The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Psychogeology

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1258 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
📚 Literature Fiction Character analysis Magic
  1. Granny Weatherwax from the Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett embodies practicality and headology over showy magic, reflecting a unique approach to witchcraft.
  2. The concept of headology in the novels emphasizes the differences between the magic of witches, grounded in nature and practicality, and the magic of wizards, which is more theoretical and power-oriented.
  3. In the Discworld universe, witches like Granny Weatherwax draw strength from the land they inhabit, reflecting the psychogeology of their surroundings in their character and practice.

Steampower, or Faërie for Today?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 61 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Analysis Authors Genres
  1. The steam engine in the 1800s was a major turning point in technology and industry. It paved the way for engineering careers and the growth of modern corporations.
  2. There's a temptation to explore fantasy worlds instead of focusing on practical history. Imagining magical places can be just as captivating as real advancements.
  3. Literature often discusses the magical and mundane aspects of life, revealing deeper meanings and connections. Books can blend reality with fantasy in fascinating ways.

Problem Solving

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Relationship Dynamics
  1. Relationships can be complicated, and sometimes they involve a lot of hidden problems. People often stay in tough situations for various reasons, and it's important to understand their choices.
  2. Every person has their own story and experiences that shape their lives. Listening to someone can reveal unexpected insights about love, loyalty, and how people cope with heartbreak.
  3. Confidence and uniqueness can sometimes be mistaken for privilege. It's essential to recognize that everyone has their struggles, and true connections often happen when people share their vulnerabilities.

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.
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The tale of a cigar on the morning after

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character development
  1. Sometimes we want to enjoy cozy moments, like winter, but we also miss the warmth of summer. It's okay to crave a little sunshine even in the darkest days.
  2. Life can feel heavy with worries, like reading bad news while on vacation. Sometimes, it's better to set those thoughts aside and enjoy the moment.
  3. Small accidents, like stubbed toes, can happen when we least expect them. But a good laugh and a moment with loved ones can help ease the pain.

Ranking the Narnia books

The Good blog • 39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books Fiction Reviews Narratives
  1. The Horse and His Boy is a favorite because of its strong character development and relatable experiences, like learning to ride a horse.
  2. Prince Caspian is highly regarded as a great story due to its engaging characters and memorable quotes.
  3. The Last Battle is seen as powerful but also too sad and controversial, making it a complex addition to the series.

Story: THE HANDOVER

So Here’s a Thing • 491 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Story Publishing Fiction
  1. The first story in the online collection is free for everyone, but subsequent ones are for paid subscribers only.
  2. Readers can download the story in various formats like Apple Books, generic ePub, Kindle, and PDF.
  3. Instructions on how to download and read the story on different devices are provided in the post.

The Book Thief And The Power Of Words

Subtle Digressions • 79 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Classic Narrative Historical Themes
  1. Words have incredible power, both to hurt and to heal. They can inspire people but also lead to destruction if misused.
  2. In times of hardship, words can be weapons for rebellion against oppression. Protecting the right to speak and share stories is crucial.
  3. The story of 'The Book Thief' shows us how important it is to value words and stories. Losing books means losing a part of our humanity.

Soren Kierkegaard

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Philosophy Character development Writing Style
  1. Brandon meets an intriguing actress named Muriel at a party, and he is immediately drawn to her talent and personality. They bond over their love for theater and share a moment that makes Brandon hopeful about a connection.
  2. After a few weeks of ups and downs, Brandon and Muriel grow closer, but she ultimately decides to rekindle a relationship with her previous partner. Despite their strong connection, Brandon realizes that he needs to keep his emotions in check.
  3. Brandon reflects on his life and career, realizing that success doesn't guarantee happiness. He acknowledges the importance of accepting loss and not getting too attached to anything, whether in business or love.

Writing What You Can't Say

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 60 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Criticism
  1. Listening to how you speak can help improve your writing. Pay attention to moments when you hesitate or struggle to find the right words; this is where your best ideas can emerge.
  2. The search for the right word can be difficult, but it's a valuable process for a writer. Those tricky moments highlight what you really want to express and push you to find better ways to describe it.
  3. Saying what you feel but can't easily put into words is a key part of writing. Embracing confusion and uncertainty can actually lead to more compelling stories and ideas.

Fear of the Surreal

Counter Craft • 940 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.

After the Heist

Opaque Hourglass • 319 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
📚 Literature Creative Writing Fiction
  1. The narrator describes riding a giant monarch butterfly after a heist, feeling rich and content despite the physical strain.
  2. The leaky bag of coins dropping from the butterfly smooths out its flight over time, attracting a crowd of crows following the coins.
  3. The imagery in the text compares the burden of holding money bags to the burden of philosophical truth, intertwined with themes of grace and richness.

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.

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.

New Fiction Worlds

Development Hell • 434 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author shifted from writing and directing in film and television to exploring audio fiction.
  2. Audio fiction opened up new storytelling possibilities for the author despite financial limitations.
  3. The post discusses the author's journey of discovering and engaging with audio fiction as a medium for storytelling.

