The hottest Authors Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Yikes, a Heartfelt Abject Apology

Story Club with George Saunders • 67 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Mistakes can happen, and it's important to acknowledge them honestly. George was tricked by incorrect information about someone else's well-being.
  2. Offering a heartfelt apology helps to clear the air and show care for others. George expressed his genuine regret for jumping to conclusions.
  3. It's always good to double-check information before spreading it. This situation reminds us to be careful about what we share.

Book Offer

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 65 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. There are physical copies of the book 'No Apologies' on sale for half off. It's a good chance to grab a deal!
  2. The book discusses how people face silencing and punishment for their opinions. It encourages everyone to find their voice and speak up.
  3. Silence can have serious downsides. Speaking out helps build real connections and allows for open discussions, which can change minds.

Trapped in the Experience Machine with David Foster Wallace

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. David Foster Wallace's essay 'E Unibus Pluram' highlights the influence of postmodernism and television on literature, cautioning against an over-reliance on irony and detachment.
  2. The concept of the Experience Machine, as discussed by Robert Nozick, questions our preference between artificial happiness and real, challenging experiences, reflecting on our modern fascination with technology.
  3. Fiction, particularly novels, can serve as a balanced experience machine that enhances psychological well-being, fosters meaningful connections, and offers a training ground for the mind.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Katie Kitamura's novel 'Intimacies' explores complex themes like identity and relationships but feels scattered. It presents interesting storylines but fails to fully engage with any of them.
  2. Tom O'Neill's book 'Chaos' dives into the Manson case and suggests ties to CIA projects like MKUltra. He raises questions about the real motives behind Manson's actions and the involvement of government agents.
  3. Both books illustrate how narratives can be constructed around events. They challenge readers to think critically about what is presented as truth and how different perspectives shape our understanding.
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Bestseller or Prestige? Willa Cather, cont

Notes from a Small Press • 29 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Willa Cather found success and fame during her lifetime, but the books that made her money are not the ones people read today. Her most famous works, like 'My Antonia,' didn't make her rich at the time.
  2. After switching publishers to Knopf, Cather gained financial stability and popularity, allowing her to write without worrying about money. However, this success came with mixed reviews and debates about the quality of her later work.
  3. Despite her fame, Cather disliked the attention and became more private as she grew older. She even took steps to keep her life away from the public eye and was critical of newer literary trends.

Open Thread Because Book

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 62 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The author is working on a German translation of their book about pandemicism, which is overdue. They are trying to balance writing and keeping up with posting but have found it challenging.
  2. Maintaining a regular posting schedule while managing the translation work has proven to be too ambitious. The author recognizes this struggle and is aiming to finish the project soon.
  3. The text highlights the importance of managing expectations and deadlines when juggling multiple writing projects. It's okay to seek help or adjust plans when things get overwhelming.

Special Edition: John and Paul

The Ruffian • 233 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
📚 Literature Authors
  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.

On the futility of writing

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 24 Jul 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Question the purpose of writing: Despite acknowledging its futility, the act of writing persists, raising the eternal question of why we engage in a seemingly pointless endeavor.
  2. The infinite possibilities of words: Reflecting on Borges' 'The Library of Babel,' the idea of an ever-expanding, chaotic library suggests a universe where the potential for new creations is boundless, even amidst the saturation of existing literature.
  3. Social media and the democratization of writing: The digital age demands that we all become writers, sharing our thoughts with a global audience through online platforms, blurring the lines between creation, self-promotion, and personal expression.

"Is the Sky Ever Green?"

Story Club with George Saunders • 56 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Writing well isn’t just about following rules; it often involves a natural talent that can’t be forced. Sometimes inspiration comes unexpectedly, like catching a fish out of nowhere.
  2. Specificity in writing helps create a vivid picture, but it can also be useful to think about how your reader reacts to each line as they read. This helps you create a more engaging experience.
  3. Colors in prose can surprise readers and enhance the story. Using unique colors can make readers pause and think, which draws them deeper into the imaginary world.

Happy Sunday

Story Club with George Saunders • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Authors
  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.

The vanity and banality of the Author Online

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 05 May 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The Author Online often struggles with balancing professionalism and personal reification in the digital space, leading to incoherences in their demands for recognition and payment.
  2. Social media can intensify the need for constant self-promotion and oversharing among Authors Online, blurring the line between personal authenticity and commodification.
  3. Some Authors Online are more focused on protecting their income and copyright rather than advocating for broader benefits like Universal Basic Income, which could support a wider range of writers.

The Metaphysics of Novels and Magic

Orbis Tertius • 273 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Magic is understood based on the purpose it serves, not the cause by which it arises.
  2. Fiction is teleological, creating a narrative based on purpose rather than identifiable cause.
  3. Novels are like magic, creating networks of occurrences with multiple connections, making them more magical than other forms of narrative.

