The hottest Authors Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

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.

The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet

Do Not Research • 239 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Internet Authors
  1. The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet is a 208 page book documenting how we adapted to an adversarial internet over five years.
  2. The anthology includes eleven pieces from various authors, covering topics like the Dark Forest Theory, the Cozy Web, and generative AI.
  3. The book is available for purchase, offering a print edition and PDF version on Metalabel.
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What people like me mean when we tell you that sad book you're working on "needs to be more uplifting"

How to Glow in the Dark • 471 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Feedback Books Editors
  1. Feedback to make a sad book more uplifting is not about toxic positivity, but finding hope in the story.
  2. Readers of dark books seek recognition, catharsis, and guidance, not denial or toxic positivity.
  3. Editors advising to make a book 'more uplifting' aim for authors to find the hope in their story to satisfy readers' expectations.

Interlude: The Problem With The Boxcar Children Is They Never Got To Spend Enough Time In The Boxcar

The Chatner • 1297 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
📚 Literature Children's literature Analysis Authors Novels Character development
  1. The Boxcar Children only lived in the boxcar in the first book and never returned to it in the series.
  2. The children should have spent more time living in the boxcar and maintaining their independence.
  3. The boxcar symbolizes a lost home and true happiness for The Boxcar Children, which they can never fully reclaim.

Circle jerks: in praise of negativity

The Leftovers • 479 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reviews Criticism Authors Book promotion
  1. Negativity in literary culture is often repressed, leading to toxic behaviors like sabotaging peers on platforms like Goodreads.
  2. Year-end book lists can sometimes involve favoritism and promotion rather than honest critique, affecting the authenticity of recommendations.
  3. Encouraging fair and open criticism among writers and reviewers is essential for a healthy literary discourse and reducing toxic behaviors.

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.

"Knowledge is the novel’s only morality."

Sucks to Suck • 1533 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Themes Characters Influence
  1. Knowledge is the novel's only morality according to Milan Kundera, suspending moral judgment is the novel's wisdom.
  2. Milan Kundera introduced a skeptical psychological view of humanity, emphasizing introspection over projection.
  3. Kundera's work delves into the importance of memory, the relationship between slowness and memory, and the nature of friendships and secrets.

Book publishing's sonic boom

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Publishing Authors Industry Sales
  1. Audiobooks continue to experience significant growth, representing a considerable portion of book sales.
  2. Audible, owned by Amazon, remains dominant in the audiobook market, with a large lead over competitors like Spotify and Apple.
  3. The audiobook industry is crowded, with various retail platforms and production houses vying for content and market share.

Are Small Books The Future? | #256

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 150 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Writing Podcasts Authors Reading
  1. Writing shorter books can be a hidden market with high reader satisfaction as people tend to recommend books they finish.
  2. Experimenting with different ways to package writing and breaking traditional book length norms can lead to new perspectives on what a book can be.
  3. Launching a podcast series interviewing diverse individuals about their work challenges and offering free coaching sessions can be engaging and informative.

⬜ Waiting for books

One Thing • 336 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Library Books Reading Newsletter Authors
  1. Waiting for books from the library can be a slow and unpredictable process, but it adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to reading.
  2. Having multiple books on hold at a time allows for a diverse selection and prevents the pressure of reading one book quickly.
  3. The time it takes for a book to arrive from the library creates a low-stakes adventure and allows the reader to engage with the content without external influences.

Welcome to new subscribers

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1022 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
📚 Literature Authors Novels Awards Publication Genres
  1. The Substack newsletter welcomes 500 new subscribers with free access and showcases the work of writer Lorenzo Warby.
  2. The author, Helen Dale, uses her platform to promote and support Lorenzo's essays and work.
  3. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics including politics and culture, with a focus on unique perspectives and interpretations.

Poetry intermission

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1178 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Readings Classics
  1. The author shares three audio/video recordings of poems read by actors that they find are perfectly matched to the poems.
  2. The author observes a trend in their preference for male poets in contrast to their interest in reading novels by women, sparking self-reflection.
  3. The author highlights 'The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot, 'The Song of Wandering Aengus' by W.B. Yeats, and 'At Roane Head' by Robin Robertson as must-listen poems with actor readings.

Cid in the architecture

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Art Authors Novel Writing
  1. The story shares an excerpt from a novel in progress, set in a cyberpunk version of Boston, featuring multiple narrators and a mysterious character named Cid.
  2. Cid, a cab driver with unique abilities, gets entangled in a dangerous situation involving a woman named Terrah who seeks his help in delivering an item to the mysterious Gee building.
  3. The narrative weaves elements of technology, architecture, and suspense, creating a compelling and intriguing story that hints at larger mysteries and character dynamics.

SITREP

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1120 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Writing Publishing Genres
  1. Upcoming MEET-UP in Chicago on 6/9/2023 may have changes; stay tuned for updates.
  2. Exciting developments in content creation with Season 2 of MINDPHASER podcast and 7HOMAS TV channel in progress.
  3. Dedicated time on book manuscripts, including the third installment of the STEELSTORM series and a book on international jurisprudence.