The hottest Authors Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics
Weekend Collection β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 23
  1. Recent edits made to Roald Dahl's books by publishers have sparked internet controversy.
  2. To learn more about Roald Dahl, check out articles by Colin Burrow in the LRB and Joyce Carol Oates in the NYRB.
  3. Reflect on the influence of Dahl's character on his children's books and whether they are authentic representations.
Weekend Collection β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 23
  1. W.G. Sebald explores themes of melancholic belonging and Europe's history
  2. Authors like J.M. Coetzee and Charles Simic address dark historical events
  3. Sebald's work can connect readers to their own family history and humanity
The Thought Trail β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 20 Mar 23
  1. Classic writers were skilled at creating vivid mental images with their descriptions
  2. Our brains act like natural neural networks when reading, converting text to images
  3. Great classic writers were the original creators of text-to-image prompts
Dracula Daily β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 23
  1. Jonathan Harker explores the castle when Count Dracula is out
  2. He discovers locked doors and hidden passages in the castle
  3. The castle has different wings, impregnable defenses, and rooms that were once occupied by ladies
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From the Desk β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 23
  1. Cormac McCarthy's death marks the loss of a significant novelist
  2. McCarthy's writing style and themes address deeper, philosophical concepts
  3. His work combines beautiful prose with gripping storytelling and impactful characters
The Author Is Dumb β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 23
  1. Selling a book involves more than just writing - it's also about marketing and positioning yourself
  2. Genre fiction dominates the market, making it challenging for unique books to stand out
  3. Authors, especially indie ones, need to run ads, get reviews, and constantly promote their work to gain traction
Grist Potentia β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. Irish poet W.B. Yeats died on January 28, 1939, known for his Symbolist poetry and mysticism.
  2. Article on investing in systems change capacity.
  3. Exploration of proprioception as the sixth sense of storytelling.
Grist Potentia β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
  1. Brian Greene, an American theoretical physicist, has made advanced Physics concepts accessible to many through his popular science books and TV specials.
  2. Exploring the history of spices can provide intriguing insights into various cultures and traditions.
  3. Taking a moment to embrace and practice the art of doing nothing, as seen in Dutch culture, may hold a potential solution to burnout culture.
The False Consensus Effect β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 21
  1. Genius grants can provide financial rewards, but recipients like Junot Diaz face challenges in balancing their creative work with existing obligations like teaching.
  2. There is a critique on the system of awarding grants, questioning if the selection truly supports groundbreaking creativity or merely reinforces existing cultural norms.
  3. The narrative discusses the complexities of balancing creative pursuits with the demands of modern life and the impact of prioritizing individual success over collective well-being.
The False Consensus Effect β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 20
  1. The post includes a free download link for the book 'End of the Line'
  2. The free download is a special extra for paid subscribers this week
  3. The post is specifically for paid subscribers, prompting them to sign in if they are already subscribers
The Leftovers β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 21
  1. Translation quality is subjective and can vary based on different perspectives like faithfulness to the original text or clarity in the translation.
  2. Vladimir Nabokov believed in the importance of faithfulness in translation, requiring a deep understanding of both the source and target languages.
  3. Jorge Luis Borges saw translation as a transformation that could sometimes improve upon the original text, emphasizing meaning over preserving every detail.
Granted β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 21 Nov 21
  1. Being polite is different from being kind; politeness focuses on today, kindness on helping people improve tomorrow.
  2. In polite cultures, disagreement and criticism are often avoided, while in kind cultures people express their thoughts respectfully.
  3. Some discussion topics include new book recommendations, insightful podcast conversations, and intriguing data on well-being, conversation enjoyment, and online behavior.
Granted β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 21
  1. Curiosity and lifelong learning involve exploring for understanding sake, even without immediate relevance or utility.
  2. Data highlights trends like the rise of job postings with 4-day work weeks, leadership perceptions in classrooms, and underrepresentation of Asian-Americans in leadership roles.
  3. Recommendations include articles on persuasion, debates with Malcolm Gladwell, and upcoming Clubhouse sessions with Dax Shepard and Esther Perel.
Granted β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Dec 20
  1. Measuring progress by wealth and status may not capture real growth; true growth lies in building character like integrity and humility.
  2. Listening well involves more than just talking less; it's about showing genuine interest and understanding in others' thoughts.
  3. Procrastination is often an emotion management issue, not a time management problem; it's about dealing with negative emotions related to tasks.
Granted β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 17
  1. Join a new book club started by Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Dan Pink, and Adam Grant
  2. Subscribers get early copies of two books each quarter, plus course materials and video insights
  3. 100% of profits are donated to provide books to students in under-resourced communities
Granted β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 15
  1. Adam Grant will be on tour in February to launch his book 'Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World', focusing on encouraging different thinking and championing ideas.
