The hottest Short Story Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Dear Shirley Jackson

Chuck Palahniuk's Plot Spoiler • 805 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The post is about a story written in 590 words by Chuck Palahniuk, dedicated to Shirley Jackson.
  2. The content seems to be behind a paywall, as it specifies 'This post is for paid subscribers.'
  3. Readers can subscribe to Chuck Palahniuk's Substack to access the post and other exclusive content.

Mrs Aida Elm mixes up her medicines.

Soaring Twenties • 162 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literature
  1. Dr. Getwell faced challenges with patients misusing her kindness and medical advice.
  2. Mrs. Aida Elm had a habit of mixing up medicines, leading to dangerous consequences.
  3. The story showcases the complexities and absurdities of patient-doctor relationships and the consequences of miscommunication and overreliance on medical professionals.

A Golden Age

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Superheroes
  1. The story revolves around Major Jack Storm, a retired superhero navigating friendship, honor, and the changing times of the superhero industry.
  2. The tale explores themes of loyalty, legacy, and personal values in a world where heroes and villains face new challenges beyond their traditional roles.
  3. The setting of Mickey's Diner serves as a backdrop for the characters' reflections on their past adventures, regrets, and the end of an era for superheroes.

Whispers in the Astral Plane

The Lifeboat • 103 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Collaboration Dreams Mystery Imagination
  1. The post is about a collaborative story where one author rewrites another's work in their unique style, showcasing creative freedom while keeping the essence of the original story.
  2. The story revolves around Véronique feeling like she's being watched, delving into themes of paranoia, personal encounters, and mysterious feelings.
  3. The narrative intricately weaves a tale of subtle interactions and mysterious encounters in an eclectic bar ambiance, blurring the lines between reality and dreams.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Story: HELL HATH ENLARGED HERSELF

So Here’s a Thing • 275 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Story Author Subscription Classic Membership
  1. The story 'Hell Hath Enlarged Herself' is part of an online collection and has been reprinted multiple times, showing its lasting appeal.
  2. The story is only available to paid subscribers, offering them exclusive access as a benefit.
  3. Readers have the option to refer friends to the Substack for potential paid benefits, showcasing a community-driven approach to gaining access to content.

Story: TO RECEIVE IS BETTER

So Here’s a Thing • 412 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Story Novel Writing
  1. The story 'To Receive Is Better' started from a vivid dream the author had about a dark tunnel and indistinct figures, which inspired a short story about cloning that later became a novel called 'SPARES'.
  2. Timing played a significant role in the novel's success, as it was completed around the same time as the news of Dolly, the first cloned mammal, which led to its adaptation for a film by Spielberg's DreamWorks SKG.
  3. The author highlights the unpredictable nature of a writer's career, where turning a random dream into a story can lead to unexpected opportunities and successes.

The Man in Korea

Soaring Twenties • 146 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Podcast Writer Human Interaction
  1. The story 'The Man in Korea' revolves around a dramatic encounter in North Korea resulting from a skydiving mishap.
  2. The protagonist faces a perilous situation when mistaken for a spy, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.
  3. The narrative showcases themes of misunderstanding, communication barriers, and the consequences of trespassing in a highly sensitive area.

The First Rider

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Storytelling Short Story Folklore
  1. The story revolves around a small tribe in Eastern Europe/Central Asia around 4000 BC speaking a Proto-Indo-European language.
  2. Hester's bonding with a duckling named Swepna showcases a heartwarming connection and her defiance to protect it from becoming a feast for a ceremony.
  3. Bergu's tale of taming the horse Ekwos illustrates courage, friendship with animals, and the importance of respecting nature and the creatures within it.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 239 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
⚔ Fiction Dystopian Sci-fi Short Story
  1. In a dystopian world, digital currency and universal income have not solved problems like high prices and homelessness.
  2. Life is tough for the main character, Adam Mason, facing challenges like not affording a cheeseburger and contemplating extreme actions for survival.
  3. The story delves into dark themes of desperation, limited options, and a struggle for survival in a harsh society.

Eternal Masterpiece

The Ha'penny Papers • 98 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story Art Imagery
  1. A man named Osmar owns a quaint rug shop called Divine Emporium.
  2. Each rug in Osmar's shop is considered a work of art, with intricate stories woven into its design.
  3. The rug purchased from Osmar's shop became a cherished masterpiece, evoking vivid dreams and lasting memories.

"In the Basement"

Story Club with George Saunders • 34 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The post 'In the Basement' discusses Borgman's departure but indicates there is more to the story.
  2. Readers are left wondering about what will unfold next in the narrative.
  3. The post is available only for paid subscribers, encouraging readers to subscribe for exclusive content.

Story: THE MAN WHO DREW CATS

So Here’s a Thing • 412 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction
  1. The short story 'THE MAN WHO DREW CATS' is now available for free to all readers as part of an online collection.
  2. A subscription is required for access to the main series of stories released bi-weekly, with benefits for paid members.
  3. Various formats like ePub, Kindle, and PDF are offered for download, with instructions provided for accessing the files.

Dear John

gen yeet • 294 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction Criticism Review Short Story
  1. The story of 'Cat Person' delves into the complexities of modern dating and consent.
  2. The protagonist's reflections on past relationships highlight themes of self-discovery and evolving perceptions.
  3. The narrative explores the impact of personal experiences on individual identity and memory.

