Story Club with George Saunders

Story Club with George Saunders explores the intricacies of short storytelling, focusing on writing processes, editing, the role of rejection, the essence of authentic voice, and the business aspects of writing. It emphasizes the importance of reader-writer connection, personal growth through writing, and respectful discourse in literary discussions.

Writing Process Editing and Publishing Rejection and Criticism Authentic Voice in Writing Reader-Writer Connection Literary Agent Dynamics Balancing Personal and Professional Life Storytelling Techniques Writing Exercises Reader Engagement and Awareness

The hottest Substack posts of Story Club with George Saunders

And their main takeaways

Office Hours

74 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
📚 Literature Editing Writing Revision Metaphors
  1. Editing is a complex process that involves both line editing and structural editing.
  2. Metaphors play a significant role in writing but should not be mistaken for the actual process of revising.
  3. Approach editing with the right spirit, aiming for a balance between being too harsh and too lax to bring out your best work.

Office Hours

105 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Craft Artistry Creativity Inspiration
  1. Differentiate between being 'sentimental' and being 'emotion-rich' in writing. Strive for genuine emotion in your work while avoiding unearned sentimentality.
  2. Your upbringing doesn't dictate the quality of your writing. Use your life experiences, no matter how 'normal,' to create impactful and powerful storytelling.
  3. Great writing comes from finding the sacred in everyday moments. Embrace the idea that every detail matters and has the potential for literary significance.

Office Hours

36 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Creativity
  1. Office Hours post involves a reader seeking advice on transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction. The writer expresses feeling encumbered by old writing habits and seeks guidance on creating believable and interesting fictional worlds.
  2. The post highlights the challenge of shifting writing styles and provides insight into the process of capturing granular details to make fictional worlds realistic. The reader contemplates ways to make the leap to fiction despite feeling limited by habitual thinking patterns.
  3. Paid subscribers may access the full content of the Office Hours post by subscribing through the provided link.

Office Hours

116 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Editing Writing Creative Process
  1. The editor plays a crucial role in shaping and refining writing pieces.
  2. Writing for online platforms requires a different style and pace to keep the reader engaged.
  3. Editing involves identifying the essence of the draft and enhancing it for a more impactful result.
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Office Hours

69 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Revision Prose Storytelling Creativity
  1. It is possible to over-revise your writing, which can lead to loss of freshness and spontaneity. It's important to find a balance between revising too much and too little.
  2. Taking your writing too far in revisions can help you understand your prose better. Push past the point of reason to see the impact of over-revising, then dial back and restore the essence.
  3. Maintaining freshness in subsequent drafts improves with time and practice. Developing the ability to see your work with fresh eyes more quickly is a skill that can be honed over time.

Office Hours

49 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📚 Literature Authors Writing Books
  1. The form of how writers present themselves to the public has evolved over time - from scripted, stiff appearances to more open and vulnerable portrayals.
  2. There is a wide range in how writers engage with the public - from staying secluded to embracing public speaking engagements and performances.
  3. Authenticity can be less stressful than carefully crafting a public image, and taking risks in the public eye can be rewarding for writers.

Office Hours

75 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reading habits
  1. George Saunders shares insights about his reading habits and choices.
  2. Saunders reflects on how his reading habits have changed and evolved over time.
  3. Saunders emphasizes the importance of curating one's reading life to stay engaged with literature.

"In the Basement"

34 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The post 'In the Basement' discusses Borgman's departure but indicates there is more to the story.
  2. Readers are left wondering about what will unfold next in the narrative.
  3. The post is available only for paid subscribers, encouraging readers to subscribe for exclusive content.

Office Hours

86 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Author Novel Parenting Art
  1. The dilemma of balancing personal ambitions with family responsibilities is common and challenging.
  2. Sometimes being a responsible parent may mean pursuing one's artistic ambitions.
  3. It's important to consider how fulfilling personal goals can positively impact family life.

"In the Basement"

34 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Analysis Short Story
  1. The story 'In the Basement' by George Saunders explores intricate causal schemes where characters make choices leading to significant consequences.
  2. Readers can analyze the narrative from different character perspectives to uncover the depth and complexity of the storytelling.
  3. To access certain posts by George Saunders, individuals may need to be paid subscribers on the platform.

Office Hours

83 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Agents Career Publication Advice
  1. On getting an agent: Agents are essential gatekeepers in the publishing world, helping with submissions and negotiations.
  2. Agent relationships: A good agent can relieve pressure by handling business aspects, letting the writer focus on their art.
  3. Agenting advice: Prospective agents should not charge for reading work, should be transparent about edits and submissions, and communication should be open and respectful.

In Which I Praise You All

90 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Received civil and kind responses from all, even those who disagreed.
  2. Appreciated the generosity and good faith shown by readers.
  3. Renewed faith in the ability to discuss critical topics respectfully.

Reading and Awareness

69 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Craft Writing Reading Awareness
  1. The exercise aims to improve our ability to discern micro-reactions to a text.
  2. The more choices a writer makes during revision, the more of themselves is shown in the text.
  3. Readers are drawn to the quality of presence in a text that allows them to connect with the soul of the writer.

"In the Basement"

45 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Stories
  1. The post discusses starting a discussion on the short story 'In the Basement' by Issac Babel. The pdf of the story was shared last week.
  2. To engage in further discussions and access the content mentioned, readers need to be paid subscribers of the platform.
  3. There is an option provided to subscribe for exclusive content access and to participate in ongoing discussions.

Office Hours

79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Storytelling Books Characters
  1. The readers expect a cohesive story to lead them in a certain direction, answering questions as they arise.
  2. In writing with multiple points of view, the author should feel the book's need for additional voices rather than adding characters for the sake of it.
  3. One approach is to give each character enough backstory to make the current moment make sense, without unnecessary elaboration.

"In the Basement"

28 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The story 'In the Basement' by George Saunders explores the breaking point of a character named Borgman and the differences between him and the narrator.
  2. Borgman reaches his breaking point when he sees a specific image that triggers his decision to flee.
  3. To access the full post and more content, readers need to be paid subscribers on George Saunders' Substack.

Office Hours

66 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Teaching Writing Authors Fiction
  1. The post shares an excerpt from Shannon Reed's book 'Why We Read' about teaching 'Lincoln in the Bardo.'
  2. Shannon Reed is a beloved writer and professor living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  3. Shannon Reed's book explores different aspects of the reading life and is described as rich, funny, and poignant.

"In the Basement"

29 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📚 Literature Short Story Analysis
  1. The story 'In the Basement' revolves around the narrative of a poor boy visiting the home of a rich boy and the subsequent need for reciprocation.
  2. The post discusses how this simple causal frame doesn't encompass the entirety of the story, but serves as a foundational structure for it.
  3. To access the full post and content, subscription is required for paid subscribers.

Office Hours

94 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📚 Literature Writing Style
  1. Writers should aim to find a unique and powerful voice to distinguish themselves and convey truth and beauty in their prose.
  2. Avoid relying too heavily on aphorisms and advice, and focus on writing with intention and honesty.
  3. Strive to identify and reflect your true values and voice in your writing, even if it means moving away from a 'natural' sound.

Office Hours

108 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Rejection Teaching Authorship
  1. Rejection in writing can lead to deeper honesty and self-discovery.
  2. The publishing world doesn't always equate good writing with being a good person.
  3. Success in writing is a mix of skill, ambition, and the ability to connect with the audience.