The hottest Prose Substack posts right now

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FrΞ±ction /

Fathom β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Writing Prose Authorship Narrative
  1. The text explores a moment between a parent and child, highlighting the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  2. The child's curiosity and deep questions about life are a central theme.
  3. The concept of fractions is used metaphorically to discuss emotions like heartbreak.

where the fire burns 2 | fiction

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 25
βš” Fiction Narrative Prose Character Study World Building
  1. The main character reflects on the pain of losing comfort and warmth in life. He misses simple joys like the taste of sugar and the affection of his loved ones.
  2. The story highlights the harsh reality of control and oppression, as the boy faces Law Enforcers who take away his job and freedom without remorse.
  3. There’s a sense of hopelessness and struggle, as the characters deal with their bleak surroundings, and the loss of a sense of community and safety.

Fade Into You

Castalia β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 05 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Poetry Prose
  1. The main character struggles with sleeplessness and feelings of anger about his life choices. He feels stuck in a loop of longing for a past relationship.
  2. He continues to keep in touch with his ex, Lydia, who is dealing with her own problems. Their conversations reveal a complicated mix of care and frustration as they navigate their emotional boundaries.
  3. Despite advice to move on and forget about Lydia, the character finds himself clinging to memories and music that remind him of her, highlighting the difficulty of letting go.

Flaubert Perfects Literary Realism in Madame Bovary

Holodoxa β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 27 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Realism Modernism Novel Critique Prose
  1. Gustave Flaubert's perfectionism in creating realistic characters and worlds in 'Madame Bovary' shows that literary fiction can be immersive without sacrificing depth.
  2. Flaubert's meticulous attention to detail, word choice, and irony in 'Madame Bovary' sets a standard for prose style that effortlessly transports readers to 19th-century France.
  3. 'Madame Bovary' not only exemplifies literary realism and modernism but also influenced future writers to explore themes like female sexuality and social alienation.
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Good Luck

Nice Try β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Prose Narrative Creative Writing Short Stories
  1. A man in a blue suit stares longingly at a popsicle shop, showing how sometimes we hesitate to treat ourselves. It's humorous how he eventually buys a popsicle on a cold day, seeming a bit out of place.
  2. The story reflects on the changes in the neighborhood, with a guitar shop replaced by a luxury store, highlighting how businesses can come and go based on what's popular.
  3. The main character is cold and without a coat, symbolizing a kind of refusal to change one's life, which adds a layer of humor and relatability to the situation.

Good Luck / Episode Ten

Nice Try β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Creative Writing Prose
  1. The writer talks about how their cacti need support, showing how sometimes we all need a little help in life.
  2. There are quirky decorations in their living space, suggesting that personal items can make a place feel more like home.
  3. A funny moment at a red light highlights how everyday experiences can bring laughter and joy.

Paid Writing Opportunities with "The Rialto Books Review"

The Ha'penny Papers β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Submissions Journal Prose Poetry
  1. The Rialto Books Review is seeking submissions for their April issue including prose, poetry, and plays.
  2. Prose writers can receive $200 per accepted piece, playwrights receive $150 per dramatic excerpt, and poets get a minimum of $30 per poem.
  3. Submission deadline for all pieces is February 25th, so make sure to send your work before then.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 69 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Revision Prose Storytelling Creativity
  1. It is possible to over-revise your writing, which can lead to loss of freshness and spontaneity. It's important to find a balance between revising too much and too little.
  2. Taking your writing too far in revisions can help you understand your prose better. Push past the point of reason to see the impact of over-revising, then dial back and restore the essence.
  3. Maintaining freshness in subsequent drafts improves with time and practice. Developing the ability to see your work with fresh eyes more quickly is a skill that can be honed over time.

Prosaic Enjambment

The Elbow β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Prose Narrative structure Semantics
  1. Enjambment is a technique in writing where a thought is split between lines or structural units for reading flow.
  2. Enjambment is not only found in poetry, but also in other mediums like film and music, enhancing the flow of storytelling.
  3. Enjambment can be applied in non-poetic writing, such as prose, by strategically breaking up paragraphs or sentences to create suspense and flow.

