Real Fiction on Substack

Where I help you find fiction here

This week, on Let’s make Substack’s fiction really be fiction

(This is like my usual Friday notes, but I’m making it a post, since the tags don’t work in notes anymore, so I’m trying this out. Please let me know if it doesn’t solve the problem. Let’s see how creative I can get. I won’t be sending it out as an e-mail - e-mails to my subscribers are for fiction, so you’ll have to come to my profile on Fridays to check this out - or restack and you’ll get tagged in the future, provided that tags work.)

Happy reading!

I will do a recap some day, by genre - so if you are not in the right category let me know - but this day has not come yet. (busy busy)

My new reads:

Someone else who brings fiction to light:

Derek James Kritzberg : Posts DREAD reviews, which seemed like hilarious takes on the stories he had enjoyed, with a guest review as well. A fresh way to do this. Now, I know I already talked about him, but HE IS LOOKING FOR GUEST POSTS! A great opportunity to promote someone you love AND promote yourself. Why would you miss out on that?

Literary fiction (or people that mix in different genres, I just place in here):

Judith Ashcraft : Short stories in various genres (Horror. Crime novels. Detective stories. Thrillers.) The one I read was speculative fiction and was about a girl who relied on technology a little too much. Thankfully, she also had a dog in her life. Very well written.

Aaron Boot: Serialized novel (or novella? - 13 chapters) - about a healthcare worker just starting in a new hospital. First chapter is well writen and introduces the characters flawlessly.

Sarah: Microfiction - exquisite 100 word stories with different styles; sometimes light, sometimes emotional, but always riveting.

Derek James Kritzberg: Serialized novel (Bellageist) and short stories. I read a short story, that truly touched me. Well written, nice twist.

C.S. Mee: Short stories - the one I read had the POVof a 95 year old woman with a lot of character. Expertly written.

France Pinzon 𓇬 literary speck : Has a serial and short stories. I read a short story that was really well structured, with a twist I didn't see coming and an emotional punch.

Liz Horsman : Serial and short stories. I read a microfiction that was highly tought provoking in very little words.

Sal Gallaher Author: Short stories inspired by a word provided by someone here. The one I read weaved interesting insight into people’s interactions.

Fantasy:

Lirian Ever-Weaver: Epic fantasy Short-serial. Wonderful prose that makes everything come to life.

Science-fiction:

Gary Mucklow: Short stories. The one I read was immersive and was sort of a mix between sci-fi and horror. When humans are pushed to their limits, they'll do anything to prove they're right.

Speculative fiction:

E.B. Howard : Serial and short stories. I read the first part of a short story, with a relatable and dynamic main character, action filled and left me wanting for more!

My old reads - because I also want to take the time to dive further into some people I’ve already read:

The Bathrobe Guy (Robes) 👘 : I read the first part of a charming gothic novella and I was complety taken in by the atmosphere. I’m not sure you’re supposed to call something gothic charming, but it did, charm me.

Clancy Steadwell : Clancy has a new short story out about relationships and fluctuating moods and if you haven’t read it yet, well, you should. (in my opinion, don’t mean to be bossy.) (literary fiction)

DW Davis: I read part of a serial of one of DW’s novella and it really touched me particularly me with its theme - it spoke about loss and moving on. (literary fiction)

Saint-Lazare : I read one of Lazare’s frightening short stories and if you don’t wanna sleep, it was really effective ;) As always, exquisite prose and images used in the story. (horror and dark fiction)

Scott MacLeod : Microfiction about a ghost this week - worth the read. Very little time required; big payoff for the reader. I do not want to say more. (literary fiction)

Barbara Jaye Wilson : Nice very short story about the Earth getting off balance. (literary fiction)

A tribute to people that restacked my last note that aren't up there :

Vinny Reads: Short stories. The one I read explored the subject of death and innocence and the choices we make. A gut punch. (literary fiction)

Happy Nielsen: Past favorite. A human walks into a cafe supposed to be a safe haven for all magical creatures. (Fantasy)

Olivia/O. J. Barré🌎🪄 : Seralized novel - A prophecy, a champion and druids. Will the world be saved? Written on two timelines, the novel follows two related-adventures. (Magical Realism)

Robert C. Worstell : You are in my TBR list.

lee: In "Life of Lucky", a YA kind of humoristic slice of life/coming of age story. Perfect if you want a lighter, funny read (Humor)

Ben Woestenburg: Two set of stories, including the Stories After Eight that aren't behind a paywall. The one I read was set in war time, but about the people. Great writing, engaging characters. However, most stories are tragic love stories set in exotic locations and taking place in the previous century. (literary fiction)

Sapna: Dark micro-fiction. Sharp. Punch in the gut. Well-written. (literary fiction)

The Lake Effect : Adding you to my TBR list.

J D Lear: Serialized fiction - In a war torn country, a child is made prisoner by the ennemy and has to learn to survive. (Action/Suspense)

Jo Green: Very short stories. The one I read showed a confrontation between man and seagulls. Guess who's king? Fantastic piece of writing. (literary fiction)

Javier Mixco : Adding you to my TBR list.

Chris Candie : Adding you to my TBR list.

jami : Adding you to my TBR list.

R. Genthos : Adding you to my TBR list.

Anjali♡ : Adding you to my TBR list.

My favorite piece this week (within my new reads) :

Tough call, by I fell for the very distinct voice in C.S. Mee’s “This isn’t about Dillard”. A short fiction narrated by a 95 y-o women.

This isn't about Dillard

Until next time!