This is our list of 1000 Great Short Stories of All Time. To the best of my knowledge no list, book, film or otherwise exists like this one. This will be the first list of it’s kind, ever, again as far as I know. In doing a first list you really hope to do it best, but with a 1000 stories on the list, it will make doing it well very difficult, so, as with our list of poems, we need your help. Please make suggestions in the comments section. We want to get 1000, right now we are in the 80s, so this isn’t going to be easy. I’ve seen a lot of top 50 list for short stories, but top 1000 is again, unheard of.

Why do a list like this? It’s pretty simple really, guidelines. It helps people find great short stories they want to read. It also, we hope, will help with a consensus. Right now if I say name the top 10 short stories of all time, you’ll get 10 different answers from 10 different writers. When you say, what about story X, those 10 writers would likely say well it’s one of the greatest, but not in my top 10. So I’m not trying to make a list of 1000 greatest short stories that put Poe at 1 now and forever. I’m creating a list that people can point to and say, I agree, it might not be number 10 on the list, but it is among the 1000 best of all time. To that end we don’t have to worry about the exact order. We just have to come up with 1000 great stories.

They should, I think, be measured simply right now, what stories have you read that have either stood the test of time or WILL stand the test of time. Developing criteria I think should come later too. Right now we are look for 1000 stories, when we hit 2000 suggestions I’ll worry about definitive list of criteria.

In expanding this list of great short stories, I thought I would talk about some of the reasons for doing this list. We know have 1000 Great Stories that are the stepping stones to 1000 Greatest Short Stories of all time. This list may be impossible to create, but we are looking for stories that speak to people, that teach something that have a message that has larger insight into who we all are. As a readers we know the stories that speak to us. We know stories that have changed us. We know stories that have we want to share with everyone we know. These are the stories we are looking for. After all, these great stories are determined by us. In expanding this list of great short stories, I thought I would talk about some of the reasons for doing this list. We know have 1000 Great Stories that are the stepping stones to 1000 Greatest Short Stories of all time. This list may be impossible to create, but we are looking for stories that speak to people, that teach something that have a message that has larger insight into who we all are. As a readers we know the stories that speak to us. We know stories that have changed us. We know stories that have we want to share with everyone we know. These are the stories we are looking for. After all, these great stories are determined by us.

So help us out. I want to see if this can be done. Any suggestions are welcome. Here is the list of the first 80 or so, I’ll come up with 100 more soon, and I will add any suggestions to the list that I agree with. Also, please have some fun with this. Any misspellings or mistakes, feel free to point them out.

We also publish some great short stories right here on our site. If you are looking for stories written by classic writers or writers living today, please visit EWR: Short Stories.