Diary #8

Autoscriptorium β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Prose Fiction Essays Diary
  1. The text explores vivid descriptions of colors and cityscapes, evoking a sense of beauty and wonder.
  2. It delves into the complexities of human interactions and the unveiling of character through moments of panic and interaction.
  3. There is contemplation on deep emotional experiences, the weight of pain, and the transient nature of existence.

As Lovely as a Tree

Crow & Colophon β€’ 3 HN points β€’ 15 Jun 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Prose Programming Interpretation Criticism
  1. The question of whether algorithms can be considered beautiful, like poetry, sparks thoughtful considerations about the nature of code and its impact on our world.
  2. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness between literature, programming, and the human condition, prompting reflections on the beauty and artistry inherent in code.
  3. Various perspectives from programmers and computing experts showcase the idea of code as poetry and how programming can be seen as a form of art, invoking creativity, skill, and ingenuity.

Diary #9

Autoscriptorium β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Prose Creative Writing Authors
  1. The struggle of an artist to capture their thoughts before they vanish and the exploration of giving weight to finished work.
  2. Personal anecdotes and musings from interactions between individuals.
  3. Insight into the dynamics of business directors in decision-making processes.

Earthly Delight

Nice Try β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 21
πŸ“š Literature Creative Writing Narrative Prose Personal Reflection
  1. Life can feel gray and mundane, but we can find moments of joy in small things. Whether it's a hot cup of coffee or a fun idea for a blog, these little pleasures brighten up our days.
  2. Many people deal with everyday frustrations that might not seem important, like a slow leaking tire. But these experiences can serve as interesting stories or metaphors for life's challenges.
  3. Connections with others, even through simple conversations, can spark creativity. Talking to friends or loved ones can help us figure out what to write about or how to find meaning in our lives.

First Drafts

Nice Try β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 20
πŸ“š Literature Writing Creative Prose Fiction Narrative
  1. First drafts are important and can be tricky to handle. Writers often feel stuck or unsure about how to start.
  2. It's okay to get distracted while writing. Things happening around you can break your focus, and that's normal.
  3. Meeting new neighbors can be a funny and awkward experience. Sometimes the little moments, like not shaking hands during a pandemic, make great stories.

A Mosaic of Moments

Joe Tourville β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 28 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Classics Authors Introspection Reflection Prose
  1. Reading classics like 'Notes from Underground' can offer new insights with each reread as the reader ages.
  2. Literature can bridge the past and present, impacting the reader with timeless narratives and vivid imagery.
  3. Books like 'Notes from Underground' serve as reflections of society, inviting readers to ponder on universal themes and personal echoes.

Bodies Bodies [8]

The Author Is Dumb β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Prose Narrative Short Stories
  1. The story shows a man who feels watched and can't look away from the sky. He seems stuck in his thoughts, not paying attention to anyone around him.
  2. As he stares, a crowd gathers, confused and frustrated, trying to get his attention. They want to know what he's looking at and why he won't respond.
  3. In the end, the man finally speaks, telling the crowd they're being watched too. This makes everyone turn their gaze to the sky together, creating a shared moment of curiosity.

Retalings

Something to Consider β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Narrative Prose
  1. The story creatively blends elements of sports and classic literature, highlighting the struggles of the character James Finnican as a football player.
  2. Finnican faces harsh criticism and scrutiny from the media after a significant mistake on the field, reflecting the pressures athletes often endure.
  3. The tale emphasizes themes of failure, reputation, and the impact of public opinion, as Finnican's life and identity are largely shaped by his performance and the reactions to it.

A matter of no importance

Logos β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Dec 20
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Narrative Characters Themes Prose
  1. The narrator feels sad because he pushed away a woman who cared for him, showing that sometimes we hurt those we care about without even realizing it.
  2. He struggles with societal expectations of being tough and uncaring, believing that vulnerability makes him weak, which only increases his feelings of loneliness and sorrow.
  3. Eveline, the woman he pushed away, represents kindness and dignity, showing that true sophistication comes from being caring rather than callous.