The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Atrophy of the Writing Muscle

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 593 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Publishing Writer's block Personal Development
  1. Taking a break from writing can feel refreshing and necessary, even for dedicated writers. It's okay to step back and focus on other things for a while.
  2. Writers can experience burnout, which can make it harder to get back into writing. It's important to recover and find a sustainable way to write again.
  3. Creativity may ebb and flow, and it's common for artists to pause after completing big projects. Slow and steady practice can help rebuild writing skills.

Book giveaway

Granted • 19806 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
📚 Literature Author insights Social Commentary
  1. Gratitude book giveaway for loyal readers on Hidden Potential launch
  2. Interesting insight from Hidden Potential quiz results on key character skills
  3. Variations in character strengths based on gender, age, work, and country

Almost everything I've written seems wrong now

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 2302 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Personal Reflection Creative Process Expression
  1. Many writers feel that their past work no longer reflects their current ideas. They might find their old writing overly simplistic or disagreeable.
  2. Personal growth and changing beliefs make it hard to reconcile old writing with new thoughts. It's challenging to explain complex ideas that now contradict previous statements.
  3. Instead of worrying about regrets or how future readers will judge them, writers find peace in seeing their work as an offering. They hope that readers will learn and grow from both the mistakes and successes in their writing.

My sci-fi novel recommendations

Noahpinion • 25588 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
📚 Literature Sci-fi Fantasy Short Stories
  1. The post provides recommendations for sci-fi novels from a personal favorite list.
  2. The recommendations cover a wide range of subgenres and themes, from space adventures to post-apocalyptic worlds.
  3. There are also fantasy book suggestions included as a bonus at the end of the post.

The Book of Love

Everything Is An Emergency • 2525 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Personal Reflection Parenting Grief
  1. The author grapples with how to keep the memory of her deceased husband alive for their newborn daughter. She wants to make him a real part of Athena's life, not just a memory.
  2. Writing serves as a way to confront grief and maintain a connection with the past, helping the author hold onto memories of her husband while also creating new stories with her daughter.
  3. The author reflects on the difficulty of moving forward after loss, balancing the urge to keep her husband's story alive while also accepting that she must let him go in some ways.
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The Heteronym Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Authors
  1. Heteronyms are creative identities that authors use to express different voices, separate from their real selves. This can add depth and variety to literature, allowing for unique perspectives.
  2. Augusto Monterroso created a fictional translator named Eduardo Torres, who never existed, to showcase the art of heteronyms. He used this persona to publish works that read like they were from a real author.
  3. The concept of heteronyms reminds us that everyone has different sides to their personality. As we grow, we create versions of ourselves that reflect our changes over time.

Why am I bad at Scrabble?

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 373 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📚 Literature Language Cognitive Science Writing Games
  1. Being good at Scrabble isn't just about having a large vocabulary or great spelling skills. It's more about understanding the specific rules and structure of the game.
  2. Scrabble requires a different type of thinking that is more linear and bounded, which can be challenging for those who excel in creative and associative thinking.
  3. This kind of thinking challenge is similar for both people and language models. They can be great at connecting ideas but struggle with systematic tasks like Scrabble.

The 12 new idea books to launch 2024

Granted • 11240 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mental health Connection Leadership Thinking Burnout
  1. Mental Health and Well-Being: Discover how a little therapy can lead to lasting change and how to move from languishing to flourishing.
  2. Connection and Community: Learn about the power of being like-hearted without needing to be like-minded and practical steps for unity in a divided world.
  3. Leadership and Power: Explore resources on fixing organizational problems, finding purpose after major life transitions, and improving critical thinking for wiser decisions.

Substack Anniversary

Castalia • 2018 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Community Digital Media Content creation
  1. Starting a Substack can be a great decision for writers. It offers a chance to connect with a community and share their work without the typical constraints of traditional publishing.
  2. The challenges of internet writing include keeping readers engaged and dealing with financial uncertainties. Writers should focus on expressing their true thoughts rather than just chasing popularity.
  3. Substack represents a shift in how content can be shared, allowing more freedom for writers. It's seen as a positive alternative to other social media platforms, encouraging meaningful and longer-form writing.

