The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Yr Ochr Arall / The Other Side

Fathom • 78 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Fiction
  1. Gwendolyn struggles with economic challenges and feelings of guilt
  2. Gwendolyn's sons have unique personalities and connection with their absent father
  3. Dylan communicates with his deceased father, affecting Gwendolyn emotionally

The Dirty Blues

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Fiction
  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
  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 Fiction
  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.

A Story, Refined

Story Club with George Saunders • 46 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. George Saunders highlights the beauty of storytelling and invites readers to discuss it. It's great to share thoughts on what makes a story resonate.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of Grace Paley's work and how it influences storytelling. Appreciating other writers can deepen our understanding of stories.
  3. The post encourages interaction and discussion among readers. Engaging with others about a story can lead to new insights and ideas.
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True Fiction

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 437 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  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.

What to Do?

Story Club with George Saunders • 117 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Finding peace in difficult times can come from focusing on positive systems and relationships in your life. It's important to connect with people and activities that align with your values.
  2. Art and writing can be a powerful way to express feelings and connect with others. Creative work can serve as a positive outlet and a source of meaning.
  3. Even when overwhelmed, small acts of kindness, like writing, can make a big impact. Taking little steps each day can help bring happiness and presence into your life.

The Performance of Pride

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 85 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Shuggie Bain learns to dance as a way to escape his tough life, but he still feels the pressure of others watching him. His mother encourages him to keep dancing despite the difficulties.
  2. The novel highlights how appearances can hide deeper sorrows, like Shuggie's mother trying to maintain a sense of pride even in hard times. It's about how people present themselves to the world, even when they are struggling inside.
  3. Shuggie feels different and vulnerable due to his sexuality and difficult home life. The story shows how environments can trap people, making it hard to break free from poverty and pain.

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

Castalia • 279 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
📚 Literature Fiction
  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.

This Machine Rages Back: An Interview With Ewan Morrison

American Dreaming • 46 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The novel _For Emma_ uses a personal tragedy to explore deep themes like grief and the search for meaning. It shows how a father's desperate quest for answers leads him into chaos.
  2. It raises questions about modern society where technology and corporate power drown out personal truths. The story warns about the dangers of losing free expression in a world governed by authoritarian tech.
  3. The characters face existential crises, reflecting our struggles with belief and purpose in a confusing world. This illustrates how the search for meaning can drive individuals to radical actions.

The Half-Finished House

The Abbey of Misrule • 260 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Fiction
  1. The coastal walk in Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland, offers layers of history including industrial mines, revolutionary soldiers, and slave raids, showcasing the area's rich and varied past.
  2. Father O'Donnell's wellhouse, built with the intention of healing properties, remains unfinished due to a local complaint to the priest, halting the project and leaving it frozen in time a century later.
  3. The incomplete wellhouse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of peaceful times and the enduring presence of ruins along coastlines, highlighting the intertwined stories of ambition, social dynamics, and history.

A Case Study in Revision

Story Club with George Saunders • 42 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Revising your work is important. It can help you improve the final product and connect better with your audience.
  2. Listening to how others react to your writing can be eye-opening. It gives you new perspectives and can inspire your revisions.
  3. Your writing journey is personal, but sharing it with others can lead to growth. Engaging with a community can offer valuable insights.

The Crazy-Eyed Wild Ambitions Phase

DruGroup • 119 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  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
  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.

Object Permanence & the MurderBot Diaries: AI, Adaptation, & the Case of the Missing & Misidentified Scientists

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 38 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The novella 'All Systems Red' features a small group of characters, which helps their personalities stand out. Fewer characters can make their interactions deeper and more engaging.
  2. ChatGPT struggles to accurately identify the fictional characters from the story. This shows that even advanced AI can have trouble with tasks that seem simple, like recognizing names.
  3. Murderbot, while not an official team member, is crucial to the story. Its unique perspective as a self-aware machine adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

Men, Substack, Novels

Notes from a Small Press • 45 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The decision to publish a novel is not based on the author's gender, but on the quality of their work and insights about literature.
  2. Substack offers a new way to serialize and share stories, making literary works different from traditional novels.
  3. Many independent presses support good literature, but they can't compete with big publishers in terms of money and marketing, focusing instead on quality over quantity.

