The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics
The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 4992 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jul 23
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie focuses on reimagining women's stories, myths, and fairy tales, emphasizing the importance of these traditions in addressing modern cultural and environmental issues.
  2. The concept of enchantment, as defined by Dr. Sharon Blackie, involves a profound connection to the world, a sense of wonder, and engagement with creativity and nature, promoting a slow and ethical way of living.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie offers different engagement levels through free subscriptions, paid subscriptions with exclusive content on myth, fairy tales, and psychology, and an exclusive membership called The Hearth for deeper exploration and support.
Tumbleweed Words β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 25
  1. Sometimes fights can happen over small things that don't really matter. It's important to recognize when that happens.
  2. Words can hurt, and sometimes it's better to keep them to ourselves to avoid misunderstandings in relationships.
  3. Love can be unpredictable and requires balance; it's a give-and-take that can easily tip in the wrong direction.
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Patti Smith β€’ 2299 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
  1. The post titled 'The New Jerusalem' by Patti Smith is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for a specific audience.
  2. The post delves into deep philosophical or spiritual themes, referencing biblical verses and provoking thought on the nature of time and existence.
  3. The content presented appears to be rich in imagery and poetry, inviting readers to explore complex concepts within the author's perspective.
The Audacity. β€’ 2594 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
  1. Roxane Gay is launching a new project called 'Roxane Gay Presents' in partnership with Everand.
  2. The series features long essays by different writers, starting with Julia Turshen's essay on powerlifting.
  3. Upcoming essays will cover topics like single motherhood, psychedelics, and American gun culture.
OK Doomer β€’ 126 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 25
  1. Curiosity is important for critical thinking. We should explore ideas we may not agree with to learn more about the world.
  2. Many self-help books repeat the same ideas, but some can still have a lasting impact on our mindset.
  3. It's okay to approach self-help materials with a critical perspective instead of fully embracing their messages.
The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 2436 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 24
  1. The author rediscovered and reread her own novel, which had been set aside for years, reflecting on the transformative power of myth and fairy tales in her work.
  2. A new online fairy tale psychology training program will be offered at Pacifica Graduate Institute, focusing on narrative techniques for therapy and personal development.
  3. Recommendations for thought-provoking novels are shared, emphasizing the importance of being open to unsettling stories and the beauty of rich prose styles.
sweater weather β€’ 4029 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 23
  1. The House of Mirth is a novel that delves into themes of tragedy, social status, and moral transformation.
  2. The story of Lily Bart reflects the harsh realities of social expectations, mimetic desire, and the impact of societal pressures.
  3. The narrative draws parallels between Lily's experiences in the novel and modern-day influencer culture, highlighting the dangers of surrendering individuality to algorithms and societal norms.
sweater weather β€’ 4697 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 23
  1. Campus fiction is not limited to university settings but can involve various social spaces like offices, museums, or even police departments.
  2. Campus novels provide insight into broader societal conflicts and offer a platform for exploring themes such as class, race, and political ideologies.
  3. Genres like campus fiction should not be seen as needing to transcend or blend with others, as they provide nuanced and interesting storytelling on their own.
Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 590 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 24
  1. It's important to keep political discussions separate from certain spaces. This helps maintain a positive and civil environment.
  2. Understanding different perspectives is crucial, especially when it comes to politics. People may see things differently, and being curious about those views can help us grow.
  3. Moving forward, the focus will be on storytelling and literature, while political topics will be discussed in other venues. This way, the creative space remains enjoyable for everyone.
The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 7343 implied HN points β€’ 01 Mar 24
  1. Cultural impact of novels is more than just sales figures; it's about influencing discourse and defining eras.
  2. Recent literary novels may have lacked the same level of cultural impact as those from previous decades like the 2010s.
  3. Novels like 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney were noted for their importance in millennial writing, but their cultural impact may have been less significant compared to previous literary giants.
CRAFT TALK β€’ 2653 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 24
  1. The book was in high demand online and sold out quickly, but independent bookstores supported the author.
  2. The author expressed gratitude to those who attended events and engaged in meaningful exchanges about writing.
  3. Upcoming events were mentioned, along with the importance of writing together and creating a supportive community.
Letters of Note β€’ 2790 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 24
  1. Lewis Carroll's father exhibited playful absurdity in his letters, which likely influenced his son's fantastical writing.
  2. Charles Sr. wrote a whimsical letter to his son, Charles Jr., showcasing imaginative and humorous storytelling.
  3. Through the letter, Charles Sr. creatively fulfilled his son's request for a file, screwdriver, and ring from Leeds with a vivid and whimsical tale.
Tumbleweed Words β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
  1. The poem reflects on the comfort and familiarity of home, highlighting quiet moments and soft spaces. It captures how simple things, like a warm blanket or a dog, bring solace after a long day.
  2. Themes of loneliness and the search for deeper connections are present. There is an emptiness felt during late hours, hinting at a desire for something more meaningful than just watching news.
  3. The use of imagery, like 'plum drunk on cheap wine', evokes a sense of relaxation but also highlights a yearning for greater fulfillment in life. It suggests that sometimes we seek comfort but still feel unfulfilled.
