Definition: An invented prose narrative shorter than a novel usually dealing with a few characters and aiming at unity of effect and often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot.
Length: There is no set length for a short story, and the word count can vary greatly, ranging anywhere from 1,000 to 20,000 words. In flash fiction, stories are even shorter, ranging from as few as 100 words up to 2,000 words.
Elements:
The main difference between longer fiction and the short story is every word has to count and move the story forward. There simply isn't room for "fluff" or filler.
Collection of ebooks covering history and literary criticism. Includes a large collection of American slave narratives.