The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Mince pie brain

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
📚 Literature Creative Writing
  1. The author humorously describes feeling mentally fatigued as having a 'mince pie brain'.
  2. Despite feeling unable to write well due to mental exhaustion, the author continues to write out of a superstitious belief that something bad might happen if they stop.
  3. The post highlights the struggle of trying to write when feeling mentally drained and how difficult it is to come up with ideas in that state.

A Heroic Tale Curtailed

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Performance Mythology
  1. Homeric poetry's characteristic of digressions and narrative explorations provides context and content to a larger world, reflecting how human memory works.
  2. The intricate meanings in Homeric narratives are collaborative developments in a dynamic context between composer and audience, capitalizing on human memory and cognition.
  3. The story of Othryoneus seeking Kassandra's hand in book 13 of the Iliad reflects themes of war, glory, and futility, with details that resonate through familiar storytelling traditions.

The Abyss and The Gulp

Austin Kleon • 399 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
📚 Literature Writing Research Publishing Creativity Journalism
  1. There is a big gap between doing research and actually writing. Many people find it easier to keep researching instead of starting the writing process.
  2. Once you finish writing, there is another challenge in getting it published or shared. The transition from writing to publishing can feel overwhelming.
  3. Creativity often involves facing these gaps and challenges. Understanding them can help people overcome obstacles in their creative work.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 92 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Creative Process Storytelling Literary Analysis
  1. It's important to notice areas in your writing that feel off or unsatisfying. These areas can guide you to make better changes and improve your story.
  2. Polishing your writing helps you see new possibilities. Once everything looks clean, you might realize something about the overall structure or flow that needs adjusting.
  3. Practicing writing through revision is key. Focus on small sections of your work and ask yourself how they can be improved, which can reveal new ideas for your storytelling.

At the Movies with F. Scott Fitzgerald

Litverse • 99 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
📚 Literature Novels Authors Hollywood Dreams
  1. F. Scott Fitzgerald's later works, like 'The Last Tycoon,' moved away from the Jazz Age portrayal of New York to explore the silver screen dreams of Hollywood.
  2. Fitzgerald's time in Hollywood as a screenwriter showcased his struggle with the Hollywood model of writing by committee, emphasizing the importance of the creative process over the final product.
  3. In 'The Last Tycoon,' Fitzgerald delves into the industrial scale of the movie industry, illustrating how dreams are crafted piece-by-piece by producers like Monroe Stahr, highlighting the intricate and sometimes ruthless nature of Hollywood's dream factory.
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What's Missing from AI Writing

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 315 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
📚 Literature Narration Perspective Autobiographical Fiction Authors
  1. Literature has evolved over time to focus more on individual perspectives rather than collective narratives.
  2. Great essays are distinguished by the unique perspective and voice of the writer, not just the subject matter.
  3. Effective writing, whether about architecture or any other topic, requires a distinct and engaging narrative voice to provide depth and connection for the reader.

Science Fiction Authors Fear Their Creations

The Algorithmic Bridge • 233 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Science fiction Authors Imagination Fantasy
  1. Science fiction authors fear their creations coming to life, even when it was once their escape from reality.
  2. Static laws of life and the world provide stability and structure, allowing us to make sense of our existence.
  3. The desire to break free from mundane reality can lead to fear and insignificance when faced with the vast unknown of the universe.

The best (and worst) books I read in 2023

George Blackshaw • 263 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The Covid Consensus sheds light on the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and challenges 'expert' credibility.
  2. Our Final Warning highlights the urgent need to address climate change and offers a sobering perspective.
  3. Act of Oblivion introduces an intriguing historical subplot from the post-Civil War era involving regicides and the monarchy.

Why Sucking At Writing Is The First Step To Being Good At It

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 179 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Self-Improvement Education Personal Growth
  1. It's normal to not be great at something when you start. Embracing that feeling can actually help you improve.
  2. Sucking at writing can be a positive experience. It helps develop grit and can make writing more enjoyable.
  3. Instead of worrying about what others think, focus on enjoying the writing process. Everyone starts somewhere, and having fun matters!

