sweater weather

Sweater Weather is a Substack focusing on essays that delve into literature, cultural critiques, personal reflections, and the exploration of feelings. It covers varied themes including the analysis of film and book adaptations, the nuances of the writing process, character development in fiction, societal norms and expectations, and reflects on contemporary and classic narratives.

Literature Cultural Critiques Writing Process Character Development Societal Norms Contemporary Narratives Classic Narratives Film Analysis Book Adaptations Personal Reflections

The hottest Substack posts of sweater weather

And their main takeaways

a close read of my MFA statement of purpose

4166 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Influences Craft Experience
  1. A statement of purpose for MFA programs is about explaining your reasons for pursuing the degree.
  2. In writing, the concept of 'purpose' can be elusive and complex, leading to a struggle in articulating one's creative goals.
  3. Regardless of the challenges faced during the MFA program application process, it's essential to stay true to your writing ambitions and seek to make those aspirations a reality.

justice for lily bart!

4029 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Analysis Novel Social Critique
  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.

necessary scenes

6171 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
📚 Literature Storytelling Character development Novel Analysis
  1. Some argue that certain elements in art, like sex scenes, are unnecessary, but they actually serve to broaden the depth and concerns of the work.
  2. The concept of necessity in art is subjective and varies based on individual preferences and reading agendas.
  3. What may seem unnecessary in a piece of art to one person could be crucial to another's interpretation or understanding.
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the virtues of the boring draft

8097 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing Teaching Narrative Storytelling Characters
  1. When writing, try to include boring details about character backgrounds and settings to avoid ambiguity and confusion.
  2. Clarity is essential in storytelling to create mystery and engage readers.
  3. Include mundane, surface-level details in the first draft to build a lived-in world and deepen characters before refining the story.

bath is so me-coded

4697 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Experience Destination Culture Memories People
  1. Brandon Taylor expresses gratitude for people who supported his book tour and let his characters into their lives.
  2. While in London, Brandon faced challenges in finding a drip coffee machine and dealing with a medication issue.
  3. Bath left a strong impression on Brandon due to its beauty and the feeling of mutual connection he experienced there.

no redemption arcs in hell

5346 implied HN points • 16 May 23
📚 Literature Redemption Morality Fiction Character development Narrative analysis
  1. Redemption in fiction has evolved from demanding likable characters to morally gray characters proving themselves worthy.
  2. A show like _Succession_ illustrates the complexities of morality within its storyworld and challenges traditional redemption arcs.
  3. Moments of grace in fiction, where characters are seen and accepted without judgment, can be more impactful than traditional redemption arcs.

Events & Updates

1533 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Events Updates
  1. Join an event about the novel _Absolution_ with Alice McDermott on Wednesday at Books Are Magic.
  2. Engage in a conversation about _The Gilded Age_ on _It's Been a Minute_ and the challenges of sentimental period dramas.
  3. Read the short story _Warehouses_ about a young man named Per trying to connect with others, published at Joyland.

tár is a campus novel, grow up

4697 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing process Genres Literary Analysis
  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.

life is like an enormous pavlova

4107 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📚 Literature Writing Book Reviews
  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.

hamlet made some points

5070 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
  1. The film 'Close' portrays the complexities of adolescence and friendship.
  2. The movie 'Tár' explores artificiality and the portrayal of characters in cinema.
  3. The author reflects on themes of loneliness, closeness, and the struggles of communication and intimacy.

persuasion (2022) is a hate crime

8707 implied HN points • 09 Jul 22
  1. The new Netflix adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion received criticism for not respecting the source material
  2. Adaptations should translate and modify source text smartly, not betray the original material's essence
  3. The 2022 adaptation of Persuasion lacked sensitivity, omitted important elements, and failed to capture the essence of Austen's novel

spotify lowkey giving sola fide vibes

4677 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
  1. Spotify Wrapped reflects your music habits back to you, showing a sense of order in your life.
  2. In a secular world, people adopt rituals like journaling and making things by hand for meaning.
  3. Spotify Wrapped and other personality tests tap into archetypes, providing a fun way to explore identity.

a year in nyc book buying (and reading)

