A strong short story is tight, relevant, and emotionally complete. There’s a defined tension that drives the narrative. Even if quiet or subtle, something must be at stake, in a range of words that is typically 1,000–7,500 words
A short story gives us one or more characters with dimension. The reader should feel something shift in the character by the end.
Short stories usually cover a compressed period of time and are set in one or two locations.
The first paragraph must ground the reader immediately—in tone, voice, and context. It’s where you earn their trust. There should be a realization, decision, or emotional movement by the end.
Every word carries weight. There’s no space for filler. Great short stories are often poetic in their precision. It’s emotionally or intellectually complete, even without answering every question.
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