One characteristic is their brevity. They manage to convey a complete story or idea in just a few pages. For example, 'The Most Dangerous Game' is very short but still has a full - fledged plot with a clear conflict and resolution.
Another one is 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway. It's a short but powerful story. The dialogue in it is very nuanced, and it leaves a lot to the reader's interpretation. It mainly revolves around a couple's conversation at a train station in Spain, and there's a lot of subtext about their relationship and a difficult decision they might be facing.
Very short fiction often has concise language. It can quickly convey a vivid idea or emotion in just a few paragraphs or even sentences. For example, it might focus on a single moment or a brief encounter. It requires the writer to be extremely economical with words while still creating a complete and engaging story. The plot is usually simple yet impactful, and it can leave a strong impression on the reader in a short time.
One characteristic is their ability to convey a big idea quickly. For example, they might introduce a unique concept like a new form of time travel or an alien society in just a few paragraphs. Another is their often - intense focus. Since they're short, they usually center around one main idea or event, like a single encounter with an alien in a very short story.
I think 'What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky' was also popular. Its short stories are so creative and touch on many relevant topics today such as the immigrant experience and the search for meaning in a complex world. Each story has its own charm and the collection as a whole was well - received.
When writing very short fiction, first, find an idea that can be encapsulated in a short space. This could be a unique relationship, a strange occurrence, or a sudden realization. Next, pay attention to the pacing. Even though it's short, it should have a rhythm. Build up to a climax, if possible, even if it's a small one. Use powerful adjectives and verbs to make the story come alive. For example, instead of saying 'he walked', say 'he trudged' or 'he sauntered'. Also, think about the overall shape of the story. It could be circular, where it ends where it began in a different way, or it could be a straight - line narrative with a quick punch at the end.
One characteristic is their brevity. They convey a complete story in a short space, often with just a few pages or even paragraphs. For example, they might focus on a single moment or event that has a big impact. Another is that they usually have a concise and focused theme. Like in 'The Lottery', the theme of blindly following tradition is presented very clearly in a short amount of time. Also, very short fiction stories tend to rely on strong imagery. In 'Hills Like White Elephants', the description of the landscape and the drinks they have is used to enhance the mood and the underlying tension in the relationship.
Science fiction is all about imagining futures, advanced tech, and sometimes strange worlds. It often explores what could be possible and makes us think about how our world might change.
You could try 'The World's Shortest Stories'. It has a wide variety of very short stories from different authors and genres. The brevity makes them perfect for quick reads when you're short on time.