The hottest Novels Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Breaking some huge personal news

Cloud Irregular • 2809 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature Novels Publishing Science fiction Satire Writing
  1. The author has sold their first novel called THE BLEB PROJECT, which is a big dream come true for them.
  2. The book mixes satire with science fiction and is about what happens when Silicon Valley invents time travel.
  3. It will likely take a while for the book to be published, possibly not until 2026, but the author is excited about working with a major publisher.

Chapter 30: Kent continues investigating Koa

PASSAGES • 1478 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Narrative Storytelling Novels
  1. Kent is investigating a case involving a woman named Mary Anderson, who had a stillborn baby twenty years ago. He is trying to confirm if she had a specific procedure after the delivery.
  2. Kent speaks with Dr. Samuel Ito, the doctor who delivered Mary's baby, to get answers. However, Dr. Ito is very cautious because of patient confidentiality rules.
  3. While waiting to hear back from the doctor, Kent reflects on his day and thinks about Koa, showing that he has personal feelings connected to his investigation.

The Performance of Pride

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 85 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Novels Authors Narrative Themes
  1. Shuggie Bain learns to dance as a way to escape his tough life, but he still feels the pressure of others watching him. His mother encourages him to keep dancing despite the difficulties.
  2. The novel highlights how appearances can hide deeper sorrows, like Shuggie's mother trying to maintain a sense of pride even in hard times. It's about how people present themselves to the world, even when they are struggling inside.
  3. Shuggie feels different and vulnerable due to his sexuality and difficult home life. The story shows how environments can trap people, making it hard to break free from poverty and pain.

Death, Sociology, Crime, Knowledge, Jargon, Novels, Men

The Common Reader • 1240 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Novels Sociology Crime Knowledge Philosophy
  1. Bach's music connects deeply with our feelings of love and loss. Listening to it can be especially meaningful after reflecting on personal experiences.
  2. Crime novels are a popular genre, and there are many great authors to explore for your reading list. They can be a perfect choice, especially around the holidays.
  3. The idea of conversation being at the heart of intellectual life is important. It shows how our thoughts are shaped by discussions with others, making creativity a social process.

How To Read A Novel

Adjacent Possible • 720 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Novels Analysis History
  1. Reading novels helps us see things from different perspectives and understand complex emotions. This can make us smarter in our own lives.
  2. Books like _Middlemarch_ and _Bleak House_ connect many parts of life, from personal feelings to big social issues. They encourage us to think about how everything relates.
  3. Fiction gives us a unique view of history and how people lived in different times. It helps us feel what it was like to be in those past situations.
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Did novels stop mattering in the 2010s?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7343 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Impact Novels Cultural influence Publication
  1. Cultural impact of novels is more than just sales figures; it's about influencing discourse and defining eras.
  2. Recent literary novels may have lacked the same level of cultural impact as those from previous decades like the 2010s.
  3. Novels like 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney were noted for their importance in millennial writing, but their cultural impact may have been less significant compared to previous literary giants.

The Arc of it All

CRAFT TALK • 3636 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Novels Books Creativity Inspiration
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey and the unexpected evolution of their career.
  2. Writing novels is challenging but familiar, while exploring self-help books presented a new set of difficulties.
  3. The upcoming book focuses on creativity and writing, drawing inspiration from various voices to guide aspiring writers.

"Knowledge is the novel’s only morality."

Sucks to Suck • 1533 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Themes Characters Influence
  1. Knowledge is the novel's only morality according to Milan Kundera, suspending moral judgment is the novel's wisdom.
  2. Milan Kundera introduced a skeptical psychological view of humanity, emphasizing introspection over projection.
  3. Kundera's work delves into the importance of memory, the relationship between slowness and memory, and the nature of friendships and secrets.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Paul Theroux

Why is this interesting? • 1327 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Novels Reading Writing
  1. Paul Theroux emphasizes the ease of staying updated on world events via online news sources and the convenience of assessing contradictions.
  2. Theroux recommends starting with Shakespeare for reading and emphasizes the satisfaction of diving into his works.
  3. Theroux prefers trains over planes for travel and advocates for road trips for the sense of freedom they offer.

Interlude: The Problem With The Boxcar Children Is They Never Got To Spend Enough Time In The Boxcar

The Chatner • 1297 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
📚 Literature Children's literature Analysis Authors Novels Character development
  1. The Boxcar Children only lived in the boxcar in the first book and never returned to it in the series.
  2. The children should have spent more time living in the boxcar and maintaining their independence.
  3. The boxcar symbolizes a lost home and true happiness for The Boxcar Children, which they can never fully reclaim.

