The 'best in short fiction' usually has a unique writing style. It might use vivid language to create a strong atmosphere. For example, it can make you feel like you're right there in the story's setting. Another aspect is that it often has a deep or unexpected theme that makes you think long after you've finished reading.
One characteristic is their ability to convey a powerful message in a short space. For example, in 'The Lottery', Shirley Jackson packs a punch about the dangers of tradition in just a few pages. Another is the creation of memorable characters. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', Flannery O'Connor gives us complex and interesting characters that stay with us. Also, they often have an unexpected twist. Like in 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, the ending is both sweet and surprising.
The best short paranormal fiction often has unique and memorable characters. Take 'Carmilla' for instance. Carmilla herself is a very distinct vampire character, with her alluring yet dangerous nature. Also, these stories usually have a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the series of events that unfold after each wish is made are both unexpected and full of horror. Moreover, they can often play with the readers' fears, whether it's the fear of the supernatural, death, or the loss of sanity like in 'The Fall of the House of Usher' where the main characters seem to be losing their grip on reality.
The best crime fiction short stories often have a strong sense of mystery. They draw readers in with an initial crime or strange situation. For example, in 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue', the brutal murders in a locked room create immediate intrigue. Also, they usually have interesting characters. In 'Lamb to the Slaughter', the seemingly gentle housewife who commits a crime is a very engaging character.
One characteristic is the unexpected plot twists. In 'best new weird short fiction', the stories often take you in directions you don't anticipate. For instance, a character might suddenly find themselves in a completely different reality.
One characteristic is that they often explore big ideas in a concise way. For example, they can look at the impact of new technologies on society or human nature in just a few pages. Another is that they create vivid and unique settings. Like in 'The Veldt', the high - tech house and its virtual reality nursery are very distinct. Also, they usually have strong character development despite their short length. In 'Flowers for Algernon', we see the main character change dramatically.
They usually manage to convey deep themes in a concise way. 'A Sound of Thunder' by Bradbury again shows this. It's about time travel and how small changes can have huge impacts, and it does this in just a short story.
Well, 'New Yorker Best Short Fiction' often features high - quality writing. The stories usually have well - developed characters. They can be complex and multi - dimensional, making readers feel like they really know the people in the story. Also, the plots are engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you hooked from start to finish.
The best ones are concise yet impactful. They manage to create well - developed characters in a very limited space. Take Hemingway's famous six - word story 'For sale: baby shoes, never worn.' It shows how much can be said with so little. Flash fiction stories are also good at creating a mood right from the start, which helps to engage the reader immediately.
The best ones often have unique and thought - provoking concepts. For example, they might explore new forms of alien life or future technologies in ways that make you stop and think.
Short short fiction often has a concise plot. It can convey a strong message or emotion in a very limited space. For example, it might focus on a single moment of revelation or a brief encounter.