The hottest Short Stories Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Huge Subscriber Discount on BEST OF...

So Here’s a Thing β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature 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.

most read Tumbleweed Words newsletters

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 26
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. A curated selection highlights the most-read poems, stories, and literary pieces across poetry, fiction, and non-fiction from the past five years.
  2. Many pieces explore travel and nomadism, love and loss, memory, and urban working-class life, with settings like Buenos Aires, Glasgow, Berlin, Paris, and London.
  3. Several works have been published internationally and received recognition in anthologies and magazines, and the collection is reader-supported with subscription options.

The Mountain

Secretum Secretorum β€’ 656 implied HN points β€’ 16 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

All your gift giving problems solved

The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Short Stories
  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.

Anthology: Death Flex, Shadow of the Executioner

Aristophanes Athenaeum β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.
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The Long Battle

Castalia β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 29 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Art has a deep impact on personal identity and growth. Both Peter and Dorothy explore their backgrounds and how they shaped their artistic journeys.
  2. Friendship can be complicated by competition and insecurities. Peter admires Dorothy's talent but is also aware of the competitive dynamics in their social group.
  3. Tragedy can change how we view someone's life. Dorothy’s suicide makes Peter reflect on her artistic genius and what she went through, showing a contrast between her vibrant work and her struggles.

The Hoaxer

Unbound β€’ 613 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

"Paper Pills"

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 32 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 25
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Small, strange detailsβ€”little bumps and excessesβ€”are often what give a story its particular meaning and make it memorable.
  2. Keep a running list of distinctive elements you notice as you read so you can spot patterns and see how they shape the story.
  3. Re-reading and unpacking a story slowly, and discussing it with others, helps reveal deeper layers and makes the reading richer.

Story: THEY ALSO SERVE

So Here’s a Thing β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 12 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

More Short Story Ideas

David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 152 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Human childbirth is complicated due to our big brains, but some species found a better way to handle it. They give birth to babies that are not fully developed and keep them safe in a special environment until they're ready.
  2. One idea for family structures could allow children to be more closely related to both mothers in a lesbian couple. This could create a system where children have multiple caregivers and strong family ties.
  3. In the future, technology might allow us to perfectly recall our past. This could help us learn from mistakes or relive happy memories, but it could also mean obsessing over past failures.

Short Story Ideas

David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 152 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Parents can use a stasis box to take short breaks from baby care, but eventually this can lead to a strange situation where the parents age while the baby stays the same.
  2. With advances in medicine, it could be possible to slow down physical aging, allowing people to stay 'young' longer while still being mentally sharp.
  3. In a future society, people's homes could be identical and accessed based on a key that remembers the inside, but one person believes that true home is about continuity and tries to prove it.

Linkpost for February

Thing of Things β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
πŸ”¬ Science Short Stories
  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.

Gentlemen Prefer Bitches

Castalia β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 23 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Sometimes people get stuck in unhealthy relationships because they're attracted to those who treat them poorly. It can feel easier to focus all their energy on making one person happy instead of working on themselves.
  2. It's important to value yourself and set boundaries in relationships. If someone isn't meeting your needs, it's okay to speak up and expect respect.
  3. Being a strong and nurturing person in relationships can lead to growth, but it's crucial to communicate openly and honestly about expectations to avoid being taken for granted.

ANGEL FIRE

Unbound β€’ 293 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 25
βš” Fiction Short Stories
  1. Ben is released from prison and tries to adjust to the real world, moving from a fantasy life back to reality. He feels excited but also scared about what lies ahead.
  2. He finds a job at a coffee shop called The Orbiter, which suits him well and helps him rediscover his love for storytelling and imagination. The owner, Ollie, believes in him and offers him a chance to rebuild his life.
  3. Ben encounters hostility from a group that hates imagination and creative pursuits, leading him to confront his past and the darker parts of society he now wants to navigate. He is determined to stand up for what he cares about.

The Monster with a Thousand Faces

Trantor Publishing β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

The Ferryman

Soaring Twenties β€’ 123 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Staying busy is important for health and happiness. When people retire and stop being active, they often don't live long after that.
  2. It's good to connect with friends and family. Keeping in touch with others can help people feel less lonely and more engaged.
  3. Enjoying small things, like nature and conversations, is valuable. Taking time to appreciate life can make everyday moments better.

Story: THE MOTEL BUSINESS

So Here’s a Thing β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

A New Story

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 37 implied HN points β€’ 16 Nov 25
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. The story was written by Alexander Pushkin, a famous Russian poet known for his innovative work.
  2. It explores themes related to death and the profession of a coffin maker.
  3. The story is a mix of Pushkin's poetry and fiction, showing his talent in both forms.

The Starless Sea

Eliot Peper β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 30 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Author shares the joy of welcoming his first child and the support from loved ones.
  2. Book recommendation: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern - a captivating mix of mythology, mystery, and self-discovery.
  3. Updates on upcoming events and initiatives related to storytelling and long-term thinking.

no. 67: a year or four

let them eat cake β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. The newsletter operates on a patronage model with paid subscribers receiving extra content.
  2. The author started the newsletter as a way to build an audience for a potential book.
  3. The original memoir written by the author has taken a backseat to the importance of the essays in the newsletter.

