Top Ten of '24
or, Not Another Top Ten Recap From Another Inconsequential Internet Tryhard
As 2024 draws to a close (a most auspicious year if ever there was one), it’s time to look back on some of my more popular pieces written in the last twelve months. While I’m sure there are numerous other ‘stackers writing similar rundowns,
’s list was the first one I saw, so I’m crediting her as the trendsetter.Out of the thirty-nine Posts that I’ve produced this year, the following are the undisputed Top Ten according to Substack’s popularity metrics:
An irreverent and cheesy (wink, wink) flash fiction story that is a particular favorite of mine. Currently the most popular Post on my ‘stack by a scant three Likes.
A dark fantasy short story that is my second all time most popular Post. I’m a bit more ambivalent when it comes to this one, though my adoring public seems to enjoy the heck out of it.
In addition to being an amateur writer, I also sometimes moonlight as an amateur photographer. Marvel at this collection of smartphone induced snapshots as I traversed NYC this past June with my beloved Mrs. Has Thoughts (
, whom I love most ardently).One of my “Substack famous” 100 word short stories inspired by the vagaries of modern discourse when it comes to pop culture and politics.
A grimdark-ish short story set within the same fantasy universe as the aforementioned Dagger in the Dark. This is another story of mine that people seem to really enjoy, except me.
This flash fiction tale is my version of my favorite story in the Bible. If you’ve never read this gnarly passage for yourself, I’ve conveniently called out where you can find it at the bottom of the relevant Post.
Another flash fiction story, this was inspired by the fantasy option from
Prompt Quest #1. It’s dark and violent (a common theme in my fiction writing, apparently), with some Lovecraftian horror thrown in for good measure. I was a bit unsure how I felt about this story when I first wrote it, but I made a few edits here and there that (I felt) were a definite improvement.Not only am I an amateur writer and an amateur photographer, but I’m also an uncompromising journalist who’s not afraid to speak truth to power, as I do here in this hard-hitting exposé.
Chapter 2 of an ongoing serial that is being co-written with my beloved Mrs. Has Thoughts (
, whom I love most ardently). Like before me, I’m a sucker for a good ephemeral/coming-of-age romance (especially of the beachy variety) and this is my attempt at writing one such story.Gladiator II: Gladiatin' Boogaloo
A scathing (if I do say so myself) review of one of the most unnecessary sequels in the long, sad history of unnecessary sequels.
That’s it: that’s the list. If you didn’t see your favorite Post from 2024 mentioned above, blame your fellow ‘stackers for lacking your refined taste. And, of course, share said thoughts in the comments below.
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Thanks for the credit, Josh. 😄 Hope you have a great 2025 of writing!