Books of the Year 2024

Comment is Freed • 106 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. A lot of great books cover history, politics, and economics. These can provide deeper insights into current events and help in understanding systems that shape our lives.
  2. Biographies shed light on important historical figures and their influences, bringing personal stories into larger political and social contexts.
  3. Translations of classic literature make ancient stories accessible and relatable, reminding us of timeless truths about human experiences.

Autumn Reruns

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  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.

Windows

Soaring Twenties • 262 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Fiction
  1. The Symposium on Windows features a variety of creative works like essays, fiction, and short films.
  2. Different artists interpret the theme of Windows in unique and imaginative ways.
  3. The Symposium is a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and talent to a wider audience.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 92 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. It's important to notice areas in your writing that feel off or unsatisfying. These areas can guide you to make better changes and improve your story.
  2. Polishing your writing helps you see new possibilities. Once everything looks clean, you might realize something about the overall structure or flow that needs adjusting.
  3. Practicing writing through revision is key. Focus on small sections of your work and ask yourself how they can be improved, which can reveal new ideas for your storytelling.

What's Missing from AI Writing

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 315 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  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.

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.

Kitty's Bordello #1

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Fiction
  1. Steadman is a reporter who works undercover and finds a place called Salon Kitty. It piques his interest because of the unique insights it offers.
  2. As Steadman investigates further, he encounters more questions about what really happened to Madame Kitty.
  3. The story hints at intrigue and mystery, inviting readers to think about the deeper implications of his discoveries.

Happy New Year 2024

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. New Year offers a chance to re-enchant ourselves and embrace opportunities for growth.
  2. Consolidating efforts into one space can build momentum, enhance visibility, and reduce logistical inefficiencies.
  3. Creative projects can benefit from being housed together under different categories for increased focus and impact.

Sexcapade

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Rachel and Jerianne have a complicated friendship where Jerianne often leads Rachel into more adventurous and risky situations. Rachel feels more cautious and less exciting when she is with Jerianne.
  2. Jerianne's life seems conventional on the outside, but she struggles with personal issues and often relies on Rachel for support. She also has a complicated relationship with a younger man named Anthony, which adds drama to her life.
  3. Rachel starts to question the value of her friendship with Jerianne. As she spends more time alone, she begins to focus on her own needs and entertains thoughts of Anthony, showing a shift in her priorities and desires.

House Sitting in Kiev—Or Why I Read

Vremya • 479 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. House sitting in Kiev gave me a chance to explore the city and enjoy time alone. It was during this time that I rekindled my love for reading.
  2. I realized that reading is about personal freedom and self-discovery. The books we choose help shape who we are.
  3. It's important to choose what we read for ourselves rather than letting others dictate it. Everyone should have the freedom to explore different ideas and authors, even if they can be controversial.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 77 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. When writing with two characters, ask if both are really needed in the story. Sometimes one character might be enough.
  2. Look at the important events in your story and see how each character adds to them. One character might end up being more essential than the other.
  3. Try cutting down the slower character's sections to meet key story moments. This can help balance their pacing and keep the story flowing better.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Kelly Link's book blends fairy tales with modern life, creating enchanting stories that follow unique rules. Her writing shows how fantasy can express complex human emotions in a relatable way.
  2. Shehan Karunatilaka's novel explores the afterlife in a war-torn Sri Lanka, focusing on a man's struggle between seeking revenge or moving on. It highlights the chaos and disillusionment of life and death in a corrupt society.
  3. Both authors challenge traditional storytelling by exploring themes of human relationships, morality, and the struggle for meaning amid chaos. Their work encourages readers to think about how imagination and reality intertwine.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author embraces visual elements in writing by considering and emphasizing them as crucial to their own voice
  2. Visual effects in fiction can be achieved through elements like using the present tense in narration, maintaining a fast pace, and employing dialogues for character and plot-building
  3. The British author Philip Pullman criticized fiction in the present tense; however, the author believes that embracing stark opinions regarding tense in narration can limit literary creativity

