Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak explores themes around literature, personal anecdotes, reflections on cultural and societal issues, and the art of writing. It delves into the experiences of women, minorities, and writers, expressing views on creativity, resilience, emotional intelligence, and the importance of storytelling.

Literature and Book Discussions Women's Experiences and Gender Issues Creative Writing and Storytelling Cultural Reflections and Society Philosophy and Personal Insights Art and Creativity Historical and Modern Perspectives on Writing Reflections on Identity and Belonging

The hottest Substack posts of Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak

And their main takeaways

Burning Books, Burning Writers

6092 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. Marzia, a young student, loved books and dreamed of becoming a writer, but her life was tragically cut short.
  2. Being a writer, especially a woman or minority writer, can be challenging, especially in countries with political turmoil.
  3. We should cherish the love for books and libraries, and remember those who were deprived of the chance to pursue their literary dreams.

Jane Austen, Taylor Swift and Women's Words

9493 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
  1. Jane Austen's _Pride and Prejudice_ remains popular centuries after its first publication.
  2. Women's words, like those of Jane Austen and Taylor Swift, continue to resonate with audiences.
  3. Understanding and appreciating the observations and insights of female authors is important.

Miniature Books, Miniature Eternity (part I)

3301 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. Quotes by philosophers and poets emphasize the interconnectedness of all things in the world and in ourselves.
  2. The concept of a circle of life highlights equality, without hierarchy or superiority.
  3. Writers explore the complexity of existence in the tiniest details and find inspiration in the connections between the microcosm and the universe.

Strange Writing Rituals

4206 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. Many writers have strange and unique writing rituals.
  2. Writing rituals are personal and offer comfort and encouragement.
  3. Different writers find inspiration in unconventional ways, such as heavy metal music or odd behaviors.

The Colour of the Universe

3930 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
  1. Places can be associated with specific colors in our minds.
  2. Writers often use colors to enhance their creative writing and evoke emotions.
  3. Scientists have discovered that the average color of the universe is a shade of beige known as Cosmic Latte.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Best Time to Start Writing

5464 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. Every writer has to start somewhere, taking one step at a time to fill the page.
  2. Starting writing early can set a foundation for creating stories.
  3. Writing does not always start with the dream of becoming a novelist.

The Myth of the 'Successful Writer'

4245 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
  1. Success is not about money, power, or fame; it's about inner contentment and personal fulfillment.
  2. Writing is a passion driven by love and the need to share stories, not by material success.
  3. Being a successful writer is not defined by external accolades or book sales, but by the impact your words have on others.

Daring To Write, Daring To Dream

3930 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. The post is about Forough Farrokhzad, born in Tehran in 1934, and highlights her childhood and family dynamics.
  2. Forough Farrokhzad was described as a curious, perceptive, and intelligent child with an independent spirit.
  3. Her family background includes a strict and authoritarian father and an abusive and rigid mother.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

1709 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

"Let Nature Be Your Teacher"

2594 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. The poet William Wordsworth emphasized learning from nature and observing the world around us with a fresh perspective.
  2. Nature can be a generous teacher, offering wisdom and insights if we slow down and listen.
  3. Democracy, like a forest ecosystem, requires a delicate balance of interconnected elements to survive and thrive.

A Merry Literary Christmas

3714 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
  1. The author shares memories of New Year's Eve celebrations from childhood.
  2. In Turkey, New Year's Eve was more eagerly anticipated than Christmas.
  3. The evening included playing _tombola_, roasting chestnuts, and watching a belly dancer on TV.

A New Heart For A New Year

3400 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
  1. Charles Dickens found inspiration for a new story while visiting Italy in 1844.
  2. The concept of 'A new heart for a new year' was mentioned in Dickens' work 'The Chimes'.
  3. This post is only accessible to paid subscribers.

Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence

2771 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. The debate between AI replacing or complementing human creativity is ongoing and important.
  2. Generative AI can create original content, but may struggle with emotional depth and empathy in storytelling.
  3. Tech advancements like generative AI require diverse perspectives and ethical considerations to avoid biases and negative consequences.

