The hottest Short Stories Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Camaraderie

Castalia β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 22
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character Study
  1. People in the same industry often bounce between companies, learning and climbing the ranks along the way. It's common to see someone do okay at one job, then move to a rival for a better opportunity.
  2. Some workers focus too much on details and processes, possibly missing the bigger picture of getting things done. This can lead to frustration for those who prefer a faster, more action-oriented approach.
  3. Camaraderie can develop in unexpected places, like parties with coworkers who aren't close friends. It's interesting to see connections form and change over time, just like people navigating their careers.

The Seducer

Castalia β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Relationships
  1. People's perceptions of you can change over time. The main character felt invisible for years but then suddenly attracted attention, which he couldn't explain.
  2. Relationships can be complicated. The main character had an enjoyable connection with Rachel, but their differing expectations led to misunderstandings.
  3. Sometimes, we take others for granted. The main character realized he may have treated Rachel like just another option rather than valuing her as a person.

Killed Somebody

Nice Try β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The story is about a dream where someone kills a person in a fancy dress and then tries to hide the evidence.
  2. As the dream continues, the character finds many of their belongings scattered around, suggesting a connection to their past.
  3. In the end, the police arrive, but instead of arresting the character, they ask them to solve the case, leading to a surprising twist.

The Trip To New York

Castalia β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Character development Relationships
  1. Relationships can change over time, and sometimes they just fade without a clear reason. Carl's experience shows that love can end even if there isn't a specific cause.
  2. People often have different ideas about love and commitment. Mariana expresses a belief that relationships shouldn't be managed like a business, revealing how personal views on love can differ.
  3. Moving on from a breakup can be tough, but it's important to not let it stop you from living your life. Carl chooses to enjoy his trip to New York despite the heartbreak.

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.
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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.

screeeeeeeeeeeeee

Nice Try β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 03 Oct 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Writing Creative Nonfiction
  1. The sound of the neighborhood can be surprising and even annoying, like a shrill noise that seems to come from everywhere. This can lead to funny situations, like watching someone struggle to park a limousine.
  2. Interactions with neighbors can lead to unexpected moments, such as discovering a new pet bird next door that makes a loud noise. This can create amusing conversations and a sense of community.
  3. Everyday life can have silly and strange events, like a bride trying to get into a car or someone getting frustrated with a piece of trash. Observing these things can add humor and curiosity to regular activities.

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.

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.

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.

On Dostoevsky's Bobokβ€”Or the Banality of the Dead

Vremya β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 24 Apr 22
πŸ“š Literature Classic literature Short Stories Satire Philosophy Russian literature
  1. Dostoevsky's short story 'Bobok' reveals how even the dead talk about trivial things, showing that our worries don't vanish after death. It makes us think about how much time we spend on little worries in life.
  2. The voice of the dead in 'Bobok' symbolizes how we still remember and think about people who have passed away, keeping their memories alive in our minds.
  3. Ivan Ivanych, the main character, feels lonely and out of place, hinting that every writer, like him, turns to stories and voicesβ€”sometimes even from the deadβ€”to find connection and meaning.

Bodies Bodies [13]

The Author Is Dumb β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 23 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Narrative Creative Writing Short Stories Contemporary
  1. Friends often engage in reckless games, like running into traffic, to feel something exciting and alive. It shows how teenagers sometimes seek thrills together.
  2. The struggle of growing up with social media is tough. One person reflects on being treated like a product by parents who cared more about views than their child.
  3. Relationships can change when people focus too much on appearances or success instead of genuine connection, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

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.

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

The Seagulls

Logos β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 20
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Translations Narrative style
  1. Uncle Dimitri lives alone on a barren island, feeling a deep loneliness from losing his children. He finds some comfort in raising two seagulls, naming them after his lost kids.
  2. Every summer evening, the seagulls return to him, providing a sense of connection and hope. However, one day the seagulls do not come back, leaving him anxious and sad.
  3. In a surprising twist, two young visitors come to the island, reminding him of the joys of youth and love. But he learns that the seagulls were killed, deepening his sense of loss and melancholy.

Bodies Bodies [4]

The Author Is Dumb β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Writing Creative Writing
  1. A new technology called Pythia has the potential to analyze a huge amount of data to make predictions about various events. This could include things like changes in markets or climate.
  2. The story explores uncertainty and confusion among characters as they deal with an unexpected phenomenon called The Body in the sky, leading to discussions about its meaning and implications.
  3. The characters are juggling personal challenges while trying to navigate their professional lives, showing the tension between work stress and their personal relationships.

Bodies Bodies [8]

The Author Is Dumb β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Prose Narrative Short Stories
  1. The story shows a man who feels watched and can't look away from the sky. He seems stuck in his thoughts, not paying attention to anyone around him.
  2. As he stares, a crowd gathers, confused and frustrated, trying to get his attention. They want to know what he's looking at and why he won't respond.
  3. In the end, the man finally speaks, telling the crowd they're being watched too. This makes everyone turn their gaze to the sky together, creating a shared moment of curiosity.

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.