Nice Try

Nice Try is a personal Substack detailing diverse life experiences, creative processes, and personal growth. It covers everyday challenges, creative pursuits, and personal reflections, often infused with humor and relatability. Themes include health, writing, relationships, creativity, and life's unpredictability.

Life Experiences Creativity Health Writing Relationships Personal Growth

The hottest Substack posts of Nice Try

And their main takeaways

Psycho

379 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Media Psychology
  1. The movie _Psycho_ has a famous shower scene where a woman is killed, but it cleverly tricks viewers into questioning who the real 'psycho' is throughout the film.
  2. Marion Crane and Norman Bates have mirrored characteristics, showing how both characters are driven by desires that lead to their own downfalls.
  3. On multiple viewings of _Psycho_, you can notice different aspects of characters, suggesting many of them might also have their own hidden psychotic traits.

Foxes or Red Foxes

339 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Writing Art Publishing
  1. A new short story titled 'Foxes or Red Foxes' has been published and can be read online.
  2. The story is paired with a beautiful painting by artist Scott Michael Ackerman.
  3. The author is currently working on a novel and finds inspiration while relaxing and daydreaming.

"DIY"

319 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Essays Memoir Cultural critique Writing
  1. The essay discusses the myths about doing things on your own, known as 'DIY'.
  2. It emphasizes that being self-taught or an 'autodidact' isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
  3. A key point is knowing how to find information is more important than memorizing everything.

Recommendations

279 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Travel Philosophy
  1. The movie 'Notorious' by Alfred Hitchcock is a great blend of love and espionage. It's still exciting and fresh even years after it was made.
  2. The films 'Cat People' and 'Curse of the Cat People' show how creativity can thrive under limitations. They turned low-budget challenges into memorable horror classics.
  3. Visiting the Rubin Museum is a must before it goes online. It has beautiful art and artifacts, especially related to Hinduism and Buddhism.

Recommendations

379 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Workshops Recommendations Art
  1. A writing workshop can be a great way to get feedback on your work and discuss ideas with others. Learning and sharing in a group setting helps boost creativity and energy.
  2. Teaching workshops outside of a traditional school setting can be rewarding and fun. Planning future workshops can lead to even more opportunities for writers to grow.
  3. Books and movies can deeply influence our lives, and sharing recommendations can help others find quality stories. Building a list of favorites can make it easier to discover new reads and films.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Health

299 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
  1. Taking care of your health can be a strange, even silly process. It's important to check in with yourself and feel good about your body and its functions.
  2. Sometimes, it can feel like our problems are all in our heads, and we might overthink or analyze ourselves too much. Finding balance is key.
  3. Using imagination and creativity can help us cope with life's challenges. It's okay to approach problems in a unique or unconventional way.

Reviews of My Life #5

359 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lifestyle Personal Growth Collectibles
  1. Using simple tools can help you create and track your goals, like coloring in a moon calendar instead of buying fancy gadgets.
  2. Collecting unique items, like books and art, can hold sentimental value and tell stories about your past experiences.
  3. Transforming your space for productivity, like turning a coat closet into a workshop, shows how you can make the most of what you have.

Reviews of My Life

379 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
📚 Literature Creative Writing Personal essays Narrative Nonfiction Memoir
  1. Unicycles seem to be a funny way to show how society has changed, and not always for the better. It's kind of silly to find two of them in the woods.
  2. Dealing with quirky problems, like porcupines eating your house, can push someone to become inventive. Adding salt licks to trees is a clever idea to keep them away.
  3. Electricity in old buildings can be a big headache. It’s good to know that if things go wrong, it can often just be a personal issue, not something beyond our control.

Reviews of My Life

439 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Personal narrative Humor Lifestyle Community events
  1. Living near a fire station means you become aware of how often emergencies happen, which can be surprising or even alarming at night.
  2. Being half deaf has its perks, like less noise and the ability to avoid criticism, but it also means missing out on things like music and surround sound.
  3. Experiences can be unpredictable, like attending a Shakespeare recital that turns into chaos when a fire truck shows up, bringing an unexpected twist to the day.

