The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear

The Recovering Academic β€’ 158 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post discusses the idea that it takes years for the smoke to clear, implying a sense of waiting for clarity or resolution in certain situations.
  2. The post features a poem titled 'It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear', suggesting a reflective or contemplative piece of writing.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe and read more content from The Recovering Academic, possibly indicating a focus on intellectual or academic discussions.

Scatterbrain: an autumn letter

The Leftovers β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing Authors Books Storytelling Fiction
  1. Starting a new passion or career path may not always lead to immediate success and can come with unexpected challenges.
  2. Having extra time available can be disorienting for individuals used to being constantly busy, raising questions about how time is best utilized.
  3. Public reactions to global events on social media can sometimes come across as performative, focusing on personal branding rather than genuine empathy.

How We Read

Something to Consider β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Reading Fiction Communication Criticism
  1. Great writing is more than just being understood; it's about how effectively it communicates complex ideas. Sometimes, what we call 'great' can actually be harder to grasp.
  2. We read not just to learn, but to judge the author's skill. Good writing shows intelligence, while mistakes can hint at a lack of it.
  3. Bad writing can still be easily understood, but it doesn't impress us. Great writing often challenges us and makes us think differently.
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What's Missing from AI Writing

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 315 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Narration Perspective Fiction Authors
  1. Literature has evolved over time to focus more on individual perspectives rather than collective narratives.
  2. Great essays are distinguished by the unique perspective and voice of the writer, not just the subject matter.
  3. Effective writing, whether about architecture or any other topic, requires a distinct and engaging narrative voice to provide depth and connection for the reader.

True Fiction

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 437 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Memoir Writing Voice
  1. The line between fiction and non-fiction is becoming less significant.
  2. The way a story is told is more important than the actual facts in memoirs or literature.
  3. Writing is subjective, changing based on moods and perspectives, but it's the voice and sensibility that truly matters in storytelling.

How can you increase your odds of experiencing epiphany?

The Recovering Academic β€’ 257 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 22
πŸ“š Literature Neuroscience Creativity Fiction Nature
  1. Epiphanies can be triggered by sudden insight, which is distinct from gradual problem-solving.
  2. Creating the right environment, like changing scenery or engaging in diversion, can aid in experiencing epiphanies.
  3. Epiphany is a complex concept, often arising from a combination of external stimuli and internal mental processes.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 10 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. The protagonist finds himself in a strange concrete chamber, weak and feverish, discovering a mysterious man who presents a moral dilemma. They engage in a thought-provoking conversation about honor, duty, and authority.
  2. The protagonist, on a quest despite being exiled, faces physical challenges and relies on a specialized potion for rapid healing. This potion, Benus, is powerful but comes with potential costs.
  3. The story highlights themes of duty, perseverance, and sacrifice as the protagonist, banished from his School, stays committed to his mission even through perilous conditions and personal suffering.

June bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Bookclub Review Fiction
  1. The June book club pick is a fun summer read called Wahala, set between London and Lagos, exploring past challenges of successful friends.
  2. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, offering new posts and supporting the author's work through free or paid subscriptions.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Shift to access exclusive posts, like the June book club reveal, and to further support the author's work.

I Saw a Tangerine Sun Suspended in Haze Over the Cemetery Tonight

Sundman figures it out! β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Literary Criticism
  1. The Science of Storytelling emphasizes the concept that story emerges naturally from human minds.
  2. The Sense of an Ending explores the idea that everyone constructs their own life's story with a sense of an ending.
  3. The novel intertwines fiction and metafiction, presenting itself as a study in the theory of fiction.

A literary history of fake texts in Apple's marketing materials

Read Max β€’ 331 HN points β€’ 15 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Analysis Apple Marketing
  1. Apple's marketing materials often feature fake texts to demonstrate new features in their products.
  2. The users in these fake texts engage in activities like sharing photographs, planning trips, and throwing surprise parties.
  3. There is a recurring character named John Bishop in these fake texts who appears across different iOS versions, adding a layer of mystery.

Turmoil and Hope

Notes from a Small Press β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Book Reviews Fiction Writing Authors Reading
  1. A new used bookstore opened nearby, which is exciting for book lovers. It's great to discover places that share our reading interests.
  2. I found two books by Meyer Levin at the bookstore, which felt like a special connection. Finding rare books can create a sense of kinship among readers.
  3. Supporting local bookstores is important for keeping the love of reading alive. These shops provide unique finds and foster community among fellow readers.

Marooned

Castalia β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Romance Social Commentary
  1. Dating can be tricky, especially when someone feels like they're playing a game with their own time and priorities. It's okay to acknowledge that not every connection will feel right.
  2. In the chaos of the pandemic, many found new routines and skills, like cooking and exercising, that helped them feel a sense of independence and control.
  3. Sometimes, it’s better to take your time getting to know someone rather than rushing into things. Building a relationship should happen at a pace that feels comfortable.

