The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 159 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The characters are on a mission to retrieve a flash drive from a secure facility, facing risks and challenges along the way.
  2. The protagonist reflects on the moral complexities of their actions and the impact of their choices on others.
  3. The story presents a grim portrayal of a decaying world and the characters' struggle against oppressive systems.

Bonus: The Not-So-Funny Valentine

The Recovering Academic • 356 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Pranks are about power dynamics, either making someone feel powerless or including them, so it's important to know your audience to ensure pranks are taken in good spirit.
  2. Pranking can be a way to compensate for insecurity or trauma, and sometimes it can be used as a means of establishing dominance rather than fostering intimacy.
  3. Traditionally, pranks have been associated with men while women often dislike them due to past negative experiences, but humor is still largely attractive in men, with a balance needed to ensure pranks do not lead to feelings of shame or betrayal.

Here's a Sample Short Story

donaldjeffries • 668 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Novels Authors
  1. The author shares a sample short story that delves into a young girl's encounter with supernatural shadows in Georgetown.
  2. The story explores themes of fear, family dynamics, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the protagonist's sister's death.
  3. An eerie and suspenseful tale that leaves readers with a chilling ending that hints at the sinister forces at play within the narrative.

How Ruthie Ended the War: Chapter Five

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 373 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Ruthie finds herself left alone and unnoticed by her family, leading her to take matters into her own hands for freedom
  2. The mystery deepens as Ruthie explores the deserted house, uncovering clues and a key that connects to the soldier's story
  3. Ruthie's emotions shift from frustration to curiosity and then to a release of tears as she grapples with the situation she finds herself in

The Case Against (Most) Books

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 10 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy History Fiction Science Politics
  1. Consider opportunity costs when deciding to read a book cover-to-cover versus shorter pieces like articles.
  2. Categories for books worth reading fully: history books, books of historical interest, and works by brilliant storytellers on important topics.
  3. Be cautious of valuing ancient writings for wisdom over modern insights; focus on gaining wisdom from a diverse range of sources, including contemporary writers.
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Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 239 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The protagonist is preparing for a dangerous encounter with his former team and reflects on his past life as a Gigahero.
  2. The story delves into themes of betrayal, regret, and the complexities of friendship within a superpowered world.
  3. The narrative explores the internal struggles of characters facing uncertain futures and the consequences of their actions.

Which intelligence?

Paola Writes • 471 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Science Fiction Intelligence Music
  1. Intelligence comes in various forms beyond traditional measures like logical-mathematical or linguistic-verbal.
  2. The definition of human intelligence can be complex, with factors like motivation and self-awareness playing a role.
  3. Efficiency in gaining skills may be a significant factor in measuring intelligence, but human intelligence is complex and cannot be solely defined by efficiency.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #4

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction Podcasts Audio Writing Storytelling
  1. The author is updating paid subscribers on the progress of exclusive content, like a short story, despite setbacks from family issues.
  2. There's a proposal to let subscribers decide on focusing efforts on finishing Gigaheroes, a popular serial, rather than returning to the regular schedule after disruptions.
  3. The author shares updates on completed audio chapters for The Domes of Calrathia and Gigaheroes, along with links to playlists for listeners.

Windows

Soaring Twenties • 262 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Essays Fiction Film
  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.

Buses

Soaring Twenties • 139 implied HN points • 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.

a boy at a bookshelf

if not, Paris • 314 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Art
  1. The story revolves around a boy at a bookshelf reflecting on historical events
  2. The significance of memories and family heirlooms in shaping identity
  3. Exploration of the themes of history, memory, and understanding through personal experiences

Diary: Maria Stepanova on Nadezhda Mandelstam, Literature and Truth

Book Post • 412 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Fiction Poetry Translation Book review
  1. Nadezhda Mandelstam's memoirs led to a significant shift towards nonfiction in contemporary prose.
  2. Authors like Mandelstam faced criticism for not fitting the established narrative, challenging traditional concepts of truth.
  3. Mandelstam's bold and unapologetic writing style defied caution and fear, offering a unique perspective on Soviet life.

The books that moved me in 2023

The Shift With Sam Baker • 758 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature History Memoir Fiction Women Humor
  1. The article discusses the author's favorite books of the year, focusing on ones that left a lasting impact on them emotionally.
  2. The books mentioned cover a range of topics, from a unique perspective on history to candid memoirs, and thrilling fiction with humor and rage.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of books that evoke strong emotions and provoke new thoughts, highlighting the power of storytelling.

