The hottest Short Stories Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

What Have I Been Reading This Year?

Barbarian Grunge β€’ 44 implied HN points β€’ 17 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Graphic novels Video Games Novels Short Stories
  1. The author read and studied various types of content over the past year including graphic novels, video games, screenplays, novels, nonfiction, TV & film, short stories, poems, and for fun
  2. The author found inspiration from the works they read, learning from different genres and styles to enhance their writing
  3. Many of the works the author read were by well-known writers such as Frank Miller, Alan Moore, Stephen King, and Warren Ellis, among others

Reviews for June 2023

Record Crash β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Fanfiction Reviews Novels Short Stories Fiction
  1. The reviews for June 2023 cover fics from various fandoms like Homestuck, Worm, and Harry Potter.
  2. Some fics had negative reviews due to lack of narrative, character development, or coherence in time travel plots.
  3. One recommended fic was a well-written original character fic in the Worm fandom with an interesting power and character development.
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A Vision of Dissolution

Apposition β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Authors Themes Characters
  1. Jan Siebelink's early writing reflected themes that continued in his later works.
  2. The characters in Siebelink's stories often face oppressive backgrounds and struggle with confronting their troubles.
  3. Through themes of dissolution and repression, Siebelink explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

"A Thousand Reflections of My Own Hands in a Dark Mirror"

Apposition β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Feminism Character development Cultural Identity Satire
  1. Katherine Mansfield's stories focus on capturing moods and character depths rather than plot
  2. Mansfield's stories in 'In a German Pension' depict women longing for security despite facing disillusionment with men
  3. The satirical tone and complex characters in Mansfield's stories reveal subtle hints of psychic instability and a preference for implication over action

Nabokov's Lolita

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 13 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Book review Author analysis Writing Style Literary Analysis Short Stories
  1. The reviewer finds Nabokov's Lolita to be beautifully written but struggles with the content.
  2. Despite difficulties with Lolita, the reviewer still recommends reading Nabokov's other works, particularly his short stories.
  3. Readers interested in writing well are encouraged to learn from Nabokov's writing style.

How to write a good short story

The Leftovers β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 21
πŸ“š Literature Writing Short Stories
  1. Be cautious of free writing advice, as it may not always be reliable due to the competitiveness in the writing community.
  2. The author shares eleven commandments for writing a good short story, which can be valuable guidelines for aspiring writers.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Leftovers for more insightful writing advice and access to full post archives.

ultra flash fiction

the rohn report β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 21
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. Ultra flash fiction condenses a complete story into a few sentences, encapsulating conflict, character development, and intrigue.
  2. The brevity of ultra flash fiction allows for a fast-paced, impactful storytelling style, capturing attention in a world of short attention spans.
  3. With ultra flash fiction, the challenge is to convey deep emotions and complex narratives concisely, often leaving a lasting impact on readers with a few paragraphs.

In the Palm of Metal

Trantor Publishing β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 26 Oct 22
βš” Fiction Short Stories Sci-fi Fantasy Dystopian Technology
  1. People in this story are deeply immersed in a virtual reality world called the VirtNet, aspiring for a more fulfilling life in this digital realm.
  2. The consequences of illegal access to the VirtNet are portrayed, showcasing the severe physical and legal aftermath faced by those who exploit the system.
  3. The story unfolds as a detective and his partner plan a deception to grant one of them a chance at finally plugging into the simulated paradise.

Leith Benkhedda: The Internet of Friends

Do Not Research β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Online Identity Short Stories Exhibition
  1. The film 'The Internet of Friends' delves into online identity and community building through various narratives and testimonies.
  2. The film was a collaborative effort involving multiple individuals like Abbey Pusz, Buddy Moench, and more.
  3. It was initially showcased at the 'By Design' exhibition for the 2022 Sandberg Institute Graduation Show in Amsterdam.

Billboards

The Leftovers β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 07 Oct 21
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories
  1. The opening sentence of 'El Aleph' by Jorge Luis Borges is considered one of the best in short story history, with a poignant reflection on change seen through billboards.
  2. The small change of a billboard after the death of a loved one symbolizes the beginning of a series of never-ending changes that signify the universe moving further away.
  3. Subscribing to 'The Leftovers' can give access to more insightful posts like these, allowing further exploration of meaningful narratives and connections.

