Where to Find Inspiration for Your Short Stories

What Famous Authors Don’t Tell You About Finding Short Story Inspiration!

Feeling stuck on your short story inspiration? Fear not. We have you overed here.

Look Within Your Everyday Life

You’ve got to be kidding if you believe inspiration is found only in exotic locations or dramatic events. Sometimes, the best ideas are lurking in the mundane routines of daily life. Take a peek at your surroundings. Observe people in your neighbourhood; imagine their backstories. Look at everyday objects—your old mailbox, a withering plant in the garden, the errant sock under the bed. Each can spark an intriguing story.

Tune into Conversations

Head to a local café, park, or even an office break room and simply eavesdrop. Conversations are goldmines for short story ideas. Listen to snippets of dialogue, the cadence of speech, unexpected turns of phrase. You’d be surprised how one line can spring into a full-fledged narrative. Just don’t get caught! You’re harvesting inspiration, not indulging in espionage.

Embrace Your Emotions

Feeling a bit blue? Or maybe you’re over the moon with joy? Emotions can serve as powerful catalysts for creativity. Authors have turned their deepest fears, wildest dreams, and most fervent loves into the cornerstone of some of the most riveting short stories. Your emotional landscape is as varied as a kaleidoscope, offering endless story possibilities.

Dive into Books and Films

Ever read a book or watched a film and thought, “I wish this story had gone a different way”? Use that dissatisfaction as a springboard. Reimagine the plot, twist the ending, insert a new character. Don’t shy away from genres you’re not familiar with. Take the plunge into sci-fi, historical fiction, or even a bit of romantic drivel. Each genre has its unique charm and a myriad of story ideas waiting to be explored.

Escape into Nature

Nothing sparks creativity quite like a brisk walk or a ramble through the bush. Nature’s tranquillity allows your mind to wander freely, unburdened by the cacophony of daily life. Listen to the birds, taste the crisp air, watch how sunlight filters through the trees. These sensory experiences can jolt your creativity in unexpected ways.

Reflect on Your Past

Your life has been a series of unfolding stories. Some are barely worth a mention, while others are ripe for narration. Think about that ill-fated family vacation, the time you got lost in a new city, or even a seemingly banal childhood memory. Transform these personal tales into gripping short stories.

Explore Prompts and Exercises

Writer’s block hitting hard? Break the ice with writing prompts and exercises. Websites, writing communities, and even books are teeming with prompts that can trigger bursts of creativity. Whether it’s “write about a haunted house with a twist” or “craft a tale set in a dystopian future,” these prompts are your creative defibrillators.

Use Dreams as Fuel

Ever woken up from a bizarre dream and thought, “That was wild”? Jot it down before it dissolves. Dreams can be strange, fragmented, and surreal—perfect fodder for short stories. They provide an unfiltered insight into your subconscious, presenting stories that your waking mind could never conjure.

Engage with Art and Music

Sometimes, a powerful painting or an evocative piece of music can transport you to a different realm. Visit art galleries, music concerts, or even just browse online. The aura of a piece of art or the mood of a song can light up your imagination. What stories lie hidden in a sombre tune or behind a vibrant painting?

Tap into News and History

The world is a bizarre, complex place. Current events, historical accounts, or even quirky news stories can serve as a breeding ground for your short story ideas. Twist these real-world inspirations into fictional tales. The intrigue of a political scandal or the romance of ancient battles can pump rich narrative veins into your stories.

Keep a Notebook Handy

Ideas are fickle, flighty creatures. They often pop up at the most inconvenient times—while you’re grocery shopping, in the middle of a meeting, or even at 3 AM. Keep a small notebook or your phone’s notes app ready to capture these ephemeral thoughts before they slip away. Jot down everything; no idea is too insignificant.

Join Writing Communities

Join a writing community, attend workshops, or participate in local writer meet-ups. Engaging with fellow writers provides not only camaraderie but also a wellspring of fresh perspectives. Share ideas, critique stories, and discover new sources of inspiration.

Ask “What If?”

This simple question can unlock myriad possibilities. What if the sun never rose again? What if animals could talk? What if today was someone’s last day on Earth? Let your imagination run wild with these scenario-based questions. They can lead you down unexplored paths, each packed with potential stories.

