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Counter Craft explores fiction writing, publishing insights, and appreciation of weird and surreal literature. It includes discussions on narrative techniques, the role of narrators, the relevance of traditional and non-traditional story structures, and the impact of AI on publishing. It also pays homage to influential writers and debates art's unnecessary elements.

Fiction Writing Publishing Narrative Techniques Surreal Literature Story Structures Art and Interpretation AI in Publishing Literary Appreciation

The hottest Substack posts of Counter Craft

And their main takeaways

The Forever Dying and the Always Dead; or, Literary Fiction and the Novel

1030 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Literary Criticism Book Sales Cultural Commentary Reader engagement Creative Writing
  1. Literary fiction is often seen as declining, but it's still selling well. We should broaden our view and not just focus on the bestseller lists to understand its impact.
  2. The way books are sold has changed a lot over the years. Nowadays, most people find books in big stores or online, which favors more popular, commercial fiction.
  3. There's a lot of pressure on publishers to find big hits, but they could do better by supporting more authors and promoting a variety of books, not just the ones that are trending.

Interview: Editor Sean deLone on How Modern Publishing Actually Works

681 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Publishing Editing Books Writing Genres
  1. Editors juggle multiple books at different stages, which means they often have less time for in-depth editing. They focus more on larger structural edits instead of fine line editing.
  2. The idea of genres is changing; editors and readers are now more open to books that blend different styles, making it easier for unique stories to get published.
  3. Despite the challenges in publishing, there are positive trends like the rise of independent bookstores and book clubs, which help build community around reading.

What's Not to Like about "Unlikeable Characters"?

663 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Character analysis Narrative structure Literary Criticism Author insights
  1. Unlikeable characters can make stories more interesting. They often show us different sides of life and human behavior that we don't see in more traditional, likable characters.
  2. Many readers prefer likable characters, but this can limit their reading experience. Reading about flawed or difficult characters can help us understand diverse perspectives and complexities in human nature.
  3. Literature should strive to showcase a wide range of characters, even the odd or unappealing ones. This variety adds depth to stories and enriches our understanding of the world.

The Writer as Chimera (and Where Substack Fits In)

632 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing Publishing Creative Process Digital Media
  1. Being a writer today often means you need to juggle multiple roles, like teaching, freelancing, or using platforms like Substack to support your literary career.
  2. Substack is changing the way writers connect with readers, but it may not completely replace traditional publishing methods. It's a more supportive environment where readers appreciate the creative process.
  3. Writers should look to integrate their various roles and projects, because what you do in one area can help boost another, like turning Substack work into a book deal.

A Simple Rule for Using AI in Art

421 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature AI Art Creative Process Ethics
  1. Using AI in art can be great if it's done thoughtfully. It's important to be open about how AI is used and ensure it enhances rather than replaces creativity.
  2. There are successful examples of authors using AI to help craft dialogue or ideas, but they are intentional and clear about their AI use. This distinction separates meaningful art from low-quality outputs.
  3. For artistic integrity, it's best to be honest about your use of AI, especially if it generates a lot of the work. Just like with plagiarism, taking someone else's work, including AI-generated text, without credit is not acceptable.
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Defending Adverbs Exuberantly if Conditionally

880 implied HN points β€’ 28 May 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing advice Creative Writing Language Fiction Book promotion
  1. Adverbs can be useful tools in writing, despite the common advice to avoid them. They can add depth and nuance to sentences when used thoughtfully.
  2. Many writers misuse adverbs by using them to repeat information that is already clear. It's better to choose words that enhance the meaning rather than say the same thing twice.
  3. Context is key when using adverbs. Sometimes they can provide clarity, but other times, they may slow down the pace. Think carefully about how they affect your writing.