Lessons in narrative compassion

The Leftovers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 22
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Narrative Techniques Character development Influences Writing Style
  1. The book 'Dance Move' by Wendy Erskine uses third person narration, creating a detached, observer-like perspective that allows the stories to almost tell themselves.
  2. The stories in 'Dance Move' predominantly take place in intimate interior spaces like kitchens and living rooms, focusing on the everyday joys and sorrows of characters, rather than grand events.
  3. Wendy Erskine's writing style, influenced by authors like Chekhov, shows a compassionate approach to storytelling that prioritizes character depth and authenticity over sensationalism.

In praise of the present

The Leftovers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 21
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Books
  1. The post discusses the concept of 'filmic writing' and explores the idea of narrative time.
  2. It mentions the author's experience of starting to work on a new book of short stories, with some stories written in first person and others in third person.
  3. The post teases the opportunity to read more by subscribing to 'The Leftovers' and getting access to the full post archives.

My top ten Latin American short stories

The Leftovers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 09 Sep 21
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Authors Influences Translation
  1. Latin American short stories have a unique charm and connect closely to storytelling traditions, often outshining longer novels in the region
  2. Authors like Jorge Luis Borges, Juan Rulfo, and Gabriel GarcΓ­a MΓ‘rquez have created exceptional short stories celebrated for their depth and impact
  3. These stories delve into a range of themes, from literary experimentation to societal issues, offering readers a rich and varied reading experience

First Draft

The Leftovers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Authors Writing Publishing
  1. The author describes attending a literary event and feeling resentful towards writers and the written word, reflecting on his own writing and feelings of obscurity.
  2. The encounter with another writer at the event reveals the protagonist's insecurities and envy towards the seemingly successful and confident writer.
  3. The story takes a fictional turn towards a chance encounter that sparks a moment of clarity and connection, hinting at the possibility of finding inspiration and closure.

Ms. Clara and the Amazing Apron

cruiseandpaul β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 16 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Illustrations
  1. Ms. Clara and the Amazing Apron is a collection of heartwarming short stories about an older lady who helps kids with her special apron.
  2. The book offers lessons on various topics like friendship, bravery, and fairness, making it suitable for kids of different ages and interests.
  3. Readers with children will enjoy the nostalgic feel of the stories, reminiscent of childhood friendships and neighborhood adventures.

Pale Anna

Apposition β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Author analysis Character analysis
  1. The story 'Pale Anna' by Heinrich BΓΆll follows a narrator struggling with post-war trauma and isolation.
  2. The narrator's encounters with 'Pale Anna' and his past relationships reveal a theme of psychological wounds and missed connections.
  3. The ambiguous ending and unresolved questions in the story suggest deeper layers of trauma and meaning left unexplored.

Homeschooling RΔ“Β·Δ•Ε„Β·Ε­n

The False Consensus Effect β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 22
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Creative Writing Authorship Fantasy Fiction
  1. The author shares a very busy Friday itinerary with tasks like writing a grant, painting, planning meals, and band practice, showcasing a variety of activities encompassing work, family, creativity, and relaxation.
  2. A story is shared, blending elements of fiction, contemplation, and imagination around themes of apples, roast duck, and a man named John Lindsey, adding an element of mystery and creativity to the narrative.
  3. The post concludes with a menu description for a Y2K New Year's Eve meal, including dishes like roasted duck, field greens, lemon vinaigrette, mashed potatoes, and dessert items such as Key lime pie and lemon-maple cake, offering a glimpse into a festive culinary experience.

The Culture of Progress

Trantor Publishing β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 20 Aug 22
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Fiction History
  1. In the pursuit of progress, dissent is handled through reeducation or reassessment before resorting to more aggressive measures
  2. The concept of history is deemed problematic by Progress, leading to extreme measures to abolish the past to ensure a perfect future
  3. Even the most guarded treasures, like the past's knowledge, may be disregarded if deemed useless or unlearned by future generations