Book Review Contest 2024 Winners

Astral Codex Ten • 8947 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Writing Awards Creative Writing
  1. The winners of the 2024 Book Review Contest have been announced, with AmandaFromBethlehem taking first place. She received $2,500 for her review of 'Two Arms And A Head'.
  2. A variety of interesting books were reviewed by participants, showcasing unique perspectives and diverse interests. Some other notable reviews included titles like 'Nine Lives' by David Matolcsi and 'How The War Was Won' by Jack Thorlin.
  3. All winners and finalists earn a free subscription and the chance to pitch essay ideas for potential publication. There are suggestions for future contests to change the format or even skip a year to allow participants more reading time.

Sticking with it

Austin Kleon • 2617 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Artistry Motivation Passion
  1. You need to really love your idea when creating something. It has to come from a personal place and excite you deeply, because it will take a lot of time and effort to bring it to life.
  2. While you can brush off mean critics, sometimes it's the well-meaning people that can hurt your project the most. Their opinions matter to you, so be careful how much you let them influence your passion.
  3. If your project becomes successful, you'll be talking about it for many years. So, it's important to choose something you truly enjoy and can stay excited about for a long time.

Unstylish style in Vanity Fair.

The Common Reader • 956 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Prose Writing Style Criticism Authors
  1. There is a difference between 'style' and 'stylish'. Style is about how someone expresses themselves, while stylish means following trends or being fashionable.
  2. William Shakespeare, for example, has a diverse range of styles but isn't necessarily considered stylish because he doesn't conform to any one fashionable way of writing.
  3. Modern writers are often seen as stylish because they write in a polished manner, but not all styles, even if they are complex or intricate, are considered stylish.

a poet cliché | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 35 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Prose
  1. Poets often deal with deep emotions like heartache and despair in their work. This pain can inspire them to create profound art.
  2. The solitary life of a poet can come with sacrifices, like neglecting their appearance and personal comfort. They may look disheveled but their creativity shines through.
  3. Being a poet means facing loneliness and working through tough feelings. This struggle is often what makes their writing relatable and impactful.

Palm Beach, Tower D

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 449 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Themes Cultural critique Dystopia
  1. The Four Towers represent distinct areas of life in a revolutionary society, each with its own culture and traditions. People feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when crossing between these Towers due to their unique customs.
  2. Tower A focuses on transportation, where appointments are needed for travel. Cultural highlights include a beloved drone opera that humorously contrasts its artistic interpretation with its practical origins from the past.
  3. The Ministry of Communication, based in Tower D, reflects changes in how people interact. It encourages a collaborative approach to resolve conflicts rather than deepening divides, showcasing how communication has evolved since the revolution.

Pointless Pace Killers

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3200 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Storytelling Psychology Critique
  1. People often compare their boring everyday lives to the exciting highlights they see in stories or on social media, which can make them feel inadequate. It's important to remember that everyone has regular parts of their life that aren't shown.
  2. When writing, it's crucial to focus on the most interesting and meaningful parts of a story instead of trying to capture every detail. The first draft should be for yourself without outside feedback, then later you can edit for the audience.
  3. Stories are designed to be engaging, which means they often skip over mundane details. The best stories focus on conflict and emotion, highlighting only the moments that resonate with the reader.

Book recommendations (4)

Tao Lin • 899 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Spirituality Mental health Philosophy Non-fiction
  1. Books on near-death experiences suggest that afterlife experiences are peaceful and free of judgment, often offering insights into spirituality and the soul.
  2. The negative effects of long-term use of psychiatric drugs are discussed in depth, showing how they might worsen mental health rather than help it.
  3. A low vitamin A diet is presented as a potential solution for various health problems, challenging common beliefs about vitamin A's necessity and safety.

Beatrix Potter's Naturalist Notes

Noted • 16451 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
📚 Literature Notes
  1. Beatrix Potter used a complex cipher code in her journal that scholars took over a decade to crack.
  2. Potter referred to mushrooms as 'fairy fungi' in her studies.
  3. She once tried to sedate her pet rabbit using hemp seeds.