3734 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
  1. The author shares their ten favorite books of the year and how these books shaped their thinking and conversations.
  2. The author reflects on changes in their book buying habits after moving to New York City and the specialized bookstore experiences in the city.
  3. The author discusses their shift towards ordering out-of-print books from eBay and the importance of specific editions and material preferences in their reading life.

against character vapor

3871 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
  1. Characters with bodies are social creatures while characters without bodies seem more like thought experiments.
  2. Fiction should involve a balance of physical and interior details to create a more immersive and meaningful story.
  3. Anxiety over embodiment in writing may lead to either trite physical descriptions or character vapor, but the key is to select the right details that resonate with the story.

maile meloy rules

2397 implied HN points • 04 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Craft
  1. In a fiction workshop, it's important to assign readings to help students develop discernment and critical thinking in storytelling.
  2. Maile Meloy's stories delve into the moral complexities and struggles of ordinary human relationships, offering comfort in unsettling truths.
  3. Meloy's story 'O Tannenbaum' intricately weaves tension through subtle details and character dynamics, culminating in a complex exploration of desire and danger.

the miserly eye

2633 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
  1. The concept of cinematic fiction is about recreating the effects of cinema in prose, focusing on visual detail and narrative depth.
  2. Cinematic fiction emphasizes incident over commentary, scene over summary, and a cinematic 'vibe' that mimics film techniques.
  3. Writing in a cinematic style involves a flattened narrative relief, visual description tethered to a character's perspective, and a focus on selective pressure to create a cinematic feel.

a little life is not your father

5110 implied HN points • 25 May 22
  1. Critiques of contemporary gay literature often revolve around themes of seriousness, trauma, and lack of diversity.
  2. There is a call for more varied representation in gay fiction, moving beyond traditional narratives.
  3. Personal discomfort with emotion can influence aesthetic critiques, leading to projections onto works and authors.

degrees of freedom: character and situation

2751 implied HN points • 17 Nov 22
  1. Stories can be categorized as driven by character or situation.
  2. A good novel should find a balance between character agency and plot.
  3. The interaction and correspondence between character and situation create a well-rounded story.

Book tour updates!

1316 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature
  1. The author is going on a book tour across America, starting in Portland.
  2. Exciting events are lined up, like conversations with notable speakers in different cities.
  3. The author encourages support for indie bookstores and shares upcoming tour dates on their website.

Midwest Tour, ready set go

1257 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Events Reviews Media Coverage
  1. The author is on a Midwest tour hitting Minneapolis, Iowa City, and Madison.
  2. After the Midwest tour, the author will go back to New York, then to Toronto and the UK.
  3. The author shared upcoming UK tour dates and various reviews and interviews related to their work.

zaddies and they kids

2240 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
  1. The novel _Fathers and Children_ explores the conflicts and misunderstandings between generations in 19th century Russia.
  2. It delves into ideological clashes between different societal beliefs and historical perspectives.
  3. The book is rich in dialogue and philosophical discussions, showcasing the complexity of human interactions and emotions.

happy accommodations

3891 implied HN points • 10 Jan 22
  1. Living in NYC has professional benefits, but daily life is easier in Iowa.
  2. Expressing personal thoughts online can lead to misunderstanding.
  3. Finding a balance between individuality and societal expectations is important for personal fulfillment.

real housewives of lou mas

1827 implied HN points • 17 Sep 22
  1. The story explores the themes of displacement and expatriate life.
  2. Characters' actions and emotions in the story are believable and surprising.
  3. The narrative style of the story, with its sharp observations and emotional depth, makes it a compelling read.

emotional support trauma plot

3419 implied HN points • 14 Jan 22
  1. Critics are tired of fiction relying on trauma as a dominant theme, seeking more diverse and nuanced storytelling.
  2. The prevalence of trauma narratives in contemporary literature reflects a larger societal focus on personal identity and experiences.
  3. There is a growing trend to reduce complex narratives to simplistic tropes like 'the trauma plot', potentially missing the richness and depth of the work.

scriabin at pride

2201 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
  1. Accidentally ended up at a Pride event and observed the diversity and joy of the people there.
  2. Reflected on the music of Scriabin and the importance of artistic expression during challenging times.
  3. Discussed the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, highlighted by a conversation with a nonbinary friend in Alabama.

