The hottest Short Stories Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Stephen King's 'Creepiest' Short Story

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 198 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Horror Short Stories Authors Narrative
  1. "The Raft" is a short story by Stephen King that tells about four friends who go swimming and end up trapped on a raft with a dangerous creature below them.
  2. The characters have typical young adult problems like love and jealousy, making their doom even more relatable and scary.
  3. The story is not just about the creature, but it's also about the darker sides of human nature lurking beneath the surface.

"A Christmas Carol" Finale

Story Club with George Saunders • 33 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Literary Analysis Short Stories Classic literature Creative Writing
  1. The finale of 'A Christmas Carol' is very concise and to the point. It shows how well a story can be told without extra fluff.
  2. Great writers have a knack for keeping things simple and powerful. This is a skill that's often missing in lesser writers.
  3. The conclusion ties up the story beautifully, emphasizing the character's transformation and the spirit of Christmas. It leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

How Khorya And Borya Smuggled A Chort

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Artistic expression
  1. Khariton and Boris are involved in a chaotic plan to smuggle a creature called a chort, leading to humorous and dangerous situations.
  2. The story mixes comedic bickering between characters, showing their cleverness and flaws, as they deal with unexpected challenges.
  3. The ending hints at themes of friendship and camaraderie, even when things go wrong.

a 90s night out in the UK | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative
  1. Feeling hungover and regretful is a common experience after a wild night out. It's normal to worry about what you did when you can't remember everything.
  2. Friends often share stories the next day, which can be funny but also a bit embarrassing. These conversations remind us of the craziness of the night before.
  3. Even after a rough morning, the idea of going out again can be tempting. It's easy to forget the bad parts when the excitement of night life calls again.

To All This Fuckery

The Lifeboat • 195 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Narrative Prose Short Stories
  1. The story explores deep thoughts and feelings about beauty and life's complexities. The main character feels disconnected while everyone else interacts, highlighting a struggle to feel present.
  2. Friendship and shared moments are shown to be important. The gathering at the dacha is cozy and enjoyable, even while the protagonist remains skeptical of their friendships.
  3. Drinking alcohol is a new experience for the protagonist, leading to thoughts about identity and control. She reflects on her life, her dreams of escape, and how these moments shape her perspective.
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My sci-fi novel recommendations

Noahpinion • 25588 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
📚 Literature Sci-fi Fantasy Short Stories
  1. The post provides recommendations for sci-fi novels from a personal favorite list.
  2. The recommendations cover a wide range of subgenres and themes, from space adventures to post-apocalyptic worlds.
  3. There are also fantasy book suggestions included as a bonus at the end of the post.

Working Class Hero

Castalia • 699 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Character Study
  1. Tyler thought he was destined for something special but was stuck in an office job until he decided to become an actor. His leap of faith led him to success, but it also changed his life dramatically.
  2. As Tyler became more successful, he struggled with personal relationships, especially with his girlfriend Rebecca. He felt like their lives were on different paths, leading to their eventual breakup.
  3. Despite his fame, Tyler faced doubts about the meaning of success. He reflected on the pressures of being a celebrity and the reality of his journey, realizing that true fulfillment might not come from being in the spotlight.

The Mountain

Secretum Secretorum • 656 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Japanese culture Folklore
  1. The journey to enlightenment can be tough and filled with challenges, but companions can help support you along the way.
  2. Facing your fears is important. The things that scare you often come from your own experiences and past choices.
  3. We all carry our own burdens and past decisions, represented by the skulls in the story, which remind us that we are shaped by our own dreams and desires.

પ્રેમનું પરિબળ

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 29 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Artistic expression
  1. Love can make everything feel bright and beautiful, even in tough times. It can change how we see the world around us.
  2. When love ends, it brings new clarity and makes us face reality. We may start questioning our past experiences and feelings.
  3. After heartbreak, there's a fear of falling in love again. It can feel heavy and it's hard to know if we want to try love once more.