Turn to Technology

In this digital age, technology is an abundant source of inspiration. Think about the implications of AI and robotics, virtual realities, or even social media culture. How does tech redefine human experiences? Opportunities for speculative fiction are endless, but don’t forget to ground them in human emotions and conflicts.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust yourself. You’ve got a unique perspective that no one else can replicate. If an idea excites you, chase it. If it makes you laugh or cry, nurture it. Your instincts are your best guide to finding and developing compelling short stories.

Happy writing! And remember, even the most trivial seed can bloom into a breathtaking short story. Keep your eyes and ears open, and the world will provide endless inspiration.

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Understanding the Short Story Market on Kindle

Introduction to Kindle Short Stories

Ah, the Kindle. This little gadget has revolutionised the way we consume books. But let’s talk about something specific: short stories. If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a gripping tale on your Kindle, you’re not alone. Short stories have found a snug little niche on this platform, but why is that, and how can authors tap into this market?

The Popularity Surge: A Tale of Convenience

Before we jump the gun, let’s understand the Kindle short story craze. People lead busy lives. Between juggling work, family, and downtime, who’s got the time to dive into a novel the size of “War and Peace”? Enter the short story—bite-sized literary snacks perfect for our fast-paced world.

Think about it. You’re on your daily commute, sipping a flat white, and you’ve got 15 minutes to kill. A short story is the perfect companion. It’s like speed dating with literature. No long-term commitment needed; just pure, quick narrative bliss.

The Kindle Advantage

Let’s talk shop. Kindle offers a unique (there, I said it) platform for short stories. It’s accessible, user-friendly, and integrated into the Amazon ecosystem. For authors, this means an instant audience and a seamless publishing process. You can upload, publish, and sell your story quicker than you can say “Kindle Direct Publishing”—a writer’s dream.

Readers love it too. With features like Kindle Unlimited, they can binge-read a smorgasbord of short reads without breaking the bank. The subscription model makes readers more likely to take a chance on new authors. A win-win for everyone involved.

Understanding Reader Preferences

Those who devour short stories often look for certain elements. Fast-paced plots, compelling characters, and punchy endings. Your job as an author? Deliver on these fronts consistently. Remember, short stories should be like a good espresso—strong, quick, and leaving a lingering effect.

Readers gravitate towards genres like mystery, thriller, and romance. But don’t pigeonhole yourself. Science fiction, fantasy, and even non-fiction short stories have their place under the Kindle sun. The key is to engage readers quickly and keep them hooked.

What Makes a Short Story Sell?

The million-dollar question. What makes a short story fly off the digital shelves? Here’s a nugget of wisdom: originality is your best friend. While common themes are okay, your voice needs to be distinct. Think about your favourite short story. Chances are, it had a unique twist or an unforgettable character.

Cover design matters too. We all judge books by their covers, don’t we? Make sure yours stands out in a sea of thumbnails. A catchy title goes a long way as well. You need to pique interest in mere seconds.

Navigating Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Alright, you’ve got your masterpiece ready. Now what? Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is your best bet. It’s straightforward and user-friendly. Upload your manuscript, choose your pricing, and voila! Your short story is available to millions of readers.

But let’s get real. Just publishing isn’t enough. You need to market your story. Utilize social media, create an author website, and engage with your audience. Reader reviews are gold. Encourage your readers to leave feedback. Positive reviews push your work up the Amazon ranks.

The Role of Kindle Short Reads

Have you explored the Kindle Short Reads category? If not, you should. This dedicated section categorises short stories by reading time. From 15-minute reads to two-hour tales, it offers a smorgasbord of choices for the time-crunched reader.

For authors, this categorisation is a godsend. It helps you target your audience more effectively. Know the length of your story? Market it as such. It also encourages binge-reading. Once a reader finishes your story, they’re likely to click on another recommendation.

Building a Fan Base

Consistency is critical. Keep your readers engaged by regularly releasing new content. Short stories make this easier compared to full-length novels. Think of it as feeding a hungry crowd. The more you provide, the more they’ll come back.

Interacting with your readers is another plus. Reply to comments, engage on social media, maybe even host a virtual Q&A session. Building a loyal fan base doesn’t happen overnight, but the effort pays off in the long run.