The Garden of Forking Paths β€’ 2614 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
  1. Writing a book involves intense research and a challenging writing process.
  2. Getting a book deal can differ based on the type of publishing and requires convincing an agent and publisher.
  3. Success of a book is uncertain and depends on various factors like author platform and public outreach.
Castalia β€’ 559 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jun 24
  1. The tools you use for writing affect how you express your thoughts. Each medium, like paper or a typewriter, has its own energy and style.
  2. Writing by hand can feel personal and intimate, while typing might allow for faster expression but can also lead to distractions.
  3. The place you write also matters. Using a smart phone means you can jot down ideas anywhere, but it might make your writing less focused.
Life Since the Baby Boom β€’ 461 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
  1. Reading stories in parts, or serials, is a fun and old tradition. It keeps people coming back for more every week.
  2. Working at big companies can feel familiar, but it often involves juggling different cultures and opinions, especially when many companies team up.
  3. People in tech often have strong opinions about new products, and convincing them can be tough, but it's important to stay confident and informed.
The Audacity. β€’ 4461 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
  1. The post discusses 'The Demulcent of Shame' essay by Jason Prokowiew.
  2. Jason received the 2023 PEN America/Jean Stein Grant for Literary Oral History for War Boys.
  3. The essay delves into his Russian father's adoption by Nazis during World War II and its lasting trauma.
The Lifeboat β€’ 172 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 24
  1. Fear and fearlessness seem very different, but they are connected. Fearlessness can come from realizing that being afraid doesn’t help us in the end.
  2. In modern society, fear is often overlooked or normalized. The way we interact with fear can change how we live our lives.
  3. The concept of social criticism has lost its power. Today, it often feels like just entertainment rather than a meaningful discussion about important issues.
CRAFT TALK β€’ 2338 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
  1. Having side projects can help keep momentum if feeling frustrated with the main project.
  2. Sometimes working on a lighter side project can provide a break from emotionally heavy writing.
  3. Sidepiece projects can evolve into something more significant and meaningful.
Subtle Maneuvers β€’ 3321 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 23
  1. Sharon Olds writes by hand and fills notebooks with writing as a way to think and feel through the world.
  2. Olds organizes her writing and creates a huge archive of thinking and feeling, even if not all of it gets published.
  3. Having fun with writing, treating it like drawing or dancing, can be an important part of the creative process.
Soaring Twenties β€’ 77 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 25
  1. Dinosaurs spark a sense of wonder and playfulness in children. This reminds us how important it is to nurture that joy and imagination.
  2. Parents play a key role in children's beliefs about the world. The father reassures his son about dinosaurs, showing the importance of trust and fun in family interactions.
  3. Stories can transport us to different times and places, allowing us to relive simpler moments. It's great to take a step back and appreciate the playful side of life.
The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 2835 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 23
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie shares her current reading and music choices for the holiday season, expressing gratitude for her subscribers.
  2. She highlights six books she plans to read, ranging from gothic novels to dystopian fiction, showing a diverse taste in literature.
  3. Blackie also lists six songs on her winter playlist, including nostalgic tracks and modern reworkings of traditional folk music.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
  1. Thinking about all the jobs you've had can spark creativity. It’s a good way to reflect on your experiences and tell your story.
  2. Running a course can be tough if not enough people sign up. But it can also be a fun learning experience for those who attend.
  3. Removing paywalls can help increase access to your work and attract more readers. It's a nice way to share knowledge with others.
sweater weather β€’ 4107 implied HN points β€’ 24 May 23
  1. The author reflects on the release of their new book and shares personal insights about the writing process.
  2. The author talks about learning to disconnect their self-worth from how their work is perceived by others.
  3. The author describes a joyful celebration of their book release, overcoming past feelings of unworthiness and enjoying the moment.
rachaelmeager β€’ 575 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jul 24
  1. Books have a lasting power that outlasts many forms of technology and trends. They continue to be a significant part of our culture despite the rise of digital media.
  2. Loneliness is a shared experience across different genders and backgrounds. Books can provide comfort, but they don't fully replace the need for human connection.
  3. Life is full of uncertainties, and it's essential to dig deep into our experiences to find meaning. Our pasts shape us but can be complex and challenging to fully understand.
Life and Letters β€’ 579 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jun 24
  1. Making a living as a writer is really tough nowadays. A few bestsellers make a lot of money, while most authors earn very little.
  2. Social mobility, or the ability to move up the social ladder, has often been very limited in literary history. Many writers come from wealth rather than from lower classes.
  3. Throughout history, there have been moments when more diverse writers entered the literary scene. These periods saw new genres and styles of writing emerge, reflecting changes in society.
Castalia β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jun 24
  1. Adelle Waldman's new book, _Help Wanted_, is based on her real experiences working with warehouse employees. While it's well-researched, it feels more like observing the workers than authentically capturing their lives.
  2. Glenn Loury's memoir, _Late Admissions_, dives into his complex life and the internal struggles he faces. It's not about trying to fit into one idea but exploring his multiple identities and contradictions.
  3. Both books highlight the challenges of representing people's real experiences. Waldman struggles with the class divide in storytelling, while Loury reflects on personal conflicts that make his journey relatable yet complicated.
Tumbleweed Words β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 25
  1. Reading can offer hope and inspiration. It's important to explore and find new perspectives through literature.
  2. Helping others, like poets and writers, can create a supportive community. Everyone can contribute to lifting each other up.
  3. A free trial can give you a taste of great content. It's a good way to see if you'd like to continue reading more.