The tone of the story matters. If it's a light - hearted, comical story, the ending should be upbeat and fun. Maybe a character who was always clumsy finally manages to do something right in a really humorous way. It gives the reader a positive and pleasant feeling at the end.
Another factor is the setting. If the story is set in a post - apocalyptic world, the ending could be about hope emerging from the desolation. The characters might find a way to start rebuilding society or discover a place that's still untouched by the chaos. This ties in with the overall mood and context that the setting creates.
Think about the foreshadowing you've done in the story. If you've dropped hints about a certain event or discovery, the ending should fulfill that. For example, if there were mentions of a hidden treasure throughout the story, the ending could be the characters finally finding it. This gives a sense of satisfaction to the reader as it ties up loose ends.
The ending of a story often depends on the character development and the goals they achieve or fail to achieve.
One simple way is to think about the main character's growth or change throughout the story. If they've learned a valuable lesson, the ending could show them applying that lesson in a new situation. For example, if the character was initially shy but overcame it during the story, the ending could be them confidently speaking in public.
One thing that makes a short story short is the lack of extensive subplots or multiple storylines. It's more concentrated on the main idea or conflict, presented without a lot of tangents or distractions.
One of the main things to consider before publishing your first short story is the editorial process. Have you had your story thoroughly edited? This includes not only grammar and spelling but also the overall flow and coherence of the story. Another consideration is the platform or publisher you choose. Research their reputation, the terms they offer, and how they promote their authors. You should also consider the cover art if applicable. A great cover can attract more readers. And don't forget about the title and blurb of your short story. They are the first things that will catch a reader's attention and should be engaging and representative of your story.
It could be influenced by real-life events or a desire to reflect the complexity and ambiguity of life. Not all stories have neat, predictable conclusions. Authors might use an unconventional ending to make the story more thought-provoking and memorable.
The main factors could be the theme, key events, or main characters of the story. A catchy title that gives a hint of what's to come can attract readers.
The style and structure of the narrative also matter. Novels typically have a more elaborate and organized way of presenting the story, with detailed descriptions and a slower pace to build tension and atmosphere.
The characters' emotions and the setting usually play a big role. If the characters are constantly happy in a beautiful place, it's likely a cheerful mood.
Several elements shape the tone. The author's style, the conflicts faced by the characters, and the resolution of those conflicts. Also, the genre of the story influences the tone. A mystery story often has a suspenseful tone.
The type of content matters. If it's fitness - related, early morning or evenings when people are more likely to exercise could be good. Also, the day of the week is important. Mondays are usually busy for people, so posting in the evening might be better. And don't forget about holidays. During holidays, the best time could be different as people's schedules change.