The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

New Feature Announcement!

So Here’s a Thing • 825 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Author Books Subscription Value
  1. New feature announcement of a growing short story library for paid subscribers only. First story release is free for all.
  2. Stories will be delivered every two weeks in e-book format with new covers designed by the author, offering value for subscribers.
  3. If there is enough interest in the initial series of short stories, a second series may follow, encouraging engagement and growth.

Musings on Martians and Minority Membership (in the Lit Mag Context)

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Authorship Representation Diversity
  1. Some literary journals have policies about who can write about underrecognized groups in fiction.
  2. Editors may question the plausibility of certain characteristics or experiences of fictional characters from underrecognized groups.
  3. Gatekeeping around stories of fictional underrecognized group members raises questions about equity and creativity in literary spaces.

Seven Glass Beads

Outlandish Claims • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Science History International
  1. Herman Hesse's novel 'The Glass Bead Game' explores a world where different fields merge through a game played with glass beads, but ends in a tragic twist when the protagonist tries to share his wisdom and fails.
  2. The stories of trinitite, MENACE (Matchbox Educable Naughts And Crosses Engine), and the Valdice Monastery show how abstract ideas like nuclear weapons, early AI models, and forced labor intertwined with concrete consequences, shaping the 20th-century mindset on science and philosophy.
  3. The shift in mindset between Hermann Hesse's and Neal Stephenson's work reflects the evolution of the perception of abstract and concrete ideas over the 20th century, influenced by events like the Cold War, science advancements, and societal changes.

Women, Men, and the Novel

Life and Letters • 139 implied HN points • 27 May 24
📚 Literature Contemporary Fiction Gender Studies
  1. Women have become more prominent in writing novels today compared to men, especially among younger authors. This shift has changed the landscape of contemporary literature.
  2. In the past, women writers had a significant role in the development of the novel, but their representation declined over time. It's taken until the 1970s for women in literature to start recovering some of that lost ground.
  3. A literary scene dominated by one gender can affect the overall quality and diversity of storytelling. Novels often do better when they explore a range of perspectives, which includes input from both men and women.

Pity the Short Story Writer

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 54 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Short Stories Literary Criticism
  1. Getting published as a writer can be really tough. Many writers spend a lot of time submitting stories and getting rejections before they find success.
  2. The traditional path to publishing, like getting into the New Yorker, is harder now. Writers may need to build their own audience through platforms like blogs or Substack instead.
  3. Self-publishing is becoming more accepted now, and many talented writers are finding ways to share their work without relying on big publishers.
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Bigger’s Dream: Killing and Self-Preservation

Journal of Free Black Thought • 5 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
📚 Literature American Literature Literary Analysis Cultural criticism Historical context
  1. Bigger's act of killing Mary leads him to a new understanding of himself and the world around him. It marks a turning point where he begins to see things clearly for the first time.
  2. The murder symbolizes a drastic break from his old life, similar to the story of Adam and Eve. Both experiences bring about knowledge and a sense of being 'reborn' despite the consequences.
  3. Bigger's actions reflect his struggle against oppression and fear. Killing becomes a way for him to assert control over his life, but ultimately he learns it does not solve his deeper problems.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Paul Theroux

Why is this interesting? • 1327 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Novels Reading Writing
  1. Paul Theroux emphasizes the ease of staying updated on world events via online news sources and the convenience of assessing contradictions.
  2. Theroux recommends starting with Shakespeare for reading and emphasizes the satisfaction of diving into his works.
  3. Theroux prefers trains over planes for travel and advocates for road trips for the sense of freedom they offer.

How to Make Money Writing on Medium in 2024 | Interview With $100K Top Writers Zulie Rane and Sinem Guenel

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 699 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Tips Online Publishing Content creation Author interviews
  1. To succeed on Medium, focus on building a loyal audience. Engage with readers and make your writing relatable.
  2. Use the updated metrics and features on Medium to boost your stories and get noticed. It's important to stay informed about what's new.
  3. Writing high-quality content is key, but also think about how to make your work stand out from the crowd to get more readers.

Witchy books shout out

Evil Witches Newsletter • 786 implied HN points • 25 May 23
📚 Literature
  1. The post highlights books by and for witches, offering a list for readers to explore.
  2. Various book recommendations are provided, covering a range of topics from feminism to digital media.
  3. The post encourages readers to share their own book recommendations for fellow witches in the comments.

