The hottest Authors Substack posts right now

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Top Literature Topics

My Ten Favourite Books of the Year

The Ruffian • 485 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reviews Authors Genres Reading
  1. The author shares their top ten book recommendations for the year. These books are meant to inspire and entertain readers.
  2. There are special offers like discounts for subscriptions available until Christmas. This can be a good time to treat yourself or someone else to a subscription.
  3. The post includes links to podcasts and additional content, keeping readers engaged with a variety of topics related to culture and politics.

Every writing book is good

Austin Kleon • 3317 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Creativity
  1. Every writing book can help you start writing. Even if it feels hard, just getting words on a page is a big step.
  2. It's normal for your first drafts to be messy and not great. Writing is a process, and you can fix things up later.
  3. Writing can be tough for everyone, no matter how many books you've written. It's okay to feel challenged and scared about creating something new.

The Future Belongs to The Imposter Writers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 739 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Authors Publishing Inspiration
  1. Feeling fear and self-doubt is normal and can even help you grow. It means you're pushing yourself and trying new things.
  2. Everyone has their own journey, so don't compare your start to someone else's success. You are exactly where you need to be right now.
  3. Instead of letting fear hold you back, use it as a motivator. Embrace your feelings and take risks for the chance of amazing rewards.

Medium Isn't Dead. It's The Era of Smaller and New Writers.

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1198 implied HN points • 09 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Authors Online Platforms Content creation
  1. Many new and smaller writers are finding success and growing their audience on platforms like Medium. It's a good time for fresh voices to emerge and make their mark.
  2. Big-name writers leaving Medium often create noise, but writers should trust their instincts and explore their own path instead of just following trends.
  3. The landscape of writing platforms is changing, but opportunities still exist. Writers can still build careers and connections if they put in the effort and adapt to new demands.

A chat with John Grisham

The Watch • 529 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Authors Books Interviews
  1. John Grisham focuses on wrongful convictions and the flaws in the criminal justice system. His new book, 'Framed', sheds light on these issues and emphasizes the importance of reform.
  2. The conversation around the innocence movement highlights the challenges in getting justice for those wrongfully convicted. There's a lack of accountability among those involved in these cases, making it hard to address systemic mistakes.
  3. Everyday people can make a difference by engaging with those in prison, whether through writing letters or supporting innocence organizations. Small acts of kindness can provide hope to those who feel forgotten.
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Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 77 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Authors Literary Analysis Reading
  1. When writing with two characters, ask if both are really needed in the story. Sometimes one character might be enough.
  2. Look at the important events in your story and see how each character adds to them. One character might end up being more essential than the other.
  3. Try cutting down the slower character's sections to meet key story moments. This can help balance their pacing and keep the story flowing better.

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.

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.

A Slightly Altered Course

Story Club with George Saunders • 590 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Authors Commentary
  1. It's important to keep political discussions separate from certain spaces. This helps maintain a positive and civil environment.
  2. Understanding different perspectives is crucial, especially when it comes to politics. People may see things differently, and being curious about those views can help us grow.
  3. Moving forward, the focus will be on storytelling and literature, while political topics will be discussed in other venues. This way, the creative space remains enjoyable for everyone.

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.

How Are You Shaped By How You Write?

Castalia • 559 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Genres History Theory
  1. The tools you use for writing affect how you express your thoughts. Each medium, like paper or a typewriter, has its own energy and style.
  2. Writing by hand can feel personal and intimate, while typing might allow for faster expression but can also lead to distractions.
  3. The place you write also matters. Using a smart phone means you can jot down ideas anywhere, but it might make your writing less focused.

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.

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.

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.

What Are My Favorite Max Lucado Books? (I've worked with him for 18 years)

DruGroup • 119 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Books Christianity Authors Religious Studies Inspirational
  1. Max Lucado excels at story-telling, especially when he focuses on individual Bible characters. His books can help readers connect deeply with their lives and experiences.
  2. One of his standout books is about Joseph, showing how he faced many hardships but kept going. It teaches valuable lessons about resilience and faith.
  3. Max emphasizes grace and courage, particularly in his books about characters like Esther and Jacob. These stories highlight that everyone has flaws, yet they can still find hope and strength.

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.

Books are made out of books

Austin Kleon • 5335 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Writing Audiobooks
  1. Books are often inspired by other books and authors, creating a blend of ideas. For example, Cormac McCarthy's work is a mix of classic literary influences.
  2. Good editors are essential for great writing, as they guide authors and improve stories. A famous editor once advised a writer to make readers 'turn the page' to keep them engaged.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can be fun and brings stories to life in new ways. For instance, an audiobook version of 'Don Quixote' can be really enjoyable, especially with a great narrator.

Happy Sunday

Story Club with George Saunders • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Creative Writing Reading Storytelling Authors Literary Analysis
  1. The post features a mix of content including answers to questions and plans for future group activities. It's great to have something engaging and interactive to look forward to.
  2. The author apologizes for missing a previous post, showing accountability. It's nice to see someone taking responsibility and connecting with their audience.
  3. Content is mainly for paid subscribers, emphasizing a supportive community. Being part of a paid group can give access to exclusive insights and shared experiences.

A big number

Austin Kleon • 4196 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Translations Audiobooks Reading
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' has sold over a million copies, showing how much people love its message. It's amazing to see such a huge number.
  2. Reading short books after finishing a big one can feel refreshing. They can be powerful and enjoyable, even if they're under 200 pages.
  3. Sometimes, it's fun to explore different topics in books or articles that interest you. Whether it's science or art, there's always something new to learn about.

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.

Remembering what you want out of books

Austin Kleon • 1918 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reading Writing Authors Books Memoir
  1. Different writers can evoke different feelings. Some are frustrating to read but still valuable, while others are delightful and can leave you feeling a bit lost.
  2. Knowing what you don't want to read is just as important as knowing what you do want to read. It helps you focus on the books that truly matter to you.
  3. Reading can be both a joy and a discipline. It's about finding the balance between what you think you should read and what you actually want to read.

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.

On Franz Kafka and Escaping into Literature

Vremya • 159 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Authors Writing Reading Cultural criticism
  1. Franz Kafka had a tough relationship with his dad, which influenced his writing. He often used literature to express feelings he couldn't say in person.
  2. Writing and reading can both serve as escapes from reality, but they have different effects. Writing is more about creation, while reading can feel more passive.
  3. Even though literature can help us face our fears and express hopes, we can't truly escape our lives. Writing helps us process experiences rather than run from them.

Hitting Reset Part 2

CRAFT TALK • 2358 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Authors Rejection Career
  1. Rejection is a common part of a writer's career, but it's important to bounce back and find the right fit.
  2. Finding the right publisher/editor is crucial for an author's success and growth.
  3. Building a supportive community and staying focused on writing are key to navigating the ups and downs of the publishing world.

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.