The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Poetry intermission

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1178 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Readings Contemporary Classics
  1. The author shares three audio/video recordings of poems read by actors that they find are perfectly matched to the poems.
  2. The author observes a trend in their preference for male poets in contrast to their interest in reading novels by women, sparking self-reflection.
  3. The author highlights 'The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot, 'The Song of Wandering Aengus' by W.B. Yeats, and 'At Roane Head' by Robin Robertson as must-listen poems with actor readings.

Let The Espresso Martinis Speak!

Castalia • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Storytelling Expression Creativity
  1. Writing is about taking risks and pushing your limits. It's more meaningful when you explore ideas outside your comfort zone, even if it feels hard and messy.
  2. Every piece of writing starts with an initial idea or feeling. It's important to stay connected to that idea, as it shapes the entire work.
  3. Writing should come from intuition rather than overthinking. It helps to let your subconscious guide you, similar to how a performer relies on instinct during a show.
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The Edgar Poe You Never Knew: a Mere Writer of Horror or a Humanist Master of the Mind

Through A Glass Darkly • 628 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Conscience
  1. Poe was more than just a writer of horror; he touched on deep humanistic themes and psychology in his work.
  2. Poe's stories may offer insights into human nature and the inner struggles we face.
  3. Poe challenges traditional modes of investigation in understanding human behavior, emphasizing the importance of moral reason and conscience.

Where Writing Comes From

Castalia • 679 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing process Creative Writing Literary theory Personal Experience
  1. Writing comes from different sources like imagination, memory, and research. Each source gives a unique flavor to the writing.
  2. Writing can also be reactive or projected, where emotions or empathy shape what we create. These types can feel very honest but may lack depth over time.
  3. To improve our writing, we should tap into our imagination more. By exploring different sources and types of writing, we can express ourselves in richer ways.

One year of my work, printed

The Novelleist • 510 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Essays Publishing Writing Books Collectibles
  1. A yearly collection of writing is printed to show the progress and creativity of the author. It's exciting to see your work in a real book format.
  2. The 2024 volume has a unique design inspired by the idea of creating connected communities. It reflects deep themes about society and its future.
  3. The author offers subscriptions for collectors to receive this printed work, along with other benefits at a lower cost this year.

Medium's New Earnings Calculation For Writers: Engage More to Earn More!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Online Platforms Content creation Digital Media
  1. Medium has changed how it calculates earnings for writers. Now, writers can earn more by increasing engagement with their readers.
  2. The new update is designed to encourage writers to produce more compelling content and connect better with their audience.
  3. Overall, these changes are beneficial for passionate online writers looking to grow their earnings and readership.

Here's a Sample Short Story

donaldjeffries • 668 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Novels Authors
  1. The author shares a sample short story that delves into a young girl's encounter with supernatural shadows in Georgetown.
  2. The story explores themes of fear, family dynamics, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the protagonist's sister's death.
  3. An eerie and suspenseful tale that leaves readers with a chilling ending that hints at the sinister forces at play within the narrative.

Men and Women Perform

Thinking about... • 400 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Analysis Dystopia Gender Studies Cultural criticism
  1. The world created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' feels real and relatable, rather than just a far-off dystopia. It reminds us of our own societal issues.
  2. The story's focus on women's oppression is often overshadowed by a narrative that tries to balance perspectives. It's important to see the story through the experiences of women.
  3. Using polite language to describe serious topics like sexual violence can minimize their impact. We need to be clear and honest about these issues to understand their significance.

"A Christmas Carol"

Story Club with George Saunders • 61 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📚 Literature Author analysis Book Discussion Literary Criticism
  1. The speaker loves 'A Christmas Carol' and considers it their favorite book. They feel free to admit this now without worrying about others' opinions.
  2. Mark Twain had a different view, believing the book lacks real emotion and is more about surface beauty than true feeling.
  3. People seem to have mixed feelings about the book, with some finding it too sentimental while others think it doesn't convey enough emotion.

Julius Evola's Preface to The Decline of the West

The Oswald Spengler Project • 1078 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
📚 Literature Theory History Philosophy Translation
  1. Julius Evola's preface reflects on modernity, tradition, and the decline of aristocratic cultures.
  2. Evola critiques Spengler's concept of history as cyclical, emphasizing the idea of 'traditional man' and ahistorical civilizations.
  3. Spengler's work challenges the linear view of history, proposing that civilizations cycle through distinctive phases with unique characteristics and inevitable declines.

Match the Classic Work of Literature to the Pitch Proposal!

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
📚 Literature Critique Analysis Creative Writing Humor
  1. Some literary proposals describe books with bizarre plots and characters. These unique stories can make it hard to match them with classic literature.
  2. Many proposals have strange themes, like a poem talking to a penis or characters stuck in a horse for years. They show how creative writers can be.
  3. Some pitches mix humor and serious topics, such as a story about a ruthless moneylender who also speaks beautifully. This blend often leads to unexpected twists.

Dickens: The Ultimate Map

Londonist: Time Machine • 758 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature
  1. Charles Dickens wrote 15 novels, along with Christmas books and Sketches by Boz, all of which were used to create an ultimate map of London locations mentioned in his works.
  2. The map of London locations from Dickens's novels was meticulously put together with words, pictures, and cartography by Matt Brown, offering a zoomable view of each location.
  3. Readers can explore the full map and London locations through a 7-day free trial of Londonist: Time Machine, gaining access to detailed post archives.

