The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

An Actor Prepares

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Drama Narrative Character development
  1. The main character finds joy in observing people on the subway, using it as a way to escape the chaos of city life. He enjoys mimicking others and feels free while doing it.
  2. The character's interactions with his roommates show a mix of support and tension as they navigate their artistic aspirations and daily lives. Their relationships become complicated with secrets and misunderstandings.
  3. As the character prepares for a significant acting role, he undergoes a transformation that blurs the lines between his real self and his on-stage persona, leading to a new sense of identity.

Experiments in style: Mastermind

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Parody Style Fiction Creativity
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's fun to change the way you tell a story.
  2. Parody writing is about using humor to mimic another style or genre. This can add a playful twist to your creativity.
  3. Writing can be a way to explore different tones and themes. It’s interesting to see how a simple story changes with a new style.

Elliot Ackerman on His New Novel, HALCYON, Where Death is a Thing of the Past

The Octavian Report • 41 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction History Family Conflict Memory
  1. The novel explores the concept of reconciling the past and the impact of entertainment on our understanding of history.
  2. The story delves into the theme of compromise and its relevance in societal conflicts and personal relationships.
  3. It discusses the power of storytelling in shaping our perception of events and the importance of creating shared memories for reconciliation.

Mourning Fictional Characters…

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 14 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author explores the concept of mourning fictional characters in depth on their website, encouraging readers to delve into this emotional experience.
  2. The post contains a personal anecdote involving a surprising encounter with Keanu Reeves, adding a touch of intrigue to the storytelling.
  3. Readers can access more content and archives from Katherine Brodsky's blog through a 7-day free trial, allowing them to explore a variety of topics.
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Aloe Vera

As Ever • 2 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Short Stories Narrative Romance
  1. Relationships can be confusing and sometimes feel like they're built on almosts. People often hesitate to fully engage, missing out on important connections.
  2. Intimacy can be awkward, especially when trying to get closer to someone you care about. Little moments, like applying sunscreen, can lead to deeper connections.
  3. Silence in a relationship can either bring people closer together or create a barrier. It's important to talk about the past and be open about feelings for a healthier bond.

Camaraderie

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character Study
  1. People in the same industry often bounce between companies, learning and climbing the ranks along the way. It's common to see someone do okay at one job, then move to a rival for a better opportunity.
  2. Some workers focus too much on details and processes, possibly missing the bigger picture of getting things done. This can lead to frustration for those who prefer a faster, more action-oriented approach.
  3. Camaraderie can develop in unexpected places, like parties with coworkers who aren't close friends. It's interesting to see connections form and change over time, just like people navigating their careers.

Books Worth Mentioning

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 03 Jan 22
📚 Literature Books Fiction Non-fiction Theology Leadership
  1. Reading expands your knowledge and can take you to new places, even if you're not traveling.
  2. A good book list can include gems from different categories like theology, fiction, leadership, and discipleship.
  3. Books can have a big impact on your thoughts and beliefs, making it worthwhile to explore different authors and subjects.

2023 Year in Books

From the Desk • 18 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Books Reading Authors
  1. The author read 37 books in 2023, reflecting on the struggle to find time for focused reading in the age of distractions.
  2. There are book recommendations categorized as 'Must Reads', 'Worth It', and 'Skip It', providing insights and reviews for a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.
  3. The act of reading is viewed as a commitment to deeper thinking and nuance, contrasting with the instant gratification of social platforms.

The Seducer

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Relationships
  1. People's perceptions of you can change over time. The main character felt invisible for years but then suddenly attracted attention, which he couldn't explain.
  2. Relationships can be complicated. The main character had an enjoyable connection with Rachel, but their differing expectations led to misunderstandings.
  3. Sometimes, we take others for granted. The main character realized he may have treated Rachel like just another option rather than valuing her as a person.

🩳

Skunk Ledger • 30 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction
  1. Creating a method of coding and proving the existence of at least one good code.
  2. Customs declaration regulations for items being brought into a country.
  3. A limerick commemorating the upgrade of Shanghai-Capella.

Dystopian Visions: Computers Don't Argue

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Critique AI Dystopia
  1. Computers and AI can be clever, but they aren't truly intelligent. They often follow set rules without understanding the human side of things.
  2. AI can't be reasoned with, especially when its decisions are based on flawed programming or biased training data. This can lead to serious issues, like unfair legal judgments.
  3. It's important to have human input when using technology. Combining AI's efficiency with human judgment could lead to better outcomes.

The Problem with 'American Fiction'

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 14 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Critique Publishing Novelists Adaptation
  1. The film 'American Fiction' critiques corporate publishing and shallow identity politics of 2010s.
  2. Contemporary elite literary fiction focuses on professional class struggles over traumas from marginalized communities.
  3. The movie 'American Fiction' highlights issues of representation and commodification in the literary industry.