Conclusion

Understanding the short story market on Kindle can be your ticket to becoming a successful author. It’s a dynamic, reader-friendly platform that caters to modern reading habits. Focus on quality, engage your readers, and who knows? Maybe your short story will be the next big thing.

Remember, the Kindle short story market is like a fast-paced dance. Keep your moves sharp, your rhythm catchy, and your audience will keep coming back for more. Happy writing!

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The Benefits of Writing Short Stories for Authors

The Benefits of Writing Short Stories for Authors

The benefits of writing short stories for authors can be enormous from my own experience. In this article we’ll discuss these benefits that help authors have a long writing career.

Unlocking Creativity

Writing short stories can be like discovering a new way to dance – it’s freeing, exhilarating, and just a bit wild. Authors often find their creative juices flowing more freely when they have a limited canvas. The constraints of a short story – often fewer than 20,000 words – force writers to be succinct and sharp. You cut out the fluff and get straight to the point. Think Hemingway’s iceberg theory: what is left unsaid can be just as powerful as the words on the page.

Building Discipline

Short story writing helps budding authors develop discipline. Let’s face it, it’s easy to get lost in a sprawling novel, but a short story demands focus. You craft with precision, tying off every thread in a tidy bow. This practice hones your ability to stick to deadlines and write regularly. It’s like training for a marathon by running sprints. Over time, you’ll find that your productivity and discipline improve, making the leap to longer works much smoother.

Quick Feedback Loop

One of the greatest perks of short story writing is the immediate feedback loop. Unlike novels, which can take years to complete, short stories can be written, edited, and published in a fraction of the time. This allows you to get feedback from readers quickly, learn what works, and refine your craft. It’s like having a mini focus group every time you hit publish. Your understanding of reader preferences deepens, and your adaptability as an author improves.

Gaining Exposure a Big Benefit For Writing Short Stories For Authors

Publishing short stories can significantly boost your visibility as an author. Platforms like Kindle Short Reads and literary magazines are always on the lookout for fresh content. Getting published here can help you build an audience and gain some traction. Remember that detective series I mentioned? That was my breakthrough. It all started with a few curious readers, and suddenly, I was topping charts. You never know when your next short story could catch fire.

Experimentation Without Commitment

Short stories give authors the freedom to experiment without the hefty commitment of a full-length novel. Whether it’s dipping your toes into a new genre, trying out different narrative techniques, or building quirky characters, short stories are the perfect playground. It’s a bit like dating around before settling down. You get to know your strengths and weaknesses better, improving your versatility as a writer.

Mastering the Art of The Hook

Because short stories require you to grab your reader’s attention quickly, they challenge you to master the art of the hook. Think of it like speed dating – you’ve got only a few moments to make an impression. This skill is invaluable, even beyond short stories. A captivating beginning can be the difference between a bestseller and a forgotten book languishing on the digital shelves.

Earning Income Faster

Let me share a quick tidbit from my journey. There were months when my royalties could hardly buy a coffee. But then, there were times I could hardly believe my eyes as my income exploded. Why? Short stories got me there faster. They’re quicker to produce and, if timed well or written excellently, they can catch on like wildfire. Plus, a series of short stories can build into a compelling collection, providing multiple streams of income.

Sharpening Your Writing Skills

Short stories demand sharp, concise writing. There’s no room for long-winded explanations or meandering plots. You need clarity and precision, trimming the fat and keeping the essence. Think of it as sharpening a knife. When you come back to longer works, you’ll find your prose tighter, your dialogue more impactful, and your pacing impeccable.

Connecting with Readers is a Huge Benefit For Writing Short Stories For Authors

In the fast-paced digital age, readers often seek quick, entertaining reads. Short stories cater perfectly to this demand. Writing short stories allows you to connect with readers who may not have the time for longer novels but hunger for captivating tales. You feed their need for fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down reads. And in doing so, you build a loyal readership that can follow you as you grow as an author.

Showcasing Your Style

Short stories are wonderful showcases of your unique voice and style is a great benefit for writing short stories for authors. They highlight your strengths and make your work memorable. You have limited words to make an impact, so every sentence must count. It’s your chance to show readers and publishers alike what you’re capable of, creating a lasting impression with your distinct flair.