  2. Articles highlighted include the importance of radical candor in leadership, avoiding toxic employees, and the effectiveness of modest leaders.
  3. Adam Grant suggests reflecting on generosity rather than just gratitude, and advises asking stories to understand organizational culture during job interviews.
Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 07 Sep 16
  1. Books are often purchased as gifts, adding to the display collection, rather than just to be read.
  2. Large physical bookstores are increasingly turning into gift stores, emphasizing the importance of books as gifts.
  3. Understanding the relationship between eBook prices and physical book sales as gifts is crucial for big publishers to succeed in the market.
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Sep 21
  1. The /lit/ board attracts a diverse group including thwarted academics, aspiring writers, and individuals seeking intellectual validation outside traditional institutions.
  2. Reading novels is still important because it provides a break from the attention economy and encourages active, empathetic thinking that is often lacking in late capitalism.
  3. The landscape of academia, especially in fields like English Literature, is changing with a shift towards areas like Ethnic Studies and a decline in traditional humanities departments.
Homo Ludens β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 19
  1. Serialized fiction has a unique history that attracts many writers, but it does not always translate well to other formats like novels.
  2. Serialization is about hooking readers with each installment, different from traditional novels.
  3. Embracing the serialization culture can help writers engage with modern readers and build their author brand.
Logos and Liberty β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jul 23
  1. Bakhtin's view suggests the speaker has more freedom than Foucault's view does, impacting concepts of authorship and language.
  2. Foucault analyzes the subject and authorship in connection to language use, distinguishing between statements and the individual or subject.
  3. Butler builds on Foucault's ideas about subjecthood and agency, exploring the relationship between the individual, subject, and roles.
Outlandish Claims β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Apr 24
  1. The post humorously presents different writing styles of three authors named Neil when responding to a scenario involving a flying pig.
  2. Neil Gaiman's style is concise and narrative-focused, creating an intriguing scene.
  3. Neal Stephenson's style delves into detailed scientific explanations, adding depth and analysis to the situation.
  4. Neil deGrasse Tyson's style interjects scientific facts and logic into the conversation, showcasing his trademark scientific approach.
The ApΓ©ritif β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 24
  1. Kurt Vonnegut's life and work show that he had a unique understanding of time. He believed that moments in time, like past, present, and future, all exist together, which he explored in his writing.
  2. The film 'Unstuck in Time' captures Vonnegut's gentle and funny spirit, as well as his belief in the importance of family and creativity. It reflects on how modern technology can steal away children's wonder and imagination.
  3. Vonnegut's personality and wisdom feel rare today. He had a charming way of speaking that made people feel connected to him, and his experiences shaped his ability to convey deep truths about life.
It Depends / Nimble Autonomy β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 24
  1. The book is now available globally in different formats like e-book, hardcover, and softcover.
  2. An audiobook version will be released soon.
  3. If people enjoy the newsletter and podcast content, they are encouraged to buy a copy of the book.
The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 May 21
  1. Don't just stick to the popular authors; explore lesser-known writers too. Finding new voices can really inspire your own work.
  2. Reading small literary journals can help you discover new authors you wouldn't normally pick. It's like a treasure hunt for exciting new stories.
  3. Engaging with emerging writers makes you feel more connected and less like a fan of a big name. It’s a fun way to enjoy literature as if you’re chatting with a knowledgeable friend.
The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 24 Mar 21
  1. There is a Spring Workshop Series for writers featuring five well-known authors. This series is a great opportunity for writers to learn from experienced professionals.
  2. All workshops are free and held over Zoom, making it easy for anyone to join in. Each session focuses on different aspects of writing, from memoir to PR.
  3. The Lambda Literary Awards will take place on June 1st, and one of the organizers has a memoir nominated in the Trans Nonfiction category. It's an exciting time to celebrate diverse voices in literature.
The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 20
  1. Making friends with other writers is really important. They can help you grow and stay motivated in your writing journey.
  2. It's easy to feel competitive with fellow writers, but it's better to see them as a supportive community. Letting go of jealousy allows for stronger friendships.
  3. Having a group of writer friends can provide emotional support during tough times. They help remind you of your worth, no matter your achievements.
The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 May 20
  1. Loving the writing process is more important than just wanting a book published. When you focus on writing for yourself, it makes your work better.
  2. Using personal experiences in your writing can help clarify complex feelings. It’s about expressing your truth rather than trying to fit into someone else's expectations.
  3. If you truly care about your book and enjoy the writing, chances are others will appreciate it too. Writing from the heart helps connect with readers.
The Wisdom Project β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Dec 24
  1. Books are a great way to learn quickly from experts. They can save you time and give you new ideas.
  2. Reading can be fun and personal. It’s okay to skip around and read only the parts that interest you.
  3. If you have specific goals or needs, asking for book recommendations can help you find the right read.