The key to writing a short story on discovery is to have a strong beginning that grabs the reader's attention. Develop your characters in a way that makes the reader care about their quest for discovery. And don't forget to add some unexpected twists to keep things exciting.
The moment of discovery in a short story is often a key turning point. It's when a character realizes something crucial that changes the course of the story.
One idea could be a story about a lonely lighthouse keeper. He has spent years in isolation, watching the sea. One day, he discovers a strange object washed ashore. This object turns out to be a magical item that starts to change his life and the way he views the world around him.
One possible short catchy title could be 'Unveiling Me: My Life's Quest'. This title gives a sense of mystery and the idea that there is something about the person that has been hidden or is waiting to be discovered, just like in a journey of self - discovery.
Imagine a world where people can exchange their dreams. A person who is always dissatisfied with their own dreams decides to trade with others. But they soon realize that each dream has its own problems and that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Through this experience, they learn to appreciate their own dreams and the unique experiences they bring.
One idea could be exploring the backstory of a minor character in more depth. For example, the character of Marthe. We could see her life before she came to serve the de Clermont family. Another plot could involve a different magical creature being introduced into the world of the story, like a phoenix, and how it interacts with the witches, vampires, and daemons. Maybe it could be a key to solving some of the ongoing mysteries in the 'A Discovery of Witches' universe.
Well, 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry is also a great discovery short story. In this story, the couple discovers the true meaning of love and self - sacrifice. They each sacrifice their most precious possession to buy a gift for the other, and in the end, they discover that their love is more valuable than any material thing.
One interesting 'discovery short story' could be about the discovery of penicillin. Alexander Fleming accidentally left a petri dish uncovered, and mold grew on it which inhibited the growth of bacteria. This discovery revolutionized medicine.
How about a world where everyone has to wear a device that monitors their thoughts? The slightest hint of dissent and they are immediately sent to 're - education' camps. The main character manages to find a way to disable the device and begins to spread the knowledge of how to do it, creating a subversive movement.
One idea could be a world where people are ranked by their genetic purity. The government controls every aspect of life, and those with 'imperfect' genes are relegated to slums and used for menial labor. The protagonist, a person with a hidden genetic defect, discovers a resistance movement aiming to overthrow this discriminatory regime.