What makes a 'great little short story' so appealing?

One reason is their brevity. They can be read in a short time, which is convenient for people with busy schedules. For example, you can finish a great little short story during your commute.

A great little story is appealing because it can transport you to another world quickly. Take the story of the hidden treasure. It makes you imagine a different place, a different adventure. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end. You can follow the journey of the characters easily. And the characters usually have some kind of growth or change. Jack in the treasure story learned about the value of wisdom rather than just gold.

One reason is the element of surprise. In a short space, they can shock readers with unexpected twists like in 'The Monkey's Paw'. Another is the ability to tap into our deepest fears, such as the fear of the unknown in 'The Call of Cthulhu'.

They often deal with universal fears like death, the unknown, and the afterlife. Since they are short, they can focus on one core fear and really drive it home. In many short ghost stories, the idea of something that was once dead coming back to haunt the living is a common theme, which plays on our natural fear of the supernatural. Also, they can be read in one sitting, so they are perfect for when you want a quick dose of horror without having to commit to a long novel.

Great real short stories are appealing because they are like little gems. They are often filled with symbolism and hidden meanings. Writers use every word carefully to create an atmosphere and tell a story. They can surprise you with unexpected twists. For instance, a story might start as a simple tale about a daily routine but then turn into a story about a great mystery or a life - changing event. They also allow you to explore different cultures and historical periods in a short amount of time, which broadens your understanding of the world.

The spookiness. Great Halloween short stories often have elements like ghosts, witches, and other supernatural beings that give a thrill.

Great short horror stories are appealing because they can deliver a big impact in a short amount of time. They use vivid descriptions to create a spooky atmosphere. Take 'The Yellow Wallpaper' for instance. The detailed description of the wallpaper makes the reader feel the claustrophobia and madness. They also play with the reader's emotions, making them feel fear, unease, and sometimes pity for the characters. And they can make the ordinary seem terrifying, like the village in 'The Lottery' which seems normal at first but hides a dark secret.

Their simplicity. They cut straight to the heart of the relationship without a lot of unnecessary details. For example, a short story might just focus on a single moment like a first kiss or a meaningful glance, which can be very powerful.

A great Christmas story usually has relatable characters. Whether it's a child waiting for Santa Claus or an adult rediscovering the joy of the season, we can see parts of ourselves in these characters. For example, in 'A Christmas Carol', Scrooge's transformation is something many can relate to. We all have moments where we might be a bit too self - centered, and seeing him change makes us believe in the possibility of change within ourselves too. Also, the festive setting of Christmas, with all its decorations, food, and traditions, adds to the charm of these stories.

One reason is the element of surprise. When we hear a story about a turtle racing a rabbit and the turtle wins, it goes against our normal expectations. Another factor is the use of vivid and simple descriptions. If a story tells about a clumsy elephant trying to dance, the clear picture that forms in our minds makes it appealing. And finally, the fact that they are short and sweet means we can enjoy them quickly without having to invest a lot of time, yet still get a good laugh or a warm feeling.