The Joy of Completion

We all crave that sweet moment of completion, the satisfaction of a job well done. Writing and finishing a short story brings a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence as a writer. It’s like crossing mini finish lines that prepare you for the marathon of novel writing. You build momentum and develop a habit of finishing what you start.

So, dear author, take the plunge into the world of short stories. You’ll find it’s a game-changer, offering everything from honing your skills to bolstering your income. And who knows? Your next short story could be the stepping stone to your bestseller dream. Give it a whirl – you might just surprise yourself.

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Short Stories Prompts

How To Use Short Stories Prompts For Better Short Stories

Short stories prompts are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. They also serve as an excellent form of entertainment when you need it!

What are short stories prompts?

Short story writing prompts are just what they sound like: a set of random words or phrases that encourage you to write a short story. Prompts can be anything:

– One liner ideas (e.g., I woke up with blood on my hands)

– Descriptions (e.g., old manor house, abandoned asylum)

What is the purpose of a short story writing prompt?

Short story writing prompts are a great way to deal with writer’s block or even just to relax and have some fun! It can be tough sometimes to come up with fresh and interesting ideas for stories. These short story writing prompts can help you find inspiration and get your creative juices flowing.

Short stories are also a good way to practice your craft. They allow you to experiment with characters, settings, and storylines without investing too much time. And once you’ve written a few stories, it becomes easier to come up with new ideas for your next one.

What should I do if someone steals my short stories prompt?

If someone has already used the prompt that you want to use, do not despair! You can always take the prompt in a different direction. For example, if you see someone has already written a story about an abandoned asylum, do not decide to write about an old manor house just because that was your original idea.

You don’t have to credit or mention anyone else’s work when using prompts. Everyone is here to write their own stories and share them with the world.

If you still think that somebody has stolen your prompt, please let us know about it by sending an e-mail to admin@shortstoryprompts.org . We can remove any prompt if we suspect plagiarism.

Remember, creativity is the hallmark of a good writer!

The best way to create short stories prompts

to just take a pen and paper and jot down whatever comes to your mind. These can be anything: random words, phrases, sentences, lyrics from songs you like or memorable quotes from your favorite books. You could even use prompts that other people have come up with!

Creativity is the key, so don’t worry about coming up with the most original prompts. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself.

How to get started with short stories prompts

Here is a list of 10 short story prompts that will give you some ideas for what to write about:

1) What if the world was overrun by zombies?

2) Write about the last conversation with your best friend before they died.

3) Write about two people who find themselves in love but their relationship is doomed from the start.

4) Describe one day in the life of someone living in poverty.

5) What would happen if all books were banned and no one could read them anymore?

6) Write about how your town changed after 9-11.

7) A man goes on vacation without his family on his birthday for the first time in 15 years.

8) Describe what happens when an alien visits Earth on a reconnaissance mission.

9) Write about one day of your life where everything goes wrong.

10) Imagine you are living in Ancient Greece and write about how you feel about being a slave or a master.

How do I write a short story with these prompts?

After you’ve decided on one or more short stories prompts that you want to use, the next step is writing your story. The best way to go about this is to just take it one word at a time and let the words and characters come to you naturally.

To create a story around one of these prompts, there are no hard and fast rules. You might want to begin by asking yourself some questions about your narrator or protagonist:

– Who is he/she?

– Where does he/she live?

– What is the conflict in this story?

– How does he/she feel about it?

– What is at stake?

Once you’ve established some basic facts about your character and his/her circumstances, just let the story take its course. It may help to write a rough outline of events before you begin writing, but don’t get too bogged down in details. Just write and see where the story takes you.

When writing a short story, what makes it good? There are many components that make up a good short story, but here are some of the most important ones:

– Unique characters with interesting quirks.

– A unique setting.

– Intriguing dialogue that reveals the attitudes and personalities of your characters.

– Succinct writing that illuminates the story but does not bore or distract your readers with too many details.

What are the best ways to write a short story?

The best way to write a short story is to let the words flow naturally. Don’t overthink your story or try to control every word that you write. Let the ideas come to you instead of trying to force them out.

Here are some other best practices for writing short stories:

– Start with a compelling image, line of dialogue, or premise. This will give readers something interesting to latch onto.