Fiction

Soaring Twenties β€’ 201 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. The writer emphasizes the power of unspoken words and emotions between two people.
  2. The piece explores the idea of a secret bond shared through silent communication.
  3. There's an emphasis on maintaining a hidden connection while leading separate lives.

Channeling Gore Vidal in a James Bond Book

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger β€’ 40 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Writing Criticism Books Authors
  1. The book 'Forever and a Day' has exciting scenes that build tension and keep the reader engaged, including moments where the characters share their backstories.
  2. The story provides a unique perspective on World War II, suggesting a critical view of American involvement and its consequences.
  3. The author, Anthony Horowitz, weaves in political commentary, showing how fictional characters can reflect real-world issues and beliefs.

Leopold

Nice Try β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 18 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing
  1. There's a new short story titled 'Leopold' that you can read for free online or buy in a magazine for $6. It's nice to have options!
  2. The story is quite lengthy at about 10,000 words, so it looks like a good read if you enjoy longer tales.
  3. The author appreciates feedback and invites readers to share their thoughts about the story or anything else on their mind.

Watershed

The Recovering Academic β€’ 158 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author explores the concept of epiphany in his writing journey, drawing from his religious upbringing and personal experiences to convey authenticity in memoirs.
  2. The piece delves into the process of writing memoirs as a means of discovering and articulating personal truths through a blend of innocence and experience in storytelling.
  3. The narrative features a reflection on the significant impact of a dam on the Kootenai Falls, illustrating the complexity of human interaction with natural landmarks.

EXTRACTS: Final Jeopardy!

All Visible Objects β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Authors Books Fiction Quotes Narrative
  1. Jeopardy questions about Herman Melville and Moby-Dick can be quite challenging and sometimes misleading, requiring in-depth knowledge of the book.
  2. Jeopardy has made factual errors about Melville and Moby-Dick, including incorrectly identifying the port the Pequod sails from and mixing up dates from the novel.
  3. Some Jeopardy clues have questionable or confusing phrasing when referencing Melville's quotes, life events, and genealogy, requiring a careful understanding to navigate.

TITAA #41: Spirit Scripts and Repeating Stars

Things I Think Are Awesome β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 31 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Poetry Fiction TV
  1. The Atlas of Endangered Alphabets project documents fascinating writing systems, including divinatory scripts and sacred Indian scripts.
  2. New AI art models like DALL-E, SDXL, and Adobe Firefly are being tested and compared for image generation.
  3. Exciting developments in 3D research papers and NeRFs show advancements in scene generation, editing, and efficient representation.

Franklin

Nice Try β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Personal essays
  1. The story features a brother who has wild and dangerous adventures, highlighting the carefree yet reckless nature of childhood.
  2. The brother experiences significant moments, like almost drowning and getting soaked in diesel, that illustrate the risks he takes.
  3. Despite his troubles, the bond between the brothers remains strong, even as they face challenges without parental guidance.

The last forest

storyvoyager β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Sci-fi Climate fiction Storytelling
  1. The story features an AI protagonist named the Ghost, who learns that the last remaining forest on Earth is under threat. It's important to protect nature to help recover the planet's ecosystem.
  2. Characters in the story face moral dilemmas about resource use and survival, with some wanting to cut down trees for a space project. This raises questions about greed versus sustainability.
  3. The story emphasizes the need for hope and resilience in the face of climate change. Even as challenges arise, characters believe in finding solutions to save the remaining nature.

Six Books I Recommend 2023

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Non-fiction Book Reviews Poetry Storytelling
  1. The author shares six book recommendations for 2023, focusing on natural history and storytelling. These books inspire him, and he appreciates how they explore language.
  2. The author encourages readers to also share their favorite books, emphasizing the joy of discussing literature.
  3. This message is intended for paid subscribers, creating a sense of community and connection among them during the holiday season.

Meet William Godwin, the 18th-century philosopher who was right about everything

Outlandish Claims β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 21 Apr 24
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy Fiction Education History Science
  1. William Godwin was an 18th-century philosopher known for his influential political and moral philosophy, as well as his pioneering work in creating engaging fiction like the page-turner 'The Adventures of Caleb Williams'.
  2. Godwin's legacy includes his complicated relationships with his daughter Mary Shelley and his controversial views on topics like parenting, which influenced Mary Shelley's writing of 'Frankenstein'.
  3. Godwin's critiques of pseudosciences like phrenology and astronomy highlight his skepticism of simply accepting scientific claims, while emphasizing the enduring value of humanity and the importance of self-complacency.

