What are some good fictional short stories to start with?
I think 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' by Frank R. Stockton is a good choice. It leaves the ending to the reader's imagination, making it a very engaging read. Additionally, 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London is a great story that shows the harshness of nature and man's struggle against it.
You could start with 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It's a classic that shows the selfless love between a young couple. Another great one is 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, which has a surprising ending about a woman's pursuit of social status.
What are some good nonfiction short stories to start with?
One great one to start with is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a powerful exploration of a woman's mental state.
What are some good anthology of short stories to start with?
I would recommend 'Penguin Book of the Modern American Short Story'. It has stories that really capture the essence of modern American life. The stories in this anthology are diverse in terms of plot, character, and writing style. Also, 'The O. Henry Prize Stories' is a great choice. Every year, it showcases some of the best short stories, and you can discover new and talented authors through it.
What are the elements of good fictional short stories?
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'.
What are good ways to start short stories?
One good way is to start with a vivid description of a setting. For example, 'The old, creaky house stood alone at the end of the dirt road, surrounded by overgrown weeds that seemed to reach for the gray sky.' This immediately sets a mood and draws the reader in.
How to start a fictional short story?
Start by coming up with an interesting idea or concept. Maybe it's a unique character, a mysterious setting, or a thrilling plot twist. Then, think about who the main character is and what their goal or problem will be.
What are some interesting fictional short stories?
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.
What are some ways to start short stories?
One way is to start with a vivid description of a setting. For example, 'The old, creaky house stood alone at the end of the overgrown lane, its broken shutters flapping in the cold wind.' This immediately creates an atmosphere and draws the reader in. Another way is to start with an interesting dialogue. 'Are you sure we should be here?' 'There's no other option now.' It makes the reader wonder what's going on and who the speakers are. Also, starting with a sudden action can be effective. 'He ran, not looking back, the sound of the gunshot still ringing in his ears.'
What are some fictional characters that start with 'A'?
One such character could be Aragorn from 'The Lord of the Rings'. He's a brave and noble warrior.
What are some good free Joyce Carol Oates short stories to start with?
One good one to start with is 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'. It's a rather famous short story that showcases Oates' ability to create complex characters and a sense of unease. It's relatively short but packs a lot of punch.
What are some good free online sci fi short stories to start with?
I would recommend 'The Last Question' by Isaac Asimov. It's a classic that explores deep concepts about the universe and the future of humanity in a relatively short space. Another great one is 'All You Zombies' by Robert A. Heinlein. It has a mind - bending time - travel plot. And 'A Martian Odyssey' by Stanley G. Weinbaum is also very good. It offers a fascinating look at what life on Mars might be like.