Once upon a time, a small fairy lost her magic wand. She searched everywhere. Then, a kind gnome found it and returned it to her. The fairy was so happy and rewarded the gnome with a shiny pebble that had the power to grant one small wish.
A unique and vivid setting can make a fantasy very short story engaging. For example, a world filled with floating islands and magic crystals. It immediately grabs the reader's attention.
A very short fantasy story often has a magical character like a fairy or wizard. For example, a story might have a pixie who uses her magic to help a lost animal. Another key element is a unique setting, such as a hidden forest or an underwater kingdom. Magic is also crucial, like spells or enchanted objects. In a short story, these elements need to be introduced quickly to engage the reader right away.
Very short fantasy stories are known for their economy of words. They use just enough language to spark the imagination. They often have a touch of mystery. For instance, a story might start with a strange sound in the forest at night, leaving the reader to wonder what it could be. They also tend to end with a bit of a twist or a sense of wonder. Like a story where a girl thinks she's found a normal stone but it turns out to be a dragon's egg.
One characteristic is their quick pacing. Since they are short, there's no time for long - winded build - ups. They get right to the action or the strange, fantastical element. They also tend to leave a lot to the reader's imagination. For instance, a story might end on a cliffhanger, and the reader has to imagine what happens next. They can also play with different fantasy tropes in a very condensed way, like a twist on the hero's journey in just a couple of paragraphs.
The characteristics of a very very very short story include simplicity. It doesn't have complex plotlines or numerous characters. For example, 'Bird flew. Sky was blue.' Also, it can be highly suggestive. Since it's so short, it makes the reader think more. Like 'Light went out. Silence.' It makes you wonder why the light went out and what the silence means. These stories are often about capturing a moment or a basic human experience in the most minimal way.
Start with an interesting idea. It could be a single magical object like a talking sword. Then build a simple plot around it. For example, who made the sword, why does it talk, and what quest does it send the protagonist on.
Well, several things can make a story very short. Maybe it skips background details and goes straight to the main event. Or it could use concise language and avoid complex descriptions. Also, having a narrow scope and not exploring multiple subplots helps keep it short.
A very very short story is marked by its extreme brevity. It usually doesn't have elaborate settings or complex subplots. Instead, it aims to convey a core idea or feeling quickly and effectively.