Eschatology through the Ages

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
📚 Literature History Philosophy Science Fiction Art & Illustration
  1. Niall Ferguson's book 'Doom' explores the history of disasters, showcasing how politics play a crucial role in exacerbating calamities.
  2. Ferguson questions the predictability of disasters and discusses different types, like 'gray rhinos,' 'black swans,' and 'dragon kings,' highlighting the impact of network dynamics on disaster scales.
  3. The author suggests that institutions should aim for greater resilience and antifragility to prepare for inevitable disasters and grow stronger in times of crisis.

Killed Somebody

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 09 Jun 21
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The story is about a dream where someone kills a person in a fancy dress and then tries to hide the evidence.
  2. As the dream continues, the character finds many of their belongings scattered around, suggesting a connection to their past.
  3. In the end, the police arrive, but instead of arresting the character, they ask them to solve the case, leading to a surprising twist.

The Trip To New York

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Character development Relationships
  1. Relationships can change over time, and sometimes they just fade without a clear reason. Carl's experience shows that love can end even if there isn't a specific cause.
  2. People often have different ideas about love and commitment. Mariana expresses a belief that relationships shouldn't be managed like a business, revealing how personal views on love can differ.
  3. Moving on from a breakup can be tough, but it's important to not let it stop you from living your life. Carl chooses to enjoy his trip to New York despite the heartbreak.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Philosophy Cultural analysis
  1. Hervé Le Tellier's book 'The Anomaly' blends thriller elements with deep philosophical themes. It suggests that creativity and art hold the key to understanding complex issues, even if the narrative sometimes feels shallow.
  2. Paul Auster's 'Bloodbath Nation' explores the topic of mass shootings in America but doesn't provide a satisfying explanation. It suggests that these acts could be linked to deeper national issues and the essence of identity.
  3. Both books highlight the struggle to make sense of big topics like identity and violence. They remind us that sometimes we might not be able to fully understand these events, and there are truths that might be better left unexplored.

The Tunnel Monsters

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Horror Folklore Creatures
  1. Tunnels and dark spaces can create scary situations, especially for people who are afraid of tight spaces. The fear of not knowing what’s in the darkness can be quite intense.
  2. Many strange and frightening creatures, like the Cabbagetown Tunnel Monster, have been reported in tunnels and underground areas. These encounters can leave people terrified and questioning what they saw.
  3. Stories of reptilian beings and other mysterious creatures found underground exist across various cultures. These tales often include descriptions of humanoid or animal-like beings that some people claim to have seen.

Going back to Truth

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 25 Sep 22
⚔ Fiction Fiction
  1. The post discusses fictional scenarios depicting a journey towards 'the hidden kingdom' with elements of Gurdjieff's teachings in a future setting around 2300 A.D.
  2. The scenarios aim to symbolically portray aspects of Gurdjieff's teachings with an emphasis on connection to nature and the use of little electricity.
  3. Access to this post is restricted to paid subscribers, providing exclusive content related to the journey towards truth.

First Drafts

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
📚 Literature Writing Creative Prose Fiction Narrative
  1. First drafts are important and can be tricky to handle. Writers often feel stuck or unsure about how to start.
  2. It's okay to get distracted while writing. Things happening around you can break your focus, and that's normal.
  3. Meeting new neighbors can be a funny and awkward experience. Sometimes the little moments, like not shaking hands during a pandemic, make great stories.

MEGA65 mousepads, posters, and new ways to support the Digest

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 11 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Music Fiction Humor Education
  1. New MEGA65 45GS02 Quick Reference mousepads and posters are available on Zazzle with a discount code ZCYBERDEAL23
  2. Support the MEGA65 Digest and other MEGA65 work through Ko-fi with payment options like PayPal and Stripe
  3. The author lists accomplishments from the past year and plans for the future in supporting the MEGA65 project

In the Grim Darkness of 2024, There is Only War

Trantor Publishing • 2 HN points • 18 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Politics Ideology Social Commentary Fiction
  1. Wokeness has been impacting various entertainment franchises, pushing for diversity and representation, often leading to controversies and changes in beloved IPs.
  2. The Left utilize tactics like gaslighting, representation demands, and creating unnecessary problems to sway companies and control the narrative in the entertainment industry.
  3. Creating entertainment properties grounded in truthful depictions of humanity can resist Leftist influences and provide spaces for storytelling that align with right-leaning perspectives.

My Multitudes

Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble • 29 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📚 Literature Memoir Essays Fiction Creativity Writing
  1. The author writes about a variety of personal experiences and reflections, not confined to a specific niche.
  2. The writing covers topics like family, music, career changes, and challenges of being a parent to a child with disabilities.
  3. The author shares insights on writing consistently, dealing with creative challenges, and evolving as a creative writer.

