The hottest Authors Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Cid in the architecture

Soaring Twenties β€’ 69 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 24
πŸ“š 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.

How Much of a Courtier Is Walter Isaacson Þese Days?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 507 implied HN points β€’ 04 Sep 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Authors Media Ethics Analysis Justice
  1. Reading journalism written by a courtier can be frustrating because the true meaning might not be clear.
  2. It's important to critically analyze claims and information presented in articles, especially those involving high-profile figures.
  3. Having more background knowledge can help in decoding underlying messages in journalistic pieces.

What's Missing from AI Writing

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 315 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Narration Perspective Fiction Authors
  1. Literature has evolved over time to focus more on individual perspectives rather than collective narratives.
  2. Great essays are distinguished by the unique perspective and voice of the writer, not just the subject matter.
  3. Effective writing, whether about architecture or any other topic, requires a distinct and engaging narrative voice to provide depth and connection for the reader.

In conversation with: Julian Simpson

So Here’s a Thing β€’ 688 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing Publishing Storytelling Authors
  1. Don't wait for the perfect conditions or confidence to pursue your passion or career choice, sometimes taking a leap of faith can lead to unexpected success.
  2. Regardless of the challenges and changes in the creative industries, the core value of storytelling remains significant and enduring.
  3. The landscape of publishing and entertainment industries is evolving, creators must adapt to new challenges while staying true to their passion for creating stories.
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My Year In Reading

The Ruffian β€’ 184 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Books Authors Reading
  1. The post discusses the books the author read in 2023, focusing on those related to physics and science writing.
  2. Carlo Rovelli's books 'Helgoland' and 'Reality Is Not What It Seems' are highlighted as excellent reads for those interested in the quantum world.
  3. Benjamin Labatut's novel 'When We Cease To Understand The World' is mentioned for its fictionalized portrayal of brilliant minds in science and mathematics.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 49 implied HN points β€’ 29 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Authors Writing Books
  1. The form of how writers present themselves to the public has evolved over time - from scripted, stiff appearances to more open and vulnerable portrayals.
  2. There is a wide range in how writers engage with the public - from staying secluded to embracing public speaking engagements and performances.
  3. Authenticity can be less stressful than carefully crafting a public image, and taking risks in the public eye can be rewarding for writers.

EXTRACTS: Final Jeopardy!

All Visible Objects β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Authors Books Fiction Quotes Narrative
  1. Jeopardy questions about Herman Melville and Moby-Dick can be quite challenging and sometimes misleading, requiring in-depth knowledge of the book.
  2. Jeopardy has made factual errors about Melville and Moby-Dick, including incorrectly identifying the port the Pequod sails from and mixing up dates from the novel.
  3. Some Jeopardy clues have questionable or confusing phrasing when referencing Melville's quotes, life events, and genealogy, requiring a careful understanding to navigate.

H is for Hakluyt

All Visible Objects β€’ 118 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Authors Analysis Translation Historical context Interpretation
  1. The opening of Moby-Dick references a quote by Hakluyt about the importance of the letter H in the word 'whale,' setting an enigmatic tone for the novel.
  2. Melville's use of the Hakluyt quote without full context led to speculation about its meaning, with scholars exploring poetic interpretations related to breath, spirit, and hidden truths within the text.
  3. Investigating the origins of the Hakluyt quote reveals connections to a chain of translations and criticisms between ArngrΓ­mur, MΓΌnster, and Hakluyt, shedding light on Melville's intellectual and literary choices.

Special Edition: John and Paul

The Ruffian β€’ 233 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Books Authors Music
  1. The author is writing a book about John and Paul from The Beatles, with insights that appeal to both fans and newcomers.
  2. Paid subscribers of The Ruffian will receive exclusive content related to the upcoming book in 2024.
  3. Those with a Founding Member/God Tier subscription may receive a signed copy of the book pre-publication.

Borges and the Essay

Orbis Tertius β€’ 546 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Essays Authors Reading Writing Culture
  1. Essays used to be more popular in literary circles than stories, according to Borges and Eliot Weinberger.
  2. The rise of journalism led to a decline in free-ranging essays, but the internet and platforms like Substack may bring back the golden age of the essay.
  3. Substack's network structure fosters criticism, experimentation, and avant-garde essays, revitalizing the demand and development of the essay form.

Anthology: Death Flex, Shadow of the Executioner

Aristophanes Athenaeum β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Horror Short Stories Book review Authors
  1. Death Flex is a unique horror anthology inspired by the diary of Franz Schmidt, the Chief Executioner of Nuremberg in the 1500s.
  2. The stories in Death Flex are varied and unique, each offering a different perspective on the diary and keeping readers engaged.
  3. The anthology features well-crafted stories like Thirty-One Blows and The Kobolds Stare, offering a mix of historical insight and thrilling narrative.