Q&A Thursday

Agents and Books • 668 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Novels
  1. Focus on finishing your book before worrying about your query letter.
  2. You may change the beginning of your book several times during the drafting process.
  3. Don't stress about revealing too much in your query letter; keep an eye on publishing news instead.

The life of a common reader

The Common Reader • 1027 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Biography Reading Novels Writers
  1. Remember the importance of nurturing your inner self and being uniquely you instead of blindly imitating others.
  2. Biographies can reveal controversial and intimate details, sparking debates on how much should be shared, yet some believe in telling everything.
  3. Common readers play a vital role in keeping great works alive, shaping a legacy of love for reading that extends across generations.

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.

Welcome to new subscribers

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1022 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
📚 Literature Authors Novels Awards Publication Genres
  1. The Substack newsletter welcomes 500 new subscribers with free access and showcases the work of writer Lorenzo Warby.
  2. The author, Helen Dale, uses her platform to promote and support Lorenzo's essays and work.
  3. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics including politics and culture, with a focus on unique perspectives and interpretations.

In pursuit of a masterpiece

The Novelleist • 901 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Novels Art Creative Process Inspiration
  1. The author values creating a masterpiece in their writing, taking time to explore and research different elements.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of incorporating personal experiences and uniqueness into artistic work to differentiate it from others.
  3. The author recognizes the need to slow down the creative process to pursue a masterpiece, allowing for deeper exploration and refinement.

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.

This November, You’ve Got 30 Days to Write Your Novel - Short on Time? Tiger Time Is the Answer!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 339 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing Novels Creativity Community Self-help
  1. NaNoWriMo is a fun chance to write a novel in November, with support from a community. You don't have to write perfectly, just get the words down.
  2. Set aside 'tiger time' to focus on writing. Treat this time as very important, just like a meeting you can't miss.
  3. Planning ahead is key! Talk to your family, meal prep, and find ways to carve out time for writing during November.

K is for Kundera

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
📚 Literature Novels Essays Authors Philosophy Cultural criticism
  1. Milan Kundera's works often explore deep philosophical ideas through fiction, making complex themes feel accessible. His famous novel, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' mixes romance with existential questions that resonate with readers at different life stages.
  2. Kundera believed that literature should reflect the human experience and critique societal norms, including both communism and western materialism. He valued individuality over conformity, showcasing characters who often wrestle with personal freedom and moral choices.
  3. Despite being associated with lightness and simplicity, Kundera's writing is rich with depth and challenge. He aimed to fuse serious ideas with a light narrative style, creating a unique blend that invites introspection while keeping readers engaged.

Fiction seekers, your search ends here!

The Lifeboat • 275 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Novels Sci-fi Fantasy Romance
  1. The post provides a curated index of fiction works by the author, spanning various genres like sci-fi, fantasy, dark comedy, and romance, making it easy for fiction seekers to explore based on their interests.
  2. The author emphasizes sharing similar lists as a way to support fellow writers and engage with a community of fiction enthusiasts.
  3. The post also mentions the availability of both digital and physical versions of the author's work, with an invitation to readers to sign up for updates and leave comments.

How Novellas Became Novels

Counter Craft • 669 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
📚 Literature Novels
  1. Slim novels are popular now, even though they were once considered unpublishable.
  2. Novel 'Open Throat' by Henry Hoke was discussed at a book event.
  3. Consider subscribing to Counter Craft for more insights and a 7-day free trial.

The Novelist and the Fighter Pilot

Don't Save Anything • 216 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
📚 Literature Authors Novels Influences Writing Literary Analysis
  1. The writer James Salter and a man from the author's church were revealed to have known each other from their time serving as fighter pilots in the Korean War.
  2. Flight in the early 20th century transformed human perspective, influencing art and bringing a new aesthetic, like the discovery of perspective in drawing in the 15th century.
  3. The author reflects on the influence of Salter's work but also recognizes the importance of not idealizing an artist, appreciating the lessons drawn from different individuals, like Bob Boyd.

Copy and paste

gen yeet • 176 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism Poetry Authors Novels Writing
  1. Intertextuality explores the relationship between texts and their cultural environments.
  2. Writing can be seen as a collage, with language harvested and organized like pieces of a puzzle.
  3. Craft in writing can involve playful word experimentation and the incorporation of multiple voices.

Richard Cook on Bill Clinton the War Criminal, Rafiq on Atan the Revolutionary

Kevin’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents Books Novels Ideologies Global Politics
  1. Richard Cook critiques Bill Clinton's presidency, highlighting his role in transitioning the US into a state of global domination through war.
  2. Rafiq's novel 'Atan the Revolutionary' delves into spiritual battles and the clash between indigenous wisdom and the power of the bankster-dominated Deep State.
  3. The text includes references to debates on controversial topics like 9/11 conspiracies and the challenges faced by those who question the mainstream narrative.