Art in the Age of Slop

2332 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Publishing Authors Plagiarism Trends
  1. There's a rise in formulaic and generic content in art, like books and social media, as creators chase trends instead of focusing on originality. This 'slop' culture is influenced by algorithms that favor imitation over creativity.
  2. Even popular novels can suffer from issues like plagiarism, especially in fast-paced publishing environments where multiple people contribute to the writing. This raises questions about the integrity and originality of the work produced.
  3. Despite the challenges, creating original work is still worthwhile. Unique and thoughtful art can resonate with audiences looking for something different, and it allows creators to express their true selves rather than just following the crowd.

Why ChatGPT Is a Balloon and the Book Is a Bicycle

819 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Literary theory Writing Publishing Reading Culture
  1. Tech discussions often compare AI to past innovations. Some see it as the next big thing, while others think it might just be an overhyped trend.
  2. AI tools have made writing easier but aren't necessarily changing literature in a revolutionary way. Many writers still question what true innovation they bring.
  3. Books remain a sturdy format that people enjoy, just like riding a bike. Even with new tech, many people still prefer traditional reading over flashy interactive options.

Turning Off the TV in Your Mind

1344 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Writing Narrative Prose
  1. Writing fiction is different from watching TV. When you write, you should focus on words and deep thoughts, not just what you see on a screen.
  2. Prose allows writers to control time and characters' inner thoughts. This means you can skip boring details and dive deeper into what characters feel and think.
  3. It's important to remember that Point of View (POV) is subjective in writing. Describe things from a character's perspective to add depth and personality, rather than giving a neutral view like a camera.

Fix Your Hearts or Die!: A Short Ode to David Lynch (RIP)

910 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Art Tribute Media Music
  1. David Lynch was a visionary artist whose work greatly influenced American cinema and television. His shows and films changed how we think about storytelling in media.
  2. Lynch blended different tones in his art, mixing horror with humor and beauty. This combination made his work feel real and relatable.
  3. Even in death, Lynch's legacy lives on through his art, which captures the complexity of life and human emotions. His stories remind us of the beauty and mystery of existence.

Recommendation: The Odyssey (Read by Ian McKellen)

663 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Classic literature Book recommendations Poetry Audiobooks Cultural Discourse
  1. The Odyssey is an important piece of literature that many people surprisingly haven't read or heard of. It's essential to explore these classics because they still hold relevance today.
  2. Listening to The Odyssey as an audiobook can enhance the experience, especially with a talented narrator like Ian McKellen. The oral tradition of the poem makes it well-suited for this format.
  3. The structure of The Odyssey, which includes stories within stories, is different from modern storytelling norms. This unique format offers a refreshing take that can inspire new ways to write.

A Luminous, Brave, and Unputdownable Article about Blurbs

470 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Publishing Books Writing Authors Criticism
  1. Blurbs, or quotes of praise on book covers, are often seen as necessary but can be annoying to writers and readers alike. They take up a lot of time and often sound overly exaggerated.
  2. While blurbs can be helpful in promoting books, especially for authors who are just starting out, there's a growing conversation about their relevance. Some believe they may not be needed at all as readers can judge books on their own.
  3. To make blurbing better, suggestions include limiting the number of blurbs per book, avoiding requests for manuscripts that haven't sold yet, and stopping requests from already successful authors, letting newer voices shine instead.

Adjusting the Levels in Revision

717 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Fiction Revision Narrative Creativity
  1. Revision is a critical part of writing where your draft transforms into a book. It's exciting because you see your ideas take shape, but it can also feel tough as you have to make tough choices about what stays and what goes.
  2. Writers typically fall into two categories: cutters and expanders. Cutters like to trim down their drafts, while expanders focus on building up their stories with more detail.
  3. It's important to maintain a balanced narrative throughout your story. This means looking at how much dialogue, description, and action you have in each chapter to ensure the pacing and flow of the book feels consistent.

Processing: How Sam Bett Translated Osamu Dazai

265 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Translation Comedy Writing process Autofiction
  1. Osamu Dazai was a complex Japanese writer known for both his dark themes and comedic elements. His work resonates with many young readers today because it feels relatable and authentic.
  2. Translating comedy is challenging, but understanding the original's voice and humor is key. The translator's job is to recreate that humor in a way that makes sense in the new language.
  3. Dazai's characters openly express their emotions, which is different from many Western depictions of masculinity. This openness allows readers to connect more deeply with the characters' emotional experiences.

