What is the point of the novel in 2026? Is it still a useful narrative form in the age of scrolling shortform videos while Netflix plays in the background? Putting video to one side, why read a self-contained story on a page when text-based narrative can be encountered in so many other formats and contexts? We now have podcast comment sections, social-media feuds, retweets and pile-ons, all-lowerc...
The resurgence of the serialized novel on Substack can be seen as a response to the changing landscape of literature in the digital age. As people spend more time on social media platforms and have shorter attention spans, the serial format allows for a more manageable consumption experience. Additionally, the interactive nature of Substack provides readers with opportunities to engage with authors and other readers, creating a sense of community around the novels. However, it is worth noting th...