– Be prepared to make some changes if the story does not seem to be working out. This may involve completely revising your story, or simply cutting certain parts of it, depending on what is needed to make your narrative stronger.

– You can also experiment with different types of short stories , such as sci fi short stories, literary short stories, mystery short stories, etc.

– At the end of your story, you can also choose to leave it open ended if that feels right for what you’re writing. This means that there is no single perfect conclusion or solution to the problem in your story. It’s up to readers to decide what happens next and make their own inferences.

– Edit your short stories until you’re satisfied with them. Read through them out loud so that you can catch any grammatical errors or awkward sentences.

Do I need to write dialogue in a short story?

You can choose to include or exclude dialogue depending on what works for your narrative. If the story would flow better without it, you can avoid dialogue altogether.

If you do choose to include dialogue, there are a few best practices that you should keep in mind:

– Dialogue should never be used as an information dump — where the characters just talk and talk about things that we really don’t care about. Every line of dialogue should either reveal something new and interesting about your characters or move the story forward.

– Each character should have a unique voice and personality, which will be revealed through their dialogue.

– Keep your dialogue as concise as possible. This will make it easier for readers to process and also help them feel the rapid pace of conversation.

Does every short story need a protagonist?

Some short stories, such as flash fiction pieces, may not have a protagonist (or any real characters at all). However, the majority of short stories do indeed feature protagonists.

What makes a good protagonist? Your protagonist should be relatable and interesting enough to keep readers’ attention throughout your story. Although they don’t need to be likeable or perfect, readers should understand and sympathize with your protagonist in some way.

Some other qualities that you might want to include in your protagonist:

– A conflict of some type

– An internal or external goal

– A flaw or problem that they need to overcome

How do I choose the point of view for my short story? The point of view is the perspective in which you’re telling your story, such as first person or third person. It’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your narrative, but here are a few things that may help:

– First person point of view involves “I” and can make a short story feel more intimate and personal. It can also be more difficult to pull off well since you need to get into the head of one character.

– Third person point of view lets you show multiple characters’ actions and thoughts, but it’s often less personal than first person. This may work better for longer short stories with more characters involved.

– Omniscient third person is a great choice if you have a larger cast of characters who all need to be fleshed out. It can also help in stories that require a lot of world-building.

– If you’re not sure what point of view to use, try writing your short story in multiple perspectives and then choosing the one that feels most organic and natural for your narrative.

How long should a short story be?

This is completely subjective and will vary from writer to writer. How many words you use is up to you, although you can always try checking your word count by pasting your text into  quick word counter.

 Conclusion 

Your story is unique. It deserves to be told. We’ll help you write it with our short story prompts and writing exercises for kids, teens, or adults that will get your creative juices flowing! Come on in and explore the world of imaginative storytelling today.

Grab 2 free short reads when you join our library here

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Short Books

Short Books

Short books are great for when you’re traveling, waiting in line,need a read during your lunch break or just want to read something quickly.

What is a short book?

A short book is a book that can be read in less than six hours.  Most of the time, the books themselves are 200 pages or less and they don’t take long to complete at all.

Keep in mind though, they aren’t necessarily easy reads and most of the time you’ll find yourself thinking about them after finishing them.

What length is a short book?

A short book is anything less than 200 pages.  It can be shocking to see such a small number when you think about how many pages there are in most paperback novels.

However, with so many books being published these days, it’s likely that if you go into a bookstore and just browse around, you’ll only find the bestsellers or books that are at least 300 pages, which will take you a lot more than one hour and thirty minutes to read.

Make sure you keep an eye out for short books when looking for something to read because they’re getting harder and harder to find.

How do I find a short book?

You can ask your local bookstore if they have a list of the shorter books that are available, or you can check online.  There’s going to be a variety of lists there for people who love short stories, and why not try one out?

Short stories give you a little taste before deciding whether or not you want to invest in the longer version later on.

Well known short books: Short book classics

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (99 pages): A classic that’s sure to be a quick read.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (100 pages) : Another book that you probably heard about at some point in school.  It takes less than an hour to complete if you read quickly.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (100 pages) : A wonderful book about millionaires, love and deception.  A must read.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (190 pages): Holden Caulfield is one of those characters that you’re going to remember long after reading this book.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (309 pages) : A touching book about two boys growing up in Afghanistan.  It’s a lovely read that will make you think twice about the world we live in today.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (162 pages): Another classic that you can’t go wrong with.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (156 pages) : This dystopian society might just give you nightmares.