The Origin of an Assassin

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 22 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Writing a novel can feel magical when ideas flow easily, but it can also be really challenging. It’s important to keep writing even when things get tough because that helps you find clarity.
  2. Understanding a character's motivation is crucial in storytelling. Characters need realistic reasons for their actions, but sometimes those reasons can be confusing, just like in real life.
  3. Modern technology, like drones, brings new challenges for society and storytelling. The fear of anonymously caused violence is a theme worth exploring in fiction.

A. R. Ammons Goes For a Walk

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Poetry is about the line, which contains thoughts spilling beyond; the breaks and movements are perceived differently by the eye than by the ear.
  2. A.R. Ammons was a prolific American poet who had a unique background outside of the typical academic path, with origins in rural North Carolina.
  3. In Ammons' poem 'Hymn,' he explores themes of seeking unity with something beyond oneself, incorporating precise scientific language into his work.

Common Misconceptions About Publishing IV

Notes from a Small Press • 26 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. People in publishing often know the industry better than outsiders, but even they may only see a small part of it. It's good to read from multiple sources to get a fuller picture.
  2. Not all books go through agents, and many small presses are bigger than people think. In fact, a small press is defined by bringing in less than $50 million a year.
  3. Bookstores decide what to stock based on profit margins, and there can be a big difference between books ordered and books actually sold. This means authors shouldn't always trust early numbers on how well their book is doing.

Let's Celebrate National Author's Day Together!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 119 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. November 1 is National Author's Day, a special time to celebrate all writers, whether they're published or not. If you've written something original, you're an author too!
  2. It's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where writers aim to create 50,000 words in 30 days. It's a great chance to start that story you've been thinking about!
  3. No need to worry about making it perfect; just get your ideas down on the page. The goal is to write freely and enjoy the process without fear of judgment.

My Year In Reading

The Ruffian • 184 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature Authors
  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.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 06 Nov 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. In 'The Family Chao', the story explores the complexities of immigrant life in America through quirky characters, but struggles to fully connect their experiences and motivations. It uses a blend of humor and drama to highlight the challenges of cultural assimilation.
  2. Raymond Geuss's 'Not Thinking Like A Liberal' offers a unique perspective on education and community, contrasting Catholic and Protestant viewpoints. He emphasizes how being raised in a different cultural environment can provide valuable insights that challenge mainstream liberal ideas.
  3. Both books share a theme of questioning societal narratives. While 'The Family Chao' delves into personal identity against a cultural backdrop, Geuss critiques liberalism's shortcomings, suggesting that our understanding of society is more complex than commonly accepted beliefs.

My Annual Impossible Question For You

Story Club with George Saunders • 63 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. It's important to think about big questions that seem impossible to answer. They can help us reflect on what really matters to us.
  2. Sharing our thoughts and ideas with others can create meaningful conversations. Talking about difficult topics can bring people closer together.
  3. Being open to different perspectives can enrich our understanding of the world. It's good to listen and learn from others' experiences.

Are Small Books The Future? | #256

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 150 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Authors
  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.

How Should Authors Navigate AI and Publishing Contracts?

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Authors should carefully read their publishing contracts to understand who holds the copyright. Most often, authors keep the copyright but grant publishing rights to the publisher.
  2. When it comes to AI and training sets, contracts may not clearly state the rights regarding the use of an author's work, leading to confusion. Authors might have options to opt out of having their work used in AI training.
  3. The publishing landscape is complicated due to ongoing legal issues and AI's increasing role in content creation. Authors need to stay informed and consider how these changes might affect their rights and income.

Literary nemeses

Men Yell at Me • 145 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The author used to have a list of literary nemeses.
  2. Seeing the success of these nemeses motivated the author.
  3. Desire to be published in certain outlets fueled the author to keep trying.

Steampower, or Faërie for Today?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 61 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The steam engine in the 1800s was a major turning point in technology and industry. It paved the way for engineering careers and the growth of modern corporations.
  2. There's a temptation to explore fantasy worlds instead of focusing on practical history. Imagining magical places can be just as captivating as real advancements.
  3. Literature often discusses the magical and mundane aspects of life, revealing deeper meanings and connections. Books can blend reality with fantasy in fascinating ways.

Copyright isn't your friend

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Authors
  1. Copyright laws can hinder access to culture for those who cannot afford books, and book piracy can actually create more readers.
  2. Making a living solely off writing books is tough for most authors, who often rely on other activities like teaching or editing to sustain themselves.
  3. The publishing industry heavily relies on copyright laws, but the quality of literature may not necessarily suffer if there were fewer books published.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Brandon Taylor's book 'Filthy Animals' explores complex themes of innocence and agency in relationships, highlighting the mix of playful exploration and underlying trauma present in human interactions.
  2. Justin E. H. Smith's 'The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is' falls short as it lacks a clear thesis and fails to effectively connect historical ideas to the complexities of the modern Internet.
  3. Both books address important topics—personal relationships and the impact of technology—but they do so with varying levels of success and depth, leaving readers searching for more clarity.