End-of-Year Self-Congratulatory Gala

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 424 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Fiction Comics
  1. The Figurative-to-Abstract Art Pipeline was the most popular post of 2023 with significant views, likes, comments, and subscribers.
  2. The Gold-Plated Man was acknowledged as the most under-appreciated post, despite being short, it made a strong, elegant point with good cover art.
  3. The post 'One Thousand and One Notes on 'One Thousand and One Nights'' was crowned as the best post of 2023 for its rich, aesthetic, and narrative qualities.

Beach Body Horror

Momspreading • 216 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Music Podcasts Fiction
  1. The female body is complex, often not believed or controlled, but also a product of our own will.
  2. The books discussed tell diverse stories of female bodies facing trauma, imperfections, and longing.
  3. The fear of needing people to believe what's happening in your own body can be overwhelming, leading to bureaucratic challenges in seeking medical help.

James and the Giant Pitch

Data People Etc. • 106 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction Friendship Loneliness Adventure Emotions
  1. Founding a company is about more than just getting rich; it can be driven by a deeper desire for meaning and friendship.
  2. The story of James and the Giant Peach suggests that entrepreneurs may be seeking to fill emotional voids through their ventures.
  3. Loneliness and personal pain may be key motivators for individuals to embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

A Window to the Birth of a Dragon

Clinsights • 275 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The story explores the theme of human transcendence through meditation.
  2. Meditation leads the protagonist to question the boundaries of self and the world.
  3. The narrative culminates in the realization of inner power and the birth of a dragon.

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

Sidewalk Romance

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'Sidewalk Romance' that brings back a memory from the author's past.
  2. The poem is a way for the author to show appreciation to their paying subscribers who support their work.
  3. The author expresses excitement for spring's arrival and the blooming lilac bushes in their new place.

maile meloy rules

sweater weather • 2397 implied HN points • 04 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Craft
  1. In a fiction workshop, it's important to assign readings to help students develop discernment and critical thinking in storytelling.
  2. Maile Meloy's stories delve into the moral complexities and struggles of ordinary human relationships, offering comfort in unsettling truths.
  3. Meloy's story 'O Tannenbaum' intricately weaves tension through subtle details and character dynamics, culminating in a complex exploration of desire and danger.

Horseshoe Fortune

The Recovering Academic • 336 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction
  1. The post features a poem titled 'Horseshoe Fortune.'
  2. The poem describes the experience of pitching horseshoes at twilight, focusing on the imagery of the surroundings and the aim for precision.
  3. The speaker expresses their determination to achieve the perfect toss, emphasizing the importance of hitting the mark with the horseshoe ring.

Why Read Modern Books?

Classical Wisdom • 1945 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The post discusses a newly published modern book that incorporates classical references, mythology, and diverse narratives.
  2. The book aims to combine eastern and western philosophies to offer a fresh perspective on life and the world around us.
  3. The author, the founder of Classical Wisdom, openly shares that the book was written by her husband and invites readers to explore this modern yet classic-inspired novel.

The Man in Korea

Soaring Twenties • 146 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Podcast Writer Human Interaction
  1. The story 'The Man in Korea' revolves around a dramatic encounter in North Korea resulting from a skydiving mishap.
  2. The protagonist faces a perilous situation when mistaken for a spy, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.
  3. The narrative showcases themes of misunderstanding, communication barriers, and the consequences of trespassing in a highly sensitive area.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 159 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Fantasy Adventure Drama
  1. The protagonist, Adam Mason, grapples with his mortality and the choices he's made, reflecting on whether his life had meaning and pondering on the possibility of making a lasting impact on the world.
  2. Adam faces a tough decision when approached by the Ghost, weighing the option of working together to extend his life or risking it by going against him, showcasing the complexity of moral dilemmas and survival instincts.
  3. The storyline delves into themes of redemption, collaboration, and the struggle to find purpose in a bleak and deteriorating world, highlighting the internal conflicts faced by the characters.

How to Protect Yourself from the Fiend's Fiery Brain

Orbis Tertius • 158 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
📚 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.

Musings on Martians and Minority Membership (in the Lit Mag Context)

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Authorship Representation Diversity
  1. Some literary journals have policies about who can write about underrecognized groups in fiction.
  2. Editors may question the plausibility of certain characteristics or experiences of fictional characters from underrecognized groups.
  3. Gatekeeping around stories of fictional underrecognized group members raises questions about equity and creativity in literary spaces.

Treadmill

The Recovering Academic • 455 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The poem 'Treadmill' portrays a woman walking with determination and resilience through challenging situations, showing her perseverance.
  2. The woman's character in the poem highlights themes of overcoming obstacles, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity.
  3. The narrative captures the essence of facing hardships head-on, adapting to challenges, and ultimately emerging stronger from difficult experiences.