sci fi fantasy short stories

Some of the great ones could be 'The Paper Menagerie' by Ken Liu. It beautifully blends science fiction elements with a very touching family story. Another might be 'The Girl with All the Gifts' by M. R. Carey which has a unique take on a post - apocalyptic world with a scientific twist on zombies.

You can start by researching literary magazines or online platforms that accept submissions in this genre. Then, follow their specific submission guidelines carefully, which usually include formatting requirements and submission methods.

Ray Bradbury's 'A Sound of Thunder' is also a classic. It's about time travel. Hunters go back in time to hunt dinosaurs, but they are given strict instructions not to disturb anything in the past. However, things go wrong when one of them steps off the path, and it has a huge impact on the present when they return.

It depends on your interests. If you're into technology, space, and scientific concepts, sci - fi might be your thing. But if you love magic, mythical creatures, and enchanted worlds, then fantasy could be better.

They often have unique settings. For example, they might be set in a far - off future galaxy or a magical realm. Good ones also have interesting characters. These characters usually face some sort of conflict, like a battle against an alien race or trying to break a magic spell. And they make you think. They can explore deep themes such as the meaning of humanity, the consequences of technology, or the nature of power.

The concept of the individual vs. society is often seen. Characters may struggle against a controlling or dystopian society, as in stories like '1984' - type scenarios in a sci - fi setting or against a tyrannical magical regime in a fantasy. Also, the idea of transformation, whether it's a physical transformation through some science - fictional experiment or a magical spell, is quite common.

One characteristic is the unique world - building. In these stories, like in 'The Star' by H. G. Wells, the authors create new and often strange settings. Another is the exploration of big ideas. For example, in 'The Machine Stops' by E. M. Forster, it delves into the over - reliance on technology. Also, they often have unexpected twists. Just as in 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, where the ending is not what you expect, but in a sci - fi/fantasy context, it can be even more mind - boggling.

It depends on your interests. If you love technology and future concepts, sci-fi might be for you. But if you prefer magic and mythical worlds, go for fantasy.

I think it could be either. It depends on the elements and themes presented in the story. If it has magic, mythical creatures, and alternate worlds, it might be fantasy. But if it involves advanced technology, space exploration, or scientific concepts, then it's likely sci-fi.

For fantasy, you could check out 'Goblin Market' by Christina Rossetti. It has elements of the fantastical with the goblin merchants. In sci - fi, 'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury is excellent. It shows how small changes in the past can have huge impacts on the future. Also, Neil Gaiman's 'How to Talk to Girls at Parties' is a fun and strange fantasy short story that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary.