One characteristic is their concise nature. They can tell a complete story in a relatively short space. For example, they often have a clear beginning, middle and end within just a few pages.
The theme of 'transformation' works well. It could be a physical transformation, like a person turning into a tree, or an emotional one, like a grumpy old man becoming kind-hearted. 'Time travel' is always interesting. You can send a character back to the dinosaur age or forward to a future where robots rule. And don't forget about 'mystery'. A short story about a mysterious package that arrives at someone's door with no return address can be full of suspense.
I also like 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant. It tells the story of a woman who borrows a diamond necklace for a party, loses it, and then spends years in poverty trying to replace it, only to find out in the end that the original necklace was a fake. It's a story full of irony.
Using prompts can be a great and fun way to write short fiction. For example, you can find writing prompts online or create your own. These prompts can spark your imagination and give you a starting point for your story. You can then build on the idea, adding characters, settings, and a plot. It's like a little nudge to get your creativity going. Also, you can try writing from a different perspective, like that of an animal or an inanimate object. This can add an interesting twist to your short fiction.
You can start by drawing inspiration from your daily life. For example, a funny encounter at the grocery store or an interesting conversation with a neighbor. Just jot down the key elements like the characters, the setting, and the basic plot. Another way is to pick a random object, say a broken umbrella, and build a story around it. Think about how it got broken, who it might belong to, and what adventures it might have had.
Most fun Christmas short stories are full of hope. They can take a difficult situation, like poverty or loneliness, and show how the magic of Christmas can turn things around. They also tend to have a warm and cozy atmosphere, with descriptions of Christmas decorations, snow, and delicious food. For instance, in stories where families gather around a fireplace to open presents, it creates a feeling of togetherness and happiness.
Fun short stories often have interesting characters. They might be quirky or relatable, which makes the story engaging. Also, a unique plot is common. It could be something unexpected or full of twists. And they usually have a clear and concise writing style to keep the reader's attention in a short space.
Sure, it's totally normal. Writing short stories for fun is a great way to express creativity and enjoy the process of storytelling without any pressure.
Role - playing can be a fun approach to writing short fiction. Pretend you are one of the characters in the story. How would they think, feel, and act? Write from their perspective. You can also do some 'what - if' scenarios. For example, what if a character suddenly gained a superpower? How would that change the story? This kind of thinking can lead to some really engaging short fiction. Also, you can mix different genres in an unexpected way. For instance, combine a horror element with a romantic plot. This can create a unique and exciting short story.