Morality is also frequently explored. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the question of what makes a person 'good' is raised. Different characters in the story have different ideas about right and wrong, and through their interactions, the author delves into complex moral issues. This exploration of morality makes the story more thought - provoking and engaging for readers.
Love could be a common theme. Stories might show different forms of love like romantic love between two characters or the love within a family.
Love and loss are likely common themes. Stories might explore how people deal with the loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship, while also showing the power of love in different forms.
There are several platforms worth considering. Kobo Writing Life is one, which offers a good royalty rate. Another is Draft2Digital, which simplifies the publishing process. And don't forget about your own blog or website. If you can drive traffic to it, you can sell your short stories directly from there.
Some well - known best selling short stories include 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic horror story that delves into the mind of a deranged narrator. 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant is also highly regarded. It tells the story of a woman who loses a borrowed necklace and the consequences that follow. Also, 'Rip Van Winkle' by Washington Irving, which is a story about a man who sleeps for 20 years and wakes up to a very different world.
One common theme is loyalty. Just like in the story where one friend gives up a chance to win for the sake of an injured friend. Another theme is support. For example, when a friend encourages another to enter a competition. Also, shared experiences play a big role. Whether it's going camping together and facing difficulties like rain, or achieving something great like winning a competition together. These themes help to show the depth and importance of the friendship between best friends.
One common theme could be self - discovery. In a short space of 1000 words, characters might start out not knowing themselves well and through some events, they gain a better understanding of who they are.
The theme of family also runs through many of these stories. Family is not only a source of support but also a place where traditions are passed down. In some stories, family members might have different views on how to uphold the Jewish faith or adapt to new situations, leading to interesting conflicts and reconciliations within the family unit.
Death is a very common theme. It can be sudden, violent or a slow, creeping dread. For example, in many stories, characters are haunted by the specter of their own death or the death of others.
A theme that often shows up is transformation. The victim in the revenge story often changes from a passive state to an active one. For example, the shy boy Ben who was bullied. He used his art to transform from a victim into someone who could expose the bully. Also, there's the theme of karma. The revenge makes the wrongdoer face the consequences of their actions in some way.
Family is a very common theme. For example, in 'The God of Small Things', family relationships are at the core of the story, with secrets and love within the family being explored.