The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

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.

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.
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Fear of the Surreal

Counter Craft • 796 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Literature Fiction Philosophy Humor
  1. Surrealism in art resists simple meanings and concrete interpretations, seeking to evoke the subconscious and inspire individual interpretations.
  2. Surrealism challenges traditional symbols and meanings in art by using new imagery that avoids fixed cultural interpretations or subverts established meanings.
  3. There is a prevalent tendency for art consumers to seek simple interpretations and allegories, but celebrating art that resists easy understanding can lead to unique and profound experiences.

Fiction

Soaring Twenties • 201 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The writer emphasizes the power of unspoken words and emotions between two people.
  2. The piece explores the idea of a secret bond shared through silent communication.
  3. There's an emphasis on maintaining a hidden connection while leading separate lives.

February Bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 159 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book Club Fiction Nostalgia
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, offering perks like joining the bookclub, winning free copies, and author Q&A by becoming a paid subscriber.
  2. This month's bookclub pick, 'The List of Suspicious Things' by Jennie Godfrey, is a unique coming-of-age tale set in 1979 with a child's view of society amidst a serial killer stalking West Yorkshire.
  3. The book provides a nostalgic look at 1979, featuring Margaret Thatcher as PM, drain pipe jeans, cherry lip gloss, and a more insightful exploration of society rather than just focusing on the crime aspect.

The Future of Trantor Publishing

Trantor Publishing • 219 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Fiction Storytelling
  1. The author plans to start monetizing their Substack newsletter by offering exclusive content for paying subscribers while keeping most articles and reviews accessible for free subscribers.
  2. Paying subscribers will have the opportunity to influence the author's upcoming projects through polls and receive additional content like monthly exclusive short stories and chapter commentaries.
  3. The author provides insight into their upcoming projects, such as 'The Domes of Calrathia' and 'Gigaheroes', and teases an upcoming article discussing what Reactionary artists can learn from storytelling in Hollywood.

The Dodgers Jacket

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post is about a eulogy for the author's grandfather, focusing on defamiliarization to make the character more memorable.
  2. The author reflects on sharing the eulogy through a virtual service and the importance of highlighting quirks and oddities to make a eulogy effective.
  3. Full members can access the post with a 7-day free trial, showing appreciation for their support.

I Cordially Invite You to Unsubscribe

Orbis Tertius • 402 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing Philosophy Art Mindfulness Fiction
  1. The author invites readers to unsubscribe from their newsletter, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what captures your attention.
  2. The author shares their transition from science and technology to literature and philosophy, influenced by mindfulness and meditation.
  3. The author aims to create unique and unconventional content, focusing on writing that challenges norms and embraces individual expression.

What Are You Reading?

Knowledge Problem • 196 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Essays
  1. The author had a good reading year in 2023, enjoying a variety of books and essays.
  2. The author recommends interesting works in fiction, nonfiction, and essays, sharing insights on different topics and genres.
  3. The author highlights the joy and value found in specific books, like 'The Individualists' and 'The Corporation and the Twentieth Century'.

Ceremony

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author worked as a wilderness ranger and wrote 150 poems during one summer, but kept only a few of them.
  2. The poem 'Ceremony' shared in the post was inspired by the author's time spent in northern Idaho's wilderness.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives and enjoy a 7-day free trial by subscribing to The Recovering Academic.

Story: THE MAN WHO DREW CATS

So Here’s a Thing • 412 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction
  1. The short story 'THE MAN WHO DREW CATS' is now available for free to all readers as part of an online collection.
  2. A subscription is required for access to the main series of stories released bi-weekly, with benefits for paid members.
  3. Various formats like ePub, Kindle, and PDF are offered for download, with instructions provided for accessing the files.

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.

Chapter One - Fear the Beast

Grey Goose Chronicles • 982 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Understanding fear is more than just about facing death, but about being consumed by an otherworldly force.
  2. An ancient beast's awakening brought terror to a camp, leaving behind horrifying chaos and destruction.
  3. The aftermath of the beast's attack led to secretive rituals and a sense of loss and disconnect among the survivors.

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.

Turning another page

thegreataffair • 98 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Journalism Fiction Reading Creativity
  1. The author is reflecting on a new creative phase in her life, feeling the need to break away from previous patterns and explore new ways of storytelling.
  2. She is grappling with the challenges of being a freelancer in the journalism industry, contemplating the balance between passion for writing and the practicalities of making a living.
  3. The author is prioritizing following her heart in her writing endeavors, embracing curiosity and a broader approach to storytelling, even if it means taking risks and stepping outside conventional journalism.

In Conversation With: Tyler Jones

So Here’s a Thing • 393 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
📚 Literature Horror Fiction Writing Novels Themes
  1. In writing, sometimes the trigger for ideas can be something as simple as a horse on a foggy morning that sparks the imagination.
  2. Horror fiction allows for deep exploration of themes like loss and grief, presenting them in a way that can resonate with readers on a personal level.
  3. The spare prose in writing can allow readers to bring their own emotions and interpretations to the story, creating a more engaging and participatory experience.

What's Missing from AI Writing

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 315 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
📚 Literature Narration Perspective Fiction Authors
  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 • 99 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Health & Wellness Comics
  1. Uncertainty and anxiety can torment us, but training the mind to let go of attachments can lead to inner peace.
  2. The Zenoist philosophy advocates for tolerating both good and evil to reach a state of tranquility, but few can fully embrace this way of life.
  3. Choosing to offer forgiveness and support to others, even in the face of suffering and despair, can bring unexpected connections and opportunities for redemption.

Liz and John Radcliffe

So Here’s a Thing • 865 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction AI Art Creativity Imagination
  1. The story presented about Liz and John Radcliffe is a fictional creation written as an experiment by the author to explore the impact of storytelling with AI-generated images.
  2. The author discusses the implications of AI in the creative field, questioning the boundaries of creativity, ownership, and authenticity in art.
  3. AI presents both challenges and opportunities for creators, raising questions about control, skill acquisition, and the evolving landscape of artistic expression.

Dear John

gen yeet • 294 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction Criticism Review Short Story
  1. The story of 'Cat Person' delves into the complexities of modern dating and consent.
  2. The protagonist's reflections on past relationships highlight themes of self-discovery and evolving perceptions.
  3. The narrative explores the impact of personal experiences on individual identity and memory.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 36 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Creativity
  1. Office Hours post involves a reader seeking advice on transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction. The writer expresses feeling encumbered by old writing habits and seeks guidance on creating believable and interesting fictional worlds.
  2. The post highlights the challenge of shifting writing styles and provides insight into the process of capturing granular details to make fictional worlds realistic. The reader contemplates ways to make the leap to fiction despite feeling limited by habitual thinking patterns.
  3. Paid subscribers may access the full content of the Office Hours post by subscribing through the provided link.

Free story for all: SHIT HAPPENS...

So Here’s a Thing • 589 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction eBooks
  1. The featured story 'Shit Happens' is available for free to all subscribers, offering a light and fun reading experience.
  2. Readers can access the story in different formats like Apple Books-tailored ePub, Generic ePub, Kindle, and PDF by downloading from provided links.
  3. Subscribers are reminded not to share the stories outside the platform to maintain the exclusivity and value for paid subscribers.