On Titles

Story Club with George Saunders • 57 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Titles should be simple and not give too much away about the story. A good title can grab the reader’s attention without being too clever or obvious.
  2. Many titles come to the writer naturally while working on the story. They might pop into the writer's head without much effort.
  3. It's important for a title to resonate with the story after it's read, adding extra meaning while still not being overly complicated or distracting.

I Stand Beside Your Morning

Orbis Tertius • 187 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The book 'The Hours' is a two-in-one edition featuring 'Mrs. Dalloway' when you flip it upside down
  2. Virginia Woolf's writing brings a profound and sacred quality to ordinary scenes
  3. Standing beside someone's morning symbolizes the gift of their attention and calls for mindfulness in appreciating everyday moments

Diary #2

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Diaries can reveal new insights even if the writer chooses to be vague and suggestive.
  2. The idea of advantageous marriage for women and its historical impact is intriguing for further exploration.
  3. Sharing and discussing preferences with someone can reveal common ground and build connections.

Reviews: Vermeer; Tradecraft; The Queen's Atlas

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 4 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The book 'Vermeer' by Andrew Graham-Dixon explores the life and work of the famous Dutch painter, linking his art to the context of his time. It's filled with rich illustrations and insights, making it great for art lovers.
  2. In 'Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré', readers learn about the author's detailed research for his novels and his writing process. It's not just tips for writers; it's also a deep dive into the story behind his books.
  3. 'The Queen’s Atlas' by David Fletcher tells the story of how William Saxton mapped England in the past. This beautifully illustrated book gives a fascinating look at the history and importance of maps during that era.

Teenager

Nice Try • 139 implied HN points • 07 May 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The new novel 'Teenager' will be released on May 10th and has a fun release party on May 8th in NYC. There will be free copies available at the party!
  2. The book features illustrations that add a unique touch, with sketches showing various quirky themes. There are 70 drawings to enjoy throughout the novel.
  3. The story follows two teens in love who go on a cross-country adventure, blending humor and deep emotions. It's described as a wild journey that touches on American culture.

"Death of Ivan Ilyich"...

Story Club with George Saunders • 35 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The reading assignment focuses on Sections II and III of 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich.', which should help everyone dive deep into the story.
  2. Taking the time to read slowly allows for a more thoughtful understanding of the themes.
  3. There will be a special post mid-week to discuss and respond to comments from the last meeting.

Channeling Gore Vidal in a James Bond Book

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The book 'Forever and a Day' has exciting scenes that build tension and keep the reader engaged, including moments where the characters share their backstories.
  2. The story provides a unique perspective on World War II, suggesting a critical view of American involvement and its consequences.
  3. The author, Anthony Horowitz, weaves in political commentary, showing how fictional characters can reflect real-world issues and beliefs.

'Childhood Unplugged' Is on Its Way

The Analog Family • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. A new book called 'Childhood Unplugged' focuses on getting kids to spend less time on screens. It aims to help children have more real-life experiences and playtime instead.
  2. The author believes that limiting screen time can greatly improve kids' development and relationships. It's not about being against technology but finding a balance.
  3. The book is available for pre-order and is set to be released in July 2023. The author is excited to share her insights and encourage parents to rethink screen use.

☕📱Let's Chat on Zoom; Talent vs. Endurance: Haruki Murakami and Leonard Cohen

Neckar’s Notes • 48 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Leonard Cohen's story teaches us that sharing and facing problems head-on can be more effective than retreating. He faced challenges by stepping up his creativity, which inspires others to act similarly.
  2. Murakami believes that success in writing requires more than just talent; focus and endurance are also essential. He emphasizes the need for a healthy body to support the mental demands of writing.
  3. Writing a novel is a lot of hard work, similar to manual labor. It takes a lot of energy and focus to create a complete story, which many people may not fully appreciate.

Letter #14: For you and to you

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The author has decided to write another book after years of hesitation. This shows the importance of following our creative impulses even when we doubt ourselves.
  2. The material for the book needs a different way of reading, suggesting that some topics may require a deeper, more thoughtful approach than casual scrolling.
  3. By sharing this decision, the author connects with subscribers, highlighting the relationship between creator and audience in the process of making art.

Too many books

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The publishing industry often thrives on the thievery of our time and brain cells, with many books being published that may not bring value to humanity.
  2. Not every book is a noble object, and the world wouldn't lose much if a vast majority of books disappeared, leading to more trees and less ideological issues.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Leftovers for more insightful content and a 7-day free trial to explore the full post archives.

Five Books I Like

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Sharing book recommendations can inspire others and foster community. It's nice to talk about what we love to read.
  2. Books that explore nature and language can be especially captivating. They help us appreciate storytelling and the world around us.
  3. Encouraging readers to share their favorite books creates a dialogue. It can lead to discovering new stories and perspectives.