The hottest Short Story Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

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.

Christmas 1981

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The story describes a Christmas memory from 1981 involving a soldier in an olive green uniform.
  2. There is a humorous exchange between the mother and the soldier about the shotgun/rifle and offering food.
  3. The post prompts readers to subscribe for more content and provides a 7-day free trial.

Here

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 159 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Short Story Subscription Model
  1. The author shares a personal experience from a fishing trip to the Outer Hebrides in 2007, highlighting the meditative and almost sacred nature of fishing for her husband.
  2. The piece of prose she wrote about the experience was published in the literary magazine Waterlog, showcasing the depth of her writing and the significance of the moment.
  3. The post is exclusive for paid subscribers, inviting new subscribers to join and providing a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.

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.
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Priggish.

Reporting by Kyle Thiermann • 39 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
📚 Literature Vocabulary Short Story
  1. Priggish means being fussy about trivialities or propriety in an irritating manner.
  2. Seth was a strict rule enforcer even from a young age, leading to him becoming a mall cop later on.
  3. It's a Friday newsletter with short stories using new words. Readers can suggest words for the next editions.

Methane

Pavle Miha • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Future Society Meditation
  1. London faces challenges due to unusual warm weather, leading to disruptions and tensions among residents.
  2. Infrastructure work and power outages disrupt daily life, forcing individuals to adapt and navigate challenges.
  3. Story explores themes of community, meditation, and personal experiences in a changing, uncertain world.

"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.

"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.

"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.

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.

Equal Outcomes

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Satire Humor
  1. The story presents a satirical take on the concept of equal outcomes by showcasing a scenario where well-paid positions are replaced with workers of diverse backgrounds, using random numbers for equity.
  2. It humorously portrays the bureaucratic nature of implementing equal outcomes, from discussing transfers based on unique criteria to suggesting self-declaration for future transfers.
  3. The narrative touches on societal malaise, mentioning the reduction in entertainment and the prediction of widespread depression, with a dark nod to historical events for potential diversion.

Rookwood Castle

To Asra • 19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The story is about Rookwood Castle and a letter from Captain Wallingford Rookwood to his niece, Dorothy.
  2. The castle is described as solemn, located on a hill in a desolate winter landscape.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only, with an option to subscribe or sign in.

An October Sunset

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 28 Nov 21
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. Arinze was captivated by a mesmerizing October sunset that stirred various emotions in him.
  2. The fleeting nature of the beautiful sunset made Arinze deeply melancholic yet thrilled with the magic of the moment.
  3. Despite the disappointment at the end of his playtime, Arinze found solace in the calming aftermath of the sunset, realizing that even broken experiences can have a touch of redemption.

Ink #2

Arjun’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Story Novels Music
  1. The writer shared their experiences and observations after moving back to Brooklyn, highlighting the diverse conversations and atmosphere of ideas in New York City.
  2. The best short story recommendation was given for 'The Stone Boy', emphasizing its depth and simple prose without spoilers, encouraging readers to reflect on its content.
  3. Book reviews were shared for 'To Have and Have Not' by Ernest Hemingway and 'Summing Up' by Somerset Maugham, with critical analysis and recommendation for aspiring writers.

The Seed Grower - Part III

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Dystopia Climate fiction Short Story Screenwriting
  1. A farmer grows illegal seeds of resistance, but her life gets complicated when an unexpected guest joins the Midsummer festival.
  2. The AI Officer creates a humorous moment with the school kids, causing laughter and a sense of mystery and intrigue.
  3. Alaska grapples with difficult decisions and sacrifices, ultimately facing consequences for her actions in the end.

Welcome to gulmohur

storyvoyager • 7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Dystopian Novel
  1. A young teacher eagerly awaits her first gifted student at a unique school.
  2. The protagonist navigates an emotional journey involving an infant, parents, and a school's enrollment process.
  3. The story explores themes of duty, potential, and morality in a futuristic setting.

Ink #3

Arjun’s Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Story Video
  1. Arjun shares his favorite reads and insights weekly on his Substack.
  2. Chekhov's short stories are rich in character and complexity.
  3. F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Crack Up' offers a somber reflection on ambition and tragedy.

Ink #1

Arjun’s Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
📚 Literature Short Story Novel Music
  1. Arjun shares his favorite cultural experiences each week, like a jazz performance in New York
  2. He recommends reading J.D. Salinger's short story 'For Esmé—with Love and Squalor' for its emotional depth
  3. Arjun suggests Graham Greene's 'Our Man in Havana' for a light, humorous read about espionage during the Cuban Missile Crisis

Am I The Love?

Genre Grapevine • 0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. The post is about a humorous short story by Jason Sanford.
  2. The story was published in the 2022 Origins Game Fair anthology.
  3. There are references to a website called 'Am I Evil?' and the subreddit 'Am I the Asshole?' in the story.

Mr Teddy Bear Digs Up a Grave

Strange Stories by Shantnu • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Short Story
  1. Mr. Teddy Bear suspects his wife is a zombie and digs up her grave to confirm, leading to a surreal comedy story with a talking teddy bear.
  2. The story transitions from a horror theme to a comedy theme, challenging the writer's creativity and providing a different perspective on the narrative.
  3. The comedic narrative involves unexpected twists and turns, including mistaken identities, humorously farcical scenarios, and a surprising courtroom resolution.

The People of Progress

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story Science fiction Philosophical Experimental Dystopian
  1. Man may not fully comprehend his own potential and nature, choosing to remain ignorant of his true capabilities and responsibilities.
  2. In the pursuit of perfection, there were efforts to create the perfect body and perfect mind through advanced technologies and simulations.
  3. The core driving force behind human progress could potentially be a deep-rooted self-hatred, leading humanity towards advancement and exploration as a means to escape its current state.

The Road of Progress

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story Character Study
  1. In the city of Progress, striving for perfection is a never-ending task, from fixing infrastructure to reimagining traditional concepts for a flawless society.
  2. The narrative explores the idea of ownership and sentimentality in a world where abundance eliminates the need for material possessions, highlighting the struggle to find meaning beyond possessions.
  3. The story delves into the concept of progress and the complexity of human emotions within a setting where the boundaries of space, time, and reality are blurred, posing intriguing questions about purpose and existence.

Intro to Progress

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. Progress has always existed as a beacon amidst darkness, willing to let go of the past.
  2. The city of Progress operates uniquely, where laws are not enforced, but abundance and equality reign.
  3. In Progress, every person receives according to their needs and desires, eradicating inequality.

The Salesman

Trantor Publishing • 0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. In modern times, sales involve selecting customers and offering tailored products. Algorithms play a big role in determining customer choices.
  2. Customers often prefer limited choices and trust brands to provide the best option. In this story, the couple trusts the salesman's selection process and only makes minor inquiries.
  3. Sales tactics can include special deals, warranties, and personalized service to ease customer concerns and ensure satisfaction. This approach helps build trust and loyalty.

BIRTH PANGS

Carefree Sketches • 0 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Short Story
  1. The story explores the concept of 'Eternal Recurrence' and the idea of living life all over again.
  2. It delves into the theme of wishes and the consequences of pursuing them without caution.
  3. The narrative touches on rebirth, pain, and the cyclical nature of existence.