(Not really) Start theb Week #107

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 8 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 26
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Loss and caregiving leave a lasting mark, and it can take years to feel normal again; the new year still offers a chance to start afresh.
  2. Teaching is driven by meticulous prep and a playful, practical approach to student homework, using humour and clear expectations to keep people accountable.
  3. Reading widely and juggling writing projects, from books on AI to short stories and a planned memoir, fuels creative work and recommendations for others.

What's American Fiction Without the Short Story?

Counter Craft β€’ 578 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

Marooned

Castalia β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Dating can be tricky, especially when someone feels like they're playing a game with their own time and priorities. It's okay to acknowledge that not every connection will feel right.
  2. In the chaos of the pandemic, many found new routines and skills, like cooking and exercising, that helped them feel a sense of independence and control.
  3. Sometimes, it’s better to take your time getting to know someone rather than rushing into things. Building a relationship should happen at a pace that feels comfortable.

Leopold

Nice Try β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 18 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. There's a new short story titled 'Leopold' that you can read for free online or buy in a magazine for $6. It's nice to have options!
  2. The story is quite lengthy at about 10,000 words, so it looks like a good read if you enjoy longer tales.
  3. The author appreciates feedback and invites readers to share their thoughts about the story or anything else on their mind.

Franklin

Nice Try β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. The story features a brother who has wild and dangerous adventures, highlighting the carefree yet reckless nature of childhood.
  2. The brother experiences significant moments, like almost drowning and getting soaked in diesel, that illustrate the risks he takes.
  3. Despite his troubles, the bond between the brothers remains strong, even as they face challenges without parental guidance.

Fade Into You

Castalia β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 05 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

To All This Fuckery

The Lifeboat β€’ 195 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature 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.

Puppy Love

Castalia β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Josh loves comedy but struggles with loneliness and romantic relationships. He often relies on humor to cope with his feelings.
  2. Though Josh has feelings for Gina, a co-worker, he feels stuck and thinks nothing will ever come of it. He eventually realizes that he needs to move on.
  3. After dating Emy, Josh transforms and finds happiness, but he still sometimes feels nostalgic about his past crush on Gina.

"I'm not Korean American. But I had to discover that I wasn't white."

The Recovering Academic β€’ 138 implied HN points β€’ 19 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

Diary: Stephen Mortland, (1) Reading Akutagawa

Book Post β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 22 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. RyΕ«nosuke Akutagawa's work revolves around Japanese folklore and his final prolific months as a writer.
  2. The Kappa demons in Akutagawa's stories have supernatural powers and are part of Japanese folklore.
  3. Akutagawa's writing is deeply personal and reflective of his own experiences and observations.

Thirty-One: Week Three

lettersonbeing β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 18 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. The author reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the comfort of routines.
  2. Taking breaks and finding peace in small moments is important for mental well-being.
  3. Acknowledging feelings of exhaustion and the need for rest and self-care.

Good Luck

Nice Try β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature 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 Gravy

Nice Try β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Relationships can be complicated and painful, sometimes leading to unexpected situations like being shot by someone you know. Humor and absurdity can help lighten these heavy moments.
  2. The experience of pain and healing can bring people together, as seen with friends stepping in to help after an injury. It's all about how we support each other through difficult times.
  3. Life is full of challenges and disappointments, but finding ways to appreciate and love even the tough experiences can lead to personal growth. Embracing life's chaos can make it feel more meaningful.

Rat Island

Nice Try β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 07 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. People create stories about each other to fill in gaps. If someone doesn’t share their story, others might make up something much stranger.
  2. Friendship can be found in unexpected places. Rat Island and Geese bonded over their laughter and shared experiences at work, showing how connection can help through tough times.
  3. Life is full of changes, and people's roles can shift. Rat Island went from being a lively person to more serious, reflecting how age and experiences can affect our spirits.

When I Got Knifed

Sundman figures it out! β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  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.

All Things Great and Small

Wild Information β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 01 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. The universe is vast and mysterious, with connections between the infinitesimal and the infinite.
  2. Miniatures hold a special fascination as they allow us to explore the vastness in a small scale.
  3. Exploring literature and stories can open our minds to the depth of time and the vastness of the world.

cool | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 25
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Repetition of "3 2 1" creates a countdown-like rhythm and a minimalist beat.
  2. Images and an avatar give the piece a visual focus, making appearance as important as the words.
  3. Subscribe, share, and comment prompts make interaction and distribution part of the experience, not just the writing.

Everything I'm writing this quarter

The Novelleist β€’ 640 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Elle Griffin is sharing updates on her writing projects and community engagement.
  2. She is offering a discount for readers to support her work and join exclusive discussions.
  3. Upcoming content includes series on Capitalism, Government, and various studies on new economies and equality.