Dickensian London

Cosmographia • 778 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Historical Fiction Author analysis London 19th century
  1. Charles Dickens' portrayal of 19th century London captures the essence of the city through its streets, alleys, and society, reflecting the city's ongoing metamorphosis.
  2. 19th century London experienced significant growth due to the Industrial Revolution, resulting in a juxtaposition of opulence and poverty with challenges like pollution and overcrowding.
  3. Dickens' unique approach of portraying the reality of London's streets with characters from all walks of life sets him apart as a literary great and keen observer of the city's resilience and spirit.

How Ruthie Ended the War: Chapter Five

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 373 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Ruthie finds herself left alone and unnoticed by her family, leading her to take matters into her own hands for freedom
  2. The mystery deepens as Ruthie explores the deserted house, uncovering clues and a key that connects to the soldier's story
  3. Ruthie's emotions shift from frustration to curiosity and then to a release of tears as she grapples with the situation she finds herself in

have we met before? | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Literary Criticism
  1. Meeting new people often comes with casual questions like 'Have we met before?', especially at lively gatherings. It's a way to connect, even if you feel out of place.
  2. A lot of social situations feel more intense than they really are, filled with too much noise and overly serious conversations. It's easy to lose track of the fun.
  3. People often reveal a lot about themselves through their social behaviors and preferences. For instance, mentioning a local poetry night can spark a deeper understanding between strangers.

Finishing a book

Brain Pizza • 1522 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The post discusses finishing a book by Shane O'Mara.
  2. Shane O'Mara shares his thoughts on ending the writing process.
  3. The post mentions a fourth book that Shane O'Mara has written.

Bonus: The Not-So-Funny Valentine

The Recovering Academic • 356 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Pranks are about power dynamics, either making someone feel powerless or including them, so it's important to know your audience to ensure pranks are taken in good spirit.
  2. Pranking can be a way to compensate for insecurity or trauma, and sometimes it can be used as a means of establishing dominance rather than fostering intimacy.
  3. Traditionally, pranks have been associated with men while women often dislike them due to past negative experiences, but humor is still largely attractive in men, with a balance needed to ensure pranks do not lead to feelings of shame or betrayal.

Five Weeks Writing on a Boat

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Residencies Creativity Art Personal Experience
  1. Changing your writing space can really boost your creativity. Working in a cozy place like a boat helped focus on detailed work.
  2. Residencies like the Leighton Independent Residency provide a mix of independence and community. You can choose when to interact with others while still enjoying social moments.
  3. Being in a stunning natural environment, like Banff National Park, adds to the experience. Hiking and seeing wildlife adds a nice break from writing.

🟧 Book publisher as curator

One Thing • 336 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Publishing Translation Classics
  1. Consider book publisher subscriptions as a way to receive curated reading recommendations and discover new writers.
  2. Independent publishers like Fitzcarraldo Editions, New Directions, and NYRB Classics offer monthly book subscriptions with unique selections and beautifully designed books.
  3. These subscriptions provide access to a diverse array of literature, including obscure classics and contemporary works in different languages, helping readers to explore beyond typical Anglophone literature.

It’s Harder than You Think Not to Think Like This

Opaque Hourglass • 319 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The struggle to balance work, money, leisure, and family time is highlighted in the poems.
  2. Exploring the irony of idolizing guns using the Second Amendment instead of focusing on the Second Commandment.
  3. The idea of a 'skip button' for thoughts is introduced, allowing a way to fast-forward through one's own mental processes.

Iris Murdoch's philosophical fiction

The Common Reader • 1311 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Novelists Character development Realism
  1. Iris Murdoch's novels explore a unique and intriguing blend of strange characters, philosophical ideas, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
  2. Murdoch's personal experiences greatly influenced her novels, which delved into complex themes like love, sexual fluidity, and the complexity of human morality.
  3. Murdoch's writing style focuses on creating fully-realized fictional worlds where philosophical musings and moral lessons blend seamlessly with character-driven narratives.

To Tweet, or not to Tweet?

CB • 1158 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
📚 Literature Social media
  1. The text reflects on the decision to continue or quit social media platforms like Twitter, highlighting the challenges of dealing with trolls and negative interactions.
  2. It emphasizes the idea of taking a break from social media to escape online toxicity and the stress caused by internet interactions.
  3. The passage examines the inner struggle between staying online, facing online challenges, and the desire to disconnect and find peace in real life.

The Fig Tree

Subtle Digressions • 119 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Essays Fiction Classic
  1. Life offers many choices and opportunities, much like the figs on a tree. Each choice can lead to different futures and experiences.
  2. Not making a choice can lead to missed opportunities, just like the figs that fall and rot. It's important to decide on a path.
  3. Desiring too many things at once can be overwhelming. To find fulfillment, we need to pick one goal or dream to focus on.

2024 Kvetching & Books

Kvetch • 33 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reading History Fiction Non-fiction
  1. The author had plans to work on some big writing projects this year but ended up not completing them. Life events like having a new baby and starting a new fund took up a lot of time.
  2. Despite not finishing their main projects, the author still wrote a good number of pieces and saw their readership double. Their most popular piece encouraged some readers to have more kids.
  3. Looking ahead, the author has new ideas for writing and is taking it week by week, while hoping to explore topics related to history and demographics.

Things to Call Water

Opaque Hourglass • 359 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Books Writer
  1. The post explores amusing names for water, like 'idiot's vodka' and 'tap wine'.
  2. Water is playfully personified in various ways such as 'Dances with Eels' and 'The Artist Formerly Known as Ice'.
  3. The text showcases creative and whimsical descriptions for water that evoke vivid imagery and humor.

Start Your Story Right Before You Get Eaten by The Bear

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 719 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📚 Literature Storytelling Writing Narrative Fiction Communication
  1. Start your story at a critical moment to grab attention. This helps keep your audience engaged from the very beginning.
  2. People appreciate brevity and relevance in storytelling. Avoid long backstories and get to the main point quickly.
  3. An effective story should be clear and focused. Make sure you highlight the most important parts to keep your message strong.

Where Be Our Readers

Holodoxa • 339 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature
  1. The average American reads very little, with many only reading 1-2 books a year
  2. Digital formats of books, like ebooks and audiobooks, are becoming more popular and may lead to increased reading time
  3. Reading habits vary by demographics such as age, income, and political affiliation, but there is a general trend of low reading frequency across various groups

Screenwriting

Story Club with George Saunders • 57 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Screenwriting Writing Storytelling Adaptation
  1. Writing for film and TV is different from writing books. In screenwriting, many choices depend on how the scene is shot and performed, which isn’t just up to the writer.
  2. Screenwriting can feel frustrating because it limits the writer's control over language and detail while also feeling liberating since writers can imagine big, wild scenes without needing to describe every detail.
  3. It's common for writers to have strong opinions about their work in fiction, while they might be more unsure when writing scripts. This can lead to both hesitance and exploration in screenwriting.

Circle jerks: in praise of negativity

The Leftovers • 479 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reviews Criticism Authors Book promotion Literary culture
  1. Negativity in literary culture is often repressed, leading to toxic behaviors like sabotaging peers on platforms like Goodreads.
  2. Year-end book lists can sometimes involve favoritism and promotion rather than honest critique, affecting the authenticity of recommendations.
  3. Encouraging fair and open criticism among writers and reviewers is essential for a healthy literary discourse and reducing toxic behaviors.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Cultural critique Historical context Political Analysis Personal narratives
  1. Rashid Khalidi's book highlights the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people, presenting their history as a long struggle against colonialism and displacement. It's important to understand the deep historical roots of the conflict to grasp the current situation.
  2. Nathan Thrall's book depicts everyday life in Palestine, showcasing the struggles and frustrations faced by ordinary people. It focuses less on direct violence and more on the daily humiliations and systemic issues that affect Palestinian life.
  3. Both books encourage readers to look beyond simple narratives and consider the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Engaging with these stories helps build a broader perspective on the suffering and aspirations of both peoples.

Write Every Day... Or Don't!

The Fairest Writer • 259 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Creative Process Literary Analysis Productivity Author insights
  1. Writing every day can help you stay connected to your projects, but it's not always practical for everyone. Finding a balance that works for you is key.
  2. It's important to listen to your own creative energy and not force yourself to write when you don't feel inspired. Taking breaks can actually help renew your motivation.
  3. Setting rigid goals like daily word counts can hurt your creativity. It's better to focus on nurturing your ideas rather than feeling pressured by deadlines.