The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Fogwill

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Authors Literary Analysis
  1. Fogwill's _Cuentos completos_ is recommended for its range of writing styles and deep character exploration
  2. Fogwill's complete works offer insight into his transition from successful market executive to acclaimed writer
  3. Personal exchanges with Fogwill reflected his mischievous nature and highlighted the impact of his work on the author

Gift Economies

David Friedman’s Substack • 161 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Economics Society Fiction History Intellectual Property
  1. Gift economies are systems of exchange based on reciprocity and social obligation without explicit contracts.
  2. Gift economies can take various forms, like providing services without monetary compensation but receiving status or recognition as a reward.
  3. In gift economies, transactions are based on gifts rather than explicit trades, creating a different dynamic of value exchange.
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Simenon-on-Sea

Mister Slang • 98 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Mystery Fiction Author Crime Novels
  1. Georges Simenon was a prolific and internationally renowned author with a vast body of work that includes detective novels and 'romans durs.'
  2. The sea and coastal towns played a significant role in Simenon's fiction, providing atmospheric backdrops for his plots and reflecting his personal experiences and interests.
  3. Simenon's writings often explore themes of human nature, criminality, and escapism, where the sea symbolizes freedom, danger, and the complexities of life.

The first literary "race warrior"

WORLD GONE WRONG • 98 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
📚 Literature Racism Dystopia Fiction Slavery Genre
  1. Mary Howard Schoolcraft was a notable figure for being the first literary 'race warrior' with her novel 'The Black Gauntlet'.
  2. Anti-Toms were pro-slavery novels that countered 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and were popular during that era.
  3. Schoolcraft's novel was characterized by obsessively racist themes and was a pioneering work in the genre of 'race war' dystopia.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Cultural critique
  1. George Saunders is a talented writer, but there's concern that his style leads to flat, cartoonish characters in literature. Some believe this choice in writing makes stories feel less complex and lacks emotional depth.
  2. Susan Neiman critiques how the left has shifted from a focus on liberal universalism to a more victim-centered approach, suggesting that this change affects how power and justice are viewed in society.
  3. Neiman argues that the Enlightenment's values of reason and individual rights should be reclaimed, as she believes they can lead to a better understanding of justice, contrasting it with modern identitarianism that may neglect these principles.

Hugo and The Lucky Break

Soaring Twenties • 92 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Thomas didn't show up to give the talk, causing Hugo to scramble and try to cover for him
  2. Hugo was left feeling betrayed when he found out Thomas deliberately skipped the talk
  3. Janie stood up for Hugo by subtly threatening Thomas, showcasing loyalty and kindness

It's My Birthday!

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Fiction Poetry Literary culture
  1. It's someone's birthday and they are using it as an opportunity to support Electric Literature. They believe literature is important and can help people during tough times.
  2. Electric Literature needs small donations to keep going, especially as many literary venues are closing. These donations help nurture new talent and make writing accessible.
  3. The writer is proud of their work with Electric Literature and emphasizes that grassroots support from the community is essential for continuing to promote literature.

Words Unspoken and Other Stories

The Lifeboat • 91 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Romance Fiction Books Writing
  1. The story portrays a conversation between Felix and Felicia, highlighting how sometimes people drift apart when they realize they have nothing in common beyond a shared environment.
  2. The tale captures the complexity of relationships and the struggle to communicate effectively when faced with changes or divergence in paths.
  3. Communication, shared interests, and understanding are crucial elements in relationships to avoid misunderstandings and maintain connection.

Literary Affluenza: F. Scott Fitzgerald's Prescience about Luxury Beliefs

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
📚 Literature Authors Novels Fiction Characters Themes
  1. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels explore the destructive impact of luxury beliefs and the allure of high status characters.
  2. Various theories attempt to explain our fascination with status and prestige, but fiction like Fitzgerald's offers a unique window into these complex dynamics.
  3. Fitzgerald's works, like 'The Beautiful and Damned,' serve as social commentary on wealth, status, and the moral dilemmas of the affluent, inviting readers to reflect on their own pursuits and values.

