A short story is usually a fictional work that is much shorter in length than a novel.  The plot is most-often focused on a single story line and very few main characters.  Short stories are also used to experiment with different literary styles or combinations of prose, poetry, and verse.

Authors of short stories develop their own way of characterization, imagery, and expression to hone these skills over time to a unique style. A prolific skilled writer of the short story category is easily recognized by their style. As the author’s reputation grows, the stories they write become memorable and grow to leave a legacy for future generations.