The Elif Life

The Elif Life, by the author of The Idiot, Elif Batuman, offers a blend of personal reflections, literary discourse, and insights into writing and form. Themes include the challenges and inspirations in writing, engagement with literature, exploration of personal experiences, and the intersection of modern technology with traditional literary analysis.

Literary Analysis Personal Reflections Writing and Creativity Technological Impacts on Literature Cultural Exploration

The hottest Substack posts of The Elif Life

And their main takeaways

On Being Butthurt

3249 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Privilege Identity Education Humor
  1. Keeping a notebook can help capture funny or interesting moments in life. It’s a way to notice the lighter side of things, even when life feels heavy.
  2. Feeling butthurt often comes from comparing ourselves to others and their privileges. This can lead to unnecessary resentment instead of recognizing our own journey.
  3. Writing can be a way to overcome feelings of butthurt. It allows us to connect with our past selves and remember our growth over time.

Places you have no reason to be

1834 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Art Literature Creativity Education
  1. It's okay to explore places without a specific reason; your curiosity itself is a reason to go. Sometimes, just following your feelings can lead to valuable experiences.
  2. Setting aside time for yourself, like an 'artist date,' is important for creativity. It helps you connect with your inner artist and can inspire new ideas.
  3. Taking detours in life can lead to unexpected insights and connections. Embracing spontaneity might open doors to experiences you never planned for.

Another Day, Another Slay

2691 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
  1. The author teaches a writing workshop every Wednesday at Barnard and has an online Japanese class later in the day.
  2. The author had a recurring thought for ten years about regretting not studying Japanese when younger.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial of The Elif Life.

"I Don't Do Assignments Anymore."

1435 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. The trailer for 'Origin' celebrates intellectual work outside traditional structures of prestige and hierarchy.
  2. The scene of Isabel Wilkerson turning down an assignment highlights the value of pursuing independent projects.
  3. The movie 'Origin' presents a feminist victory by showcasing the unique work driven by ideas and feelings, often done by women.

My Journey with Manhole Covers

3070 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
  1. The author shares their journey with finding inspiration in manhole covers.
  2. Expresses gratitude to readers for support and kindness.
  3. Encourages readers to subscribe for access to more posts and a 7-day free trial.
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Thoughts on publishing and form

2771 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
  1. The writer's voice can be attributed to the marketplace
  2. Internship experiences can shape one's career path
  3. Consider subscribing to access more content and archives

What is breakfast?

1395 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
  1. Studying abroad, especially in a non-English speaking country, is a valuable experience that can lead to critical thinking and questioning of cultural norms.
  2. Traveling can be beneficial for everyone, not just humanities students, as it can inspire new passions and perspectives.
  3. Personal experiences, like the power of physically showing someone a situation, can sometimes have a stronger impact than words or literature in conveying the reality of a situation.

Welcome to the Eliflife

3568 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
  1. Elif Batuman's newsletter is called Eliflife.
  2. It's described as a 'Time Support Group.'
  3. The author reflects on being late to start a Substack and her journey over the past three years.

It's Curtains

1973 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
  1. The author experienced synchronicity related to Tolstoy while moving apartments
  2. Reading 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' led to reflections on middle age and careerism
  3. The text explores the idea of writers creating characters reflective of inner struggles

My Journey with Short Stories, Part I

1854 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
  1. The author is sharing their journey with short stories in a series of posts.
  2. A reader asks for advice on writing short stories as they are transitioning from memoir essays.
  3. Readers can sign up for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives on the author's Substack page.

Time, My Frenemy

2272 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
  1. The post discusses feeling at odds with time as a writer
  2. The older we get, the past recedes further away
  3. Writing is often inspired by past books and reading experiences

Humans 1, AI 0

1654 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
  1. A reader helped identify a forgotten quote in the conversation
  2. The post discusses a conversation with Chat GPT about Proust
  3. The author is pleased after the post was reprinted in The Guardian

I, Sydney, AI Novelist

1634 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
  1. The author expresses gratitude to paid subscribers and mentions a post that was reprinted by The Guardian.
  2. The post discusses AI inquiry and a document from March that inspired the author.
  3. Readers are invited to subscribe with a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

Lviv dispatch

1315 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
  1. The author attended a book festival in Lviv, Ukraine, approximately 300+ miles from the active war front.
  2. The city of Lviv is described as extremely beautiful and relatively secure, similar to visiting Poland.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial to The Elif Life newsletter.

Proust Pep Talk 2

2093 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
  1. The Proust thought exercise is about processing personal experiences as a duty
  2. Engaging with pressing issues of your time can be balanced with reflecting on personal experiences
  3. Consider subscribing to The Elif Life for more content and a 7-day free trial

Short Stories, II

1335 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
  1. Listening to writers read and discuss stories can be a great resource for learning about storytelling.
  2. Analyzing word counts and structures of successful stories can help in understanding how to craft your own stories.
  3. Utilizing a formulaic approach with acts and word counts can make writing a short story feel more manageable and generative.

Proust Pep Talk 1

1634 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
  1. Put away your excuses and start introspecting.
  2. Be willing to sit alone in a room for long stretches to create something meaningful.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Elif Life for more insightful content.

My Conversation with Chat GPT about Proust

1 HN point • 13 Aug 23
  1. The author had a conversation with Chat GPT about Proust and love affairs.
  2. Chat GPT was used to find a quote from In Search of Lost Time by Proust.
  3. To access the full conversation with Chat GPT, a subscription to The Elif Life is required.