1984 by George Orwell (176 pages) : Another dystopian book that is hauntingly disturbingly.  It’s a classic and you can’t go wrong with it.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell (95 pages) : A wonderful story about a horse and the people who love him.  Read it, you won’t regret it!

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (95 pages) : A lovely little story that you can finish in a couple of hours.

Short books are fun and a great way to get entranced by the beautiful words of literature.  Why not try one out today?

How much do short books cost to buy?

Some short books are free online, but others cost about the same as a regular paperback.

For example, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is 9.99 on Amazon  and The Old Man and the Sea costs between $10 – $15.

If you want to buy something that costs less than ten dollars, be sure to check out the bargain bin at the bookstore.  You just might find something that you love and that’s a steal!

What do I need to know about buying short books?

There’s not really anything special that you need to know before reading a short book, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

It can be easy to get lost in reading them, so try your best to stop after an hour and thirty minutes if you have other things that you need to be doing.

You might struggle with finishing a short book because it’s just too easy to get into reading them.  It can almost feel like cheating!

You should keep the length of the book in mind when reading it.  For example, if you’re looking for something quick to read during your lunch break, don’t choose a book that’s over 300 pages.

You might find yourself wishing that the short stories had more detail or were longer because you enjoy them so much!

It can be easy to struggle with finishing a short book because you don’t want it to end.

Short books are a great way to get into the short story world and discover new authors that you love!

Where can I find short books?

You can usually find some shorter stories on your favorite author’s website, or on Amazon.  If they’re not there, then check around at the bookstore and see if they have anything that you might like.

If you know of any other great places to find short books, feel free to let us know in the comments below!

Are there any series of short books?

Short stories: There are lots of different types of short stories out there, but one type is called a short story series.  Short story series are a series of short stories that all take place in the same universe and have overlapping characters, plots, etc.

Here is a list of some short story series:

• Sprawl Trilogy by William Gibson (5 books) – The first book is called “Neuromancer”
• Game Trilogy by Chuck Hogan (3 books) – The first book is called “Prince of Thieves”
• Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (3 books)  Divergent Trilogy  by Veronica Roth (3 books) – The first book is called “Divergent”

Other shorter series: There are a lot of different series out there that aren’t as long as a normal series, but they are still series.

Here is a list of some other shorter series that are worth checking out:

• Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz (10 books)
• Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter (6 books)
• House of Night by PC Cast and Kristin Cast (8 books)
• Maximum Ride by James Patterson (7 books)
• Percy Jackson  by Rick Riordan (5 books)
• Detective Jack Creed Series by C T Mitchell (10 books)

Short books to read

Short books if you like Harry Potter: If you’ve read the Harry Potter series and loved it, then there are some short book series that might interest you.

Here they are:

• Warriors Series by Erin Hunter (6 books) – The first book is called “Into the Wild”
• Inkworld Trilogy by Cornelia Funke (3 books) – The first book is called “Inkheart”
• Shade Trilogy by Jeri Smith-Ready (3 books) – The first book is called “Shade’s Children”
• Twilight Saga  by Stephenie Meyer (4 books)

Short books like The Hunger Games:

If you’ve read the Hunger Games and enjoyed it, then there are some short book series that might interest you.

Here they are:

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner (3 books) – The first book is called “The Maze Runner”
• Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth (3 books)
• The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry (4 books) – The first book is called “The Giver”

Other short books to read:

Of course, there are so many other great authors and books out there, so you might find some of those interesting as well.

Here is a list of some short book series that we think that you’ll enjoy:

• Kate Mackenzie Series by C T Mitchell – first book is Deady Vows
• Battle Royale by Koushun Takami (3 books) – The first book is called “Battle Royale”
• Crank by Ellen Hopkins (5 books) – The first book is called “Crank”
• Inheritance Cycle  by Christopher Paolini (4 books) – The first book is called “Eragon”
• Maximum Ride by James Patterson (6 books) – The first book is called “The Angel Experiment”

Short poem books:

There are a lot of different short books that have poems inside them.