Trust the Critic?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Publishing Fiction Cultural Commentary
  1. There is less honest criticism of books because many critics are now freelancers and also writers. This makes them less likely to be negative about new books that could affect their own careers.
  2. Critics used to challenge well-known authors more freely and offer varied opinions, but now they often just give praise without saying what's really bad about a book. This makes it hard for readers to know which novels are really worth their time.
  3. New platforms like Substack are giving space to honest voices in criticism. This shift could bring back more genuine discussions about literature instead of the bland, safe reviews we often see now.

Second String

Soaring Twenties • 30 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Storytelling
  1. The story explores complex relationships where loyalty and love are questioned. Characters are caught between their partners and secret affairs.
  2. Betrayal leads to dramatic consequences, revealing the emotional turmoil faced by those involved. It showcases how secrets can unravel lives.
  3. The ending suggests a cycle of hurt and anger, emphasizing the impact of choices in relationships. It leaves readers reflecting on love's complexities.

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.

The Wrath of God Lies Sleeping

Cosmographia • 419 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The post discusses 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy, delving into its dark themes and vivid descriptions.
  2. The content is available only for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive access to in-depth analysis or special content.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, provides a captivating preview of the post with a descriptive excerpt from the book.

Publishing Amid the AI Deluge

Risk Musings • 458 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction AI Publishing Writing Career
  1. During the pandemic, there was a surge in manuscript submissions to publishers.
  2. AI technology like ChatGPT is being used to generate online book content, affecting discoverability and quality.
  3. The future of novel-writing as a career is uncertain due to AI's impact on the industry, with potential polarization into superstars and hobbyists.

Manderley, again

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Analysis Themes Narrative Characters
  1. Manderley represents a place of both beauty and sadness, where memories and past experiences linger. It's easy to get lost in thoughts about what was or what could have been.
  2. The narrator feels a strong connection to the story of _Rebecca_, listening to it often and finding comfort in it. It's a way to escape and reflect on deeper feelings.
  3. There's a tension between wanting to be drawn in by the beauty of a place and the recognition of its darker aspects. People are attracted to complicated memories and experiences, even if they are bittersweet.

Pleasant Green website now live.

Development Hell • 414 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Pleasant Green website is now live, targeted at Lovecraft Investigations brigade.
  2. The website serves as an experiment in fiction and an opportunity to expand the Pleasant Green universe.
  3. Readers can access full post archives with a 7-day free trial on Development Hell.

Heroines talk to themselves in Jane Austen

The Austen Connection • 412 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy
  1. Jane Austen's heroines frequently engage in conversations with themselves, providing self-insights, fortitude, comforts, and love.
  2. These internal dialogues foster self-reflection, soliloquies, and self-care, showcasing the protagonists' strength and resilience.
  3. By talking to themselves, the heroines navigate complex emotions, make tough decisions, and find joy, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and self-love in Austen's works.

Huge Subscriber Discount on BEST OF...

So Here’s a Thing • 412 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories
  1. Subscribers to the So Here's A Thing substack can get a 50% discount on The Best of Michael Marshall Smith collection by using a specific code at checkout.
  2. The collection contains thirty stories amounting to a quarter of a million words of fiction for just $22.50.
  3. Praised by Publishers Weekly and Locus, the stories in this collection offer unexpected twists and draw the reader in with dark, mesmerizing narratives.

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.

Let's talk 'The Ministry for the Future'

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Climate Community Action Discussion
  1. The book 'The Ministry for the Future' discusses climate disasters and their potential to spark change. It shows how devastating events can inspire action from communities.
  2. It raises questions about the morality of climate solutions. Some characters question whether extreme measures are needed to save the planet, making us think about what is right or wrong.
  3. The story suggests that seeing nature as separate from humans is a big problem for climate solutions. We need to rethink our relationship with nature to address the ongoing ecological crisis.

"Theft"

Story Club with George Saunders • 45 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Short Stories Criticism Creative Writing
  1. The story 'Theft' by Katherine Anne Porter explores themes of loss and value. It makes you think about what things really mean to us.
  2. The discussion led by George Saunders encourages readers to engage deeply with the story. Thinking about the characters and their experiences helps enrich the reading.
  3. Turning off the comments allows for a more thoughtful reading process. It gives everyone time to reflect on their thoughts before sharing.

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.

The Library of Slaanesh

Thicket Forte • 959 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Drama Fantasy Narrative Speculative
  1. The library is a strange place filled with endless walls showing beautiful women, but they aren't real and can't be touched. Men lose themselves in this fantasy, forgetting the life outside these walls.
  2. As men begin to remember real women and experiences from their past, they realize there's more to life than just the pleasure from the walls. This sparks a desire to find and connect with others.
  3. Different men respond to their situation in various ways, some deny the existence of the outside world while others seek to escape it. The struggle between accepting this reality and longing for something more defines their lives.

New Normal

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Media Society Film Fiction Literature
  1. Living in a place can feel surreal and alien, almost like a horror movie setting. People often sense a disconnect between their real lives and what they see around them.
  2. The experience of ordinary activities, like visiting a locksmith, can feel strangely uncomfortable and unusual in today's world.
  3. There's a nostalgia for past media that captured intense feelings and realities better than many modern films do. Many people long for that more genuine storytelling.