morgan spector pls break me in half

2594 implied HN points • 30 Mar 22
  1. The Gilded Age explored the tension between old and new wealth in 1880s New York
  2. The show employed a sentimental perspective in depicting historical events and characters
  3. American period dramas often sanitize history and present a rosier, bourgeois narrative

trauma is a ghost, who knew

3400 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
  1. Trauma can manifest as a haunting presence in one's life.
  2. Writing a screenplay brought new challenges and insights compared to novel writing.
  3. Conversations and confronting difficult truths are vital in storytelling and personal growth.

west elm willoughby

2673 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
  1. The story discusses the phenomenon of West Elm Caleb, who was dating and ghosting multiple women, sparking conversations about dating ethics and gossip.
  2. The text explores the power and impact of gossip in society, as illustrated in Jane Austen's novel, 'Sense and Sensibility.'
  3. Personal reflection on dealing with ghosting and setting boundaries when faced with inconsiderate behavior from others.

anna karenina is a negro spiritual

1965 implied HN points • 02 May 22
  1. The importance of delving into the material reality of characters in a novel to create human stakes.
  2. Recognizing the significance of integrating spiritual and material aspects in storytelling to bring depth to characters and their choices.
  3. Exploring the idea of negro spirituals as a form of social novels expressing a longing for transcendence and societal change.

elizabeth bishop made several points

2063 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
  1. Taking pictures can be a form of expression and a way to capture moments.
  2. Photography and writing can provide different outlets for creativity and self-expression.
  3. Observing and documenting life through photos can offer insights into human experiences and emotions.

to all the boys i scammed before

2201 implied HN points • 13 Feb 22
  1. The show 'Inventing Anna' fails to capture the depth of belief in a scam, focusing more on surface details.
  2. The protagonist's attempt to turn the scammer into a feminist symbol lacks convincing portrayal in the show.
  3. The author reflects on their past experiences as a scammer, exploring themes of loneliness and seeking affection.

the underdark: a modified craftalk

2142 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
  1. Exposition, interiority, and backstory are essential in storytelling to deepen characters and add layers of meaning.
  2. Exposition is not just about providing information, it is a manifestation of the story thinking about itself and its own intentions.
  3. Scenes provide an externalization of internal concerns, while exposition serves as a channel for meaning from the hidden realm of the story.

mary crawford is a top

1729 implied HN points • 10 Mar 22
  1. Mansfield Park is described as a slower, scalar novel in contrast to other Jane Austen books like Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility.
  2. Fanny Price, the protagonist, is portrayed as a naive character with a strong but young and naive sense of morality.
  3. The novel addresses themes of slavery and morality, but some critique its handling of the connections between Fanny's position and the institution of slavery.

some rural negro memories

2162 implied HN points • 05 Nov 21
  1. The author reflects on insights gained from examining their mother's occupation and life experiences.
  2. The author shares memories of their mother using them as a protective buffer in risky situations.
  3. Growing up surrounded by addiction and observing its effects shaped the author's perspective and self-awareness.

massachusetts holy ghost

2515 implied HN points • 11 Aug 21
  1. The author explores the intriguing collision of traditional island life with intense event organization at a book festival on Martha's Vineyard.
  2. The narrative delves into the complexities of writing about different experiences and the nuances of artistry and representation.
  3. A reflection on cancel culture, the censorious impulse, and the writer's ethical considerations in storytelling.

bobos in ikea

2476 implied HN points • 17 Aug 21
  1. The idea of curating a stylish and intentional living space with furniture and decor to reflect a certain lifestyle or social status.
  2. The concept of minimalist and stripped-down narratives in contemporary fiction, focusing on consciousness and the internal struggles of individuals.
  3. The trend towards a return of sprawling, multi-POV epic novels in contrast to the minimalist and symbolic narratives present in recent literature.

in my john berger drag

1493 implied HN points • 16 Mar 22
  1. Experimenting with different cameras can help you find the right fit for your photography style.
  2. Practice and taking more pictures can improve your photography skills and enjoyment.
  3. Photography can capture memories and moments that hold emotional significance and reflect your dreams.