The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The poetics of the pile-on

The Leftovers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 13 Aug 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Authors Writing Books Imagination
  1. Writing fiction can be a process where stories develop gradually during the act of writing, allowing space for creativity and exploration.
  2. Engaging with contemporary issues in writing can be challenging as the fast-paced nature of news events can quickly make a book feel outdated.
  3. In writing about the present, authors may choose to imagine possibilities rather than focus on capturing the exact reality, as fiction allows for the exploration of hypothetical scenarios.

First Draft

The Leftovers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Authors Writing Publishing
  1. The author describes attending a literary event and feeling resentful towards writers and the written word, reflecting on his own writing and feelings of obscurity.
  2. The encounter with another writer at the event reveals the protagonist's insecurities and envy towards the seemingly successful and confident writer.
  3. The story takes a fictional turn towards a chance encounter that sparks a moment of clarity and connection, hinting at the possibility of finding inspiration and closure.

Critical or Commercial Success

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Books Authors Writing Publishing
  1. Artists often face a dilemma between choosing to be a critical success or a commercial success. It's usually difficult to achieve both.
  2. Popular mainstream art is often considered lowbrow compared to more niche, highbrow art. Taste of the masses isn't always sophisticated.
  3. The dynamics of the book industry have changed, with authors now needing to actively create buzz for their work, unlike the older days when browsing in bookstores was more common.

The Haves and the Havents Part 4

Carefree Sketches β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jul 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Analysis Storytelling Characters Themes
  1. Good sex can be a creation from scarcity or novelty, not just abundance. It's not just about size, but how you use what you have.
  2. The interactions between the rich and poor can involve co-opting methods - like staging wealth for status. The Cinderella story reflects a clever deception of scarcity for opportunity.
  3. Class dynamics and prejudices play out in situations where distinctions are made based on novelty and scarcity. The tale of Cinderella demonstrates how the prince's fixation with the slipper symbolizes societal judgments and preferences.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Godzilla vs. Kong

the rohn report β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 03 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Movies Environment Fiction Heroes Life lessons
  1. Godzilla vs. Kong movie includes themes of monsters destroying civilization and an ancient war between King Kong and Godzilla.
  2. The film serves as a reflection on environmental destruction and the potential consequences on humanity's survival.
  3. The concept of inner battles and choosing to nurture the 'good wolf' is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and positivity.

With sidelong gazes and carefree sketches

Carefree Sketches β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 12 May 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Sketches Narrative Fiction
  1. The author's Substack, Carefree Sketches, presents everyday life through a unique perspective of 'sidelong gazes and carefree sketches.'
  2. The author, Ebuka Igbokwe, invites readers to reflect on how we present ourselves to others and encourages them to explore his other writings on Medium and Substack.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to the Carefree Sketches newsletter to not miss the first issue and are prompted to share it with friends.

The Farthest Shore

Charles Eisenstein β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 02 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fantasy Philosophy Fiction Magic Reality
  1. In Ursula K. Le Guin's 'The Farthest Shore,' there's a warning about the danger of pursuing immortality and power over life.
  2. Le Guin raises the importance of accepting the reality of death and embracing the preciousness of life.
  3. She emphasizes the need to use power and technology responsibly, maintaining balance and not succumbing to the temptation of control and domination.

My Forthcoming Novel, and Why I Won't Write a Mental Illness Memoir

Freddie deBoer β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 03 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Memoir Fiction Mental health
  1. The author is excited about publishing a novel titled 'The Mind Reels.' It's the story of a young woman going insane, slowly and then rapidly.
  2. The author avoids writing a mental illness memoir because he doesn't want to glamorize or romanticize his struggles. He believes the reality of mental illness is mostly mundane and not engaging.
  3. The author feels unable to accurately recall key experiences due to memory issues from mental illness and medication. He prefers to write about mental health from a more detached viewpoint in nonfiction.

How to build a warp drive

Rocket Philosophy by Ian β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science Physics Space Technology Community Fiction
  1. Developing interstellar propulsion technologies is essential to reaching Alpha Centauri
  2. Potential solutions include creating a stable wormhole, building a generation ship, or using exotic matter for an Alcubierre Drive
  3. Building a strong and focused propulsion community along with technological advancements can help humanity reach Alpha Centauri by the end of the century

Algorithm, Heirloom

Tigerfeathers! β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Literature Fiction Family
  1. Hari's brother Prakash became an online sensation with over a million subscribers by showcasing the city and everyday life on his YouTube channel.
  2. Prakash left his YouTube channel credentials to Hari before passing away, leaving him with the responsibility of deciding the fate of his brother's digital legacy.
  3. Hari is faced with the dilemma of whether to continue Prakash's online presence to honor his memory or to let it fade away, highlighting the complexities of dealing with a loved one's digital inheritance.