Two Upcoming Workshops

79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🚌 Education Workshops Writing Literacy Publishing Creative Arts
  1. There are two writing workshops coming up in New York City. One is a ten-week course for intermediate and advanced writers, and the other is a three-day intensive for novel writing.
  2. The ten-week workshop will help writers improve their skills from individual sentences to complete stories. It costs $550 and runs from May 7 to July 9.
  3. The three-day workshop focuses on editing and finalizing a complete manuscript. It costs $1800 and will take place on August 16-18.

How to Write a Story

299 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Storytelling Drafting Creative Process
  1. Drafting a story is important. You often start with something rough and improve it step by step until it feels right.
  2. Titles can change a lot during the writing process. It's normal to go through several names before settling on one that fits your story.
  3. Writing takes experimenting with ideas. You can mix genres and characters, and even make changes that seem silly until you find what works best.

Rubble

319 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Creative Writing Artistic expression
  1. Love can be chaotic and unpredictable, just like falling for someone who may not be good for you. It's important to embrace the wild moments, even if they come with risks.
  2. Life is about enjoying the small things and finding happiness in unexpected experiences. Sometimes, we just have to let go and live in the moment.
  3. The messiness of life can be humorous and relatable, like dealing with the aftermath of silly events or maintaining connections with people we care about.

Index Cards

2 HN points • 14 Sep 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Novel writing Creative Process Self-reflection
  1. To improve your novel, read it all the way through first. This helps you see what you have written and decide what changes to make next.
  2. Using index cards to summarize each chapter is a great way to organize your thoughts. You can easily see where new ideas might fit or what's missing.
  3. Set aside time to focus on your writing, but also take breaks. This space can help clear your mind and give you fresh ideas when you return.

Dave

319 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Healing Storytelling Personal Experience
  1. Dave worked at a grocery store and believed he could heal people through faith. He started giving 'healings' to women but was not as successful with men.
  2. His girlfriend became seriously ill because he didn't let her get medical help, believing his powers were enough.
  3. Thankfully, a wise co-worker advised him to take her to a doctor, and that saved her life, showing that sometimes real help comes from professionals, not just faith.

Ten Little Things

319 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Art Lifestyle Personal Stories Entertainment
  1. Writing can be done anywhere, even in a small notebook. It helps with creativity and can be more enjoyable than using a phone.
  2. It's important to take care of health issues, like allergies. Visiting a doctor can lead to better solutions for feeling good.
  3. Life can be busy with chores and personal projects, but spending time with loved ones, like going to a movie premiere, makes it all worthwhile.

Leopold

159 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing
  1. There's a new short story titled 'Leopold' that you can read for free online or buy in a magazine for $6. It's nice to have options!
  2. The story is quite lengthy at about 10,000 words, so it looks like a good read if you enjoy longer tales.
  3. The author appreciates feedback and invites readers to share their thoughts about the story or anything else on their mind.

Franklin

259 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Personal essays
  1. The story features a brother who has wild and dangerous adventures, highlighting the carefree yet reckless nature of childhood.
  2. The brother experiences significant moments, like almost drowning and getting soaked in diesel, that illustrate the risks he takes.
  3. Despite his troubles, the bond between the brothers remains strong, even as they face challenges without parental guidance.

Good Luck / Block

59 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Design
  1. Sometimes noise and chaos can block our creativity. It's important to find quiet moments to think clearly.
  2. Writers can struggle with finding things to say, especially during tough times. It's okay to feel stuck, but we can always work through it.
  3. Our environment affects how we write. A good or bad environment can change our mood and productivity.

Recommendations

139 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art History Writing
  1. Bud Smith will start two weekly series on his newsletter: 'Reviews of My Life' on Tuesdays, which is free for all readers, and 'Good Luck' on Thursdays, which is a paid series about his memories and creative life.
  2. He discussed the musical rivalry between Brian Wilson and The Beatles, clarifying that Wilson was inspired to create 'Pet Sounds' after the American version of 'Rubber Soul'.
  3. After reading several Stephen King novels, he decided to take a break, feeling that they were entertaining but not challenging enough, and instead chose to read more classic literature like Flaubert's 'Sentimental Education'.

