The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

So long as there's syllables

A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Writing haikus can be a great way to express yourself in a structured form with 17 syllables and specific line requirements.
  2. Setting realistic expectations for yourself is important to avoid feeling overwhelmed and disappointed.
  3. Life can often get in the way of plans and goals, so finding the balance between ambition and reality is key.
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The Mystic and the Poet

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poetry Language Philosophy
  1. The mystic and the poet both relate to language in unique ways, with the mystic going deeper into questioning conventional language while the poet focuses on capturing fleeting moments.
  2. The mystic wants a total overhaul of language usage to communicate reality accurately, whereas the poet prefers creating sensory impressions with language.
  3. Prose can act as a mediator between the poet and the mystic, balancing between capturing moments and expressing eternal truths.

Diary #18

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Personal Observations Reflection Society
  1. The author reflects on the nature of friendships in different environments like an office and social media.
  2. Isolation during the pandemic may have intensified the author's social ineptitude.
  3. The text conveys a sense of introspection and loneliness, with the author contemplating on thoughts and interactions.

Prosaic Enjambment

The Elbow • 39 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Writing Craft Narrative structure Semantics
  1. Enjambment is a technique in writing where a thought is split between lines or structural units for reading flow.
  2. Enjambment is not only found in poetry, but also in other mediums like film and music, enhancing the flow of storytelling.
  3. Enjambment can be applied in non-poetic writing, such as prose, by strategically breaking up paragraphs or sentences to create suspense and flow.

The character as a composite entity

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
📚 Literature Characterization Writing Fiction
  1. Characters in fiction are often a blend of real people and made-up elements, drawing inspiration from the world around us.
  2. When writing characters, it's crucial to visualize them, give them a distinct personality, and make them believable to yourself as the author.
  3. Even when creating fantastical characters in alien worlds, there should be some connection to reality to make them relatable and engaging.

Diary #19

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
📚 Literature Diary Writing
  1. There are three gradations of oblivion: to forget, to sleep, and to die, possibly sliding from one to the next easily.
  2. Imagination allows shifting one's awareness, almost disappearing from reality at will.
  3. Change is inevitable, yet sometimes oblivion shrinks, leaving one wide awake in unfamiliar places.

Methane

Pavle Miha • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Future Society Meditation
  1. London faces challenges due to unusual warm weather, leading to disruptions and tensions among residents.
  2. Infrastructure work and power outages disrupt daily life, forcing individuals to adapt and navigate challenges.
  3. Story explores themes of community, meditation, and personal experiences in a changing, uncertain world.

What I've Been Reading | May 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry Philosophy Mythology
  1. Poetry is not just a cerebral art form, but also embodied and auditory, with power as a spellbinding tool.
  2. Consider mental disorders as evolutionary vulnerabilities, not adaptations, challenges assumptions about treating symptoms as diseases.
  3. CS Lewis' book 'Till We Have Faces' offers a Christian re-reading of the myth Psyche and Eros and contains intellectual discussions alongside a joyous reading experience.

Halo: Fall of Reach Book Review

Brian Knapp’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
📚 Literature Sci-fi Review Action
  1. The book 'Halo: The Fall Of Reach' provides a great backstory on Master Chief and the UNSC military outpost planet Reach.
  2. The story reveals the disturbing history of Master Chief, including abduction from family, scientific experiments, and military training.
  3. Reading the book reminded the reviewer of the original 'Halo' vibes and was a fun, nostalgic experience.

Short Thoughts on Bile

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
📚 Literature Metaphor Physiology Medical History
  1. Bile is described as irritability and prickliness, associated with making choices and rejecting alternatives.
  2. In American business culture, showing bile or criticism is often viewed negatively, seen as a flaw in character.
  3. The theory of temperament based on humours, like black bile and yellow bile, influences personality traits and physical symptoms.

Reviews for September 2023

Record Crash • 39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fanfiction Webcomics Reviews
  1. The reviewer finished watching Seasons 2, 3, and 4 of LOST and might review it later.
  2. Pink Fang fanfiction blends drama and powerwank but takes a sharp turn into darker tones.
  3. The jumpchain story Meandering Through The Megaverse explores different worlds but lacks compelling execution.

Reviews for June 2023

Record Crash • 39 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fanfiction Reviews Novels Short Stories Fiction
  1. The reviews for June 2023 cover fics from various fandoms like Homestuck, Worm, and Harry Potter.
  2. Some fics had negative reviews due to lack of narrative, character development, or coherence in time travel plots.
  3. One recommended fic was a well-written original character fic in the Worm fandom with an interesting power and character development.