Toniann Fernandez & Z. Xalmoa: Ubícate

Do Not Research • 59 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Yoni seemed persistent in his questioning, which created tension and intrigue during the interaction with the sea urchin.
  2. The dynamics of the characters, like Oli, Yoni, and the narrator, added depth and complexity to the storytelling.
  3. The story conveyed a sense of mystery and surrealism, with elements like simulations, unexpected actions, and intense emotions.

The Sweet Spot

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author's love for baseball and the connection with his father shines through the memoir. Baseball became a bonding activity between them and a way for the author to feel close to his father.
  2. The author's experience in baseball and the pursuit of finding the 'sweet spot' on the bat is paralleled with his spiritual journey. The 'sweet spot' represents more than just a physical connection with the game, but also a sense of purpose and truth.
  3. Baseball serves as a metaphor for the author's internal struggles and search for validation and redemption. The game becomes a canvas where he grapples with guilt, faith, and the pursuit of meaning.

Story: Adaptation or Spandrel?

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎭️ Culture Fiction
  1. Humans rely on stories to make sense of the world, whether derived from reality or imagination, and storytelling may have played a vital role in human survival and development.
  2. Storytelling has a unique structure that simplifies the complexity of life and allows for the synchronization of countless minds, shaping societies, movements, and institutions.
  3. The debate on whether storytelling is an adaptation or a spandrel is significant in understanding human nature, with arguments for both sides pointing to storytelling's impact on cognitive functions, social cohesion, and group dynamics.

Stories from the Yules of My Life

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author shares fictional Christmas card messages and stories, reflecting on past memories and personal experiences.
  2. The author delves into genealogy and discusses the Scottish Earls, emphasizing the complexity and potential of family histories.
  3. The author shares a detailed, introspective piece on self-reflection, writing, and the pursuit of creativity despite challenges and societal norms.

Dino Play

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Dinosaurs spark a sense of wonder and playfulness in children. This reminds us how important it is to nurture that joy and imagination.
  2. Parents play a key role in children's beliefs about the world. The father reassures his son about dinosaurs, showing the importance of trust and fun in family interactions.
  3. Stories can transport us to different times and places, allowing us to relive simpler moments. It's great to take a step back and appreciate the playful side of life.

Describe a Mind, Running

Story Club with George Saunders • 72 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Tolstoy shows characters reacting to death in a cold way. This makes us think about how people can be selfish during tough times.
  2. Thought is complex and can show different levels at once. Writers often have to choose which thoughts to share.
  3. Tolstoy's choice to focus on the characters' selfish reactions serves a purpose. It makes us question why he chose to present them this way.

Desiring to be desired

Holly Elmore • 58 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Fiction
  1. The author desired the male gaze to be idealized like she idealized men.
  2. From a young age, the author was drawn to crush drama and admired boys in a fantasy of being chosen.
  3. The chase of unrequited love was addictive for the author, even after clear rejection.

What I've Been Reading | August 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante is a complex series exploring female friendships and societal projections.
  2. Bronze Age Mindset by Bronze Age Pervert provides wild speculation and insight on evolution and societal norms.
  3. Nazi Literature in the Americas and By Night in Chile by Roberto Bolaño offer intriguing perspectives on fascist literary figures and political reflections.

What I've Been Reading | July 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa explores the dynamics of power and dictatorship
  2. The Inner Game by Timothy Gallwey emphasizes objective observation and self-trust for improvement
  3. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis delves into themes of choices, realities, and rejecting the good