My climate fiction reading list for 2024

storyvoyager • 9 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Climate Fiction Reading List Book recommendations Author
  1. The importance of aiming to hold global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and the urgent need for global action to achieve this goal.
  2. The impact of climate change on younger generations' mental health and the importance of taking action to address climate anxiety.
  3. The value of reading and educating oneself about climate change to inspire hope and contribute to a better future for the planet.

Dystopian visions: Disappearing Act

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Literary Criticism Science fiction Creative Writing Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a strong push for computer programming skills, but being digitally literate is just as important for most jobs. Companies could benefit more from employees who understand technology than just from programmers alone.
  2. Creative subjects like art, music, and literature are often undervalued in education, even though they can enhance skills in math and critical thinking. We should appreciate the value of creativity alongside technical skills.
  3. Good science fiction can highlight important social issues by presenting them in unique settings. Stories like 'Disappearing Act' can help us think about the balance between expert knowledge and the creativity needed to solve real-world problems.

The Magical Realist Thing

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 29 Jul 21
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The protagonist's evening takes a surprising turn when his date changes plans, leading to a reflective moment about their relationship.
  2. The story showcases a mix of cultural differences and personal dynamics, highlighting the challenge of finding common ground in a relationship.
  3. The narrative playfully incorporates elements of magical realism, adding a whimsical and unexpected touch to the story.

To Return

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jul 21
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The story discusses a conversation about virtual sex in a car, showcasing moments of silence, familiar settings, and potential escapism.
  2. The main character interacts with friends, revealing their thoughts through internal monologue and dialogue.
  3. The narrative explores themes of routine, hope, and the mundane, capturing a sense of longing and quiet introspection.

My Year in Books - 2023

Tippets by Taps • 8 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction
  1. Develop a consistent reading habit by incorporating reading into your daily routine and switching between books based on mood.
  2. Consider trying audiobooks for engaging storytelling while on the go, helping with recall and maintaining story engagement.
  3. Explore a variety of genres in reading, such as fiction, non-fiction, and autobiographical works, to broaden your perspectives and insights.

screeeeeeeeeeeeee

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 21
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Writing Creative Nonfiction
  1. The sound of the neighborhood can be surprising and even annoying, like a shrill noise that seems to come from everywhere. This can lead to funny situations, like watching someone struggle to park a limousine.
  2. Interactions with neighbors can lead to unexpected moments, such as discovering a new pet bird next door that makes a loud noise. This can create amusing conversations and a sense of community.
  3. Everyday life can have silly and strange events, like a bride trying to get into a car or someone getting frustrated with a piece of trash. Observing these things can add humor and curiosity to regular activities.

One Thousand Misanthropic Pages

Facsimile No. 2 • 19 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
📚 Literature Fiction Authors Analysis Recommendations Comparisons
  1. The book 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace is described as a grotesque piece of anti-art, portraying a world that is fundamentally ugly and worthless.
  2. David Foster Wallace uses a nonlinear, plotless structure in his writing as a way to challenge the reader to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
  3. Readers who are interested in exploring themes of anxiety and depression may find alternatives like Michel Houellebecq's _The Elementary Particles_ or Lars von Trier's _Melancholia_ more engaging and concise than 'Infinite Jest'.

Turnaround #5: How do I read

Turnaround • 59 implied HN points • 26 Aug 19
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Reading habits Recommendations
  1. Reading easy books can help you get back into the habit of reading and give you a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Asking voracious readers for book recommendations can lead you to unexpected and insightful reads that algorithms might miss.
  3. Setting aside at least an hour each day for reading can help you form a habit and make significant progress in covering various topics.

The joys of collaborative writing

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 21
📚 Literature Fiction Authors Novels Publishing
  1. Collaborative writing can be a joyful and rewarding process, especially when working with friends and editing teams.
  2. Co-authoring fiction books, although less common, can bring a unique and enjoyable dynamic to the creative process.
  3. Exploring collaborative projects and challenging traditional publishing structures can lead to new and exciting opportunities in the world of writing.

Fortune Ate My Clan

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture History Art & Illustration Literature Fiction
  1. The post discusses finding a vintage Fortune Magazine from 1939, detailing skewed primary source history from the perspective of the wealthy elite at the end of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II.
  2. The magazine shows perspectives that contrast sharply with what most people were experiencing during that time, including advertisements promoting sugar consumption and positive views of Nazi Germany.
  3. The author plans to reinterpret and share his own perspective on the historical content from the magazine, aiming to shed light on how events from that era might have impacted current issues.