The hottest Short Stories Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics
The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 4805 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 24
  1. Reading multiple submissions from subscribers gives insights into a wide range of topics and perspectives.
  2. Paid subscriber writing can offer unique views on historical events, philosophy, and personal experiences.
  3. Exploring different writing styles and themes can lead to discovering new perspectives and valuable insights.
Counter Craft β€’ 490 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
  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.
Through A Glass Darkly β€’ 628 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Counter Craft β€’ 270 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 24
  1. The author recommends four excellent books coming out soon that they have read and loved.
  2. The books cover a range of genres and writing styles, from contemporary fiction to surreal and fantastical literature.
  3. The author shares insights on the books including plot summaries and their personal connections to some of the authors.
The Lifeboat β€’ 275 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
  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.
donaldjeffries β€’ 668 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 24
  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.
Trantor Publishing β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
  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.
The Algorithmic Bridge β€’ 276 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 24
  1. Dr. Ellis Sinclair finds himself stranded on an unknown world with his AI companion AXIOM, leading to a deep and surprising connection between man and machine.
  2. The story is about exploration, survival, and the evolution of a unique relationship between human and AI in a mysterious setting.
  3. Despite the AI's complexity, it is revealed to be an unexpected and evolved version of Dr. Sinclair himself, showcasing the depths of their connection.
Thing of Things β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. Long-term monthly payments and lump sum cash transfers are both effective ways of helping people, but short-term monthly payments are less effective.
  2. The Copenhagen Consensus Center has identified twelve programs that are more cost-effective than unconditional cash transfers for addressing global poverty.
  3. Malaria vaccines may be less cost-effective than bednets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention due to logistical challenges and similar efficacy.
The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 23
  1. Consider gifting a meaty detective novel or a thrilling read to the granddad or dad in your life who loves sport and action movies.
  2. For the busy reader who struggles to find time for books, opt for short stories, essays, or poetry collections that can be easily read in short bursts.
  3. Short stories and poetry are becoming popular choices as gifts due to time constraints and attention span challenges.
The Lifeboat β€’ 91 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 24
  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.
Trantor Publishing β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
  1. The post discusses a person who claims to be the inventor of multiverse travel and argues that they are not insane despite their actions.
  2. The individual in the story believes they are not detached from reality and justifies their controversial decisions.
  3. The narrative hints at a deeper story involving a murder mystery and challenges the reader to consider different perspectives.
So Here’s a Thing β€’ 825 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
  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.
So Here’s a Thing β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 23
  1. The online story collection includes a story called THE MOTEL BUSINESS, available only to paid subscribers.
  2. Paid subscribers get access to bi-weekly stories for $5/month or less for an annual subscription.
  3. By referring friends to subscribe to the Substack, readers can earn paid benefits for themselves.
Aristophanes Athenaeum β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 23
  1. Death Flex is a unique horror anthology inspired by the diary of Franz Schmidt, the Chief Executioner of Nuremberg in the 1500s.
  2. The stories in Death Flex are varied and unique, each offering a different perspective on the diary and keeping readers engaged.
  3. The anthology features well-crafted stories like Thirty-One Blows and The Kobolds Stare, offering a mix of historical insight and thrilling narrative.
Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 45 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses starting a discussion on the short story 'In the Basement' by Issac Babel. The pdf of the story was shared last week.
  2. To engage in further discussions and access the content mentioned, readers need to be paid subscribers of the platform.
  3. There is an option provided to subscribe for exclusive content access and to participate in ongoing discussions.
So Here’s a Thing β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 12 Aug 23
  1. The story 'THEY ALSO SERVE' is part of an online collection, set in the future, and requires a paid subscription to access.
  2. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to this and other stories in the collection for a monthly fee, with the option to refer a friend for possible discounts.
  3. Readers can enjoy a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives before deciding to subscribe.
So Here’s a Thing β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 23
  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.
Myth Pilot β€’ 628 implied HN points β€’ 27 Mar 23
  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.
Critic at Large β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 02 Mar 24
  1. Winter Tangerine was a short-lived magazine created by a young African poet to amplify unheard voices through poetry, short stories, and visual art.
  2. The magazine showcased the evolution of poems through a section called 'Shedding Skins' and featured exceptional visual art alongside literary works.
  3. Winter Tangerine provided a platform for emerging writers and artists, particularly from marginalized communities, offering imaginative language and unique perspectives.
Trantor Publishing β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
  1. Author has been busy in January with multiple chapters published and an exclusive short story for paying subscribers.
  2. Author is planning a raffle for paying subscribers to win signed paperback copies of their book as a thank you gesture.
  3. Author is seeking input from subscribers on potentially re-working the ending of one of their works and is open to suggestions for future content.
The Recovering Academic β€’ 138 implied HN points β€’ 19 Sep 23
  1. The book explores themes of identity and race through multiple generations of a Korean American family, highlighting the complexity and evolution of individual experiences over time.
  2. The collection features a diverse set of narrators, each reflecting different stages of life and unique perspectives, shedding light on the nuanced journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration.
  3. The concluding novella presents a symbolic homecoming and reflects the ongoing process of cultural mixing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of diverse cultures through various time periods.
Sundman figures it out! β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jul 23
  1. The author shared a story about being confronted by a knife-wielding assailant and how he managed to defend himself.
  2. The author reflected on experiences during the dot-com era and how a particular website played a role in spreading rumors about failing companies.
  3. Personal anecdotes about travels, encounters, weightlifting, and book promotions were seamlessly woven into the storytelling.
The Leftovers β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 02 May 23
  1. Fogwill's _Cuentos completos_ is recommended for its range of writing styles and deep character exploration
  2. Fogwill's complete works offer insight into his transition from successful market executive to acclaimed writer
  3. Personal exchanges with Fogwill reflected his mischievous nature and highlighted the impact of his work on the author
Genre Grapevine β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 23
  1. Twitter has undergone drastic changes under Elon Musk's leadership, impacting various user communities.
  2. Alternative social media platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky are gaining traction amid Twitter's changes.
  3. The science fiction and fantasy community is engaging in important conversations around AI, copyright, and representation in genre awards.