Online amateur fantasy short stories are usually full of passion. The writers write because they love the genre, not just for profit. So, there's often a sense of enthusiasm in the stories. Their settings can be really diverse. Some might create a completely new and unheard - of fantasy world, while others might put a new spin on a familiar one. And because they are online, they can get instant feedback from readers, which can sometimes lead to interesting changes or developments in the story over time.
Well, one of the main characteristics is their ability to quickly draw the reader into the story. They start with an interesting hook, maybe a strange event or a mysterious character. The magic systems in these stories are also important. A well - thought - out magic system, whether it's about spell - casting or using magical artifacts, adds to the allure. And the themes are usually universal, like good versus evil, friendship, or self - discovery, which make them relatable even in a fantasy setting. In addition, the use of rich and detailed descriptions, whether it's about the appearance of a mythical creature or the architecture of a fantasy castle, helps to bring the story to life. This makes the readers feel like they are really in that magical world.
Some free online fantasy short stories can be of excellent quality. Consider the fact that many new and emerging writers are using the internet as a platform to gain recognition. They put in a great deal of effort into their short stories. Also, some established authors may release free short stories related to their larger works as a teaser. So, you can find really engaging, well - crafted fantasy short stories for free if you look in the right places.
Popular online short fantasy stories often have unique and imaginative settings. For example, they might be set in a magical world with its own rules and creatures. The characters are usually very distinct, like a wizard with a special power or a brave knight with a mysterious past.
Neil Gaiman often has his short stories available for free on his official website. His works, like 'How to Talk to Girls at Parties', are full of his unique brand of fantasy, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary in a very engaging way. There are also stories on Tor.com. They publish a variety of high - quality fantasy short stories by different authors, and some of them are free to read.
Online middle school fantasy short stories usually have a simple yet engaging plot. Since they are aimed at middle school students, they don't get overly complicated. They often focus on themes like friendship, courage, and self - discovery. The characters are relatable for middle schoolers, like a shy student who discovers a magical power within himself and has to use it to save his friends. The writing style is also more accessible, with shorter sentences and easier vocabulary compared to adult fantasy stories.
Some magazines that focus on fantasy literature, either in print or online versions, are great sources. For instance, 'Fantasy & Science Fiction' magazine often publishes short stories. You can also check out Reddit's fantasy sub -reddits. People sometimes share links to great online fantasy short stories there, or even write and post their own.
There are also some public domain websites such as Project Gutenberg. While it may not be solely dedicated to fantasy short stories, you can still find some classic ones there for free. Additionally, many independent authors post their fantasy short stories on their personal blogs or websites for free to gain exposure.
Well, platforms like Medium often have some great short fantasy stories. Some of them are written by emerging writers. Additionally, Archive of Our Own (AO3) might also have relevant content, although it has a wide range of genres but fantasy is well - represented there. These platforms usually allow you to search specifically for short stories within the fantasy genre.
One common theme is friendship. For example, in many stories, the main characters are friends who face challenges together in the fantasy world. Another theme is self - discovery. Middle - school - age is a time of growth, and in these stories, characters often learn about their own strengths and weaknesses.