Well, first off, having a vivid setting is important. It sets the mood for the short story. Whether it's a spooky old house or a bustling city street, it gives the story a backdrop. Another key is a strong opening. You need to grab the reader's attention right away, like starting with a mysterious event or an interesting dialogue. And don't forget about the conflict. It could be internal within a character or external between characters, but it drives the story forward. Finally, a satisfying ending, whether it's a happy one, a sad one, or something thought - provoking.
One important element is a unique voice. Your writing style should be distinct and recognizable. This can be achieved through the use of specific language, sentence structure, or even a particular sense of humor. Then there's pacing. In short stories, you need to move the story along at a good clip. You can't dawdle too much in description or backstory. You also need to be able to imply a lot rather than spelling everything out. For example, instead of giving a long history of a character, you can drop hints through their actions or a few well - placed words. And of course, the element of surprise can be great. Throw in an unexpected twist or turn to keep the reader on their toes.
The key elements often include a clear theme. It gives the story a central idea around which the plot and characters revolve. Also, interesting characters are crucial. They should be relatable or at least engaging enough to draw the reader in. And a concise plot that can be developed and resolved within a short span.