Genre Grapevine for November 2023

Genre Grapevine β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 01 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Authors Awards Opportunities Controversies Publications
  1. X-Twitter is facing backlash with many advertisers and users leaving, impacting prominent figures in the SF/F genre.
  2. Artificial intelligence may lead to a rise in mediocrity in creative works due to lack of true innovation.
  3. Success in writing is not limited by age, with examples of authors achieving recognition later in life.

An Unranked List of The Best (Recent/ish) Music Memoirs I Can Think of Right Now...

Sounds Good! β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
🎢 Music Memoirs Authors Reviews Recommendations Insights
  1. The post shares an unranked list of recent music memoirs, highlighting some standout titles from the last decade.
  2. The list includes memoirs from a diverse range of musicians like Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde, Grace Jones, Kim Gordon, and more.
  3. The author praises the storytelling, writing style, and depth in the memoirs, particularly highlighting the strong work by female authors in the music memoir genre.

I have a book coming out!

Notes from a Small Press β€’ 27 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Authors Books Publishing Essays Nonfiction
  1. The book 'Best of the Rust Belt' features personal essays from a region often labeled the Rust Belt, showcasing diverse perspectives and voices.
  2. The book aims to shift the narrative of the Rust Belt region, moving away from stereotypical coverage during election cycles to more nuanced, authentic storytelling.
  3. The creation of the book was a collaborative effort involving multiple editors, writers, and contributors, emphasizing the importance of community and collective storytelling.

Scatterbrain: an autumn letter

The Leftovers β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing Authors Books Storytelling Fiction
  1. Starting a new passion or career path may not always lead to immediate success and can come with unexpected challenges.
  2. Having extra time available can be disorienting for individuals used to being constantly busy, raising questions about how time is best utilized.
  3. Public reactions to global events on social media can sometimes come across as performative, focusing on personal branding rather than genuine empathy.

January Bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Bookclub Books Authors
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker's January Bookclub pick is 'One of the Good Guys' by Araminta Hall, recommended for those tired of formulaic thrillers.
  2. The book has received praise from authors like Gillian Flynn and Lisa Taddeo, known for their groundbreaking works like 'Gone Girl' and 'Three Women'.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Shift With Sam Baker for more book recommendations and support for the publication.

Copy and paste

gen yeet β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Criticism Poetry Authors Novels Writing
  1. Intertextuality explores the relationship between texts and their cultural environments.
  2. Writing can be seen as a collage, with language harvested and organized like pieces of a puzzle.
  3. Craft in writing can involve playful word experimentation and the incorporation of multiple voices.

An Unhinged History of American Publishing, episode 3.3: The Crown Publishing Group, or: Look At That Trash Panda Go 😭

How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 28 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Publishing Authors Reading Book Sales
  1. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the American publishing industry.
  2. During tough times, unconventional strategies and adapting to the audience's needs can lead to success.
  3. Observing consumer behavior and offering affordable options helped Crown Publishers thrive post-Depression.

The Poetic Plant

To Asra β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Nature Poetry Romanticism Authors Comparison
  1. Wordsworth's poetry focuses on the connection between the natural world and human emotions, portraying nature as a source of solace and vitality.
  2. Hardy's work presents a melancholic and tragic image of nature and plants, emphasizing themes of universal loss and the frailty of existence.
  3. Both Wordsworth and Hardy depict the poetic plant differently, with Wordsworth highlighting vibrancy and independence, while Hardy explores decay and mortality.

An Unhinged History of American Publishing, Episode 3.2: The Knopf/Doubleday Publishing Group, or: Olympus Unbuttoned

How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 18 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature History Publishing Authors Fiction
  1. Developing characters in writing by giving them a want and a need makes them interesting and integral to the plot.
  2. Personal experiences and real-life inspirations can shape fictional character arcs and storylines.
  3. Having a clear vision and partnership can drive success, but challenges and expectations may not always align as planned.

The most common red flags I see in nonfiction book proposals by otherwise qualified authors

How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 20 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Nonfiction Authors Emotional Intelligence Writing
  1. The most common red flags in nonfiction book proposals by qualified authors indicate focusing on personal needs over audience.
  2. Fixing editorial problems at a higher level requires deep introspection and addressing emotional barriers.
  3. Recognizing signs like lack of emotional connection in book proposals may signal the need for emotional growth and self-understanding.