What makes a sci - fantasy short story one of the best?

Thought - provoking themes are key. The best ones make you question things like human nature in a technological future. Take 'Flowers for Algernon' (which has strong hard sci - fi elements). It makes you think about intelligence, ethics, and how society treats those who are different, all within the framework of a scientific experiment gone wrong.

Well, for a fantasy short story to be among the best, it needs to have a well - crafted world - building. Even in a short format, it should be able to create a believable and immersive fantasy world. The story should also have an emotional impact. Whether it makes you feel sad, happy, or scared, like 'The Hunger Games' short stories. And the pacing should be just right, not too slow that you get bored or too fast that you miss important details.

A great short short story often has a strong concept. For example, it can convey a deep emotion or idea in just a few pages. If it has a unique plot twist like in 'The Gift of the Magi', it can be really engaging. Also, the use of language matters. A story that uses vivid and concise language can be very effective. For instance, Hemingway's short stories are known for their sparse yet powerful prose.

A great short fantasy story often has a unique and immersive world - building. For example, in 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka, although it's a bit different from traditional fantasy, the transformation of Gregor into an insect creates a strange and captivating world. Vivid characters also matter. In 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs, the characters' reactions to the magic of the paw drive the story. And a good short fantasy story usually has a clear and engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

The best short fantasy stories usually have a strong narrative arc. They start with an interesting premise, build up some sort of conflict, and then resolve it in a satisfying way. The language also matters. Vivid and evocative language can bring the fantasy elements to life. For instance, in 'The Emperor's New Clothes' by Hans Christian Andersen, the simple yet powerful language helps to tell a story that is both a fantasy and a social commentary.

Some great ones include 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut. It's set in a future society where everyone is made equal in the most extreme ways, which is both a sci - fi and a fantasy concept. 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka can also be seen as a kind of sci - fantasy. The idea of a man waking up as a giant insect is very much in the realm of the strange and the extraordinary. And 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman has elements of psychological sci - fantasy as it delves into the mind of a woman in a very unusual situation.

Some of the great ones could be 'The Paper Menagerie' by Ken Liu. It beautifully blends science fiction elements with a very touching family story. Another might be 'The Girl with All the Gifts' by M. R. Carey which has a unique take on a post - apocalyptic world with a scientific twist on zombies.

For a sci - fi web novel to be among the best, it must have scientific elements that are either thought - provoking or educational. If it can make you think about the implications of a certain technology, that's great. Also, the plot should be engaging and full of twists and turns. It should keep the reader hooked from start to finish. And the writing style should be clear and not overly complicated so that it can reach a wide audience.

A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, 'The Lottery' has this very unexpected concept of a lottery that's not what you'd initially think. It also needs engaging characters, even if they're briefly described. In 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple is so relatable. And a good short story usually has a well - crafted plot that can be told in a short space without feeling rushed or incomplete.

A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the idea of the couple sacrificing their most precious things in a selfless way is very touching. It also has well - developed characters, even in a short space. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', the old man is a very mysterious and thought - provoking character.