You should check out 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant. It showcases how a simple story can have profound implications and how character development can be handled in a short story. Another good one is 'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury, which is great for its imaginative premise and pacing.
One key element is accurate historical research. For example, if writing about a particular era like the Victorian age in a short story, you need to know the social norms, fashion, and language of that time. Another is creating believable characters that fit into the historical setting. For instance, a character in a medieval historical fiction short story should have values and behaviors typical of that era.
The limited word count in flash fiction and short short stories forces writers to be concise. They have to cut out any unnecessary details and get straight to the point. Every word has to count, which makes the writing more focused.
First, decide on the genre you want to write in, like horror, science - fiction or romance. Then, come up with an interesting concept. For example, in horror, you could think of a haunted house. Next, create characters that fit the genre. In a science - fiction story, you might have a brilliant scientist. Finally, write a simple plot outline and start writing.
To start writing interactive fiction short stories, begin by thinking about the theme. Is it going to be a love story, an adventure, or a mystery? Once you have the theme, start developing the plot. Decide on the key events that will happen regardless of the choices. Then, for each choice point, think about how it will branch the story. For instance, if the reader chooses to go left in a forest, they might encounter a friendly elf, but if they go right, they meet a dangerous troll. Also, don't forget to give the reader enough information at each step so they can make an informed choice.
To start writing prose fiction short stories, you should read a lot of them first. This gives you a sense of different styles and techniques. Once you have an idea, start with a strong opening sentence. It should grab the reader's attention right away. You can begin with a dialogue, a description of an interesting scene, or a thought-provoking statement. Then, gradually introduce your characters and the setting, building up the story as you go.
A great short story often has a strong and interesting character. For example, in many of Hemingway's short stories, the characters are complex and their actions drive the story forward. Also, a clear plot is essential. It doesn't have to be overly complicated but should have a beginning, middle, and end.
Ursula K. Le Guin is famous for her science fiction short stories, such as 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas'. Philip K. Dick has also created some amazing short works. His stories often have a mind - bending quality, exploring complex ideas about reality and identity. Another author is Harlan Ellison. His short stories are known for their edginess and unique perspectives, like in 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream' which is a very dark and powerful story.