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Messalina had a deceptive plan to keep the protagonist from leaving by offering an alternative that required him to break his oath, showing the complex moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
  2. The intense sword fight between the protagonist and the mannequin Charon demonstrates the theme of honor and determination in the face of impossible odds.
  3. The story concludes with a symbolic moment where the protagonist faces death with acceptance and a sense of fulfillment, highlighting themes of destiny and the inevitability of fate.

A literary history of fake texts in Apple's marketing materials

Read Max • 331 HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Analysis Apple Marketing
  1. Apple's marketing materials often feature fake texts to demonstrate new features in their products.
  2. The users in these fake texts engage in activities like sharing photographs, planning trips, and throwing surprise parties.
  3. There is a recurring character named John Bishop in these fake texts who appears across different iOS versions, adding a layer of mystery.

Diary #5

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Philosophy Art
  1. Work can sometimes become overwhelming with long hours, interruptions, and constant screen time
  2. Creativity may require external stimulation, leading to a struggle between generating ideas and transcribing them
  3. Characters and individuals are shaped by circumstances, moments, and external forces, rather than being static entities

What's the Point of Literary Criticism?

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
📚 Literature Criticism Analysis
  1. Literary criticism is a valuable exercise that involves analyzing and interpreting literary works.
  2. Good critics should focus on describing the form and content of a work rather than interpreting it in a way that limits its impact.
  3. Art, including literature, contains ideas and conveys values that are as important as the emotional experience it provides, making literary criticism essential for understanding and appreciating works of art.

Looking Up and Out

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Analysis Interpretation Themes Epic poetry Narrative
  1. Book 12 of the Iliad provides a unique perspective by exploring themes like heroism, politics, and the inevitability of destruction, situated in the middle of the Trojan War narrative.
  2. The destruction of the Achaean walls in the future and the omen interpretation debate between Hektor and Polydamas add depth to the political and narrative themes in the epic.
  3. Sarpedon's speech to Glaukos addresses the idea of heroism, highlighting the complex nature of human actions and the cosmic perspective within the storytelling of the Iliad.

Happy New Year 2024

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays Stories Fiction Philosophy
  1. New Year offers a chance to re-enchant ourselves and embrace opportunities for growth.
  2. Consolidating efforts into one space can build momentum, enhance visibility, and reduce logistical inefficiencies.
  3. Creative projects can benefit from being housed together under different categories for increased focus and impact.

I have a new muse

The Edge of Practice • 39 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Poetry Dreams Inspiration
  1. The author shifted from recording dreams to expressing them through poetry, finding it more empowering and meaningful
  2. Poetry became a new source of inspiration after the author believed their past trauma was their only muse
  3. Exploring a new creative outlet like poetry can be a way to discover fresh perspectives and artistic expressions

Sexcapade

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Contemporary Narrative Character Study
  1. Rachel and Jerianne have a complicated friendship where Jerianne often leads Rachel into more adventurous and risky situations. Rachel feels more cautious and less exciting when she is with Jerianne.
  2. Jerianne's life seems conventional on the outside, but she struggles with personal issues and often relies on Rachel for support. She also has a complicated relationship with a younger man named Anthony, which adds drama to her life.
  3. Rachel starts to question the value of her friendship with Jerianne. As she spends more time alone, she begins to focus on her own needs and entertains thoughts of Anthony, showing a shift in her priorities and desires.

Confronting Hereditary Talent and Its Social Consequences

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
📚 Literature Cultural Commentary Educational Policy Social Science Political Reform
  1. In his book _The Cult of Smart_, Fredrik deBoer argues against the notion that intelligence defines human worth, highlighting how society disproportionately rewards the academically gifted.
  2. DeBoer challenges the blank slate ideology, emphasizing the influence of genetic variation on cognitive traits over social or environmental factors, leading to implications in education and policy.
  3. DeBoer proposes societal reforms like universal healthcare and basic income to address the unequal distribution of inherited talents, challenging the idea of meritocracy as the ultimate goal for a fair society.