The Therapist

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Emotions Relationships
  1. The story revolves around a massage therapist named Alyse and her client's experiences with pain, empathy, and the complexities of relationships.
  2. The narrative details the physical toll that outdoor work can have on the body and the therapeutic relief sought through massage treatments.
  3. The text highlights themes of human connection, vulnerability, and the struggle to navigate personal boundaries in therapeutic settings.

"In the Basement"

Story Club with George Saunders • 34 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Analysis Short Story
  1. The story 'In the Basement' by George Saunders explores intricate causal schemes where characters make choices leading to significant consequences.
  2. Readers can analyze the narrative from different character perspectives to uncover the depth and complexity of the storytelling.
  3. To access certain posts by George Saunders, individuals may need to be paid subscribers on the platform.

The Zone

The Commonplace • 1011 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. The story depicts a person's intense involvement in gambling, leading to oblivion and escape from reality.
  2. The narrative conveys the immersive nature of gambling and its ability to provide temporary relief from life's challenges.
  3. It highlights the cycle of gambling, the allure of the zone, and the mix of hope and despair experienced in such situations.

Free story for all: SHIT HAPPENS...

So Here’s a Thing • 589 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction eBooks
  1. The featured story 'Shit Happens' is available for free to all subscribers, offering a light and fun reading experience.
  2. Readers can access the story in different formats like Apple Books-tailored ePub, Generic ePub, Kindle, and PDF by downloading from provided links.
  3. Subscribers are reminded not to share the stories outside the platform to maintain the exclusivity and value for paid subscribers.

Ghost Lap

The Commonplace • 1042 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Memories Loss Grief Video Games
  1. The protagonist reflects on his father's life and premature death, feeling the weight of unfulfilled potential.
  2. Returning to his childhood home after facing job loss and relationship troubles, the protagonist grapples with feelings of failure and uncertainty about the future.
  3. Finding an old PlayStation console sparks memories of bonding with his father through a video game, eventually leading to a poignant realization about letting go of past victories.

Incident at the Charging Station

Message from the Underworld • 294 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Story Writing Author Publication Crime
  1. The author traveled from New York to San Diego, highlighting various locations visited on the trip.
  2. The author discussed a work-for-hire project nearing completion and a new Das Damen reissue.
  3. The short story, 'Incident at the Charging Station,' explores themes of violence, gentrification, and drug addiction around an electric vehicle charging station.

FINISHING

Unbound • 230 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Dialogue
  1. Tyson's job at the ice cream shop was replaced by a machine named Lenny, causing him to reconsider his position and actions.
  2. Tyson attempted a new approach with his boss, Mrs. Huggard, by using psychological tactics and seduction techniques.
  3. The story portrays a shift in power dynamics and relationships, leading to unexpected outcomes for Tyson and Mrs. Huggard.

Lactaid and Stevia

Skunk Ledger • 747 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
⚔ Fiction Sci-fi Short Story
  1. God provides answers and guidance in unexpected ways.
  2. Striving for an enlightened society can lead to technological advancements.
  3. Eventually, society may outgrow the need for certain foundational structures.

Story: THE HANDOVER

So Here’s a Thing • 491 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Story Publishing Fiction
  1. The first story in the online collection is free for everyone, but subsequent ones are for paid subscribers only.
  2. Readers can download the story in various formats like Apple Books, generic ePub, Kindle, and PDF.
  3. Instructions on how to download and read the story on different devices are provided in the post.

"In the Basement"

Story Club with George Saunders • 29 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story Analysis
  1. The story 'In the Basement' revolves around the narrative of a poor boy visiting the home of a rich boy and the subsequent need for reciprocation.
  2. The post discusses how this simple causal frame doesn't encompass the entirety of the story, but serves as a foundational structure for it.
  3. To access the full post and content, subscription is required for paid subscribers.

Amy, Her City

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Imagination Mystery Artistic expression
  1. People often create elaborate worlds in their minds, like Amy's dream city, which can become a source of obsession and comfort.
  2. Our perceptions of others can greatly influence how we view ourselves and the world around us.
  3. The line between reality and imagination can blur, leading to a search for something that may not even exist in the way we hope.

Debt Troopers

Soaring Twenties • 224 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
⚔ Fiction Sci-fi Thriller Short Story
  1. Genre fiction can be enthralling and have insights about the current world.
  2. Debt collection operations may have a darker and more intense approach.
  3. The story portrays a dystopic scene with a focus on student debt collection tactics.

The KQL Mysteries: The Holiday 2023 Episode - Post Credits Scene

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. Santa Claus delivered presents worldwide using a Naughty or Nice Detector, showing only good kids receive gifts.
  2. Santa's special gift to Jon Block, a security analyst, was a book on AI security by Rod Trent, rewarding his hard work and generosity.
  3. The KQL Mysteries will continue in 2024 with hints from the 2023 holiday episode and 'Must Learn AI Security' book.

Cathedral: Year Forty-Six

Castles in the Sky • 52 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Writing Books Creative Writing Storytelling
  1. The pilgrims on the Ark journeyed towards their promised land of Proxima Centauri-XR-4, embracing life as their religion.
  2. The importance of the observation deck on the Ark went beyond engineering; it symbolized the connection of the passengers to their purpose.
  3. Through personal stories and shared moments, relationships and perspectives evolved on the Ark, shaping individuals' sense of purpose and duty.