Short Stories

I have dabbled with a few short stories for a contest lately.

What makes a good short story? Does it have to be quirky? different? well written? have a twist? show a different side to something ordinary?

What makes a story interesting? - the theme itself? the characters? the way it's written? the unexpected? a different point of view?

I came up with more questions than I could answer.

Hopefully the judges' feedback will answer some of my questions. I'll get back to you!