Another good one is 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant. It's about a woman who borrows a diamond necklace for a ball, loses it, and then spends years in poverty trying to replace it. In the end, there's an unexpected twist that makes you think about vanity and the true cost of things. This story is full of irony and social commentary.
A third non - erotica short story to consider is 'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury. It's a science - fiction story that deals with the concept of time travel and the consequences of even the smallest actions. It makes you reflect on the power of cause and effect and the importance of every decision we make.
One great example is 'Ms. Marvel' short stories. They focus on Kamala Khan, a young Muslim girl who gains superpowers and uses them to protect her community and fight against evil. It's a story full of empowerment and cultural exploration.
Some good non - erotica short story collections include 'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri. Her stories beautifully explore the experiences of Indian - Americans. 'Nine Stories' by J. D. Salinger is also excellent. The stories are poignant and often deal with the coming - of - age of young people.
Another good one is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It has a complex plot with lesbian characters and is more about mystery, betrayal, and love in a historical context rather than being erotica - centered.
Good non - erotica short stories often have strong characters. For example, they can be very relatable, like the characters in some coming - of - age short stories. Readers can see a bit of themselves in the characters, which makes the story engaging.
For mystery lovers, 'Sherlock Holmes' stories by Arthur Conan Doyle are excellent. The brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson solve a series of baffling cases in Victorian London. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee is a powerful and moving story that deals with themes of racism and justice in the American South. Also, 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry is a charming and thought - provoking tale that uses simple language and beautiful illustrations to convey deep messages about love, friendship, and the human condition.
One great type of couple story is about how a couple started a business together. They combine their skills and efforts, face challenges like financial problems or competition, and build a successful enterprise while strengthening their relationship.
The Project Gutenberg is a great archive for non - erotica stories. It has a vast collection of classic literature that is free to access. You can find works from authors like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen there.
Another good one is 'Goodbye to Berlin' by Christopher Isherwood. There are elements in it that can be seen as an exploration of different sexualities and relationships, including those that could be read as lesbian - like relationships. It gives a great insight into the lives and feelings of the characters in a complex social setting.
Contests are another avenue. For example, the 'Pushcart Prize' accepts submissions of short stories. Participating in such contests not only gives you a chance to get published but also to gain recognition in the literary world. Also, some universities or colleges have their own literary publications that accept submissions from outside their institutions, which can be a good place to submit non - erotica short stories.
One could be a story where the green man is a magical forest guardian. He protects the forest from those who would harm it, using his unique powers that are connected to the natural elements.