fictional short stories

No, they aren't.

Well, these short fictional stories can cover a wide range of themes. For example, some might be about friendship. In a short story, two characters could start as strangers but through some common experiences, like helping each other during a storm, they become good friends. Another aspect could be the exploration of different settings. A short story might be set in a far - off fantasy land with magical creatures, which makes the story full of mystery and wonder. Also, the characters in these stories can be very diverse, from brave heroes to ordinary people with extraordinary hearts.

One of the common themes in short fictional stories is the passage of time. Writers often explore how time affects characters and their situations. Survival is also a common theme, whether it's physical survival in a dangerous environment or emotional survival through difficult times. Additionally, the theme of discovery, like a character discovering a new place or a hidden truth about themselves or others.

They often focus on a single theme or idea. This could be something like love, loss, or the search for identity. The brevity of the form forces the author to be very focused on this central concept. Also, fictional short stories can be very diverse in terms of style. Some may be written in a very straightforward narrative style, while others might use more experimental or stream - of - consciousness techniques.

One important element is the theme. It's the underlying message or idea of the story. Also, the point of view matters. First - person can give an intimate feel, while third - person can offer a broader view. Another element is the style of writing, like using vivid language to paint pictures in the reader's mind. For example, instead of just saying 'it was a beautiful day', you could say 'the sun beamed down, casting a golden glow over the emerald - green fields'.

One common theme is death and loss. It can add a sense of melancholy and depth to the story. For example, a character might be dealing with the loss of a loved one. Mystery is also a big one. Stories with an element of mystery keep readers guessing until the end. And then there's the theme of self - discovery. Characters often go through a process of finding out who they really are, especially in the face of difficult situations.

One characteristic is the fragmentation of narrative. Instead of a linear story, postmodern short stories often have bits and pieces of different events and ideas that may seem unconnected at first. For example, in some stories, the plot jumps around in time and space without a clear, chronological order.

One interesting fictional short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a chilling tale set in a small town where an annual lottery has a very dark and unexpected outcome. It makes readers think about the power of tradition and the mob mentality.

They often have relatable characters. For example, in many such stories, the main characters are ordinary people facing extraordinary situations, like in 'The Gift of the Magi'. This makes readers feel connected.

You could also consider submitting your short fictional stories to literary magazines. Some well - known ones like The New Yorker, although it's very competitive, pay for the stories they publish. There are also many smaller, niche literary magazines that are always on the lookout for new and interesting short stories and may offer payment or exposure that could lead to future sales opportunities.