The Hoaxer

Unbound • 613 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Creative Writing
  1. The story explores a father-son relationship centered around the father's obsession with creating hoaxes, particularly involving mythical creatures and odd phenomena. This shows how a unique bond can be built through shared secrets.
  2. It highlights the father's deeper struggles with personal fulfillment and dissatisfaction in life, demonstrating that his hoaxes are a way to escape from mundane reality and create excitement.
  3. The narrative also touches on themes of family dynamics, including the impact of the father's actions on the mother and son, and how these affect their perceptions of truth and trust in relationships.

Goodbye [A short story]

Philosophy bear • 64 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Fantasy Science fiction Creative Writing Literature
  1. Life is often a mix of good and bad experiences. It's hard to label an entire life as only good or only bad.
  2. We are shaped by our past, but becoming self-aware can help us find new paths forward. Reflecting on our experiences can lead to healing.
  3. Helping others and honoring those we've lost can give our lives meaning. We find purpose in our aspirations and in supporting each other.

Pity the Short Story Writer

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 54 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Short Stories Literary Criticism
  1. Getting published as a writer can be really tough. Many writers spend a lot of time submitting stories and getting rejections before they find success.
  2. The traditional path to publishing, like getting into the New Yorker, is harder now. Writers may need to build their own audience through platforms like blogs or Substack instead.
  3. Self-publishing is becoming more accepted now, and many talented writers are finding ways to share their work without relying on big publishers.

Fugly

Castalia • 319 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Relationships Character Study Narrative style
  1. Brian and Liz have a complicated relationship where they go back and forth between friendship and romance. Their dynamic shows how friendships can sometimes turn into something deeper, even if it’s messy.
  2. Liz’s past with Aaron affects her new relationship with Brian. They both struggle with their feelings and the baggage they carry from previous lovers, highlighting how past experiences can shape present connections.
  3. Despite their ups and downs, Brian and Liz find comfort in each other and eventually decide to live together. Their story reflects how settling for companionship can be a realistic choice for many couples.

Rizz

Soaring Twenties • 85 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Dialogue
  1. Stories can be playful and fun, and that's what makes them entertaining. It's important to engage the reader and craft something they'll enjoy.
  2. Friendship can take unexpected turns, especially when it comes to love interests. Being supportive to a friend can lead to your own heartache.
  3. The way you tell a story matters. You can shape it however you want, and it's okay to think differently about how it should end.

The Dream Catcher's Diary - A Short Story

Subtle Digressions • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Fantasy
  1. A boy named Billy meets the Dream Catcher, a mysterious figure who collects dreams. They have a deep conversation about dreams and the importance of keeping secrets.
  2. Billy learns that he dreams but often forgets them, which leads him to question why he doesn’t remember. This reveals a hidden connection between his dreams and his father.
  3. The story explores themes of curiosity, fear, and the bond between a child and a parent, showing how dreams can reveal deeper truths and emotions.

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.

The Edgar Poe You Never Knew: a Mere Writer of Horror or a Humanist Master of the Mind

Through A Glass Darkly • 628 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Conscience
  1. Poe was more than just a writer of horror; he touched on deep humanistic themes and psychology in his work.
  2. Poe's stories may offer insights into human nature and the inner struggles we face.
  3. Poe challenges traditional modes of investigation in understanding human behavior, emphasizing the importance of moral reason and conscience.

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.

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.

Pardon the egg salad stains

Crow & Colophon • 159 implied HN points • 31 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Editors
  1. Reading for a literary magazine involves editors wading through numerous submissions to select the few that stand out, which can be a challenging yet rewarding process.
  2. The beginning of a story in a literary magazine is crucial, often marked by an efficient and intriguing introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the narrative.
  3. Literary magazine editors look for clear, engaging beginnings that promise to captivate readers, preferring simplicity over convoluted prose to maintain reader interest.

"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.

New Feature Announcement!

