Character - depth is a big characteristic. The characters in these short stories are usually well - developed, even in a short span. Their emotions, motives, and growth are palpable. For example, in some stories, a character's journey from fear to acceptance of the fantastical elements around them is carefully crafted. Well, also, the use of language is often very creative. Writers use vivid and evocative language to bring the story to life. They might use archaic words to set a certain mood or create new words to describe the unique elements in their fantasy worlds. The themes explored are also quite diverse, ranging from love and loss in a fantastical context to moral and ethical dilemmas that are heightened by the presence of magic or the supernatural.
Many of the winners often have very unique and immersive settings. They can transport readers to strange and otherworldly places, whether it's a haunted house, a magical realm, or a distorted version of our own world.
They usually explore deep themes. Take 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It delves into the idea of old gods vs. new gods, exploring themes of faith, belief, and the changing nature of worship in modern society. The characters are also often complex and multi - dimensional, like Shadow in 'American Gods' who is on a journey of self - discovery while caught in the middle of a divine war.
Often, they have richly developed magical systems. For example, in many winning novels, the magic is not just a tool but an integral part of the world - building, with its own rules and limitations.
Neil Gaiman is one of the well - known past winners. His works often blend elements of the supernatural and the everyday in a unique and engaging way.
Another notable winner is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. This book tells the story of two magical creatures, a golem and a jinni, in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's a beautifully written novel that combines elements of fantasy with historical fiction, exploring themes of immigration, loneliness, and the search for purpose.
One of the well - known 'World Fantasy Award Winners Novel' is 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke. It's a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set in an alternate version of 19th - century England where magic once existed and is being rediscovered.
One characteristic is their innovative concepts. These books often introduce new ideas about technology, like in 'Neuromancer' with its early exploration of cyberspace. Another is their ability to make readers think about society. For example, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' makes you consider gender roles in a different way. They also tend to have well - developed worlds, such as the detailed universe in 'Dune'.
Some well - known Nebula Award for Best Short Story winners include 'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes. It's a poignant story about a man with an intellectual disability who undergoes an experiment to increase his intelligence.
I'm not sure about the most recent winner off the top of my head. But you can check the official World Fantasy Convention website for the latest information.
To be honest, I don't have the names of the 2015 O Henry Award for Short Story winners on the tip of my tongue. However, these winners would have been selected based on their ability to craft engaging short stories with elements like interesting characters, unique plots, and great writing techniques. They would have been able to stand out among the many submissions that year.
The winners of the 2002 National Best Short Story Award and their works are as follows: 1 Shattered 2. One Man's War 3 "The Song of Garlic Moss in Heaven" 4 "Abandoned City" 5 "Qin Qiang" 6 "Alive" 7 Decryption 8. White Night The Catcher in the Rye ·D. Salinger Border Town These are the winners and works of the 2002 National Best Short Story Award. These works all reflect the highest level of Chinese literature at that time.