The Leftovers

The Leftovers Substack explores the intersections of literature, culture, societal norms, and personal identity through critical analyses and personal reflections. It addresses themes such as the authenticity of literary and artistic expression, the impacts of capitalism and technology on society, and the value of diversity and individuality within cultural and personal narratives.

Literature and Criticism Social Media and Technology Self-Publishing and Literary Culture Urban Studies and Capitalism Personal Identity and Expression Artistic and Literary Funding Cultural and Social Commentary Digital Life and Death

The hottest Substack posts of The Leftovers

And their main takeaways

Becoming human

119 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture AI Criticism
  1. AI is impacting the cultural landscape by potentially taking over scriptwriting jobs previously done by humans.
  2. The automation of culture has been ongoing even before AI, with much of culture being formulaic and automatic.
  3. There is a significant amount of mind-numbing ideological junk produced in the cultural sphere that extends beyond just popular blockbusters.

Duelling quills

99 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
📚 Literature Magazines Authors
  1. The feud between The London Magazine and Blackwood's in 1820-1821 led to a tragic outcome: one of the editors involved in the verbal dispute ended up dead after a duel.
  2. The London Magazine had a rich history dating back to 1732, with various publications under the same name over the years, but not all with direct continuity.
  3. The different editorial tones between The London Magazine and Blackwood's were initially civil and even playful, but eventually escalated into a fatal confrontation.

Writing visually

79 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Dialogue Characterization
  1. Authors often neglect writing realistic dialogues in their works, resulting in weaker characters and plots.
  2. Using dialogues as a plot-building device is crucial for creating visually engaging writing, as demonstrated by filmmakers like Robert Bresson.
  3. Observing real-life dialogues and incorporating them into writing, even if with artistic deterritorialization, can enhance the clarity and strength of the narrative.

Boredom and its discontents

99 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Empathy
  1. Boredom can lead individuals to engage in risky or extreme behaviors, as seen in the historical case of Frantisek Kotzwara's death from erotic asphyxiation.
  2. The public's interest in rescue stories transcends socio-economic status, showing that people are captivated by tales of survival and heroism.
  3. Exploration and adventure often come with a price tag, with the wealthy having more access to risky endeavors, highlighting the intersection of boredom, money, and the drive for thrilling experiences.
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Spam

119 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art
  1. Spam seems to be a prominent theme in the post, with references to literary works and a personal anecdote about the prevalence of spam in daily life
  2. The text reflects on the overwhelming presence of spam in modern times, suggesting that it permeates various aspects of life and can affect even mundane activities like sleep
  3. There is an invitation to subscribe to The Leftovers for more content, hinting at a deeper exploration of the theme of spam and possibly other societal issues

UFOs

139 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Aliens UFOs
  1. UFOs are believed to arrive in the United States, chasing the American Dream.
  2. Aliens, like God, seem to have a fondness for America.
  3. The post discusses UFOs as a material proof of alien love for the United States.

The end of literary criticism

139 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
📚 Literature Criticism Reflection Writing
  1. The post discusses the idea of the end of literary criticism and reflects on mortality and life's meaning.
  2. The author talks about a personal Twitter list named DICKHEADS, and how it serves as a reminder of mortality and the importance of accepting life's end.
  3. There's a reflection on life wearing one out so that accepting its end is a more natural process, rather than feeling robbed.

The Game

79 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History Education
  1. The story shared is about a childhood game involving a hidden dynamo used to shock classmates by making them think it is a lie detector.
  2. The consequences of playing such a game were faced when the teacher found out and punished the boys by making them clean the workshop.
  3. This reminiscing tale serves as a reminder of the mix of innocence and mischief in childhood, even if some actions can have serious repercussions.

Writing tools

119 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The importance of writing tools for aiding your writing process.
  2. Consider trying different writing tools to enhance your writing experience.
  3. Sometimes unconventional methods, like writing on toilet paper, can spark creativity.

What we write about when we write about nothing

59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Reflection Creativity
  1. The post discusses the challenge of feeling drained of writing ideas and only being able to write about nothing.
  2. The content is presented in the form of a diary entry or a letter rather than a structured essay.
  3. The writer suggests readers to view the post as writing around the edges of the page, capturing a sense of nothingness in writing.

The strange case of the writer who returned from the dead

139 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Social media
  1. Susan Meachen, a writer believed to be dead, returned to the book world two and a half years after faking her suicide. This caused a stir in the book Twitter community.
  2. The situation around Susan Meachen showcased the chaos that can come from social media uproar and public scrutiny.
  3. The story of Susan Meachen highlights the impact and complexities of online personas and the blurred lines between reality and fiction in the digital age.

