The definition of a short story. What is it to you?

[Blue Moon]

Based on a comment in another discussion folder (R.C. wrote: "I'm still not clear what constitutes a short story versus novella."), we thought we'd start this discussion as there is no clear definition of what a short story is. Is it word count? Do you include novellas? There now are Kindle Singles, episodic series and novels made up of short stories. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

[Adam]

Personally, I believe that a novella is just a "short book". Within this "short book" various different characters may have intertwined stories and cross paths at various points throughout the novella - there is greater detail and it can stand alone as a book.

A short story can vary from 1000 words up to 3500 to me. The plot is likely not complex and there are only one-three main characters. I should be able read it front to back in one sitting.

[Amanda]

Having written a Christmas novella, I've had many people tell me they feel it is part of the short story genre. Novellas are usually between 20,000 to 25,000 words, but there isn't a limit. Then there's short fiction, flash fiction - have they all just become sub-genres of the short story? To me, anything less than 50,000 words is short and I can read in one sitting ;)

[Monica]

Interesting comments here. I think anything that I can read in one sitting! I don't like putting any stringent stipulations on this.

[Jack]

I think I'd define a novella as anything between 10,000 and 50,000 words, with short stories between 1,000 and 10,000 and flash fiction being under 1,000 (although some have 500 or 800 word limits in contests). Just my two cents...

[R.C.]

I just completed my first short story...based on the feedback above. It's 7,500 words. My first novel was 80,000 words, my second 57,000 words and my third 46,000 words. Anyone see a trend here? I'm finding I really enjoy writing the shorter stories for the same reason I enjoy reading them. The time commitment isn't as great but the pay-off is every bit as good as writing a novel. When writing is a second job, short stories seem to make a lot of sense to me. I'm off now to complete my second short story!

[Robert]

After writing two 72,000 word novels I burnt out. Now I only write short stories or flash fiction. Some of my stories are a couple of pages and others just a few paragraphs. Since I only write for fun as a hobby short stories are much more satisfying to write. I have several and they are always FREE to read at my blog on my profile page starting with my latest story 3:04

[R.C.]

Robert wrote: "After writing two 72,000 word novels I burnt out. Now I only write short stories or flash fiction. Some of my stories are a couple of pages and others just a few paragraphs. Since I only write for ..."

You might want to consider posting your short stories on Wattpad. You'll reach a larger audience and it's fun to interact with the readers.

[Robert]

Thanks R.C. I will check it out. You can read my short stories on my website at http://robertsnovels.com
They are always FREE and I love to hear opinions and feedback.

[Yinka]

Short stories to me are unique, not generic and not plagued with the everyday scenario that can plague a long novel. The author just has a few pages to capture the reader's attention wholly. I like to see multifaceted characters involved in not predictable situations and no complex plot.

[Amanda]

I had an interesting conversation about this on the weekend as I was finishing up my entry for the romance short story contest. Someone said 1,500 words is too short! Can a short story be too short? Wasn't there a Russian short story writer that wrote a *very* short story?

[Robert]

No story is too short. If it has a beginning, a plot and an end, then it is a story...period. If in doubt read my story THE BOXER at my profile blog. It's only two paragraphs.

[Harsh]

Word count for any story to qualify for short-story is 300-5000.
It should have proper beginning, body and appropriate end.
Simple.