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

464 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 24
πŸ“š 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.

Imitation Games

542 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art Art Theory Digital Art Art Criticism Visual Culture
  1. AI art can imitate famous styles, but it often lacks originality and creativity. Just copying styles doesn't make it as good as the original.
  2. People unfamiliar with art may prefer simple or amateur pieces over professional ones. Knowing more about art can help us appreciate it better.
  3. The value of art comes from creativity and effort, not just the ability to copy. Real art involves developing unique styles and perspectives.

The First and Best Writing Advice I Ever Received

2350 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Advice Fiction
  1. Finishing your writing projects is crucial - don't get stuck tinkering, but complete and move on to the next
  2. The best writing advice is often simple - just finish your work before worrying about other aspects like querying agents or publicity
  3. Failure is part of the process - finishing means making mistakes, learning from them, and improving your writing over time

2024 Year-End Writing Round-Up

361 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Essays Publishing Author interviews
  1. The writer saw significant growth in their newsletter, which now has over 18,000 followers. It's nice to see how readers appreciate their work.
  2. They plan to publish a novel called 'Metallic Realms' in 2025, mixing genres like sci-fi and autofiction. They seem excited about this project.
  3. The writer shares valuable writing advice, emphasizing the importance of finishing projects and offers thoughts on writing techniques and publishing myths.

What's American Fiction Without the Short Story?

578 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories American Literature Authorship Publishing
  1. Short stories are integral to American literature and are considered a quintessential American literary form.
  2. The declining prestige of short stories is noted, despite the vibrant and alive nature of the form in American letters.
  3. Short stories face challenges due to lack of space in magazines, minimal big publisher support, and the popularity bias towards novels.

Processing: How David Small Illustrated and Wrote The Werewolf at Dusk

168 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic novels Fiction Illustration Storytelling Visual Arts
  1. David Small creates art that shows big feelings and fears, often inspired by monster movies he loved as a kid. He relates to the giant creatures and uses them to express those feelings in his work.
  2. When deciding on colors and styles for his illustrations, he chooses what fits the mood of each story. For example, he picked bright colors for one story to match its lively vibe, while another used darker colors to create a more serious tone.
  3. Small emphasizes that in graphic novels, visuals are very important. Writers need to trust artists to bring their stories to life without over-directing them.

The Novel as Shaggy Dog Joke

656 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Writing Form Meaning
  1. In novels, it's okay to break traditional writing rules and do something unexpected.
  2. Shaggy dog jokes delay the punchline for as long as possible, focusing on the journey of storytelling.
  3. Some novels, like Kafka's 'The Castle,' deny expected resolutions, finding meaning in the denial.

Fear of the Surreal

940 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Literature Fiction Philosophy Humor
  1. Surrealism in art resists simple meanings and concrete interpretations, seeking to evoke the subconscious and inspire individual interpretations.
  2. Surrealism challenges traditional symbols and meanings in art by using new imagery that avoids fixed cultural interpretations or subverts established meanings.
  3. There is a prevalent tendency for art consumers to seek simple interpretations and allegories, but celebrating art that resists easy understanding can lead to unique and profound experiences.

How Novellas Became Novels

669 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Novels
  1. Slim novels are popular now, even though they were once considered unpublishable.
  2. Novel 'Open Throat' by Henry Hoke was discussed at a book event.
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Processing: How Rita Bullwinkel Wrote Headshot

265 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing process Structure Character development
  1. Rita Bullwinkel's novel 'Headshot' showcases a unique structure, following the format of a sports competition but blending it with deep character exploration.
  2. The use of third-person narration in 'Headshot' creates a collective voice for the characters, allowing for a deeper exploration of time manipulation in the story.
  3. Bullwinkel's research background in competitive youth sports informed the authenticity of the novel, particularly in capturing the psychological dynamics of characters in a boxing setting.