The hottest Authors Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Help!—AI Is Stealing My Readers

The Honest Broker • 21443 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Scams Chatbots Authors Transparency
  1. Impersonation scams are evolving, with AI being used to create fake authors and books to mislead readers.
  2. Demand for transparency in AI usage can help prevent scams and maintain integrity in content creation.
  3. Experts are vulnerable to having their hard-earned knowledge and work exploited by AI, highlighting the need for regulations to protect against such misuse.

Prophesy's lullaby

Patti Smith • 7527 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Biographies
  1. Patti Smith shares her daily activities and wishes readers a good night.
  2. She prepared cod, purple sweet potatoes, and micro greens for the evening meal.
  3. Patti Smith's publication is reader-supported, and readers can subscribe to support her work.

On Writing

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4886 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Authors Memoirs Books
  1. The key to writing is having a point of view and putting in the effort consistently, regardless of any specific method or process.
  2. Creativity involves both insight and persistence; don't underestimate the value of persistent effort in generating creative ideas.
  3. Writing regularly may involve accepting that initial drafts may not be perfect, embracing bad writing as part of the process, and persisting through writer's block.
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The Spy Travel Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏝 Travel History Guides Authors Influence
  1. The U.S. government had a significant influence on the creation of modern American travel guides through literal spies like Eugene Fodor and Temple Fielding.
  2. Eugene Fodor, a successful guidebook publisher, was an officer for the CIA's predecessor during WWII and continued to use spies as writers for his company.
  3. The travel industry has evolved from its CIA roots to offer guides catering to various interests and lifestyles, providing valuable insights into different cultures beyond borders.

Strange things

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2436 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Novel Authors Book Reviews
  1. The author rediscovered and reread her own novel, which had been set aside for years, reflecting on the transformative power of myth and fairy tales in her work.
  2. A new online fairy tale psychology training program will be offered at Pacifica Graduate Institute, focusing on narrative techniques for therapy and personal development.
  3. Recommendations for thought-provoking novels are shared, emphasizing the importance of being open to unsettling stories and the beauty of rich prose styles.

Roxane Gay Presents...

The Audacity. • 2594 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays Authors Books
  1. Roxane Gay is launching a new project called 'Roxane Gay Presents' in partnership with Everand.
  2. The series features long essays by different writers, starting with Julia Turshen's essay on powerlifting.
  3. Upcoming essays will cover topics like single motherhood, psychedelics, and American gun culture.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Paul Theroux

Why is this interesting? • 1327 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Novels Reading Writing
  1. Paul Theroux emphasizes the ease of staying updated on world events via online news sources and the convenience of assessing contradictions.
  2. Theroux recommends starting with Shakespeare for reading and emphasizes the satisfaction of diving into his works.
  3. Theroux prefers trains over planes for travel and advocates for road trips for the sense of freedom they offer.

On Literary Sidepieces

CRAFT TALK • 2338 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Books
  1. Having side projects can help keep momentum if feeling frustrated with the main project.
  2. Sometimes working on a lighter side project can provide a break from emotionally heavy writing.
  3. Sidepiece projects can evolve into something more significant and meaningful.

This is not a letter

Letters of Note • 1945 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Letters Authors Books
  1. The text presents quotes from Katherine Mansfield's letters to different recipients.
  2. Mansfield's messages often started by stating 'This is not a letter,' implying a more personal connection.
  3. Her letters were filled with genuine expressions of care, love, and unique observations.

What a bawling and a tearing of hair there will be!

Letters of Note • 2790 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Fiction
  1. Lewis Carroll's father exhibited playful absurdity in his letters, which likely influenced his son's fantastical writing.
  2. Charles Sr. wrote a whimsical letter to his son, Charles Jr., showcasing imaginative and humorous storytelling.
  3. Through the letter, Charles Sr. creatively fulfilled his son's request for a file, screwdriver, and ring from Leeds with a vivid and whimsical tale.

What I'm reading and listening to this holiday season

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2835 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Songs
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie shares her current reading and music choices for the holiday season, expressing gratitude for her subscribers.
  2. She highlights six books she plans to read, ranging from gothic novels to dystopian fiction, showing a diverse taste in literature.
  3. Blackie also lists six songs on her winter playlist, including nostalgic tracks and modern reworkings of traditional folk music.

Purple Rage? A Book to Offend Almost Everyone

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reviews Themes Analysis
  1. Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple' is beloved, banned, and has won prestigious awards.
  2. The book faced controversy due to its explicit content, anti-religious sentiment, and depiction of domestic violence.
  3. Despite being a source of offense, the novel has deeply resonated with readers, including individuals who have experienced trauma.