Fogwill

99 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Authors Literary Analysis
  1. Fogwill's _Cuentos completos_ is recommended for its range of writing styles and deep character exploration
  2. Fogwill's complete works offer insight into his transition from successful market executive to acclaimed writer
  3. Personal exchanges with Fogwill reflected his mischievous nature and highlighted the impact of his work on the author

Every writer should edit a magazine (at least for a year)

99 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature Writing Magazines Editing London
  1. Editing a literary magazine can provide a valuable understanding of the literary world and help writers avoid self-absorbed behavior.
  2. The novel 'Scamp' by Roland Camberton offers a glimpse into bohemian late-1940s London and the struggles of launching a literary magazine.
  3. Starting and maintaining a literary magazine can be a rewarding experience, offering a platform for writers and fostering a sense of community.

Ten signs that you need to quit writing

99 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The writer believes that writing isn't for everyone and encourages readers not to waste time on affirmations if they truly don't enjoy writing.
  2. The post lists ten signs that may indicate it's time to quit writing, highlighting the importance of recognizing when it's not the right path.
  3. The author offers a demotivational perspective on continuing writing and suggests that it's okay to admit that writing may not be the right fit for everyone.

Indie writers talking money in La-la Land

99 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature
  1. Many indie writers in the independent scene struggle to sell large numbers of books, leading to questions about the value of their work in a market-driven industry.
  2. There is a blurred line between treating writing as a business and valuing literature beyond its commercial worth, creating a dilemma for independent authors.
  3. The realities of low book sales, dependence on grants, and minimal financial return challenge the perception of writing as a lucrative profession in the indie publishing world.

Writing visually

79 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing Syntax
  1. Pace in writing involves creating a specific dynamic rhythm in the narrative events, achieved through factors like syntax, punctuation, and montage.
  2. The use of present tense influences the pace of writing by creating a sense of ongoingness in the narrative.
  3. Understanding pace in writing is essential for creating engaging and impactful storytelling that keeps readers hooked.

Flirting with death

99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Writing Death Books Art
  1. The author had a close encounter with death when a building collapsed shortly after they passed by, prompting reflection on life and luck.
  2. The experience influenced the author's upcoming publication, 'We Are But Nothing / No somos nada,' a dark comedy dealing with death and the thin line between worlds.
  3. The author's personal experiences and reflections heavily influenced their writing and decision-making in the publishing process.

AI will liberate us from art

99 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture AI Art Technology Music Content
  1. AI is already heavily involved in shaping cultural products, leading to concerns about the loss of human creativity
  2. The prevalence of algorithms in various aspects of culture and entertainment points to a long-standing trend towards automation
  3. The evolution of culture into a commodity and the influence of algorithms have significantly impacted the creative landscape, challenging traditional notions of human creativity

How to keep writing

99 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
📚 Literature Writing Authorship
  1. Sharing ideas about writing with others can be a rewarding experience, even if you're not a professional writing tutor.
  2. Keeping up with the practice of writing can be difficult, but it's important to persist and find ways to continue.
  3. Engaging in informal occasions where you can share your work and ideas with an audience can be inspiring and motivating.

Mince pie brain

99 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
📚 Literature Creative Writing
  1. The author humorously describes feeling mentally fatigued as having a 'mince pie brain'.
  2. Despite feeling unable to write well due to mental exhaustion, the author continues to write out of a superstitious belief that something bad might happen if they stop.
  3. The post highlights the struggle of trying to write when feeling mentally drained and how difficult it is to come up with ideas in that state.

How to stop writing

79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Reviews Social media Public Discourse
  1. Book Twitter can harshly critique writers and their work, potentially affecting their motivation to write.
  2. Engaging in online debates and arguments, especially in toxic environments, can lead to a loss of enthusiasm for writing.
  3. Negative experiences online, like encountering harsh criticism or trolling, can severely impact a writer's desire to continue writing.

Losing words

99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
📚 Literature Books Writing Loss Art Creativity
  1. The author reflects on the idea that sometimes writing is meant to be left behind, rather than preserved or shared.
  2. The text discusses Daniela Cascella's book 'Singed,' which delves into themes of loss in various forms.
  3. The narrative explores the notion of writing as a cathartic process, allowing the writer to let go and embrace the act of losing words.

Repetition is your friend

59 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Inspiration
  1. Repetition can be helpful in writing, as it can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and overcoming blocks.
  2. Focusing on excessive thinking before writing may hinder progress, while allowing the story to evolve through writing can be more beneficial.
  3. Persistence in writing is essential, even if faced with initial challenges and frustrations.

Writing visually

59 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📚 Literature Narration Fiction Authors Literary Analysis
  1. The author embraces visual elements in writing by considering and emphasizing them as crucial to their own voice
  2. Visual effects in fiction can be achieved through elements like using the present tense in narration, maintaining a fast pace, and employing dialogues for character and plot-building
  3. The British author Philip Pullman criticized fiction in the present tense; however, the author believes that embracing stark opinions regarding tense in narration can limit literary creativity

King Elon, the Owner of the Ball

59 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Tech Companies Misinformation Advertising Digital Platforms
  1. Football games in childhood were impacted by the ownership of the ball, highlighting power dynamics within groups of kids.
  2. Elon Musk's actions as the 'Owner of the Ball' on Twitter have negatively affected the platform's value and functionality, leading to significant repercussions.
  3. Using Twitter effectively requires understanding its algorithms and limitations, as well as being cautious about how interactions and content are promoted.

