Often, when we learn about authors, we are taught to appreciate those who can craft lengthy, artistic novels. The great writers of our time are lauded for their contributions to fiction in the form of full length books. However, even the greatest writers have made contributions that are shorter in length, though not in impact. Short stories are perhaps one of the most under-appreciated literary genres in our education system today. Though some schools and some classes will dedicate time to reading some of the great short stories written in the past century, not enough attention is paid to these lasting literary masterpieces. You can truly write a wonder without it being hardbound.
Short stories a great for a couple of reasons. First, it allows you to entrance readers across the spectrum. As much as many of us would love the ability to sit down and read novels on a regular basis, most of us don't have the time to do so. Short stories allow the reader to lose themselves in a different world for a short amount of time, but even small escapes can soothe the stresses that accompany our day to day lives. In addition to this, short stories allow the author the ability to explore themes that would grow tired if extended over the length of a complete novel. This opens up the horizon when it comes to writing topics, and tantalizes the imagination. Moreover, it allows the author to explore multiple ideas in a short amount of time. Authors who write a set of short stories can display their ability to be dynamic in one publication, instead of having to write fifteen different novels, earning them acclaim.
How do you identify good short stories? There are a couple of things to look for. First, there should be concise character development. Unlike in novels, short stories have only a couple of pages to make a character real and easy to sympathize with. This is sometimes very difficult to accomplish, but the best writers of short stories can do it with ease. Second, there should be a satisfying plot. This does not mean there needs to be a happy ending, or even a complete ending, but there should be some kind of event that leaves the reader feeling moved. Short stories, unlike novels, have the ability to offer us glimpses of a different world. Their purpose is not to immerse us in this world for so long that we feel as though we're living in it. Instead, it is a flash that we can appreciate it. Finally, short stories, when done right, should be relevant. A short story that is unable to move a reader in some capacity has failed in its purpose. Think of good short stories like a steroid shot when you're feeling under the weather. It isn't a full regimen of treatment, and it isn't going to solve anything in the longterm, but it makes you feel different for a moment, and that is sometimes more than worth it.