1000 Greatest Stories of All Time

1-100

1. A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor
2. A Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka
3. An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Beirce
4. Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr
5. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
6. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
7. The Rockinghorse Winner by D.H. Lawrence
8. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber
9. The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway
10. The Swimmer by John Cheever
11. The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams
12. The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
13. A & P by John Updike
14. A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, by Ernest Hemingway
15. A Day’s Wait by Ernest Hemingway
16. A FIGHT WITH A CANNON by Victor Hugo
17. A LONELY RIDE by Bret Harte
18. A Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin
19. A Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin
20. A Passion in the Desert, by Honoré de Balza
21. A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner
22. A Sound of Thunder, by Ray Bradbury
23. An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce
24. ARABY by James Joyce
25. Borges and I by Jorge Luis Borges
26. Boys and Girls by Alice Monro
27. Bullet in the Brain by Tobias Wolf
28. Cathedral by Raymond Carver
29. Dead Man’s Path by Chinua Achebe
30. Died and Gone to Vegas by Tim Gautreaux
31. Dracula’s Guest by Bram Stoker
32. Dubliners by James Joyce
33. HOW MUCH LAND DOES A MAN NEED? by Leo Tolstoy
34. How to Date a Brown Girl (Black Girl, White Girl, or Halfie) by Junot Díaz
35. I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen.
36. I Want to Live! by Thom Jones
37. I, Robot by Issac Asimov
38. Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro
39. MY RED CAP by Louisa M. Alcott
40. Nine Stories by JD Salinger
41. Paul’s Case by Willa Cather
42. PRESENT AT A HANGING by Ambrose Bierce
43. Rape Fantasies by Margaret Atwood
44. That Evening Sun, by William Faulkner
45. THE BET by Anton Chekhov
46. The Bottle Imp by Robert Louis Stevenson
47. THE CELEBRATED JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY by Mark Twain
48. THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON by F. Scott Fitzgerald
49. THE DEVIL AND TOM WALKER by Washington Irving
50. The Door, by E. B Whit
51. THE FALSE GEMS by Guy De Maupassant
52. THE FORTIETH FRENCH ASCENT OF MONT BLANC by Jules Verne
53. The Garden Party by Kathleen Mansfield
54. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
55. The Hitch-Hikers by Eudora Welty
56. THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW by Washington Irving
57. THE MAGIC SHOP by H. G. Wells
58. The Man Who Would be King by Rudyard Kipling
59. THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH
60. THE Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
61. THE NIGHT FACE-UP by JULIO CORTAZAR
62. The Open Boat, by Stephen Crane
63. The Other Side of the Hedge by E.M. Forster
64. The Other Woman by Sherwood Anderson
65. The Outcasts of Poker Flat, by Bret Harte
66. THE REAL THING by Henry James
67. The Red-Headed League by Arthur Conan Doyle
68. The Resemblance Between a Vilin Case and a Coffin by Tennessee Williams
69. The Russian Prioner by Ha Jin
70. The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad
71. The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest Hemingway
72. THE SISTERS by James Joyce
73. THE TELL-TALE HEART by Edgar Allen Poe
74. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
75. THE YELLOW WALLPAPER by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
76. Thom Jones, The Pugilist at Rest
77. To Build a Fire by Jack London
78. Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? By Joyce Carol Oates:
79. Why Don’t You Dance by Raymond Carver (Film)
80. Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? by Raymond Carver
81. Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne
82. Girl with Curious Hair by David Foster Wallace
83. The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy
84. The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant
85. Menseteung by Alice Munro
86. The Lady with the Dog by Anton Chekov
87. The Fall of the House of Usher’s by Edgar Allan Poe
88. Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
89. The Call of Cthullhu by H.P. Lovecraft
90. Soldier’s home  by Ernest Hemingway
91. A Day’s Wait by Ernest Hemingway
92. Paul’s Case by Willa Carther
93. The Last Leaf by O. Henry
94. Haircut by Ring Lardner
95. Désirée’s’s Baby by Kate Chopin
96. Barn Burning by William Faulkner
97. Why I Live at the PO by Eudora Welty
98. Chickamauga by Thomas Wolfe
99. There Will Come Soft Rain by Ray Bradbury
100. The Lady and the Tiger by Ray Bradbury

A complete sentence is simple a NOUN (or Pronoun), VERB AND a Complete thought. If you can put these 3 things together with a capital at the beginning and punctuation at the end, you’ll have a complete sentence.

Keep it simple

So to learn what a sentence is, it is easiest to start with the basics. We you have a NOUN, VERB and A COMPLETE THOUGHT. You have the most basic sentence or what we call an independent clause. This means the Clause can stand on its own, and it is a sentence.

Example 1:

Tom went to the store.

Tom is our noun. Went is our verb. Your Elementary school teacher used to ask, What did Tom do? He went to the store. It answers a question, so it is a complete thought.

You can also look at this way: Tom is our subject. The rest of the sentence is basically or predicate. I’m not going to get any more complicated with this.

Looking at a sentence this way we can see very easily what problems sentence are.

What is a run on sentence?

A run on sentence is when you have too much of a sentence. That means that we have more than a NOUN, VERB and COMPLETE THOUGHT not properly put together.

Tom went to the store he bought some milk.

Notice in this example we have 2 sentences. Tom went to the store. Is a noun, verb and complete thought, and he bought some milk is also a noun, verb complete thought. You have to connect these sentence properly or you get a run on. You can learn about compound senesce (how to hook them together) on our compound sentences page or you can read our run-on sentences page for more on run-ons.

