Shades of Greaves

Shades of Greaves by Carlos Greaves is a humor column blending satire, personal experiences, and practical advice for writers and creatives. It explores the journey of writing and publishing, creative pursuits, challenges in self-publishing and marketing, societal observations, and humorous takes on contemporary issues and media.

Writing and Publishing Creative Pursuits Self-Publishing Challenges Personal Development Humor and Satire Societal Observations Marketing and Promotion Homeownership and DIY Contemporary Media Critique

The hottest Substack posts of Shades of Greaves

And their main takeaways

How to Become a Professional Writer

1946 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Humor Satire Creativity Comedy
  1. There are various paths to becoming a professional writer, such as pursuing a career in novel writing, freelancing, television writing, or teaching writing.
  2. Writing professionally requires patience and perseverance; it is a challenging, unpredictable, but rewarding journey.
  3. To excel as a writer, you need to master the craft, be willing to break and rewrite rules, and navigate the complexities of the modern publishing landscape.

A Kid Who Loved to Draw

727 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Imagination Expression
  1. The joy of drawing as a child can be rediscovered as an adult, allowing for creative expression and fun without a specific purpose.
  2. Taking time to engage in creative activities just for the sake of enjoyment can have positive effects on mental well-being, even if it doesn't directly contribute to professional goals.
  3. Embracing moments of creative 'fuckaroundery' can lead to a more enjoyable life, even if it challenges traditional ideas of productivity and goal achievement.

#8: How to Blow $250 on Ads For Your Self-Published Book

412 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Self-Publishing Advertising Book Sales Marketing Strategies Data Analysis
  1. The author tried investing $250 in ads for their self-published book but didn't see good returns, highlighting the challenges of advertising for self-published authors.
  2. Despite spending on ads, the author sold very few copies through Facebook and Amazon, underscoring the risk of not getting desired results from advertising efforts.
  3. Data from the failed ad campaigns is seen by the author as a way to learn and refine future advertising strategies, showing the importance of using past experiences to improve future marketing efforts.

Wizardstack is Pleased to Welcome the Pro-Voldemort Newsletter, Death Eater Daily

294 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy Parody Entertainment Writing
  1. Wizardstack supports freedom of speech and expression, even controversial viewpoints.
  2. Wizardstack allows content that some might find offensive or disturbing, emphasizing the importance of free discourse.
  3. The platform's decision to host diverse perspectives, including extremist ones, sparks debate about censorship versus freedom of expression.

Congratulations On Your New Money Pit!

275 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
💰 Finance Personal Finance Investing Budgeting Real Estate
  1. Owning a 'money pit' home comes with financial responsibilities like mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance costs.
  2. Engaging in DIY home repairs can save money but may take more time and effort than expected.
  3. Despite the challenges, owning a home allows for building relationships with neighbors and sharing experiences with other homeowners.
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Seeing the Dolphins

157 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Comedy Writing
  1. Challenges in life, even if seemingly small, can carry lessons of perseverance and competition.
  2. Improvement in skills often requires revisiting challenging tasks with new knowledge and experience.
  3. Developing intuition in a craft involves practice, learning from others, and examining the fundamental elements of the skill.

Diary Entry #1: Early Numbers

216 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Publishing Marketing Self-Publishing Book Sales
  1. Social media followings are crucial for authors as publishers consider the 'platform' when deciding on book deals.
  2. Self-publishing a book involves challenging odds, as most books sell fewer than 300 copies in their lifetime.
  3. Tracking and analyzing book sales data is essential for authors in understanding promotional tactics' effectiveness and areas for improvement.

#6: How to Sell More Copies of Your Book

157 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Marketing Writing Books Humor
  1. Help your audience find your work by making it clear what you're offering them - clickbait works.
  2. Demonstrate why your audience should listen to you brag whenever possible.
  3. Selling a book isn't just about explaining what the book is about, it's also about explaining who you are and why that makes your book worth reading.

Diary Entry #5: Correlated Numbers

137 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Self-Publishing Book Sales Book promotion
  1. Correlation does not equal causation, a lesson learned through analyzing book sales data.
  2. Promotional efforts like interviews, podcasts, and social media posts contribute to book sales, showcasing the importance of multiple strategies.
  3. Self-publishing involves hard work and dedication to drive sales; creative approaches are needed to boost book sales further.

I Wrote a Book!

157 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
📚 Literature Self-Publishing Book promotion Book launch Writing process
  1. The author has published a book called 'Spoilers: Essays That Might Ruin Your Favorite Hollywood Movies', which has had an exciting reception.
  2. The author is actively promoting the book through events like book launches, signings, and readings.
  3. The author plans to share insights and data on the self-publishing process in a series called 'The Numbers', aiming to help other self-published authors.

My First McSweeney’s Submission

393 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing Satire Feedback Progress Self-Improvement
  1. The author reflects on their five-year writing journey, from initial rejections to significant career milestones, showing that progress in writing takes time and perseverance.
  2. They compare their first and most recent submissions to McSweeney's, highlighting improvements in storytelling and satire techniques over the years.
  3. Through self-critique and analysis, the author demonstrates the importance of continuously learning and evolving as a writer, emphasizing that growth and skill development in writing occur over years and decades.

Diary Entry #3: The Numbers 33 and 1,000

117 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Creativity Humor Community Books
  1. Being '33-people-in-a-theater-famous' can be incredibly fulfilling, showcasing the impact a small, dedicated audience can have.
  2. The concept of '1,000 True Fans' highlights the value of building a dedicated community to support and sustain creative work.
  3. Unexpected encounters like experiencing a flight delay due to a 'VIP' can lead to humorous yet reflective moments, appreciating the unique experiences in life.

#7: How to Price Your Self-Published Book

78 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
💼 Business Publishing Book Sales Self-Publishing
  1. Setting the price for a self-published book involves considering market factors and personal ethics.
  2. Authors often make more royalties selling books online, like Amazon, compared to through bookstores.
  3. Charging more for books might increase royalty percentages but could also impact potential buyers' willingness to pay.

Writing Topical Satire Quickly

117 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Satire Writing Workshop Author Book
  1. Writing topical satire quickly involves reacting to timely headlines and translating them into jokes efficiently.
  2. Teaching topical satire allows for therapeutic exploration of real-world issues through humor and camaraderie.
  3. Efficiently turning around satire pieces involves quick brainstorming, drawing from familiar topics, and utilizing available templates.

We Finally Found The Perfect Neighborhood To Buy A House

176 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Neighborhood Community Education Childcare Religion
  1. The Citadel is a tight-knit, diverse community offering affordable housing and free education.
  2. Families in The Citadel share cooking duties and childcare responsibilities, creating a supportive environment for raising kids.
  3. While The Citadel has some unique rules and drawbacks, it remains an attractive option for young homeowners and new parents.

April Update

157 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
📚 Literature Humor Publishing Authors Books Writing
  1. The author finished writing a book and is now preparing for proofreading and printing, with an option for pre-ordering.
  2. The author highlights the importance of supporting Black women athletes and shares recent writing on the topic of criticisms in sports.
  3. The newsletter includes a fun and humorous quiz comparing Thomas Pynchon novels to 90's R&B groups, showcasing light-hearted content.

Diary Entry #2: Discovery Numbers (And a Quick Favor)

39 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
💼 Business Marketing Publishing Advertising Sales Self-Publishing
  1. The author's book has launched on Reedsy Discovery, a platform connecting authors with readers. Getting support through upvotes, comments, and reviews can help increase visibility for the book.
  2. Paid press opportunities like Reedsy Discovery can cost money but may lead to more book sales and broader exposure. For instance, with a $50 cost, selling 10 books could break even and expand the book's reach.
  3. Free press through interviews, newsletter features, and social media shoutouts has been crucial in promoting the author's book, demonstrating the value of media coverage in reaching potential readers.

Clearly I, Mr. Potter, the Wealthy Banker Trying To Buy This Entire Town, Am the Protagonist Here

78 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy
  1. The article is a satire on the writer's strike, using the movie industry as a metaphor - it highlights the writer's support for the cause and the struggle for writing to remain a viable career.
  2. The post humorously portrays Mr. Potter, a wealthy banker in a small town, as the protagonist despite his questionable actions, contrasting with George Bailey's role in the story.
  3. The satire creatively blends movie references with modern issues, showcasing the author's humor and storytelling skills.

How To Grow $30 Worth of Tomatoes Yourself For Just $300

78 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🍲 Food & Drink Gardening Cooking DIY
  1. Growing tomatoes yourself can be a fun and rewarding summer hobby.
  2. Starting with cheap tomato seeds in March and gradually investing in pots and other supplies can lead to a bountiful harvest.
  3. Despite the costs and challenges, growing your own tomatoes can bring satisfaction, better-tasting produce, and a way to one-up your bragging neighbors.

New Year, New Newsletter

78 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
😂 Humor Satire Writing Books Comedy
  1. Carlos Greaves is launching a newsletter with original satire pieces and updates on his work.
  2. Carlos Greaves successfully crowdfunded his debut book, with a planned release in June.
  3. Carlos Greaves has recent contributions in publications like McSweeney's and The New Yorker.

Why Aren’t Hollywood Movies Classy Anymore?

58 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Film Morality Societal norms
  1. Modern movies and TV shows often include mature themes like nudity, profanity, and violence, which can make them uncomfortable compared to the classic Hollywood era.
  2. There's a concern about the decline of moral values in films, with modern movies sometimes glorifying negative behaviors like gang violence and drug abuse.
  3. The nostalgia for the elegance of classic cinema reflects a desire for media that upholds traditional American values and societal structures.

I Can’t Believe Disney Is Shutting Down My Favorite Ride, Honky Mountain

58 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Controversy
  1. Disney is closing the controversial Splash Mountain ride to retheme it, sparking strong reactions from some fans who have nostalgic connections to the original ride.
  2. The Honky Mountain ride, based on a fictional Disney film celebrating white Appalachian-Americans, is being shut down, raising concerns about cultural insensitivity and stereotypes.
  3. The debate around retheming rides at Disney parks shows how nostalgic connections to these attractions can clash with evolving cultural sensitivities and social awareness.

Coming soon

39 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
  1. There is a new content coming soon from shadesofgreaves.substack.com.
  2. The post features Carlos Greaves and is dated January 30, 2023.
  3. You can subscribe to Shades of Greaves on the provided link.