Good Luck / episode three

99 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Narrative Serialization
  1. The narrator identifies as a 'turkey baby', a term of endearment from their mother. This connection to their childhood highlights a sense of nostalgia and identity.
  2. During a snowstorm, the narrator faces traffic and decides to walk to a nearby bar for a drink. This decision shows their desire for warmth and comfort amidst the chaos of life.
  3. While at the bar, the narrator reflects on their past experiences of proving their age with a birth certificate. This brings up themes of identity and the humorous challenges faced while growing up.

Good Luck

99 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Prose Narrative Creative Writing Short Stories
  1. A man in a blue suit stares longingly at a popsicle shop, showing how sometimes we hesitate to treat ourselves. It's humorous how he eventually buys a popsicle on a cold day, seeming a bit out of place.
  2. The story reflects on the changes in the neighborhood, with a guitar shop replaced by a luxury store, highlighting how businesses can come and go based on what's popular.
  3. The main character is cold and without a coat, symbolizing a kind of refusal to change one's life, which adds a layer of humor and relatability to the situation.

Good Gravy

279 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Contemporary
  1. Relationships can be complicated and painful, sometimes leading to unexpected situations like being shot by someone you know. Humor and absurdity can help lighten these heavy moments.
  2. The experience of pain and healing can bring people together, as seen with friends stepping in to help after an injury. It's all about how we support each other through difficult times.
  3. Life is full of challenges and disappointments, but finding ways to appreciate and love even the tough experiences can lead to personal growth. Embracing life's chaos can make it feel more meaningful.

Rat Island

219 implied HN points • 07 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Writing Style Character development
  1. People create stories about each other to fill in gaps. If someone doesn’t share their story, others might make up something much stranger.
  2. Friendship can be found in unexpected places. Rat Island and Geese bonded over their laughter and shared experiences at work, showing how connection can help through tough times.
  3. Life is full of changes, and people's roles can shift. Rat Island went from being a lively person to more serious, reflecting how age and experiences can affect our spirits.

Good Luck / Episode Ten

59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Creative Writing Prose
  1. The writer talks about how their cacti need support, showing how sometimes we all need a little help in life.
  2. There are quirky decorations in their living space, suggesting that personal items can make a place feel more like home.
  3. A funny moment at a red light highlights how everyday experiences can bring laughter and joy.

Good Luck

79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Narrative Memoir Fiction Creative Writing
  1. Life starts with a mix of hope and uncertainty, like when a baby is born and everyone says 'good luck.'
  2. Family members can offer both warmth and caution, showing how different perspectives on luck and superstition can shape our lives.
  3. Childhood is filled with imagination and innocence, where simple moments, like seeing a butterfly, bring joy and a sense of magic.

/

239 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Essays Narrative
  1. Sharing and connecting with people through writing can be a great experience. It allows for creativity and community building.
  2. Joining a subscription plan might offer extra benefits and exclusive content. This can enhance your reading and engagement with the content.
  3. Starting your own publication can be easy and rewarding. It gives you a platform to express yourself and share your thoughts with others.

Good Luck / episode seven

59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
😂 Humor Comedy Entertainment Satire Storytelling Media
  1. A funny story was shared about a man who built a secret tunnel to a bar to drink without his wife's knowledge. It highlights the lengths some people might go to hide their habits.
  2. The story sparked a discussion among friends in the truck about the wife's concerns, suggesting she was right to worry about her husband's drinking.
  3. This episode showcases how humor can be used to address serious themes, such as addiction and the impact of relationships on personal choices.

Good Luck / episode six

59 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Religion Behavior Art Literature
  1. Cults can have a strange way of influencing people. It's important to be aware of how they operate.
  2. Trust your instincts when something feels off. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, it's okay to walk away.
  3. Learning about different cultures and backgrounds can give you a fresh perspective. We can all benefit from understanding each other better.

Good Luck / Suicide in Bed

39 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Lifestyle Mental health
  1. The author feels surprised to discover what an apartment really is after living in one for 14 years. This shows how life can hold unexpected lessons even in everyday situations.
  2. The author connects their personal experience with humor and reflection about living in an apartment, adding depth to the story.
  3. The mention of a movie, _The Apartment_, highlights the idea that art can mirror and influence our own lives and perceptions.