Elizabeth Bishop, an Eye

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Author Analysis Symbolism
  1. Elizabeth Bishop was a genius American poet known for her attention to detail and devotion to her craft.
  2. Bishop's work often reflects her outward focus and meticulous observation of the world around her, without delving much into personal details.
  3. In her poem 'The Fish,' Bishop showcases her rhythmic precision, imagery doubling, and symbolic references like the rainbow and the fish as a Christ symbol.

House Sitting in Kiev—Or Why I Read

Vremya • 479 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Classics Reading Culture
  1. House sitting in Kiev gave me a chance to explore the city and enjoy time alone. It was during this time that I rekindled my love for reading.
  2. I realized that reading is about personal freedom and self-discovery. The books we choose help shape who we are.
  3. It's important to choose what we read for ourselves rather than letting others dictate it. Everyone should have the freedom to explore different ideas and authors, even if they can be controversial.

For And Against The Short Story

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
📚 Literature Short Stories Essays Literary theory Writing Craft Creative Writing
  1. Short stories can show the writer's unique style and ideas without the long structure of a novel. They're like a quick look into a writer's mind and creativity.
  2. They focus on a single idea or moment, making them direct and impactful. This clarity helps convey a strong message or theme without distractions.
  3. Reading short stories can sometimes feel light or simple, but they often leave a lasting impression. They can provide a quick escape or thought-provoking experience, similar to enjoying a snack rather than a full meal.

Libertarian Poems

David Friedman’s Substack • 107 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Libertarianism Creative Writing Political themes Social Commentary
  1. Libertarian values emphasize personal freedom and individual rights. This means people should be able to live their lives as they choose.
  2. Poetry can be a powerful way to express political ideas and feelings. It helps share important messages in a creative way.
  3. The writings of famous authors contribute to the understanding of libertarian themes, showing how these ideas have been explored in literature.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 77 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Authors Literary Analysis Reading
  1. When writing with two characters, ask if both are really needed in the story. Sometimes one character might be enough.
  2. Look at the important events in your story and see how each character adds to them. One character might end up being more essential than the other.
  3. Try cutting down the slower character's sections to meet key story moments. This can help balance their pacing and keep the story flowing better.

The Hard Truths of Writing

Trantor Publishing • 119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
📚 Literature Writing Authors Creative Process Criticism
  1. Writing is hard work that requires consistency and dedication over time to improve and complete projects.
  2. It's important to finish your work and put it out to an audience for feedback and building a fanbase.
  3. World building is essential but should not overshadow the storytelling aspect; focus on story first and use world building to enhance it.

Losing words

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
📚 Literature Books Writing Loss Art Creativity
  1. The author reflects on the idea that sometimes writing is meant to be left behind, rather than preserved or shared.
  2. The text discusses Daniela Cascella's book 'Singed,' which delves into themes of loss in various forms.
  3. The narrative explores the notion of writing as a cathartic process, allowing the writer to let go and embrace the act of losing words.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Contemporary Fantasy Cultural Commentary
  1. Kelly Link's book blends fairy tales with modern life, creating enchanting stories that follow unique rules. Her writing shows how fantasy can express complex human emotions in a relatable way.
  2. Shehan Karunatilaka's novel explores the afterlife in a war-torn Sri Lanka, focusing on a man's struggle between seeking revenge or moving on. It highlights the chaos and disillusionment of life and death in a corrupt society.
  3. Both authors challenge traditional storytelling by exploring themes of human relationships, morality, and the struggle for meaning amid chaos. Their work encourages readers to think about how imagination and reality intertwine.

READING: Alan Ryan on Isaiah Berlin on Karl Marx

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Isaiah Berlin's take on Karl Marx focused not just on Marx's life but also on his intellectual environment and impact on history.
  2. Berlin's writing style brought historical figures like Marx to life, balancing psychology and intellectual analysis skillfully.
  3. Marxism, as presented by Berlin, challenges the idea that ideas solely drive history, highlighting the complex relationship between individuals, their environment, and social change.

Major Themes for Reading and Teaching the Iliad

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📚 Literature Themes Narrative Traditions Gods Politics Heroism
  1. The Iliad presents interwoven themes like politics, heroism, gods and humans, family and friends, and narrative traditions.
  2. In the Iliad, politics are explored through conflicts among Greeks, Trojans, and Gods, delving into questions of authority and consequences of dysfunctional politics.
  3. Heroism in the Iliad is depicted through characters like Achilles and Hektor, exploring themes of strength, wisdom, and narrative patterns of withdrawal and return.