How To Read A Novel

Adjacent Possible • 720 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Novels Analysis History
  1. Reading novels helps us see things from different perspectives and understand complex emotions. This can make us smarter in our own lives.
  2. Books like _Middlemarch_ and _Bleak House_ connect many parts of life, from personal feelings to big social issues. They encourage us to think about how everything relates.
  3. Fiction gives us a unique view of history and how people lived in different times. It helps us feel what it was like to be in those past situations.

The Edge Index

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Writing Analysis
  1. The fore-edge of a book is important for understanding its structure. By making an edge index, you can see how the book is organized and breaks down into sections.
  2. Making an edge index can also give insight into the author's writing process. For example, understanding how a long novel like Middlemarch was serialized helps appreciate its structure.
  3. Books like Dilla Time show that unique structures can enhance storytelling. Alternating chapters allow for a deeper exploration of the subject, making it more engaging.

Working titles

Austin Kleon • 1718 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creativity Culture
  1. Finding the right title for your work can be a tough job. It often involves trying different combinations of words until something feels right.
  2. There are different styles of titles, like poetic or descriptive, and each has its own appeal. Sometimes, getting the opinion of others can help you figure out what works best.
  3. Even great titles can face skepticism from others. Just because someone isn’t confident in a title doesn't mean it won't be successful.

Dreaming About Waking

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 121 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Philosophy Self-reflection Narrative
  1. Dreams can feel more real than waking life, leading us to question what reality truly is. Sometimes, the experiences we have in dreams seem more intense and immediate than our daily experiences.
  2. The stories we tell about our past shape how we see ourselves. When we write or talk about our memories, we change those memories and how we understand our lives.
  3. Our perceptions of reality can often be misleading. It's important to stay open to new ways of seeing things and not be locked into one view of life.

Prophesy's lullaby

Patti Smith • 7527 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Biographies
  1. Patti Smith shares her daily activities and wishes readers a good night.
  2. She prepared cod, purple sweet potatoes, and micro greens for the evening meal.
  3. Patti Smith's publication is reader-supported, and readers can subscribe to support her work.

My 2024 in Reading (Plus Lessons from Tokarczuk's Prose)

Counter Craft • 464 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading Fiction Prose Book Reviews Author analysis
  1. Reading logs can help track what books you've read and reflect on them at the end of the year. It's a nice way to see your habits and preferences over time.
  2. Books can offer unique storytelling methods like flexible perspectives and summarization that differ from film and TV. These features help create a richer narrative experience.
  3. It's important to diversify your reading choices, including different genres and authors. This can naturally lead to a more balanced reading year without feeling forced.

Open Thread 362

Astral Codex Ten • 3303 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Reviews Essays
  1. This is a space for open discussions where you can share anything or ask questions. It's great for connecting with others about various topics.
  2. Jimmy Carter, the former president, has passed away, and there was a biography about him that many people found interesting.
  3. Happy New Year to everyone! Regular updates and posts will be coming back soon.

Unbelievable! How She Secured Her Dream Book Deal (and Went From Unemployed to Published by Penguin)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1498 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
📚 Literature Authors Publishing Writing Self-Publishing
  1. Veronica Llorca-Smith, who started writing seriously just two years ago, became a published author with Penguin Random House after self-publishing her first book.
  2. She published four books in one year, including bestsellers, by focusing on consistent writing and utilizing different platforms for marketing.
  3. Veronica cleverly pitched her book idea to Penguin after researching their needs, showing that taking initiative and being strategic can lead to success.

Against Stories

Castalia • 1918 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Narrative Theory Creative Writing Contemporary Fiction
  1. Stories have a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end, but life doesn't always fit into these neat patterns. There are moments of confusion, boredom, and the everyday that aren't typically captured in stories.
  2. Many great writers focus on the real, messy aspects of life rather than following traditional story arcs. They highlight the mundane feelings and events that often get overlooked in mainstream literature.
  3. While stories can be enjoyable, getting too caught up in them can make life feel flat or predictable. Embracing the complexities of reality can lead to a richer and more interesting experience.

Coriolanus, literary theory, bad fiction, literary utility, Grimms, shelves, Public humanities, dead novels, fictional therapy, Where is our Milton of the space age?, Austen's sisters, AI art

The Common Reader • 992 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Fiction Classics Criticism
  1. Coriolanus explores how personal feelings and actions can influence society and politics. It's a reminder that we all share responsibility for the outcomes in our communities.
  2. Literary theory can be complex and off-putting, but it's important to differentiate between good criticism and jargon-heavy theory. Not all literary discussions need to be dense or confusing.
  3. New Historicism focuses heavily on the historical context of literature, which may lead to interpretations that ignore the text itself. It's important to balance historical insights with a direct reading of the literature.