Diary #15

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
📚 Literature Diary
  1. The author reflects on interactions with various individuals throughout the day, noting observations about their appearances and emotional states.
  2. The author mentions engaging in work-related tasks such as counting cases of ptosis and providing reassurance and attention to others.
  3. Throughout the post, there is a recurring theme of human connection, concerns about work dynamics, and the importance of emotional support and understanding.

Speak Up is Now in Print

Speak Up • 19 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Magazines Print media
  1. The magazine Speak Up has shifted back to printing physical issues, after being digital-only for a while.
  2. A free copy of the first new printed issue is available to anyone who wants one, with future print issues for paid subscribers.
  3. Joining the More Speak Up in 2024 campaign will support creating a fund for monthly printed publications and higher pay for writers.

How Should Authors Navigate AI and Publishing Contracts?

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Publishing Copyright AI Contracts Authors
  1. Authors should carefully read their publishing contracts to understand who holds the copyright. Most often, authors keep the copyright but grant publishing rights to the publisher.
  2. When it comes to AI and training sets, contracts may not clearly state the rights regarding the use of an author's work, leading to confusion. Authors might have options to opt out of having their work used in AI training.
  3. The publishing landscape is complicated due to ongoing legal issues and AI's increasing role in content creation. Authors need to stay informed and consider how these changes might affect their rights and income.

The Man in Korea

Soaring Twenties • 146 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Podcast Writer Human Interaction
  1. The story 'The Man in Korea' revolves around a dramatic encounter in North Korea resulting from a skydiving mishap.
  2. The protagonist faces a perilous situation when mistaken for a spy, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.
  3. The narrative showcases themes of misunderstanding, communication barriers, and the consequences of trespassing in a highly sensitive area.

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.

Experiments in style: Computer-generated version

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
📚 Literature Writing Genres Storytelling Creativity
  1. Computers can create stories, but human touch in writing is still valued. While computerized stories can be generated, they often lack the depth and creativity that a human author brings.
  2. Experimenting with writing styles can improve skills. Attempting to rewrite a piece in a different style helps writers learn and grow by challenging their usual methods.
  3. AI-generated content can be surprising and funny. Sometimes, the results can be both unexpected and entertaining, showing that computers can produce amusing or interesting twists on stories.

Before I reach my enemy, bring me some heads

Numb at the Lodge • 153 HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Plagiarism Academic writing Originality
  1. Characters in the Book of Dede Korkut lack individuality and speak similarly, reflecting oral tradition storytelling.
  2. Academic writing is a bizarre system of repeated phrases and excessive referencing, leading to widespread plagiarism.
  3. Encouraging academic plagiarism and embracing orality could foster creativity and be more in line with true academic purpose.

Poem: Clang

Sounds Good! • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Emotions Friendship Soul Regret
  1. The poem reflects on the soullessness of a friend and the pain of realizing it too late.
  2. The friend in the poem exhibits a lack of vulnerability and is portrayed as psychologically bereft and spiritually bankrupt.
  3. The poem highlights the emptiness and profound sadness caused by a person who seems to lack a soul.

Current list of posts from Maurice Nicoll, Commentary, Vol. 1

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Commentary Reading club Self-Observation Conscience
  1. The post shares a list of current posts from Maurice Nicoll's Commentary, Vol. 1 on journalgurdjieffstudies.substack.com, with a focus on self-observation and inner work
  2. There are multiple entries discussing various aspects like additional means of self-observation, work on oneself, the concept of conscience in the work, and thoughts on self-remembering
  3. Each post contains a brief description and a link to read the full story, providing readers with a comprehensive exploration of Nicoll's writings and insights

Gentlemen Prefer Bitches

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Character development Relationships Narrative Techniques
  1. Some men are attracted to women who seem strong and assertive, but this can lead to unhealthy relationships where they overlook their own needs.
  2. Friendship and support can help people recognize their worth and encourage them to make positive changes in their lives.
  3. Being honest and having clear expectations in relationships is important to prevent one person from feeling like a burden or a freeloader.

An Amis Reader

The Ruffian • 245 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📚 Literature Author analysis Book Reviews Quotes
  1. Martin Amis's writing style has been both praised and criticized for its length, reliance on mechanical plot devices, and portrayal of women.
  2. Amis had a significant impact on the literary world with his attention to language and his influence on other writers like Zadie Smith and Jesse Armstrong.
  3. Despite criticisms and shifts in perceptions over the years, Amis was known for his memorable sentences, wit, and ability to provoke thought and laughter.

Book Review: “Thinking in Bets” by Annie Duke 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Decision-making Personal Growth
  1. Luck and randomness are significant factors in our lives and books that help in understanding this are valuable reads.
  2. Decisions should be separate from outcomes, and tools like backcasting and premortems can aid in making smarter choices.
  3. The book emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of decisions in the short term, medium term, and long term through the 10-10-10 rule.