What makes an award winning horror short story so special?

Well, often it's the unique concept. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', the idea of using a brilliant yet deranged serial killer like Hannibal Lecter to help catch another killer was new. The characters are complex and engaging, which adds to the allure.

They often capture the essence of love in a concise way. Since they are short, every word counts. Writers need to distill the complex emotions of love into a few pages or paragraphs, which makes the stories very impactful.

An award - winning love story is special because it often delves deep into the human psyche. It shows the raw emotions of love, like passion, tenderness, and longing. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the love Gatsby has for Daisy is all - consuming, and the story shows the lengths he will go to for that love.

Award - winning short horror stories are captivating because they can convey a lot in a short space. They use powerful language to create vivid and terrifying images in our minds. For example, in 'August Heat', the simple act of drawing a picture becomes a source of horror through the author's description. They also often have a moral or message hidden within, like how in 'The Cone' it might be about the consequences of one's actions and obsessions, which makes the reader think while being scared.

They often have unique concepts. For example, they can present new ideas about the future, technology, or the human condition in a concise way. Since they are short, they need to pack a punch quickly.

Well, one aspect is their innovation. These stories often introduce new concepts or unique perspectives. For example, they might play with time, space, or social structures in ways we haven't seen before.

A strong plot that grabs the reader's attention from the start and keeps them engaged throughout is a key factor. Also, well-developed and relatable characters can make a story stand out.

The special thing about award - winning flash fiction is its ability to create a complete world or character in just a few paragraphs. Writers have to be extremely precise with their words. They choose each word carefully to build atmosphere, develop a plot, and make the reader care about what's happening. Take 'The Yellow Wallpaper' as an example. In a short space, it creates a sense of unease and a complex portrait of a woman's mental state.

A Henry Williamson award - winning animal story is special because of its ability to transport the reader into the animal's world. It uses detailed descriptions of the animals' actions, habits, and habitats. For example, if it's about a hedgehog, it might describe how it forages for food at night, how it curls up into a ball when threatened. The story also might have a deeper meaning or message, like the importance of conservation or respecting all living things. It could show how human actions impact animals, whether positive or negative, and make us think about our role in the natural world.

Well, one thing is the engaging stories. For example, in 'Bone', the plot twists and turns keep young readers hooked. They often deal with themes that are relevant to kids like friendship, adventure, and growing up.