Genre Grapevine for October 2023

Genre Grapevine • 78 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Fiction Art & Illustration News Awards
  1. Small acts of goodness matter the most in our world, especially for children enjoying special moments like Halloween.
  2. Genre magazines are struggling due to changes like Amazon ending digital subscriptions, impacting revenue and leading to shifts like electronic editions replacing print.
  3. X-Twitter changes by Elon Musk affect how authors share linked articles, making it harder for them to reach readers on the platform.

Good Luck / Grasshopper

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Stories
  1. It's okay to feel nervous and unsure about what to say sometimes. Everyone experiences those moments.
  2. Sharing stories can be a great way to connect with others and express yourself.
  3. Taking a chance, like performing or speaking in public, can lead to new experiences and opportunities.

Darth Vader answers the Proust Questionnaire

Ironic Sans • 248 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
😂 Humor Fiction Characters
  1. Characters from fiction, like Darth Vader, answer the Proust Questionnaire in a creative and entertaining way.
  2. ChatGPT can impersonate different characters from fiction answering the Proust Questionnaire, offering a unique twist.
  3. Exploring fictional characters' perspectives through fun and imaginative responses brings a new angle to storytelling.

The economy of controlling women

storyvoyager • 10 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Themes Worldbuilding Cultural Studies
  1. Stories help us understand the world better, and writing can be a way to figure out our own thoughts and feelings. It's all about being fascinated by ideas and emotions.
  2. Historically, women's roles have been controlled in many ways, and it's important to think about how society might impose new forms of control in the future. We can see echoes of past practices in today's world.
  3. The idea of merging human minds with technology, called mindbinding, shows how humans could interact deeply with tech in the future. This blend could bring empathy and intuition into powerful new roles.

Matt Clifford: AI Policy + China Competition

ChinaTalk • 74 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction History Philosophy Classic
  1. The Reformation teaches us monumental change can happen unexpectedly and for reasons that resonate today, like the rise of new technologies and ideas.
  2. Parenting and entrepreneurship create strategic focus due to the time trade-offs and the need to be intentional in decision-making.
  3. Ideas are powerful, exciting, and dangerous, shown through 'The Name of the Rose,' emphasizing the impact of forbidden knowledge and the significance of ideas worth killing for.

Romance

Soaring Twenties • 224 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Romance Essays Fiction Poetry Creators
  1. Romance is a big theme in writing and requires vulnerability and care to handle well.
  2. Different writers explored romance through poetry, fiction, and essays in a diverse and engaging way.
  3. The Symposium on Romance featured a variety of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces that captivate the essence of love and relationships.

Death

Soaring Twenties • 231 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Essays Fiction Poetry Video
  1. The topic of Death evoked deep and varied responses from writers.
  2. The contributions ranged from personal essays to poetry, showcasing different perspectives.
  3. The Symposium highlighted the power of exploring complex themes through creative mediums.

The Dirty Blues

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Literature Fiction Sexuality
  1. Blues singers used slang and double entendre in their music, often pushing the boundaries of decency.
  2. The blues offered a raw and honest perspective on life, focusing on the present rather than the afterlife.
  3. The dirty blues genre included explicit lyrics and was sometimes intertwined with hokum, a mix of trickery and nonsense.

What I've Been Reading | September 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy
  1. No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners is a clear and practice-focused introduction to secular Buddhism
  2. The Storm of Steel by Ernst Jünger offers a descriptive perspective on war without much introspection on its futility
  3. On The Marble Cliffs by Ernst Jünger explores ways to respond to tyranny and decay through notable character examples

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #2

Trantor Publishing • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Fiction Short Stories Feedback
  1. Author has been busy in January with multiple chapters published and an exclusive short story for paying subscribers.
  2. Author is planning a raffle for paying subscribers to win signed paperback copies of their book as a thank you gesture.
  3. Author is seeking input from subscribers on potentially re-working the ending of one of their works and is open to suggestions for future content.

