of short stories often showcase an author's versatility. They can explore different genres within one book. For instance, an author might have a mystery short story and then a love - themed one in the same collection. They also tend to be more accessible in a way. You can pick and choose which story to read based on your mood. Take 'Unaccustomed Earth' by Jhumpa Lahiri. You can start with any story and still enjoy the overall collection. Moreover, these books can give a snapshot of different aspects of a society or culture, as seen in 'The Street of Crocodiles' by Bruno Schulz.

Often, naughty short stories use humor to deal with the naughtiness. The characters' naughty deeds are presented in a way that makes the reader laugh. For instance, in some Roald Dahl short stories, the naughty characters have their own unique and funny ways of causing chaos, but in the end, there is usually some sort of resolution or learning experience for them.

One characteristic is their brevity. They can tell a complete story in a relatively short space. For example, 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's short but packs a powerful punch, exploring themes like tradition and mob mentality.

One characteristic is the ability to quickly create a sense of unease. In a short story, there's not much time to waste, so they often start with a strange or disturbing situation right away. For example, in many of Poe's short horror stories, like 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's madness is presented from the very beginning.

Well, usually they are filled with a sense of mystery. For example, the settings are often dark and gloomy, like an old abandoned mansion or a fog - covered cemetery. This creates an immediate atmosphere of unease.

They are diverse. Each short story can have its own plot, characters, and themes. For example, in 'The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty', some stories may focus on family relationships in a small town, while others might explore the mystery of a stranger's visit.

Often, they are concise yet intense. They can quickly set a mood, be it one of passion, longing or mystery. For example, in many erotica short stories, the author uses vivid language to describe physical sensations in just a few paragraphs.

One characteristic is variety. They can cover a wide range of themes like love, death, and adventure in just a few pages. For example, in 'The Complete Short Stories of Anton Chekhov', you'll find stories about different aspects of Russian society. Another characteristic is the concise writing. Authors need to convey a complete idea or story arc quickly. Also, they often allow for different narrative voices, which gives readers a diverse reading experience.

One characteristic is the strong sense of place. For example, many use the unique Florida landscapes like the swamps, beaches, or scrublands as backdrops, which add a distinct flavor to the stories.