Hipsters ruined my espresso

99 implied HN points • 29 Oct 22
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Culture
  1. The author experienced disappointment with a new style of light roast coffee that was popularized by hip coffee houses.
  2. The color and crema of the espresso were as expected, but the taste was deemed 'very wrong' by the author.
  3. The trend of light roast coffee blends, supposedly originating from Melbourne's hip coffee culture, played a role in altering the author's espresso experience.

Absent London

99 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Cities Literature Philosophy
  1. London's true identity lies in its absence, as depicted by Patrick Keiller in 1992.
  2. Living in London helps you gradually distance yourself from its overwhelming influence.
  3. Many who are drawn to a city's center often face disappointment and the realization of life's inherent futility.

Christmas 1981

79 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The story describes a Christmas memory from 1981 involving a soldier in an olive green uniform.
  2. There is a humorous exchange between the mother and the soldier about the shotgun/rifle and offering food.
  3. The post prompts readers to subscribe for more content and provides a 7-day free trial.

Gyms

119 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. The author reminisces about a time spent training at a gym with their father during his recovery from an MS episode, highlighting the bond formed through this experience.
  2. The descriptions of the gym environment evoke sensory details like the smell of sweat, leather, and rust, providing a vivid picture of the setting.
  3. The author shares personal anecdotes, such as training with small dumbbells and the humorous encounter in the shower, adding a touch of nostalgia to the narrative.

On the futility of writing

119 implied HN points • 24 Jul 22
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Library Social media
  1. Question the purpose of writing: Despite acknowledging its futility, the act of writing persists, raising the eternal question of why we engage in a seemingly pointless endeavor.
  2. The infinite possibilities of words: Reflecting on Borges' 'The Library of Babel,' the idea of an ever-expanding, chaotic library suggests a universe where the potential for new creations is boundless, even amidst the saturation of existing literature.
  3. Social media and the democratization of writing: The digital age demands that we all become writers, sharing our thoughts with a global audience through online platforms, blurring the lines between creation, self-promotion, and personal expression.

What writing in a second language has taught me (about writing in general)

59 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
📚 Literature Writing Craft
  1. The author started writing seriously at seventeen, focusing on projects like short stories and essays, rather than just random writing. Eventually shifted to writing mainly in English, leaving their mother tongue behind.
  2. Writing in a second language led the author to discover five things that changed their perspective on writing as a whole, showing a deeper connection beyond just a desire for readers.
  3. Through writing in a second language, the author experienced defamiliarization and realized the impact it had on their craft, highlighting the importance of exploring different writing styles and languages in personal development.

The death of a monarch

99 implied HN points • 14 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Monarchy Power Nationalism Ceremonies Institutions
  1. Ceremonies and rituals are carefully designed to influence emotions and reinforce power dynamics.
  2. The construction of nations and nationalism relies on various tools like monuments, media, and rituals to maintain power structures.
  3. The death of a monarch highlights how society is manipulated through indoctrination, rituals, and the normalization of power.

The vanity and banality of the Author Online

139 implied HN points • 05 May 22
📚 Literature Authors Social media Copyright Professionalism
  1. The Author Online often struggles with balancing professionalism and personal reification in the digital space, leading to incoherences in their demands for recognition and payment.
  2. Social media can intensify the need for constant self-promotion and oversharing among Authors Online, blurring the line between personal authenticity and commodification.
  3. Some Authors Online are more focused on protecting their income and copyright rather than advocating for broader benefits like Universal Basic Income, which could support a wider range of writers.

Write the notebooks; burn the notebooks

99 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
  1. Develop a writing habit to enhance your skills and consistency in writing.
  2. Master the tools of writing, both physical and digital, to improve the quality and efficiency of your work.
  3. Writing is a physical activity that requires mastering the tools before focusing on intellectual aspects or advanced techniques.

You aren't special

79 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Self-Improvement Life philosophy
  1. The post discusses the idea that you aren't special, challenging the belief in the 'Law of Attraction' that promotes positivity and the universe providing success.
  2. It mentions a film called 'The Secret' that has gained popularity for promoting the idea that to achieve something in life, you just have to know what you want and believe in the outcome.
  3. The post invites readers to keep reading by subscribing to The Leftovers for a 7-day free trial.

Please stop translating like this

119 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Literature in translation is gaining recognition and praise for the quality of English translations.
  2. Translators play a crucial role in expanding the world of possibilities for readers and making works accessible.
  3. While a translated piece may be an approximation of the original, it still provides value by allowing access to works in different languages.