Sharon Olds's huge archive of thinking and feeling

Subtle Maneuvers • 3321 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Writing process Authors Creativity
  1. Sharon Olds writes by hand and fills notebooks with writing as a way to think and feel through the world.
  2. Olds organizes her writing and creates a huge archive of thinking and feeling, even if not all of it gets published.
  3. Having fun with writing, treating it like drawing or dancing, can be an important part of the creative process.

Choosing Consideration, Not Consumption

The Biblioracle Recommends • 1179 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Authors Fiction Reading
  1. Arts criticism is becoming less important in our day-to-day lives due to algorithms taking over the role of critics.
  2. Criticism plays a role beyond just recommending what to buy; it offers unique perspectives and interpretations.
  3. Subscription platforms like Substack may offer hope for supporting sustainable work, but there are challenges in finding space and audience for new writers.

Doppelgänger, by Naomi Klein

The Common Reader • 602 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Analysis Ideas Critique
  1. Naomi Klein explores the concept of doppelgängers and her experience of being confused with Naomi Wolf, a conspiracy theorist spreading misinformation about Covid.
  2. Klein delves into the idea that the internet has created doppelgängers of us all, raising questions about online identities and personas.
  3. The book highlights how both Naomi Klein and Naomi Wolf use provocative language and ideas to engage with audiences, emphasizing the impact of strong rhetoric in today's discourse.

Science Fiction Authors Fear Their Creations

The Algorithmic Bridge • 233 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Science fiction Authors Imagination Fantasy
  1. Science fiction authors fear their creations coming to life, even when it was once their escape from reality.
  2. Static laws of life and the world provide stability and structure, allowing us to make sense of our existence.
  3. The desire to break free from mundane reality can lead to fear and insignificance when faced with the vast unknown of the universe.

A Substack is a book’s best friend: An interview with Luke Burgis

read • 10456 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
💼 Business Marketing Engagement Authors Collaborations
  1. A Substack can be a powerful tool for writers to engage with readers and promote their books.
  2. Substack allows for direct connection with committed readers and can significantly impact book sales.
  3. Starting a Substack can help writers build a community, get feedback, and continue engaging with readers even after the publication of a book.

The Green-Eyed Monster in Yellowface

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 766 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Themes
  1. Artists benefit from telling and hearing the truth, as depicted in the movie 'You Hurt My Feelings'.
  2. Art can only improve when truth is incorporated into it, a principle exemplified by various artists like Asher Lev and Emily Dickinson.
  3. Rebecca Kuang, a young and accomplished author with multiple successful novels and academic achievements, serves as an inspiring example of early success.

The Novel as Shaggy Dog Joke

Counter Craft • 556 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Novels Authors Writing Meaning
  1. In novels, it's okay to break traditional writing rules and do something unexpected.
  2. Shaggy dog jokes delay the punchline for as long as possible, focusing on the journey of storytelling.
  3. Some novels, like Kafka's 'The Castle,' deny expected resolutions, finding meaning in the denial.

Why are famous writers suddenly terrible when they write on Substack?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7343 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing Authors Publishing Substack
  1. When famous writers switch to Substack, their writing often changes in quality and style.
  2. Traditional publishing involves a pipeline of manuscript workshops, agent and editor contributions that can shape a writer's work.
  3. Writing online on platforms like Substack demands more frequent and authentic output compared to industry standards.

Officially announcing On The Edge, my new book

Silver Bulletin • 427 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Genres Narratives Themes
  1. Nate Silver has officially announced his new book 'On The Edge' which delves into the world of gambling, risk, and decision-making, with a focus on the stories of risk-takers and successful gamblers.
  2. The book covers a wide array of topics including poker evolution, human aspects of poker, the commercial gambling industry, sports betting, venture capital, crypto, effective altruism, and the existential risks related to AI and nuclear weapons.
  3. Through in-depth interviews and research, 'On The Edge' offers a thought-provoking exploration of how different risk-takers think, revealing the interconnectedness of subjects like technology, economics, politics, and personal decision-making.

reading/writing: how to herd your attention

bookbear express • 258 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reading Writing Books Authors Creative Writing
  1. Watching content like the Reesa Teesa TikTok series on faster speed while working out can be a fun and engaging way to consume information.
  2. Balancing structured writing times with breaks for chores, reading, and exercise can help maintain productivity and prevent distractions like endless social media scrolling.
  3. Creating personal routines and boundaries, even without external accountability like meetings, can help manage time effectively and avoid unproductive habits like excessive online browsing.