The Value of Reading Short Stories
Enjoying a short essay
We’ve all heard about them: but what exactly defines a short story, why is it so popular and where can we get our hands out some?!
What is a short story?
Well, one major component of short fiction is the ability to read it all in one go. With a typical text length of between 1000 to 7500 words, or 10-25 pages, it is quite appealing for those looking for a quick reading fix. Short stories also cleverly combine key story elements such as plot, characters, big themes, setting and drama, in a compact way, so even when comparing it to a novel, there is plenty to admire in the craft. And given they tend to pack an emotional punch keeping us gripped from beginning to end, means they are an excellent non-screen form of entertainment.
Why is it so popular (now)?
Professional, family and social commitments take up most of our day, not to mention internet surfing during our breaks, leaving little time to prioritise ourselves and indulge in our desire to read. That's where the short story fits perfectly in - it’s quick and easy to read. At the same time, advances in technology have given budding authors the tools to not only publish their own original material, cutting out the middle-man, but also to market themselves through social media, directly reaching new audiences. Indeed, more diverse writers, means more diverse stories, meaning there's a story out there for everyone. (And there are many more waiting to be written - nudge, nudge, wink, wink!) Finally, short fiction allows us to escape from reality and experience an emotional and mental boost, which can improve our well-being, especially needed during a time of global pandemics and Brexits and the like. Oh, and for sure, this simple activity doubles as personal and professional development, bringing motivational and language-related gains to everyone.
Where can I read some short stories?
A cool short story project I'd like to mention is Short Edition, which originated in France. They supply free stories to the masses through dispensers, currently located all around the world! You simply click a button on a machine, et voila! You access a short story. What I like is that the stories are no longer than 5 minutes, they are free to access, and they are written by members of the local community. (In other words, they could be written by you or me!) Check out some of their fiction online here. And let me know if you find a short story dispenser near you!
I also use the Gutenburg Project portal to access free ebooks in different formats. While a collection of classic and modern stories can be found at the Short Story Project. My teacher writer friend Trisha Traughber curates bilingual writing and art on Medium under the name Vagabond Voices, which is well worth a look. And to round off, I'd like to recommend the stories, drafts and reflections I am starting to collect from the Share Your Story community, mostly made up of English Language Teachers and Learners. On a page cleverly titled Your Stories, you are sure to find something you enjoy there!
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash