The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

The boy is father to the man

The Recovering Academic • 692 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
📚 Literature Memoir Fatherhood Childhood Family Dynamics
  1. The essay delves into the complexities of fatherhood, exploring how childhood experiences shape adult behaviors and beliefs about parenting.
  2. The author reflects on personal memories with his father, highlighting moments of intimacy and discomfort that have influenced his relationship with fatherhood.
  3. Inherited trauma is suggested as a possible explanation for certain behaviors exhibited by the author's father, prompting reflection on generational impacts on parenting.

Morning ritual

Escaping Flatland • 353 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Routine Focus
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of dedicating pre-dawn hours to focus on core work like writing essays.
  2. Having a routine helps maintain focus, especially when balancing work, chores, and parenting.
  3. Essay writing requires deep, patient focus and can show erratic progress, making it a unique and challenging task.

What people like me mean when we tell you that sad book you're working on "needs to be more uplifting"

How to Glow in the Dark • 479 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Feedback Books Editors
  1. Feedback to make a sad book more uplifting is not about toxic positivity, but finding hope in the story.
  2. Readers of dark books seek recognition, catharsis, and guidance, not denial or toxic positivity.
  3. Editors advising to make a book 'more uplifting' aim for authors to find the hope in their story to satisfy readers' expectations.

In conversation with: Julian Simpson

So Here’s a Thing • 688 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Storytelling Authors
  1. Don't wait for the perfect conditions or confidence to pursue your passion or career choice, sometimes taking a leap of faith can lead to unexpected success.
  2. Regardless of the challenges and changes in the creative industries, the core value of storytelling remains significant and enduring.
  3. The landscape of publishing and entertainment industries is evolving, creators must adapt to new challenges while staying true to their passion for creating stories.

Writing Rhythm

So Here’s a Thing • 688 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Music Creativity Inspiration Art
  1. In writing, weaving different elements together like characters, plot, and dialogue is essential for a compelling story.
  2. Just as a driving rhythm is crucial in music, a well-crafted prose needs texture and momentum to engage the reader.
  3. Find your unique 'Open G' in writing - discover your natural style and voice to make the writing process smoother and authentic.
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Karma Police

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 01 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Artistic expression
  1. Growing up in a middle-class family can shape how you view money and success. The main character, Jon, learned about budgeting and finances from his parents, which influenced his choices later in life.
  2. Artistic ambition can sometimes clash with practical family expectations. Jon's desire to be a painter conflicted with his parents' focus on traditional stability and financial security.
  3. Karma can play a role in personal journeys. Jon feels that through his success, he's also fulfilling a legacy linked to his past and the painter who lived in the family loft before him.

Bowden on Spengler

The Oswald Spengler Project • 559 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Authors Intellectuals Classics
  1. Oswald Spengler is a significant intellectual known for his work 'The Decline of the West'.
  2. Spengler believed in the cyclical nature of cultures, where they rise, decline, and fall like living organisms.
  3. Despite some errors, 'Man & Technics' serves as a condensed overview of Spengler's major work, focusing on human societies' development and decline.

Before the police arrives: Bookstores on Saturdays

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1132 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Bookstores Reading Memoirs Classics Social Commentary
  1. Allocating a fixed amount for book purchases can help maximize pleasure and choice.
  2. Exploring bookstores on Saturdays armed with book reviews can lead to thoughtful decisions on what to buy.
  3. Exposure to diverse literary works, especially during intellectually stimulating periods, can strongly influence individual interests and perspectives.

I'm Writing Another Book

Singal-Minded • 771 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author is writing a book about the youth gender medicine debate in the US
  2. The book will include interviews with various stakeholders such as trans activists, detransitioners, clinicians, and parents
  3. Interested individuals can contact the author to share their stories or perspectives on the subject

How Great Writers Become Great

Mind & Mythos • 219 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Philosophy Education Creativity
  1. Great writers often have time and space to focus on their work. Many famous writers dedicated their time to thinking and writing without many distractions.
  2. Younger writers may have more time but lack experience. Older writers have knowledge but often struggle to find time to write.
  3. Finding balance between family, work, and writing is tough. It's important to prioritize what matters most in life, even if it means having limits on achievements.

Shoot! How To Swear Like a Motherf*cker When Writing Online

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 459 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing Style Communication Humor Personal Reflection
  1. Use swearing sparingly in your writing for maximum impact. If you swear a lot in real life, it can add authenticity to your writing too.
  2. Write like you speak. If cursing feels natural for you, don’t hold back, but make sure it's in line with your personality.
  3. Humor in swearing can lighten the tone. It's more effective when used wisely, so don’t punch down on others.

Diary: Maria Stepanova on Nadezhda Mandelstam, Literature and Truth

Book Post • 412 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Fiction Poetry Translation Book review
  1. Nadezhda Mandelstam's memoirs led to a significant shift towards nonfiction in contemporary prose.
  2. Authors like Mandelstam faced criticism for not fitting the established narrative, challenging traditional concepts of truth.
  3. Mandelstam's bold and unapologetic writing style defied caution and fear, offering a unique perspective on Soviet life.

On the importance of writers

Development Hell • 671 implied HN points • 28 May 23
📚 Literature
  1. The post discusses the importance of writers and their impact on different subjects and topics.
  2. The author shares a personal opinion about the significance of writers and how their thinking can be helpful to others.
  3. The post encourages readers to subscribe to 'Development Hell' for more insightful content and a 7-day free trial.

The life of a common reader

The Common Reader • 1027 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Biography Reading Novels Writers
  1. Remember the importance of nurturing your inner self and being uniquely you instead of blindly imitating others.
  2. Biographies can reveal controversial and intimate details, sparking debates on how much should be shared, yet some believe in telling everything.
  3. Common readers play a vital role in keeping great works alive, shaping a legacy of love for reading that extends across generations.

Match The Advice Column To The Famous Writer!

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing advice Literary Analysis Cultural critique Essay
  1. Be careful when trying wild stunts, especially if you're not in the best shape. Always practice safe actions, and remember to write down your experiences.
  2. There are many ways to show loyalty without resorting to extreme actions. It's important to find safer and healthier alternatives to prove your commitments.
  3. Having a solid writing routine can help you be consistent. Try to make it as easy as possible so you can stick to it daily.

Introducing The Elysian (and my new job)

The Novelleist • 2432 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature Enlightenment Philosophy
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of having literary thinkers over journalists for societal progress.
  2. The author discusses the nostalgia for the Enlightenment period and the need to revive philosophical and utopian thinking.
  3. The author introduces The Elysian as a platform for stimulating discussions around envisioning a better future through essays, literature, and discourse.

Story: TO RECEIVE IS BETTER

So Here’s a Thing • 412 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Story Novel Writing
  1. The story 'To Receive Is Better' started from a vivid dream the author had about a dark tunnel and indistinct figures, which inspired a short story about cloning that later became a novel called 'SPARES'.
  2. Timing played a significant role in the novel's success, as it was completed around the same time as the news of Dolly, the first cloned mammal, which led to its adaptation for a film by Spielberg's DreamWorks SKG.
  3. The author highlights the unpredictable nature of a writer's career, where turning a random dream into a story can lead to unexpected opportunities and successes.

a 90s night out in the UK | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative
  1. Feeling hungover and regretful is a common experience after a wild night out. It's normal to worry about what you did when you can't remember everything.
  2. Friends often share stories the next day, which can be funny but also a bit embarrassing. These conversations remind us of the craziness of the night before.
  3. Even after a rough morning, the idea of going out again can be tempting. It's easy to forget the bad parts when the excitement of night life calls again.

What's American Fiction Without the Short Story?

Counter Craft • 578 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Short Stories American Literature Authorship Publishing
  1. Short stories are integral to American literature and are considered a quintessential American literary form.
  2. The declining prestige of short stories is noted, despite the vibrant and alive nature of the form in American letters.
  3. Short stories face challenges due to lack of space in magazines, minimal big publisher support, and the popularity bias towards novels.

The Man and his Mountain

Cosmographia • 639 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post revolves around a poem titled 'The Man and his Mountain' by M. E. Rothwell.
  2. The content seems to delve into imagery of nature and self-reflection.
  3. Access to the full post is available to paid subscribers only.

Vignettes: War

Myth Pilot • 628 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
📚 Literature War Fiction Short Stories Development Narrative
  1. The author aims to publish more content regularly, mixing fiction and non-fiction.
  2. The author plans to share short little posts and vignettes to engage readers and improve writing practice.
  3. The vignette shared is a mix of fact and fiction about a soldier's experience with a State Department official in Iraq.

Treadmill

The Recovering Academic • 455 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The poem 'Treadmill' portrays a woman walking with determination and resilience through challenging situations, showing her perseverance.
  2. The woman's character in the poem highlights themes of overcoming obstacles, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity.
  3. The narrative captures the essence of facing hardships head-on, adapting to challenges, and ultimately emerging stronger from difficult experiences.

Writing by a "Dossier" Method (?)

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Storytelling Character development Writing process
  1. You can start writing a story just by focusing on your characters first. Get to know them well before adding any plot or action.
  2. There’s no one right way to create a story. Different methods can work, and it’s okay to lean into what feels right for you.
  3. If your story feels a bit flat, try making your characters interact more. This can help bring energy and connection to the narrative.

On regret: Two poets from two different centuries

Subtle Digressions • 99 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Writing Artistic expression Historical Analysis
  1. Many people feel deep regret about not pursuing their creative passions as they reach the end of their lives. It's important to honor your creative urges and make time for them.
  2. According to poets Mary Oliver and Margaret Elizabeth Sangster, the regrets often come from things left undone rather than mistakes made. Missing opportunities can lead to heartache.
  3. Both poets highlight the emotional weight of unexpressed feelings and neglected connections. It’s a reminder to reach out and do the things that matter to us.