When you dream, what do you dream about?

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Poetry Narrative Creative Writing
  1. Dreaming about love can feel very real and personal. It's a chance to think about what we truly desire in life.
  2. Fear often holds us back from chasing our dreams and expressing our feelings. Recognizing this fear is the first step to overcoming it.
  3. Living in the present is just as important as dreaming about the future. Enjoying today can lead to meaningful moments and connections.

The Steppe Function

Breaking Smart • 65 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews History Cultural analysis Literary themes
  1. Venice created a unique society focused on maritime commerce, which was different from traditional agrarian empires. They developed systems of trade that worked more like a machine, allowing them to thrive without needing large territories.
  2. The understanding of history can change based on the lens we use. Instead of focusing on heroes and wars, thinking about Venice as a complex system helps reveal its true nature and success.
  3. The relationship between steppe nomads and horses was crucial for their way of life. Unlike sedentary societies, nomads had dynamic economies based on mobility, which allowed them to harness the potential of horses effectively.

What I Learned From Editing Substack Reads

Castalia • 2378 implied HN points • 20 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Editing Publishing Content creation Market research
  1. Substack is packed with all kinds of content, making it hard to find what matters to you. It's better to think about how to reach a wider audience rather than just focusing on your own style.
  2. The platform seems to have more older writers than younger ones. Younger writers might not realize how useful Substack can be for launching their careers.
  3. Substack shows the power of democratic expression with lots of voices and ideas. However, the vast amount of content can make it feel overwhelming and make each writer feel less unique.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 939 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Publishing Literary Criticism Authorship
  1. Honor Levy's book, 'My First Book', received harsh criticism for not living up to the hype. It's seen as lacking depth and is heavily marketed despite its flaws.
  2. Alexandre Lefebvre's 'Liberalism as a Way of Life' presents liberalism as an ethical way to live. He explores its historical roots and addresses modern challenges to liberal values.
  3. Lefebvre emphasizes the need for strong institutions to support liberalism. He believes that simply promoting good behavior isn't enough without collective action.

Working Class Hero

Castalia • 699 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Character Study
  1. Tyler thought he was destined for something special but was stuck in an office job until he decided to become an actor. His leap of faith led him to success, but it also changed his life dramatically.
  2. As Tyler became more successful, he struggled with personal relationships, especially with his girlfriend Rebecca. He felt like their lives were on different paths, leading to their eventual breakup.
  3. Despite his fame, Tyler faced doubts about the meaning of success. He reflected on the pressures of being a celebrity and the reality of his journey, realizing that true fulfillment might not come from being in the spotlight.

14 Poems

Tao Lin • 1079 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Writing Publishing Book Reviews Literary Criticism
  1. A chapbook called '14 Poems' was published in June 2023 and quickly sold out. This shows that there is interest in the poems.
  2. The author has made changes to the poems and now has 13 instead of 14. This suggests that they are really committed to perfecting their work.
  3. They are currently writing a full-length poetry book, which will include these poems. This indicates ongoing creativity and growth in their writing.

Aenean Age or American Eschaton?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3031 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Drama History Mythology
  1. Struggles can lead to new beginnings. Just like in ancient stories, facing hard times can give way to rebirth and new civilizations.
  2. Accepting failure without trying isn't the best choice. It's better to strive for a better future, even if it seems tough.
  3. Innovation can help us overcome challenges. Finding new ways, like using different materials, could lead to building a stronger society.

The Decline Will Occur Incrementally

Story Club with George Saunders • 50 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Biography Classics
  1. Change happens slowly over time, it's not always sudden. You might not notice it day to day, but over the years, things can shift a lot.
  2. Understanding someone's struggles can come from their relationships, like in stories where personal lives influence their work. It shows how feelings and experiences shape creativity.
  3. Literature often reflects personal experiences, and authors might use their own lives in their stories. This can lead to some interesting insights about their characters.