For now let’s continue with the basics of sentences. A run on sentence is either a sentences with more than one complete thought (answering more than one question) or 2 independent clauses not properly constructed. Basically a run on sentence runs past the noun, verb complete thought.

What is a sentence fragment?

A sentence fragment is a sentence that is missing either a noun, verb or complete thought. Simple right?

So if Tom went to the story is our complete sentence, a fragment would be like Tom went, or went to the store. Basically we are missing the Noun (subject), or we are missing our complete thought. You can read more about this on our what is a sentence fragment page.

Writer’s Checklist for the Zombie Apocalypse!

Here is our Writer’s Checklist for the Zombie Apocalypse. It’s everything you will need if the zombies attack, as a writer. In light of recent events I thought I would give my suggestions on what writers should do to prepare for and during the coming zombie apocalypse. I feel writers will deal with the coming scourge differently than many normal everyday people. For writers the attack of mindless flesh eaters is really more of a chance to get away from the decaying world and back to the basics of writing. If you are a writer, this checklist is for you:

Writing utensils.
You will need something to write with. Computers are out, of course. They will be giant paperweights, and some people might think it’s a good idea to get an antique typewriter. I wouldn’t go that direction. Those things are heavy and sure to slow you down when you are running from a mindless hoard. I’m going with a pen or pencil. I like the pencil best being that you know when it will run out. You can sharpen it with a knife until it’s done. These do not make good weapons at all, so always keep them in your bag. Also if you are one of those writers who say that you can only write on your computer, let the zombies eat you. It’ll be easier.

A book bag!
This is every writers must have. Find a good book bag. Make sure that you have one that is double strap and fits tight. This way when you run it doesn’t bounce all over. Keep it light! Many a great writers will be eaten due to over stuffing their book bags. Resist the urge!

Notebooks.
Get a few really good notebooks. Try to get them light weight so college ruled is best (more words on each page).

Freezer bags.
You need some freezer bags to put the notebooks in so if you get wet, your work stays dry!

2 Paperback Books
A couple of your favorite author’s paperback books! Try to go as light weight as possible. 1 or 2 max. This will be difficult.

Food.
Anything in a wrapper. You going to be sitting and snacking most of the time, maybe on the run, so go with high nutrition, light weight. Just buy the same things you eat now while writing, but they have to be healthy instead of candy bars.

Alcohol.
Get a bottle of something strong! Think Raymond Carver. Vodka is your best bet. It will be ok for injuries, and ok for dealing with things at the beginning of the onslaught. Keep your head clear most of the time, but you might need a shot or two to get the literary inspiration in the middle of all the craziness.

Candles.
Get a pack of candles. I would go with the longer broad base candles. You are looking for ones you can hold in your hand and read with or just set on the floor and they won’t fall over. Get a couple or a few of these at least. Also, candles are less bright and less noticeable than flashlights. DO NOT GET SCENTED CANDELS. I don’t know if the walking dead can smell…never thought about it, but don’t risk it.

Flashlight.
You need a flashlight just for getting from one place to the other. Get a pen flashlight and use it sparingly.

Pack of disposable lighters.
Try to get at least 10 small lighters. You can’t write if you can’t see.

Aluminum Baseball bat.
This is for zombies and people you meet who use dangling participles. You want to keep the zombies at bay. Many recommend guns. I don’t think they will be of much help. A bat is easy, and helps you get away!

Toothbrush.
If you get a toothache in the zombie apocalypse, it’s game over.

Toothpaste
See above.

Large Water bottle.
Writers are still human until bitten by a zombie….so you need water.

3 Favorite poems that will inspire you to keep going
Examples: The Wasteland, The Second Coming, I Heard a Fly Buzz OR Charge of the Light Brigade, something that will help you keep your hopes up…

Coffee at least 1/4 lbs ground.
Yep, you will need it.

First aid kit.
They always recommend a first aid kit, but I’m recommending this for a different reason. If you hurt or break a finger or cut your hand, your writing days might be over. So this is a must! If you hurt your leg or foot, go out into the street and let the zombies eat you.

Duct tape
I don’t know why you will need it, but something always comes up.

Hoodie
Yes you will need your favorite hoodie.

Raincoat
This is great for making a small tent out of while you are writing.