Good Luck / episode 4

59 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
😂 Humor Dark humor Internet culture Personal Stories Anecdotes Scams
  1. A friend died while laughing on the phone after a funny online scam. It's shocking how life can take such unexpected turns.
  2. The scam was about wiring money to help Harvard, filled with misspellings and bad grammar. This made the situation even more ridiculous for the friend.
  3. The story shows how humor can sometimes lead to unthinkable outcomes in life. It reminds us to appreciate laughter, but also the fragility of life.

Good Luck / Grasshopper

39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Stories
  1. It's okay to feel nervous and unsure about what to say sometimes. Everyone experiences those moments.
  2. Sharing stories can be a great way to connect with others and express yourself.
  3. Taking a chance, like performing or speaking in public, can lead to new experiences and opportunities.

Blue Skies

19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
📚 Literature Essays Narratives Reflections Poetry Personal
  1. Looking up at the sky can remind us to appreciate the simple things in life. It's a healthy practice to slow down and notice what's around us.
  2. Taking time to breathe and reflect can bring peace and clarity. We often forget to pause and enjoy the moment amidst our busy lives.
  3. Setting small, personal goals, like looking at clouds more often, can lead to greater happiness. It's about finding joy in our everyday experiences.

Good Luck / episode nine

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Novels Dreams Analysis Narrative Memory
  1. Dreams can often be hard to remember, and it can be interesting to explore what they mean. Reading about dreams might help us understand our thoughts and feelings better.
  2. Spending a quiet Sunday morning can be refreshing and a nice break. It’s good to relax with a book and take a moment for ourselves.
  3. Old memories and stories can shape how we think about the past. They remind us of important times and places in our lives.

Good Luck / episode eight

39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Creativity History Philosophy
  1. In 1975, Brian Eno started recording his album with no ideas but a unique approach to creativity.
  2. He used a set of cards called Oblique Strategies to inspire his creative process.
  3. This method emphasized thinking outside the box and trying new things in the studio.

Good Luck / episode five

39 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Memory Storytelling Family Nostalgia Personal Experience
  1. Memories from childhood often stand out for their emotional impact. A birthday party moment can create lasting feelings of love and joy.
  2. People can have very early memories that stick with them, like seeing snow for the first time, even if it involves funny situations with pets.
  3. The way we remember things can be influenced by our feelings and imagination, leading to unique and sometimes questionable stories about our past.

Good Luck

39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Novels Essays
  1. A new novel called 'Good Luck' will start being posted online.
  2. The author plans to share it weekly, specifically on Thursdays.
  3. This is a special offering for paying subscribers who support the author's work.

Purples

199 implied HN points • 26 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lifestyle Personal Humor
  1. Life is full of distractions, but they can be welcome ones. Whether it's cleaning or spending time with family, these activities help us cope.
  2. Ordering groceries online can lead to unexpected surprises, like receiving way too many cans of tuna. It's funny how mistakes can turn into unique challenges.
  3. Creative projects, like painting a room or using a synthesizer, can become overwhelming and messy. It's important to keep things simple and not lose track of what you intended to do.

Teenager

139 implied HN points • 07 May 22
📚 Literature Fiction Books Authors Novels Creative Writing
  1. The new novel 'Teenager' will be released on May 10th and has a fun release party on May 8th in NYC. There will be free copies available at the party!
  2. The book features illustrations that add a unique touch, with sketches showing various quirky themes. There are 70 drawings to enjoy throughout the novel.
  3. The story follows two teens in love who go on a cross-country adventure, blending humor and deep emotions. It's described as a wild journey that touches on American culture.

Recommendations II

99 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Film Art Media
  1. Resequencing albums can change how you experience them. For example, swapping tracks on 'Let It Bleed' can create a better flow and make it feel more like a complete piece of art.
  2. Taking your time with long books is important. It's not about how fast you read but how much you engage with the material. Marking notes can help deepen your understanding.
  3. Not all movies about famous artists hit the mark. Some, like the Van Gogh biopic, might not do justice to their subjects, even if they have good performances or interesting ideas.