What are the common themes in fantasy submissions short stories?

In science fiction short fiction submissions, the theme of post - apocalypse is quite common. This can be due to nuclear war, a pandemic, or some other global catastrophe. It shows how humans might adapt or struggle to survive in a broken world. Another is the exploration of alternate realities. Writers use this to imagine different versions of our world or different laws of physics. And of course, the theme of first contact with alien species is always popular, as it involves so many aspects like communication, cultural differences, and potential conflict.

In submissions of children's stories, adventure is a frequently seen theme. Children enjoy reading about characters going on exciting journeys, exploring new places, and facing challenges. Fairy tales - like themes are also common. This includes things like magic, princes and princesses, and enchanted forests. These themes have been popular for generations and continue to be so in new submissions. Morals and lessons are another common aspect, like the importance of honesty or sharing.

One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines. For example, if the guideline says the story should be no more than 5000 words and you submit a 10000 - word story, it's likely to be rejected. Another mistake is having poor grammar and spelling in your submission. Also, not having a clear and engaging plot can be a problem.

One common theme is exploration. In both fantasy and science fiction submissions, characters often embark on grand adventures to discover new lands in fantasy or new planets in science fiction. Another theme is the struggle between good and evil. This is a classic in both genres, with heroes facing off against powerful villains. Also, the concept of power, whether it's magical in fantasy or technological in science fiction, is frequently explored.

One common theme could be the exploration of the subconscious. Dreams often reveal hidden fears or desires, and in New Yorker submissions, this might be shown through strange or surreal scenarios. For example, a character might find themselves in a familiar place but with a menacing twist, like their childhood home filled with dark, shadowy figures. Another theme could be the blurring of reality and fantasy. The dream state allows for a mixing of the two, and submissions may play with this idea, perhaps having a character interact with both real - life people and fantastical creatures simultaneously. A third theme could be self - discovery. As dreams can be a mirror to the self, stories might use the dream setting to have the protagonist learn something new about themselves, like realizing a long - buried talent or facing an aspect of their personality they had been avoiding.

Alien encounters are often seen. This can involve first contact scenarios, cooperation or conflict with extraterrestrial beings, and exploring different cultures. Another common theme is dystopian futures, where society has gone wrong in some way, like in over - controlled governments or environmental disasters.

Adventure is likely to be another theme. Characters in these short stories are often on a journey, exploring new places, facing challenges and learning about themselves along the way. For example, they might be exploring a mysterious island or a far - off magical land. And there could also be a theme of self - discovery. As the characters go through their adventures, they come to understand more about their own strengths, weaknesses and identities.

Another theme is the battle between good and evil. This can be seen in many fantasy short stories where the good characters have to fight against dark forces. It gives the story a moral dimension and keeps the readers engaged as they root for the good guys to win.

Common themes in fantasy short stories include good vs. evil. This is often shown through battles between heroes and villains. Another theme is the power of magic. It can be used for good or misused for evil. Also, self - discovery is a popular theme. A character might learn about their true identity or abilities during their adventures in the fantasy world.

One characteristic is the use of vivid language. In short stories, for example, authors often use concise yet powerful words to quickly draw the reader into the story. In novels, they have more space to develop the language and create detailed descriptions. Another aspect is the plot structure. Short stories usually have a simple yet impactful plot, while novels can have complex, multi - layered plots that unfold over a longer period of time.