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Want to Read Free Short Stories Online? Try These Sites

With the increasing demands of our fast-paced lives, finding the time to fully engage in a lengthy novel has become quite challenging. Our attention spans appear to be dwindling by the day, making it tough to immerse ourselves in extensive narratives. While many of us used to relish reading entire books, the reality is that few now have the luxury of time to do so nowadays. This is where short stories come in handy, providing a perfect way to enjoy reading without the hefty time commitment. They offer a quick escape, a burst of inspiration, or a moment of reflection amid a jam-packed schedule. 

The good news is that there are numerous websites where you can legally and freely indulge in great short stories. Here, we have compiled a list of eight websites where you can dive into a world of captivating short tales.

1. East of the Web

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
East of the Web is a digital library dedicated to short stories. The platform offers a great collection of short stories categorized by genre, including children's stories, crime thrillers, and science fiction. Each story is accompanied by a rating, age recommendation, and a brief summary, allowing readers to easily discover their next favorite read. Whether you're seeking a quick escape or a thought-provoking narrative, East of the Web has something to offer.

2. The New Yorker

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
The New Yorker provides more than just in-depth journalism and thought-provoking essays. Hidden within its pages is a treasure trove of incredible short stories for everyone to enjoy. The magazine does offer a limited selection of its short stories for free for readers, but with a subscription, you can access the full range of the magazine's literary offerings.

3. Flash Fiction Online

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
This is a wonderful platform for short, impactful stories. The website offers a diverse collection of flash fiction pieces (a very short story, typically consisting of only a few hundred words), showcasing the talent of writers from around the world. With a focus on brevity and literary quality, Flash Fiction Online provides a space for both established and emerging authors to share their work.
With stories under 1,000 words, the platform caters to readers seeking quick yet engaging narratives. From science fiction to romance, the site boasts a diverse collection to satisfy every literary appetite. Subscribers can enjoy a steady stream of stories delivered directly to their inbox.

4. Fictionaut

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
Fictionaut is a quality site for flash fiction, poetry, and various short stories. Users can upload their own works, though this is restricted to invite-only members. The site is known for its vibrant community network, complete with extensive forums, comments, feedback on stories, and recommendations. This interactive aspect makes it a great place to engage with other writers. 
Fictionaut also provides convenient filters to help you find content worth reading. By clicking on the Stories tab, you can sort by Recommended, Most Recent, Most Read, and Most Discussed.

5. Wattpad

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
Wattpad has become well-known for its vast range of short stories. From fan fiction to original works, it offers a vast library of tales for every reader. From heartfelt dramas to thrilling adventures, Wattpad offers something for everyone. 
The platform provides a space for aspiring writers to share their work and connect with readers worldwide. Wattpad has played a role in launching the careers of many authors, providing a valuable platform for emerging talent. With stories available in multiple languages, the site caters to a diverse readership.

6. Daily Science Fiction

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
If you're a fan of science fiction, particularly short stories, Daily Science Fiction is a must-read. Similar to Flash Fiction Online, this site features really short stories, ranging from 100 to 1500 words. They also have a “flash series,” where each story is self-contained yet interconnected. For convenience, you can subscribe to receive daily stories via email, so that you never miss an update. 

7. American Literature

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
For nearly 13 years, American Literature has provided readers with an extensive collection of exceptional stories by American authors and some classic works from the Old World. This website features a wide range of literature, from children’s favorites like The Velveteen Rabbit to evocative poems by Robert Frost and Robert Burns, and the engaging short stories of O. Henry. Even though it lacks a specific genre focus, its collection of timeless classics makes it an invaluable resource for anyone who enjoys timeless literature. If classic stories are what you seek, few sites can compare to this one.

8. Rope and Wire

Awesome Sites for Reading Short Stories!
Aficionados of Western literature will find Rope and Wire to be an indispensable resource. Around 50 talented western authors have contributed short stories to its extensive digital library, which explores a variety of facets of this genre. 
The platform's commitment to freshness is evident in its regular addition of new stories, while a monthly "scoreboard" keeps readers informed about the most well-received tales. For those who cherish the spirit of the frontier, Rope and Wire provides a virtual bridge to the untamed wilderness of the Old West.
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