Homer's Parents, Country, and True Name

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Scholarship Ancient Greece Poetry
  1. Homer's parentage and birthplace were subjects of debate in antiquity, with various conflicting claims made about his lineage, including being the son of different figures or from different regions.
  2. Homer's name is believed to have origins linked to tense political situations, where he was named after being a hostage or because he provided inspired war advice.
  3. Homeric poems were not necessarily composed as complete works but were performed in parts by rhapsodes, later compiled and ordered by various individuals, including Pisistratus the tyrant of Athens.

A Poem of the Heavens

Critic at Large • 59 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
📚 Literature Visual art
  1. The ancient Chinese poet Su Hui composed a unique and intricate poem called 'Star Gauge' that is both a literary and visual art piece.
  2. Su Hui's poem 'Star Gauge' is constructed in a complex grid format with palindromic features that allow for multiple interpretations depending on the direction of reading.
  3. The creation of Su Hui's poem 'Star Gauge' challenges traditional views on women's poetry and is a testament to the depth of human creativity and emotion through its innovative structure.

Short Thoughts on Purgatory

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry Philosophy Analysis
  1. In Dante's Purgatorio, each terrace is structured to purify a vice from the souls, paired with its opposite virtue, progressing upward in a cleansing manner.
  2. The formulation of each terrace in Purgatory aims to break the soul's habit found on that terrace, allowing the soul to move towards freedom.
  3. The terrace of Sloth in Dante's Purgatorio reflects an insufficiency of love, leading to profound discussions on love and poetry.

All the (Epic) Rage: Free Tools for Reading Homer's Iliad

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Translation Tools Manuscripts Resources
  1. Translations of Homer's work can be creations of their own, offering unique insights and serving different audiences.
  2. Studying and understanding Homeric language and meaning requires repetition, reflection, and discussion with others.
  3. Online tools like the Scaife Viewer and the Homer Multitext Project provide valuable resources for studying Homer's works, offering lexicons, manuscripts, and commentaries.

Polysymphonic

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
📚 Literature Interpretation Translation Mythology Narrative
  1. Metaphors help us better understand complex concepts by providing multiple perspectives.
  2. Interpreting and translating Homer's epic poems is challenging due to their intricate layers of meaning and cultural nuances.
  3. Translators face difficulties in capturing the full essence of Homer's works due to the intricate wordplay and themes that resonate differently in various languages.

"Why Does the Iliad Begin with Rage?"

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📚 Literature Mythology Classical Literature
  1. Homeric Scholia provide valuable insights into ancient texts and intellectual history, including details on vocabulary, variant forms, and interpretive issues
  2. Modern scholars heavily rely on the Homeric Scholia, but caution is needed in weighing the information presented within them
  3. The first word of the Iliad, 'menis' or 'rage,' holds thematic significance in Greek epic and myth, sparking debates on its purpose and role in the narrative

Repetition is your friend

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Inspiration
  1. Repetition can be helpful in writing, as it can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and overcoming blocks.
  2. Focusing on excessive thinking before writing may hinder progress, while allowing the story to evolve through writing can be more beneficial.
  3. Persistence in writing is essential, even if faced with initial challenges and frustrations.

Book Review- Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📚 Literature Book review Personal Development
  1. The book 'Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life' is reviewed in the post, prompting readers to think about what brings them happiness and purpose.
  2. Feedback from the audience is crucial for improving newsletters and content, even when experiencing growth and success.
  3. It's important to acknowledge personal biases when reviewing content, as individual perspectives can influence interpretation.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📚 Literature Narration Fiction Authors Literary Analysis
  1. The author embraces visual elements in writing by considering and emphasizing them as crucial to their own voice
  2. Visual effects in fiction can be achieved through elements like using the present tense in narration, maintaining a fast pace, and employing dialogues for character and plot-building
  3. The British author Philip Pullman criticized fiction in the present tense; however, the author believes that embracing stark opinions regarding tense in narration can limit literary creativity