Shaky

Nice Try β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 20
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Personal Essay Creative Nonfiction
  1. Work life can feel uncertain and shaky at times, with jobs changing and less demand for certain workers.
  2. People have unique ways to cope with stress, like finding humor in parenting or unexpected situations.
  3. Learning new skills can be fulfilling, whether it's cooking or teaching, and it helps us grow beyond our previous experiences.

Dracula: June 24

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. Jonathan sees the Count wearing his clothes and carrying his bag, implicating him in evil schemes.
  2. Jonathan witnesses a woman's distress after the Count takes her child and the wolves respond to his call.
  3. Jonathan feels trapped and terrified in the castle, questioning how to escape the darkness surrounding him.

"All Things Repeat Themselves Endlessly and Unrepeatedly"

Apposition β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 25 Feb 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction History
  1. Danilo KiΕ‘ reinvented the short story as a blend of fiction and history.
  2. KiΕ‘ explored the boundary between fiction and history through stories like 'Simon Magus' and 'The Book of Kings and Fools.'
  3. In 'The Encyclopedia of the Dead,' KiΕ‘ presents the idea that history is a mix of facts and imagination, where everything repeats endlessly and uniquely.

Pale Anna

Apposition β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Author analysis Character analysis
  1. The story 'Pale Anna' by Heinrich BΓΆll follows a narrator struggling with post-war trauma and isolation.
  2. The narrator's encounters with 'Pale Anna' and his past relationships reveal a theme of psychological wounds and missed connections.
  3. The ambiguous ending and unresolved questions in the story suggest deeper layers of trauma and meaning left unexplored.

Dracula: May 3

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 03 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. Jonathan Harker is on a road trip for work and trying new recipes.
  2. The story mentions the country and traditions of Transylvania.
  3. The description includes unique encounters with different people and the history of Bistritz.

Dracula: May 4

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. Jonathan is feeling uncomfortable and unsure due to mysterious circumstances
  2. The old lady warns Jonathan about the eve of St. George's Day and implores him not to go
  3. Despite feeling uncomfortable, Jonathan prioritizes his duty and decides to continue with his journey

Dracula: May 5

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 05 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. The text is likely an excerpt from a novel or a journal about a character named Jonathan Harker who encounters mysterious and eerie events at a remote location.
  2. The setting includes a castle in the Carpathian Mountains where the character encounters strange locals, superstitions, and mythical creatures like wolves and the enigmatic Count Dracula.
  3. The character describes Dracula as a pale, strong, and unusual figure with strange physical characteristics, a chilling presence, and a fascination with the howling of wolves.

Dew Drops

The Inquisitive β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 06 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Travel Relationships Emotions Life
  1. The story describes a chance encounter between the writer and a girl named Myra in a cafe near a lake in Nainital.
  2. Myra opens up to the writer about searching for her estranged father in Nainital due to her mother's illness, revealing a deeper, emotional layer to her presence in the city.
  3. The encounter ends with a poignant moment of parting, leaving the writer reflecting on the fleeting nature of connections and the uncertainty of the future.

Dracula: May 16

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 16 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. In the diary, Jonathan Harker describes a terrifying encounter with the Count and three vampire women.
  2. The women exhibit both alluring and repulsive qualities, showcasing a dangerous desire to drink Harker's blood.
  3. The Count saves Harker from the women, displaying intense anger and claiming ownership over Harker.

Dracula: May 19

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. Jonathan Harker is feeling trapped by Count Dracula's requests.
  2. Harker must write letters with specific dates as instructed by the Count.
  3. Harker is fearful for his life and is seeking a chance to escape.

Dracula: May 28

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. Jonathan Harker tries to communicate through letters with potential allies for help in escaping Castle Dracula
  2. The Count intercepts one of Jonathan's letters and burns it, showing his menacing control
  3. Despite the challenges, Jonathan remains hopeful for escape and tries to maintain his composure

"All That Will Matter Is That I Was Here"

Apposition β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Family Psychological Friendship Trauma
  1. The story follows the intertwined lives of three childhood friends as they grow up and face consequences of their youthful actions.
  2. The book uses a unique writing style with subtle and dark imagery to convey deeper emotional themes and traumas.
  3. The main character's actions in the present hold symbolism and reflect back on the shared histories and hidden secrets of the village.

Dracula: June 29

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. Count Dracula is a cunning and powerful vampire with control over wolves, demonstrating his evil nature.
  2. Jonathan Harker faces manipulation and danger as he tries to escape from Castle Dracula.
  3. The supernatural elements in the story create a sense of suspense and impending doom for the characters.

2. Blacksmithy

Qissah β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. The analogy of a pianist being like a blacksmith in creating sound.
  2. Viewing blacksmithy as an art form rather than just a vocational trade.
  3. The idea that a pianist and a blacksmith share similarities in their craft.

Dracula: July 24

Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. The ship 'Demeter' is facing doom with men disappearing and a sense of fear among the crew.
  2. Mina Murray arrives in Whitby and describes the beautiful scenery, including the valley, river, and Abbey ruins.
  3. Mina interacts with an old man in the town who shares skepticism about local legends and traditions.