"A Christmas Carol"

Story Club with George Saunders • 32 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Drama Essays
  1. Stave Four of 'A Christmas Carol' presents a haunting image of death, making us confront our own mortality. It's a powerful reminder of the impact our choices have on our lives.
  2. The depiction of Scrooge's grave in this section evokes a sense of dread and reflection. Looking at one's own grave can be a terrifying but necessary experience to reevaluate our lives.
  3. The story encourages us to think about how we want to be remembered and the legacy we leave behind. It pushes us to consider our actions and their effects on others.

Bookish words,& their surprising stories

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 May 25
📚 Literature Writing Books Reading Language Criticism
  1. Reading around a subject can deepen your understanding, even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you're studying. For example, exploring historical or literary contexts can provide valuable insights.
  2. The book 'Bookish Words' explains the origins and meanings of certain words and phrases that we often use. It makes learning about words fun and interesting.
  3. 'Bookish Words' is short and easy to dip into whenever you want to know more about language. It can also be a neat reference for impressing friends with your word knowledge.

Diary discourse

Vague Blue • 319 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
📚 Literature Diary Fiction
  1. Observations on human behavior and reactions to changing weather in Brooklyn, questioning predictability and norms.
  2. Reflections on societal norms and mannerisms through the lens of an encounter interpreted in an unconventional way.
  3. Personal musings on happiness, freelance writing, and the value of intellectual pursuits, inspired by past experiences and current reflections.

Thinking Books

The Biblioracle Recommends • 1041 implied HN points • 21 May 23
📚 Literature Thinking Books Philosophy Education
  1. Thinking about thinking and the value of engaging in purposeful thought is important for personal growth and creativity.
  2. Writing a book proposal can help to clarify thoughts and ideas, even if the book may not come to fruition.
  3. Reading books that make you think and reflect, such as those exploring spirituality, education, and creativity, can be a valuable way to enhance your thinking process.

Welcome to new subscribers

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1022 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
📚 Literature Authors Novels Awards Publication Genres
  1. The Substack newsletter welcomes 500 new subscribers with free access and showcases the work of writer Lorenzo Warby.
  2. The author, Helen Dale, uses her platform to promote and support Lorenzo's essays and work.
  3. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics including politics and culture, with a focus on unique perspectives and interpretations.

Eclipse Poem

Opaque Hourglass • 279 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. An eclipse can be seen with fresh perspective and is just a natural way of moistening our eyes.
  2. Eclipses can serve as a way to refresh and renew, much like a baptism from the origins of life.
  3. The act of blinking could be compared to a mini eclipse, contributing to moistness and clarity in our vision.

Elio Forever

rachaelmeager • 297 implied HN points • 01 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Analysis Memory
  1. The film 'Call Me By Your Name' can have different meanings for viewers depending on their own experiences and readiness to understand its themes.
  2. Elio, the main character, represents the complexities of love and loneliness, as he navigates desire and the struggles inherent in youth and academia.
  3. Memory plays a crucial role in the story, as Elio reflects on his past relationships and emotions, highlighting the difficulty of moving on from love.

Essays the size of cathedrals

Escaping Flatland • 1002 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Essays Software
  1. Essays and code can intersect, blurring the lines between them.
  2. Projects like interactive visualizations and spaced repetition software show this intersection.
  3. The borderland between essays and code is an underexplored space that offers intriguing possibilities.

You Know Literary Fraud When You See It

The Recovering Academic • 494 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Autofiction Ethics Invention Truth
  1. Memory is unreliable - even recent events can be distorted by suggestion or misinterpretation, challenging the accuracy of our recollections.
  2. Inventing responsibly in memoir involves maintaining the balance between truth and embellishment, with the aim of illuminating deeper truths without resorting to outright lies.
  3. Ethics in writing demand a delicate balance - while some level of invention may be permissible to enhance storytelling, crossing the line into outright deceit constitutes literary fraud and violates the trust of the reader.

Vague Blue

gen yeet • 491 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Films Fashion Essays
  1. The newsletter has a new name and will feature weekly reviews for subscribers.
  2. The author reflects on a poem by Frank O'Hara and its relevance to their life in New York.
  3. The author discusses influences and mentions relevant reporters and writers in internet culture.

April Bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
📚 Literature Bookclub Novel Author
  1. The Shift Bookclub has revealed its April selection, and it includes a discussion event with the author, Emily Howes. You can find more details on their Substack page.
  2. The book being featured is inspired by the fascinating story of Styllou Christofi, a woman who was hanged in Britain. The narrative sheds light on lesser-known historical figures like her.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to this content, so consider subscribing if you want to uncover more about the bookclub's pick and related discussions.

Pardon the egg salad stains

Crow & Colophon • 159 implied HN points • 31 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Editors Readers
  1. Reading for a literary magazine involves editors wading through numerous submissions to select the few that stand out, which can be a challenging yet rewarding process.
  2. The beginning of a story in a literary magazine is crucial, often marked by an efficient and intriguing introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the narrative.
  3. Literary magazine editors look for clear, engaging beginnings that promise to captivate readers, preferring simplicity over convoluted prose to maintain reader interest.

Chapter One - Fear the Beast

Grey Goose Chronicles • 982 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Understanding fear is more than just about facing death, but about being consumed by an otherworldly force.
  2. An ancient beast's awakening brought terror to a camp, leaving behind horrifying chaos and destruction.
  3. The aftermath of the beast's attack led to secretive rituals and a sense of loss and disconnect among the survivors.