One characteristic is a clear theme. In a short story about friendship, the theme of loyalty might be prominent throughout. Another is the use of vivid descriptions. If it's a short story set in a historical era, the descriptions of the setting, like the cobblestone streets and old - fashioned buildings, make it more immersive. Also, the pacing is important. A fast - paced adventure short story will have short, snappy sentences during action scenes.
They usually have a clear and engaging plot. A short story might start with an interesting situation, like in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, where a small town has an annual lottery, and as the story unfolds, it takes unexpected turns that keep the reader hooked.
Themes that resonate with a wide audience are also important. Stories that touch on themes like love, friendship, and the human condition can be very powerful. Many short stories explore the complexity of human relationships, like how people interact in times of conflict or cooperation, which makes them relatable and engaging.
Good short stories often have vivid characters. For instance, in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, the characters are ordinary villagers, but through their actions and reactions, we can see the dark side of human nature. They are so real that readers can easily relate to them.
A strong plot is also important. It shouldn't just be about the sexual encounters but should have a story arc. Maybe it's a story of two people who gradually discover their sexual attraction within the context of a larger life event, like in 'The Bridges of Madison County' where the brief but intense affair is set against the backdrop of a journey of self - discovery.
The 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is also a wonderful bedtime story. It takes you on a fantastical journey with Alice through a strange and magical world. It's full of imagination and can spark interesting dreams.
Sure. Inkitt has a wide variety of non - erotic short stories. You can start by looking at the adventure genre. Stories often involve characters going on exciting quests, facing challenges in mysterious lands. Another great category is mystery, where you can find tales full of suspense and unexpected twists.
There are various interesting short stories on Inkitt. For example, some are thrilling mystery stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. The mystery might involve a missing person or a strange occurrence in a small town.
As I don't know the exact book, I can only guess. Maybe they have diverse characters. Short stories often manage to create vivid characters in a limited space.
One characteristic is their brevity. They can convey a complete idea or story in a relatively short space. For example, many short stories focus on a single event or a short period in a character's life.
A great short story is 'The Gift of the Magi'. It's about a young couple who are very poor. The wife cuts off her long hair to buy a chain for her husband's watch, while the husband sells his watch to buy combs for his wife's hair. It shows the selfless love between them.