The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

No expectations

Austin Kleon • 3137 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Comics Workshops Creativity Diaries
  1. Embrace what you have instead of wishing it were different. Focus on what's in front of you rather than dreaming about an imaginary version.
  2. When reading or writing, ask better questions like 'What is this?' instead of thinking about how to fix it. This helps you appreciate the work instead of getting distracted.
  3. Using old notebooks or diaries to inspire new ideas can be helpful. Often, there are gems in past writings that can spark fresh thoughts today.

AUTUMN SALE 25% OFF FOREVER

The Common Reader • 531 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📚 Literature Classics Essays Book clubs Advice Analysis
  1. You can get a 25% discount on a subscription to The Common Reader for a limited time. This is a great chance to access quality literary content.
  2. The platform focuses on understanding classic literature and helps readers deepen their knowledge. Subscribers can participate in discussions about works like Shakespeare's plays.
  3. The paid subscription also offers access to a rich archive of essays and writings about famous literary works, encouraging readers to explore important literature while they can.

An Israel-Palestine Reading List

Glenn Loury • 793 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Conflicts History Politics Middle East Books Israel-Palestine conflict History Colonialism Politics Middle East
  1. The reading list on Israel-Palestine conflict includes diverse perspectives and historical accounts from authors like Norman Finkelstein, Rashid Khalidi, and Benny Morris.
  2. The list delves into topics such as the historical roots of conflict, political dimensions, peace efforts, and the impact on Palestinian society.
  3. Authors like Avi Shlaim and Michael Oren provide insights into strategies, regional context, and key personalities during significant events like the Six-Day War.
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Mappy New Year

Breaking Smart • 45 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Blogging Narrative Publishing Themes
  1. The focus is shifting away from annual summaries to a more thoughtful exploration of writing themes. This change aims to reflect a clearer narrative in the work.
  2. Serialized projects will be replaced by standalone posts, as the writer wants to stay focused and adapt better to the Substack format.
  3. The newsletter price will increase soon, but current subscribers can lock in their rates by subscribing before the change happens.

How I Met My Wife and Business Partner

Opaque Hourglass • 259 implied HN points • 19 May 24
📚 Literature Relationships Writing
  1. The post talks about a unique and interesting meet-cute scenario involving a dagger and a paintbrush.
  2. The story emphasizes the unexpected and oddly poetic nature of the encounter in the narrative.
  3. It highlights the idea of shared fate or destiny, where the protagonists unknowingly select a brush and blade attached to a single handle from a barrel.

15 Random Things That Will Probably Help Your Publishing Career Much More Than an MFA Ever Could (or Writers’ Conferences, or AWP)

How to Glow in the Dark • 839 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing Writing Success Career Commercial
  1. Success in book publishing is unique and can't be replicated by following the traditional path
  2. MFAs and writers' conferences have value, but they don't guarantee commercial success as an author
  3. Factors like platform, artistic skill, and personal artistic style are crucial for achieving a big book deal

Reckoning Season

Notes from a Small Press • 31 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Publishing Book Sales Market Trends Author insights
  1. It's possible to predict how many copies of a book will sell by looking at past sales data. This can help in planning budgets and marketing strategies.
  2. While some new books may not sell as expected, backlist titles often gain popularity over time and keep a publishing house afloat.
  3. Publishing involves managing expenses for new titles while also hoping that older books will continue to sell well, balancing both sides is key for success.

The Quietest Paperback Release Ever

Ladyparts • 1278 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📚 Literature Book release Publishing Author
  1. The paperback release of Ladyparts by Deborah Copaken had a quiet launch due to a publishing mistake.
  2. Bookstores and readers were not properly informed about the paperback release until last minute.
  3. The author is seeking help to get the paperback into bookstores and into readers' hands after the publishing mishap.

The Green-Eyed Monster in Yellowface

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 766 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Themes
  1. Artists benefit from telling and hearing the truth, as depicted in the movie 'You Hurt My Feelings'.
  2. Art can only improve when truth is incorporated into it, a principle exemplified by various artists like Asher Lev and Emily Dickinson.
  3. Rebecca Kuang, a young and accomplished author with multiple successful novels and academic achievements, serves as an inspiring example of early success.

A Literary Theorist Predicted Trump's Win in 1939. He's Worth a Read.

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Historical context Political Commentary Rhetoric Cultural analysis
  1. A literary theorist named Kenneth Burke predicted the rise of fascism and Trump in a 1939 essay. He understood the dangers of these movements even before they fully emerged.
  2. Burke was a self-taught scholar who struggled with writing but had important ideas that could help people understand political events today.
  3. His work is still relevant, and his insights might have been valuable in interpreting modern political strategies and rhetoric.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 04 May 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Author analysis Cultural Commentary Historical context
  1. Yanis Varoufakis argues that capitalism is fading and being replaced by a new system called 'technofeudalism,' where tech companies control online spaces and extract rent from users.
  2. Henry Wallace was a progressive political figure in the US, who came close to the presidency but was overshadowed by Truman. His ideals could have led America in a different direction after World War II.
  3. The analysis of Wallace's potential presidency raises questions about whether the US could have taken a more progressive path in its foreign and domestic policies.

