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.

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.

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.
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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: 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.

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.

Delusions of Grandeur

Soaring Twenties • 38 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literature Creative Writing Narrative Character development
  1. The story shows how people can have grand dreams and ideas about themselves. The character believes he is destined for greatness from a young age.
  2. There is a humorous interaction between two characters in a remote cabin. One is a quirky older man who has all sorts of wild ideas and delusions about his importance.
  3. The conversation touches on deeper themes of identity, reality, and the search for meaning, as the younger character learns about the older man's life and dreams.

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.

A Cold Journey

Opaque Hourglass • 199 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The post describes a cold and challenging journey through a snowy landscape, filled with references to popular TV shows to create vivid imagery.
  2. The narrative highlights themes of struggle, uncertainty, and introspection, drawing parallels to various characters and situations from well-known TV series.
  3. Despite the harsh conditions and introspective moments, the story culminates in a tragic end, reflecting on the inevitability of certain outcomes even amidst turmoil.

Dear John

gen yeet • 294 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction Criticism Autofiction 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Below the API

Data People Etc. • 17 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literature Speculative Fiction Creative Writing Contemporary Issues
  1. Marcie is trying to make art through pottery, but faces pressures from her brother and struggles with self-doubt about her work's value. She finds joy and control in creating but feels judged.
  2. Unexpectedly, a surge of orders comes in for her pottery, but it turns out to be driven by her brother's manipulation and automation. This raises questions for her about the nature of her art and who actually wants it.
  3. In the end, Marcie realizes she must take control back from external influences and prioritize genuine creativity over making money. She decides to focus on her true passions rather than just chasing trends.

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.

FINISHING

Unbound • 230 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Narrative style 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.

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.

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.

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.

The First Rider

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Historical 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.

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.

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.

An Evening with Ed Rockland

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literary Fiction
  1. The story features a professor protesting against an oil baron at a college event, sparking conflict and tension.
  2. The protagonist, Johnson, faces personal struggles and dilemmas as he navigates the situation.
  3. The narrative delves into themes of environmental activism, personal values, and the clash between progress and conservation.