2024 in Books

GOOD INTERNET β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Book Reviews Fiction Nonfiction Reading Lists
  1. Reading can be diverse, with many genres to explore. This year, many people enjoyed a mix of fiction and nonfiction books.
  2. Some books stand out as favorites for their unique themes or storytelling styles. Classics like 'Frankenstein' and 'Moby Dick' continue to impress readers.
  3. Book reviews can vary significantly, from praising a book as a must-read to critiquing it as boring or poorly constructed. It's important to find what resonates with your tastes.

Fade Into You

Castalia β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 05 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Poetry Prose
  1. The main character struggles with sleeplessness and feelings of anger about his life choices. He feels stuck in a loop of longing for a past relationship.
  2. He continues to keep in touch with his ex, Lydia, who is dealing with her own problems. Their conversations reveal a complicated mix of care and frustration as they navigate their emotional boundaries.
  3. Despite advice to move on and forget about Lydia, the character finds himself clinging to memories and music that remind him of her, highlighting the difficulty of letting go.

How to Protect Yourself from the Fiend's Fiery Brain

Orbis Tertius β€’ 158 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Writing
  1. Protect yourself from negative influences by deploying unconventional techniques like staring at the sun or moon for extended periods.
  2. The author discusses the difficulty of discerning between good and bad in the alchemical process, highlighting the complexity of identifying what is truly beneficial.
  3. Reflections on the human experience and the challenge of distinguishing between the positive and negative aspects of life, as demonstrated through a unique perspective.

An Unhinged History of American Publishing, Episode 3.2: The Knopf/Doubleday Publishing Group, or: Olympus Unbuttoned

How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 18 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature History Publishing Authors Fiction
  1. Developing characters in writing by giving them a want and a need makes them interesting and integral to the plot.
  2. Personal experiences and real-life inspirations can shape fictional character arcs and storylines.
  3. Having a clear vision and partnership can drive success, but challenges and expectations may not always align as planned.

Good Luck / episode three

Nice Try β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Narrative Serialization
  1. The narrator identifies as a 'turkey baby', a term of endearment from their mother. This connection to their childhood highlights a sense of nostalgia and identity.
  2. During a snowstorm, the narrator faces traffic and decides to walk to a nearby bar for a drink. This decision shows their desire for warmth and comfort amidst the chaos of life.
  3. While at the bar, the narrator reflects on their past experiences of proving their age with a birth certificate. This brings up themes of identity and the humorous challenges faced while growing up.

Puppy Love

Castalia β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Urban life Comedy Relationships
  1. Josh loves comedy but struggles with loneliness and romantic relationships. He often relies on humor to cope with his feelings.
  2. Though Josh has feelings for Gina, a co-worker, he feels stuck and thinks nothing will ever come of it. He eventually realizes that he needs to move on.
  3. After dating Emy, Josh transforms and finds happiness, but he still sometimes feels nostalgic about his past crush on Gina.

July bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Bookclub Fiction
  1. The July bookclub pick is 'The Witching Tide' by Margaret Meyer, set in East Anglia in 1645 during a witch hunt.
  2. The story follows Martha Hallybread, a midwife, healer, and servant who has not spoken a word for years.
  3. Paid subscribers can join the bookclub and explore this unique story along with other bonus content.

The hatred of fiction

The Leftovers β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Fiction
  1. Many true crime documentaries today use drone shots excessively, which can feel forced and manipulative to the viewer.
  2. The author's experience with documentaries made them reflect on their relationship with fiction, realizing they have been slowly drifting away from it.
  3. The author's last finished fiction book was chosen more for the language than the desire to consume fiction, indicating a shift in reading preferences.

Buses

Soaring Twenties β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Fiction Poetry Film
  1. The Symposium on Buses presented a collection of short stories, essays, poetry, and a film all centered around the theme of buses, offering a variety of creative perspectives on this everyday mode of transportation.
  2. The contributors showcased diverse writing styles and storytelling techniques, captivating the readers with their unique voices and imaginative narratives.
  3. The Symposium highlighted the power of art in transporting readers and viewers, emphasizing the value of creativity and storytelling in capturing moments and emotions.

Christmas Sale!!!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash β€’ 38 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Fiction Reading Publishing Reviews
  1. There's a Christmas sale on subscriptions for 'Slack Tide', with 30 percent off until Christmas Day. It's a good deal for anyone looking for a new subscription.
  2. The annual subscription price drops to just $35 for the first year, which is cheaper than many fast food items. This makes it an affordable option for readers.
  3. Subscribers can expect honest and entertaining content from 'Slack Tide'. It's a place where readers can engage and participate in discussions, adding to the community feel.