Here is a list of some that we recommend:

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (192 pages) – This book has around 60 poems, most of which are very short, but there are some longer ones as well.

Poems for the Dead by Alan P. Scott (52 pages) Out of the Dust  by Karen Hesse (160 pages) – This book has one very long poem that takes up most of the pages, but there are some shorter poems within the text too.

Short books for book club books

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (217 pages) – This book has multiple short chapters that are written in letter form.  It’s not really a book club book, but it does have some themes that might be interesting to discuss.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker (137 pages) – This book is mainly composed of letters and conversations between the characters, so it’s a little easier to get through than most books.

It has some dark themes that might be good for discussion.

Short children’s books

I Survived Series  by Lauren Tarshis (9 books) – The first book is called “I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941”  Spirit Animals Series by various authors (5 books) – The first book is called “Wild Born”

Geronimo Stilton Series  by Geronimo Stilton (27 books) – The first book is called “Thea Stilton and the Blue Scarab Hunt” A to Z Mysteries Series  by Ron Roy (26 books) – The first book is called “The Wrong Side of the Law”

Short books in the Bible (the most famous book of all)

There are some great short books in the Bible as well.

Here is a list of some that we recommend:

Job – The entire book is one very long poem about a man who loses absolutely everything and his journey to find out why. There are some themes for discussion, but mostly it’s just a really interesting story.

There is no real main character in this book, so it’s less about the actual story and more about the themes themselves.

The entire book is only 42 chapters long (or verses), so you can read it in one or two days!

Psalms – The entire book is one very long poem with 150 different poems inside of it.  It’s basically just a list of praises and complaints, so it doesn’t really have any human characters or story line.

There are no chapters either, so you can read one poem at a time whenever you want!

Short chapter books

There are many awesome short chapter books that you can read if you want to find ones that are shorter than the Harry Potter series.

Here is a list of some awesome ones:

• The Black Stallion Series by Walter Farley (17 books) – There are around 5 chapters per book, so they’re perfect for reading in class!
• Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (76 pages) – This book has 10 chapters per book, so they’re great for reading in class too!
• Junie B. Jones Series by Barbara Park (23 books) – There are around 20 short chapters per book and they’re full of funny things that Junie says, so they’ll definitely be fun to read!

Short mystery books under 200 pages

There are a lot of mysteries that you can read under 200 pages, so we’ll list some of our favorites below:

The Cat Who… Series by Lilian Jackson Braun (22 books) – There are around 30 short chapters per book and they all focus on getting to know the different characters.  Each mystery is solved in one or two chapters, so the stories are all pretty quick.

The Hardy Boys Series by various authors (129 books) – There are  around 25 short chapters per book and each mystery is solved in one or two chapters.

Short books to read for beginners

If you’re just learning how to read for the first time, then it’s best to find books with fewer than 100 pages.

Some of our favorite short children’s stories are:

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper (32 pages) – This is actually one long poem about a train that makes it over a mountain.  It’s abo ut believing in yourself and trying your best, so it’s a great lesson for everyone to learn.

The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff (32 pages) – This is the first book in the Babar series and it’s all about how Babar goes from being King of the Elephants to finally conquering his fears.  It’s all about conquering your fears, so it’s really great for everyone to learn.

Every Living Thing by James Herriot (94 pages) – This is the first book in the Herriot series and it’s all about how James learns to become a vet.  It’s also just about animals in general, so there’s not really a story line.

Short book series around 200 pages

There are some awesome short children’s book series that we think you’ll enjoy:

• The Critter Club Series by Callie Barkley (22 books) – This is such a great short chapter book series because it follows all of the girls at school and what they like to do together.

  There are around 10 or 12 chapters per book and there’s a new mystery in each one too, so they’ll definitely keep you on your toes!

• The I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis (54 books) – These books are all about the main character surviving different disasters throughout history such as the Great Chicago Fire and Hurricane Katrina.
• Father Douglas Cozy Mystery Series ( books) by C T Mitchell

Conclusion

If you’re looking for some new reading material, here are a few short books worth checking out. These quick reads provide rich insights in an easy-to-digest format. From leadership to relationships and everything in between, these stories have something for everyone! Check them out today on Amazon or your favorite bookstore.

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