Magnesium fire-starter
For when the lighters are all done.

Multi Tool.
Make sure it has a corkscrew and a can opener!

Handheld radio.
Writers I know can be a little antisocial at times, but a radio is always recommended, so I put it in here. Maybe you can listen in.

One pot
For boiling water.

A small portable stove.
This is nice to have until you learn the zombie patterns and can get out to where all the fires are burning.

Laminated map of your city and state.
If you have one of these you can keep notes in the novel you are writing about the zombie apocalypse. You wont have to go back later and do the research. “I was almost eaten at the corner of there and there…”

Compass.
This is just in case you have to live on the run. I would say as a writer, from many of the writers I know, it would be best to simply stay put as long as possible.

It’s important for writers to prep for these kinds of things. So get all this stuff ready and put it in a closet somewhere. When the zombies are at your door grab it and go! Remember, keep writing, even if flesh-eating hoards are after you.

How do I format my manuscript?

If you are wondering How do I format my manuscript, here is a 10 part easy to follow checklist that we feel answers most questions people have when they are submitting a manuscript to a publisher. Keep in mind the rule of thumb here is to make your manuscripts easy to read, neat, and professional. This isn’t the only way to do it, and we are suggesting this for submissions to traditional print publishers not electronic publishers. Their guidelines may be different. It is always wise to take a look at the publisher’s guidelines BEFORE you submit work to them. You don’t want to waste your time.

1. What font should I use?

New writers always come inevitably to this question. The answer is Courier 12 or new Courier 12. If you are a new writer, you are scratching your head possibly thinking that we are crazy. You might not have seen a manuscript in Courier. The truth is Courier is what typewriters and typesetters have used for a very long time. Even though computers have come along and suggested new and arguably better fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, you are best to go with what editors know. Maybe they are longing for the good old days. Humor them.

Don’t give them another stupid reason to reject you.

Many editors as of late have suggested they would take other fonts besides Courier, but many large and small publishers still insist on Courier.

2. Do I need to protect my manuscript from being stolen by a publisher?

Many new writers feel their work might be stolen if they do not place a copyright symbol on it when they send it to a publisher. Truth is, labeling your manuscript with a © only makes you look like an armature. By common law once you have put something to papers it belongs to you. It is already “copyrighted.”
Publishers are not going to steal your work. They have 1000s of manuscripts running across their desks each day. If this was a “real” problem a little symbol in the corner of your work wouldn’t help anyway. So don’t label yourself and avoid this faux pa. Also a publisher will file a copyright in your name if they decide to publish your work.

3. Should I bind or staple my manuscript?

Never use staples! Do not bind your manuscripts. Stapling your manuscripts will make you look like a newbie straight away. Editors might want to copy your manuscript so more than one person in the office can read it. Make it easy for them. Use a clip, paperclip, or rubber band.

4. Can I use 1.5 spacing to shorten my manuscript?

No! Double space your manuscript. Editors again like to have the freedom to make notes. They are used to reading double spaced copy. They have trained eyes, and they will know if you cheat.

5. What size margins should I use?

Make your margins 1 to 1/12 inch. Again this gives room to the editors.

6. Can I double-side my manuscript to save space?

No! Do not double side your copies. Each page should have print on 1 side.

7. Should I page number?

Yes! Number your headers or footers, and include your last name with an abbreviated title. Make sure editors can put your manuscript back together after dismantling it. Make it as easy as possible to reassemble.

8. How do I figure out my word count?

Do not use a word processors word count feature to figure out the number of words. This sounds silly, but it is necessary. The word count feature on most processors will not take into account blank spaces. Editors are more interested in knowing how long your manuscript will be if it is printed. Estimate your word count 250 X the number of pages.

9. Justification?

Left justify your manuscript always.

10. Do I need a title page?

Yes. Make sure you include your name and all contact information on your title page. Do not include your header, footer, or page numbers on your title page. Write your name and contact information in the upper left corner put your contact information. In the upper right corner write the estimated word count. Space down and center your title double space to the word by double space again to your name or pseudonym. Space 3 lines downs and being your first chapter. If you are a new writer without an agent your title page should look something like the title page below: