The hottest Author Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Conversations with women (over 40): author Helen Garner, 81

The Shift With Sam Baker • 619 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Author Conversation Podcast Interview
  1. Helen Garner values human contact gaze over the erotic gaze in her work and conversations.
  2. Helen Garner, a respected Australian novelist at 81, is finally gaining recognition worldwide for her 13 books.
  3. Garner shares personal stories about her relationships with family members, highlighting the complexities and changes that come with age and life experiences.

April Bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
📚 Literature Bookclub Novel Author
  1. The Shift Bookclub has revealed its April selection, and it includes a discussion event with the author, Emily Howes. You can find more details on their Substack page.
  2. The book being featured is inspired by the fascinating story of Styllou Christofi, a woman who was hanged in Britain. The narrative sheds light on lesser-known historical figures like her.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to this content, so consider subscribing if you want to uncover more about the bookclub's pick and related discussions.
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Myth Take: C.S. Lewis’s ‘Till We Have Faces’

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1788 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author Novel Myth Inspiration Collaboration
  1. The book 'Till We Have Faces' by C.S. Lewis presents the idea that sometimes the questions we ask already hold the answers we are seeking.
  2. C.S. Lewis transformed the myth of Cupid and Psyche by re-centering the narrative through the perspective of Orual, Psyche's step-sister.
  3. The involvement of Joy Davidman played a significant role in inspiring and collaborating with C.S. Lewis during the creation of 'Till We Have Faces'.

Inside the Writerly Life of Joan Didion

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1159 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Author Writing process Influences Journalism Self-reflection
  1. Joan Didion's early writing experiences shaped her as a writer since childhood, emphasizing the importance of practicing and developing writing skills from a young age.
  2. Joan Didion's keen attention to sentence structure and style was influenced by authors like Hemingway, Conrad, and James, showcasing how studying others' works can inform one's writing.
  3. Joan Didion viewed writing as an integral part of her thought process, using writing as a tool for exploration and self-discovery, and recognizing the impact of her writing tools on her thought process.

Breaking Up with Your Words

CRAFT TALK • 3144 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Editing Author
  1. Editing ruthlessly is important in creating a concise and impactful story.
  2. Letting go of words during the editing process is necessary for the evolution of the story.
  3. Receiving praise for your work brings relief and joy, validating the effort put into crafting your story.

Story: HELL HATH ENLARGED HERSELF

So Here’s a Thing • 275 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Story Author Subscription Classic Membership
  1. The story 'Hell Hath Enlarged Herself' is part of an online collection and has been reprinted multiple times, showing its lasting appeal.
  2. The story is only available to paid subscribers, offering them exclusive access as a benefit.
  3. Readers have the option to refer friends to the Substack for potential paid benefits, showcasing a community-driven approach to gaining access to content.

‘A good novel is like a holiday for the brain’

NN Journal • 157 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Author Books Mentorship Themes
  1. A good novel can provide a mental escape, like a holiday for the brain.
  2. Success in writing often involves perseverance and seizing unexpected opportunities, as seen in author N V Peacock's journey.
  3. Collaborating with a writing community and mentors can be invaluable for aspiring writers to develop skills and navigate the publishing industry.

My Àntonia: Book I, Chapters 8–19

Book Post • 137 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Analysis Author Book review Writing Style Themes
  1. Willa Cather's work in My Ántonia emphasizes the value of early memories and wisdom, reflecting on important aspects of life.
  2. The novel portrays growing intimacy between Jim and Ántonia, highlighting elements of adventure and struggles, and delves into deeper themes of survival and hardship.
  3. Cather's embrace of naturalism in the novel, inspired by Darwin's struggle for survival, shapes the narrative and intertwines with themes of human nature and societal dynamics.

New Feature Announcement!

So Here’s a Thing • 825 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Author Books Subscription Value
  1. New feature announcement of a growing short story library for paid subscribers only. First story release is free for all.
  2. Stories will be delivered every two weeks in e-book format with new covers designed by the author, offering value for subscribers.
  3. If there is enough interest in the initial series of short stories, a second series may follow, encouraging engagement and growth.