Flash Fiction vs Short Stories vs Novellas vs Chapter Books vs Novels
Flash Fiction is generally defined as a complete story told in 1,500 (often 1,000) words or less. A lot can be done in 1,000 words, and it might be worthwhile to get your less-than-enthusiastic reader to 1. try writing one of their own and 2. read a few as a low-stakes way to get them to read. Here’s a link to a site with links to many pieces of flash fiction
A Short Story is generally defined as a complete story told in 1,500 – 7,000 words. There is usually a single plot, a limited set of characters, a clear beginning/middle/end, and a single message/theme. Also, you can generally read a short story in one sitting. Here’s a site with links to many short stories
A novella is longer than a short story and shorter than a novel – about 15,000 to 18,000 words. It has a full story with a beginning/middle/end, defined characters, tension, and a single plot line. The content can be more elaborate than a short story, but not as elaborate as a full novel. Here’s a site with links to several novellas
A novel has it all: a fully developed plot, subplots, themes, multiple characters who are fully developed, and attention to setting and dialogue. The word count ranges from 80,000 to 100,000 words, depending upon the age of the intended audience and the genre.