So Here’s a Thing • 825 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Author Books Subscription Value
  1. New feature announcement of a growing short story library for paid subscribers only. First story release is free for all.
  2. Stories will be delivered every two weeks in e-book format with new covers designed by the author, offering value for subscribers.
  3. If there is enough interest in the initial series of short stories, a second series may follow, encouraging engagement and growth.

undefeated | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 38 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Short Stories Narrative
  1. True freedom comes from being in uncomfortable places without expectations. It’s about finding yourself in unexpected situations where you learn more about life.
  2. Even when life is tough, there are moments of peace among those who have very little. People keep waking up to face each new day, despite their struggles.
  3. Resilience is key. Despite hardship, some people still feel undefeated because they embrace their experiences, no matter how painful.

What's American Fiction Without the Short Story?

Counter Craft • 578 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Short Stories American Literature Authorship Publishing
  1. Short stories are integral to American literature and are considered a quintessential American literary form.
  2. The declining prestige of short stories is noted, despite the vibrant and alive nature of the form in American letters.
  3. Short stories face challenges due to lack of space in magazines, minimal big publisher support, and the popularity bias towards novels.

Karma Police

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 01 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Artistic expression
  1. Growing up in a middle-class family can shape how you view money and success. The main character, Jon, learned about budgeting and finances from his parents, which influenced his choices later in life.
  2. Artistic ambition can sometimes clash with practical family expectations. Jon's desire to be a painter conflicted with his parents' focus on traditional stability and financial security.
  3. Karma can play a role in personal journeys. Jon feels that through his success, he's also fulfilling a legacy linked to his past and the painter who lived in the family loft before him.

Vignettes: War

Myth Pilot • 628 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
📚 Literature War Fiction Short Stories Development Narrative
  1. The author aims to publish more content regularly, mixing fiction and non-fiction.
  2. The author plans to share short little posts and vignettes to engage readers and improve writing practice.
  3. The vignette shared is a mix of fact and fiction about a soldier's experience with a State Department official in Iraq.

An Astonishing List

Story Club with George Saunders • 56 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Literary Analysis Reading Lists Short Stories Author studies
  1. Paid subscribers get special perks like exclusive posts and commenting. This helps keep the community engaged and allows for better quality content.
  2. Annemarie Gallaugher created a helpful list of book recommendations based on reader responses. This list aims to guide writers on what to read for inspiration.
  3. The writer is adjusting the posting schedule to balance content creation with personal projects. This change will help manage time better while still providing valuable content to subscribers.

Bloody Mary

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Psychological Creative Writing
  1. Family history can deeply affect our lives, sometimes it's filled with strange or dark stories that shape our perceptions. Caitlin learns about her family's past and how it relates to her own experiences.
  2. Mental health issues can impact family dynamics in complex ways. Caitlin's mother's struggles with mental health change how Caitlin views her family and herself.
  3. Personal growth often comes from difficult experiences and self-reflection. After facing betrayal in her relationship, Caitlin starts to reconsider her life choices and what truly matters to her.

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.

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.

Faust

Trantor Publishing • 199 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Art Society Morality Redemption
  1. The story explores the consequences of making a deal with a demon and the feelings of regret and revulsion that can follow such a decision.
  2. It highlights the theme of moral choices, showcasing how small decisions can lead to significant impacts on one's life and sense of self.
  3. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of facing consequences, seeking redemption, and reflecting on personal values in times of moral turmoil.

Pleasure lists

Vague Blue • 299 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Lists Short Stories Books Reading Writing
  1. The post discusses pleasure lists and opening lines that hold significance.
  2. It includes a curated list of opening lines from various literary works.
  3. The author references past reading reviews and offers a 7-day free trial to continue reading their content.

Basic human situations

Vague Blue • 299 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Literature Visual Arts Short Stories Performance art
  1. Basic human situations are simple yet universal experiences that involve conflict or tension between people.
  2. Two people with conflicting ideologies often lead to conflict, but even everyday interactions can become a basic human situation.
  3. The essence of a basic human situation can be seen in the waiting and dependency depicted in plays like 'Waiting for Godot' as well as in personal struggles and choices like in the film 'Wanda.'