When writing a noir short fiction, think about the genre's characteristics. Noir often has a noir protagonist who is caught in a difficult situation. You can start by outlining a basic plot that involves a crime, like a murder or a robbery. Then, flesh out your characters. They should be believable and have their own motives. For the setting, choose something that adds to the noir feel, such as a rain - soaked street at night. As you write, pay attention to the pacing. Slow down to build suspense and then speed up for the action. And don't forget to add some noir - specific details, like a flickering neon sign or a shadowy figure lurking in the background.
One great noir fiction short story is 'The Killers' by Ernest Hemingway. It has a dark and menacing atmosphere with the two killers waiting for their target in a diner. Another is 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. It's a classic of the genre, full of passion, betrayal and a sense of inescapable doom. Also, 'Red Wind' by Raymond Chandler is a must - read. Chandler's descriptions of the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles and his hard - boiled detective Marlowe are iconic in noir literature.
Typically, noir short fiction often has a dark and moody atmosphere. In free online versions, you'll still find complex characters with hidden motives. The plots usually involve elements of mystery, crime, and often a sense of moral ambiguity.
One way is to look at the common themes like moral ambiguity. In many noir short stories, characters are not clearly good or bad. For example, in 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', the lovers' actions are both passionate and morally wrong. Another theme is the sense of a corrupt world. Noir often shows a world where justice is hard to come by. Also, themes of betrayal are common. People in noir stories often betray each other for personal gain or survival.
You can try websites like Project Gutenberg. It has a wide range of classic literature, including some noir short fiction that is free to access. Another option is to look on some independent author blogs. Many authors post their noir short stories for free online to gain exposure.
Noir fiction often features a dark and cynical tone. It typically has morally ambiguous characters. The settings are usually gritty, like the seedy underbelly of a big city.
Definitely not. Noir usually emphasizes style and cinematography to create a sense of mystery and dread. Pulp fiction is known for its pulpiness - it's often more raw, action-packed, and sometimes even a bit cheesy.