"The Perfect Writing Schedule"

4540 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. The post talks about 'The Perfect Writing Schedule.'
  2. It mentions a moment at an international literary festival.
  3. The topic appears to be exclusive for paid subscribers.

How Patriarchy Hurts Men Too

3459 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. The post discusses how patriarchy negatively affects men as well.
  2. The author shares a personal anecdote to emphasize the impact of patriarchal norms.
  3. The posts prompt readers to consider the broader implications of patriarchal societies.

'My wife reads fiction'

4854 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. The author discusses how people often approach her at events to comment on her writing
  2. The post includes a photo by the River Thames with Virginia Woolf
  3. Readers need to subscribe to access the full content of the post

'Keep Calm and Keep Writing"

3419 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
  1. The author found their home in London for writing.
  2. The author reflects on how Istanbul is now like a distant dream.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only.

"The Thinking Man and The Sitting Woman"

3066 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
  1. The archaeological findings of 'The Thinking Man' and 'The Sitting Woman' are fascinating terracotta figurines discovered in Romania in 1956.
  2. The couple are often referred to as 'The Thinking Man' and 'The Sitting Woman' in popular culture.
  3. The description of 'The Thinking Man' and 'The Sitting Woman' is polarizing among people.

Small Sanities In a World Gone Mad

3596 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
  1. In times of difficulty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by pessimism, anxiety, and loneliness.
  2. Humans tend to repeat history's mistakes, perpetuating cycles of discrimination and injustice.
  3. Reflection on past actions can help break the cycles and promote a more equitable and just society.

'Does Melancholy Foster Creativity?'

3832 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. The post discusses whether melancholy fosters creativity or if it is just a myth.
  2. The author shares a personal connection to William Butler Yeats.
  3. The post seems to require payment to access the full content.

The Wisdom of 'Untranslatable Words'

2299 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
  1. Untranslatable words give insights into cultures and communities.
  2. Struggling to translate words between languages can reveal deeper meanings.
  3. Exploring untranslatable words can reveal the essence of humanity.

A Heartfelt Salute to Inclusive Minds

2397 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. The post is a heartfelt salute to inclusive minds.
  2. The author reflects on the challenges of summarizing a novel in a few words.
  3. The post is available for paid subscribers only.

The Lost Art of Listening

2437 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
  1. Epictetus believed philosophy was a way of life.
  2. Epictetus was born in Hierapolis, Phyrgia, which is Pamukkale in modern Turkey.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only.

Are You 'Too Sensitive' for The Age of Angst?

2869 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
  1. The post discusses being labeled as 'too sensitive'.
  2. The author reflects on their personal experiences with the label.
  3. Paid subscription is required to access the full post.

We Are The Memory Tribe

2712 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
  1. The importance of memory and storytelling in writing
  2. Questioning stereotypes and narratives
  3. Encouraging readers to think critically

Welcome to my Unmapped Storyland

2142 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. Being a novelist involves a lot of solitary work, creating stories through writing, reading, and thinking.
  2. Writers spend their days at a desk, continuously crafting fictional tales one word at a time.
  3. This post is exclusive for paid subscribers, offering insights into the author's creative process.

'What's In A Name?'

432 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. The post is about the topic 'What's In A Name?'
  2. Author is Elif Shafak
  3. The content is for paid subscribers only

"Where Are You Really From?"

550 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
  1. The post discusses the question 'Where are you really from?'
  2. It is for paid subscribers only
  3. The post is by Elif Shafak

Coming soon

176 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
  1. Elif Shafak is launching something new on her Substack page.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. To access the content or subscribe, visit Elif Shafak's Substack page.

"Write What You Don't Know"

67 HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. The advice to 'write what you don't know' challenges the traditional advice of 'write what you know.'
  2. This advice encourages writers to explore new subjects and ideas in their writing.
  3. It promotes creativity and helps writers to break out of their comfort zones.