The Non-Fiction Novel and the Outlines of a New Form

Castalia • 279 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
📚 Literature Non-fiction Fiction Narrative Essays Documentary
  1. There is a growing preference for non-fiction and reality-based storytelling over traditional fiction. People are finding more connection with real stories and characters, especially in documentaries and reality TV.
  2. The lines between reality and fiction are blurring, with new forms of writing emerging that mix elements of both. Books like Labatut's show how real events can be told with creative twists, forcing us to reconsider how we view truth in storytelling.
  3. Many writers now want to explore deeper truths by combining facts with imaginative narratives. This shift suggests that audiences are craving more authentic experiences in literature, where the story feels both real and creatively engaging.

The After-Afterparty

Skunk Ledger • 215 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Humor Science Philosophy
  1. The protagonist wins a forecasting tournament and celebrates extravagantly with cuddle therapists and predictions.
  2. A confrontation with an archnemesis leads to a discussion on modeling uncertainties and reaching a consensus.
  3. A black swan intervenes to teach the importance of collaboration and addressing assumptions in disagreements.

The Crazy-Eyed Wild Ambitions Phase

DruGroup • 119 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Creative Process Personal Reflection
  1. In a mid-life crisis, someone tried working on a doctorate but lost passion early on. This taught them it’s okay to explore interests, even if they don’t pursue them long-term.
  2. They started writing a science-fiction novel and put a lot of effort into it, but eventually faced challenges and had to put the project on hold. It shows that creative endeavors can be complicated, and it’s normal to hit bumps along the way.
  3. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and doesn't always bring clear answers. It's important to embrace change and reflect on personal growth, especially during challenging life phases.

How a Story Gets Written

The Fairest Writer • 119 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Memoir Artistic Process
  1. Being curious about your art can spark new ideas. It's important to explore different styles and inspiration to grow as a writer.
  2. Sometimes a story can come out really quickly, almost like a burst of energy. Other times, it takes a lot of time and changes to get it just right.
  3. Both quick and slow stories have value. The key is to keep exploring your creativity, no matter how long it takes.

Soon

Soaring Twenties • 208 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author tells an engaging story that involves themes of waiting, uncertainty, and a sense of impending change.
  2. The story features elements of fear, family dynamics, and the impact of political turmoil on a child's perspective.
  3. There is a mix of emotions portrayed, including confusion, hope, and the complexities of human relationships during challenging times.

Autumn Reruns

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Writing
  1. The author is taking a break from their current content to focus on writing fiction, which they prefer.
  2. The author struggles to find time for writing due to a busy schedule and difficulty in shifting gears between different projects.
  3. The author is considering making their content less time-consuming to manage alongside writing fiction, possibly by creating shorter posts or updating less frequently.

Cid in the architecture

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Art Authors Novel Writing
  1. The story shares an excerpt from a novel in progress, set in a cyberpunk version of Boston, featuring multiple narrators and a mysterious character named Cid.
  2. Cid, a cab driver with unique abilities, gets entangled in a dangerous situation involving a woman named Terrah who seeks his help in delivering an item to the mysterious Gee building.
  3. The narrative weaves elements of technology, architecture, and suspense, creating a compelling and intriguing story that hints at larger mysteries and character dynamics.

My Kendom for a Horse?

Comment is Freed • 143 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Analysis Movies Strategy Fiction Gender
  1. Barbie Land in the movie depicts themes of power, strategy, and a shift in political systems between Barbies and Kens.
  2. The strategic analysis highlights the importance of coalitions, indirect means, empathy, ideological commitment, legitimacy, and consequences of strategic choices.
  3. The Barbies use deception, understanding of their opponents, and misdirection to achieve their objectives in the face of a male-dominated society.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Messalina had a deceptive plan to keep the protagonist from leaving by offering an alternative that required him to break his oath, showing the complex moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
  2. The intense sword fight between the protagonist and the mannequin Charon demonstrates the theme of honor and determination in the face of impossible odds.
  3. The story concludes with a symbolic moment where the protagonist faces death with acceptance and a sense of fulfillment, highlighting themes of destiny and the inevitability of fate.