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 • 412 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction 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.

All your gift giving problems solved

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gift Giving Books Short Stories Poetry
  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.

મૃગજળ

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Short Stories Creative Writing Interpretation
  1. What we see can sometimes be clear and real, but often it's influenced by our thoughts and feelings. It's important to question what we truly perceive.
  2. Happiness and sadness can both be misinterpretations of our experiences. Understanding these emotions can help us find deeper meaning in life.
  3. Searching for truth can be confusing, as we might get caught up in our illusions. It's essential to separate reality from our assumptions to see things clearly.

Anthology: Death Flex, Shadow of the Executioner

Aristophanes Athenaeum • 373 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
📚 Literature Horror Short Stories Book review Authors
  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 • 239 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Creative Writing Character Study
  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.

"Boule de Suif"

Story Club with George Saunders • 37 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Drama Essays Short Stories
  1. "Boule de Suif" is a story by Guy de Maupassant that explores themes of social class and morality during difficult times.
  2. The version discussed is from 1922, and it's helpful to have a printed copy with numbered pages for easier reference.
  3. This discussion is intended for paid subscribers, highlighting the exclusivity of the content and insights provided.

Story: THEY ALSO SERVE

So Here’s a Thing • 353 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
📚 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.

A Starry Escape (an Attempt at Science Fiction)

The Algorithmic Bridge • 276 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Science fiction AI Creative Writing Human Relationships Short Stories
  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.

Fiction seekers, your search ends here!

The Lifeboat • 275 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Novels Sci-fi Fantasy Romance
  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.

Linkpost for February

Thing of Things • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🔬 Science Psychology Economics Politics Short Stories Fun
  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 • 259 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Character development Themes
  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.

The Monster with a Thousand Faces

Trantor Publishing • 139 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Trial Subscription
  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.

Story: THE MOTEL BUSINESS

So Here’s a Thing • 196 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Online Writing
  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.

11/24/24: Djinn Drive

Daydreams • 7 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Short Stories Creative Writing Mythology Literature
  1. To summon a ghost, you need specific items like a five-leaf clover and a particular mosquito. If you don't have the right things, it might not work.
  2. The ghost Solomon has been summoned multiple times for petty jobs by a person named Tom, including haunting tenants for being difficult. This shows how summoning can be misused.
  3. Tom's requests for haunting have led to consequences, creating a cycle of issues that may attract unwanted attention, like the potential involvement of powerful forces because of the magic involved.

Marooned

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Romance Social Commentary
  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 • 159 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing
  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 • 259 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Personal essays
  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 • 159 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
📚 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.

Puppy Love

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Urban life Comedy Relationships
  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 • 138 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Writing Fiction Character development Cultural Identity
  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.

Good Luck

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
📚 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 Gravy

Nice Try • 279 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Contemporary
  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 • 219 implied HN points • 07 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Writing Style Character development
  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! • 117 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📚 Literature Memoir Short Stories Fiction Novels Book promotion
  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.

Initiation: Mindbinding

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Sci-fi Short Stories
  1. Amiie goes through a special ritual called mindbinding, which is important in her culture. This ceremony helps young women control their emotions as they come of age.
  2. Amiie's growth and struggles are shown through her connection with whales and her desire to create a virtual whale habitat. It reflects her journey to find her own identity and place in the world.
  3. The story highlights the pressure from family and society on women to conform to certain roles and expectations. Amiie faces challenges as she tries to navigate her own path despite these pressures.

Moment in the Sun

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Artistic expression
  1. Creative careers often lead us to unexpected roles, like producing instead of purely making art. Producing can be rewarding in its own way, focusing on the behind-the-scenes work that holds everything together.
  2. Community support is vital during group projects like independent films. Everyone is working hard, and it's important to remember that we are all in it together, sharing both the struggles and the joys.
  3. Talented individuals sometimes disconnect from the group dynamic, which can be challenging. Acknowledging that everyone contributes differently can help maintain harmony, even if some are more difficult to work with.

Fogwill

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Authors Literary Analysis
  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

Tri-State Turmoil

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 9 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Contemporary Fiction Cultural critique Author interviews Short Stories
  1. Michael Goodwin Hilton's short stories explore complex human relationships, often highlighting their emotional struggles in everyday life. The writing is both engaging and nuanced, making it a refreshing read.
  2. Tomiwa Owolade's book discusses race in the UK, arguing against American influences and emphasizing the unique context of Britain's racial dynamics. He believes in understanding the complexities of different racial identities and promoting an integrated society.
  3. Stuart M. Ross's novel dives into the chaotic life of Ty Rossberg, whose relationship issues lead him on a wild journey filled with absurdity and humor. The focus is on his personal struggles and the contrast with his partner's success.

Words Unspoken and Other Stories

The Lifeboat • 91 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Romance Fiction Books Writing
  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.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #2

Trantor Publishing • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Fiction Short Stories Feedback
  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.

Sexcapade

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Contemporary Narrative Character Study
  1. Rachel and Jerianne have a complicated friendship where Jerianne often leads Rachel into more adventurous and risky situations. Rachel feels more cautious and less exciting when she is with Jerianne.
  2. Jerianne's life seems conventional on the outside, but she struggles with personal issues and often relies on Rachel for support. She also has a complicated relationship with a younger man named Anthony, which adds drama to her life.
  3. Rachel starts to question the value of her friendship with Jerianne. As she spends more time alone, she begins to focus on her own needs and entertains thoughts of Anthony, showing a shift in her priorities and desires.