February Call for Subscriber Writing, Reader Q&A, and the Book Review Contest Winners

Freddie deBoer • 1485 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Contests Q&A
  1. 2023 book review contest winners announced: Alicia Kenworthy as the winner, Hal Johnson and Ethan Spiegelman as runners up.
  2. Reader Q&A opportunity open: Submit questions for a Q&A post before the end of February by replying directly to the email.
  3. Bi-monthly call for subscriber writing: Interested writers can submit their work for a chance to be shared with a mailing list of ~50,000 readers, following a specific format.

Book tour updates!

sweater weather • 1316 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Author Events
  1. The author is going on a book tour across America, starting in Portland.
  2. Exciting events are lined up, like conversations with notable speakers in different cities.
  3. The author encourages support for indie bookstores and shares upcoming tour dates on their website.

5 Great Books from 2024

Data People Etc. • 35 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Reading
  1. Reading a mix of books can provide new ideas and insights, making it enjoyable to explore different genres and styles.
  2. Some books can be very challenging or not as enjoyable, but it's important to keep trying new things and learn from those experiences.
  3. Books like 'Endurance' show the strength of the human spirit and remind us of the importance of persistence, even in tough situations.

Advice for Young Writers

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Criticism Journalism Education
  1. Writing for politics can be a specific career path if you're social and good at following trends. If you like engaging with popular ideas and have a good writing style, consider internships and networking.
  2. If you're more of a lone thinker and have unique interests, traditional paths might not suit you. Instead of chasing a flashy job, think about how to create your own space to learn and share ideas.
  3. It's important to recognize that gaining experience and refining your writing skills takes time. Focus on learning and growing rather than expecting immediate attention for your opinions.

Think of the Reader

Agents and Books • 1297 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
📚 Literature
  1. Think about how your book will be read in different formats like hardcover, paperback, or e-reader.
  2. Consider the attention span of your reader and engage them early with compelling content.
  3. Communicate the stakes of your story early on to make readers care about your characters and plot.

Interlude: The Problem With The Boxcar Children Is They Never Got To Spend Enough Time In The Boxcar

The Chatner • 1297 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
📚 Literature Children's literature Analysis Authors Novels Character development
  1. The Boxcar Children only lived in the boxcar in the first book and never returned to it in the series.
  2. The children should have spent more time living in the boxcar and maintaining their independence.
  3. The boxcar symbolizes a lost home and true happiness for The Boxcar Children, which they can never fully reclaim.

The Beginning of Infinity

CB • 1278 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
📚 Literature Philosophy Science History
  1. Science advances through conjecture and criticism, with good explanations being hard to vary while accounting for what they explain.
  2. The philosophy of technology embraces problems as solvable and progress as both possible and desirable.
  3. Knowledge can be defined by its ability to transform the physical world, prompting better theories and further development.

LOOKING for the Woman Who Wrote This Letter.....

Ask E. Jean • 1257 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
📚 Literature Letters
  1. The author is seeking the woman who wrote a captivating letter about a romantic encounter.
  2. The letter involves a tale about a young, married investment banker who has a life-changing experience on a business trip to England.
  3. The author feels deeply connected to this particular letter out of all the submissions to her column.

The Boy With the Strange Eyes

cruiseandpaul • 40 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Fantasy Cultural Book Reviews
  1. The book 'The Boy With the Strange Eyes' is a fantasy story that focuses on themes like resilience and self-discovery. It shows how the main character, Kuni, navigates his challenges after losing his family.
  2. It features rich Japanese cultural elements, creating a vivid and engaging world. The writing style helps readers feel like they are truly part of the story.
  3. At the end of each passage, there are thoughtful questions that encourage readers to reflect and engage more deeply with the story. This makes the reading experience richer and more interactive.

Brilliant Young Voices

Story Club with George Saunders • 74 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Writing Reading Education
  1. True love means accepting someone's flaws and growing together. It's about being there for each other, no matter what changes occur over time.
  2. Caregiving is tough, but it is a profound act of love. It shows how much we care about someone, even when the work feels heavy and challenging.
  3. Love is messy and complicated, but choosing to love anyway is what truly matters. Recognizing our own flaws while being there for those we care about is a big part of being human.

The Case Against (Most) Books

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4657 implied HN points • 10 May 23
📚 Literature Philosophy History Fiction Science Politics
  1. Consider opportunity costs when deciding to read a book cover-to-cover versus shorter pieces like articles.
  2. Categories for books worth reading fully: history books, books of historical interest, and works by brilliant storytellers on important topics.
  3. Be cautious of valuing ancient writings for wisdom over modern insights; focus on gaining wisdom from a diverse range of sources, including contemporary writers.

Q&A Thursday

Agents and Books • 668 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Novels
  1. Focus on finishing your book before worrying about your query letter.
  2. You may change the beginning of your book several times during the drafting process.
  3. Don't stress about revealing too much in your query letter; keep an eye on publishing news instead.