The hottest Authors Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Award Ceremonies and a Book Proposal Course

Notes from a Small Press • 12 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Being part of award ceremonies is exciting and offers great opportunities to support authors. It feels rewarding to celebrate their achievements.
  2. Teaching online courses about nonfiction book proposals is a key focus. These courses help people understand how to write effective proposals and develop their ideas.
  3. The community formed during these courses is important. Participants often continue supporting each other after the course ends, creating lasting writing groups.

In Which, for the First Time...

Story Club with George Saunders • 41 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The author discusses being inspired by reading 'The Street of Crocodiles' and how it moved them. It's a good idea to read different authors and see what we can learn from them.
  2. There was also a mention of an essay about Bruno Schulz that was appreciated by a reader. Sharing interesting articles can spark good conversations.
  3. The post seems to focus on literature and connecting with other readers. Engaging with a community around books can enhance our reading experience.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jun 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Rumaan Alam's _Leave The World Behind_ mixes pretty descriptions of a family's vacation with a looming sense of danger. It tells a haunting story about how characters react when the world goes wrong, but some think it doesn't fully develop its ideas.
  2. Edward St Aubyn's _Double Blind_ feels like a collection of witty conversations rather than a strong story. While it has clever lines and humor, it often misses exploring deeper issues and just skims the surface of important topics.
  3. Both books showcase talented writing, but they leave readers wanting more depth. Readers may feel that the authors hold back, choosing style over deeper exploration of human experience.

A Vision of Dissolution

Apposition • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Jan Siebelink's early writing reflected themes that continued in his later works.
  2. The characters in Siebelink's stories often face oppressive backgrounds and struggle with confronting their troubles.
  3. Through themes of dissolution and repression, Siebelink explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
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Cid in the architecture

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Authors
  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.

Top 10 Books we read in 2024

Graphs For Science • 26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Reading improves our understanding of data science and technology. The recommended books cover key topics like natural language processing, AI collaboration, and working with network data.
  2. Books can help us connect complex ideas simply. For example, some books demystify artificial intelligence and explain its role in our lives and work.
  3. Being curious about different perspectives enriches our knowledge. Many of the books encourage readers to think about humanity's place in a tech-driven world and to explore ideas beyond our usual understanding.

Diary #9

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The struggle of an artist to capture their thoughts before they vanish and the exploration of giving weight to finished work.
  2. Personal anecdotes and musings from interactions between individuals.
  3. Insight into the dynamics of business directors in decision-making processes.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 66 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The post shares an excerpt from Shannon Reed's book 'Why We Read' about teaching 'Lincoln in the Bardo.'
  2. Shannon Reed is a beloved writer and professor living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  3. Shannon Reed's book explores different aspects of the reading life and is described as rich, funny, and poignant.

how they blew | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 102 implied HN points • 08 May 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The post discusses must-reads related to Shakespeare & Co in Paris.
  2. The author reflects on a night of excess and forgotten memories in a city with rising crime and unemployment.
  3. Readers are offered a 7-day free trial to subscribe to Tumbleweed Words and access full post archives.

Six Years!

Notes from a Small Press • 25 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The newsletter is celebrating six years of sharing content and engaging with readers. It's a big milestone that shows dedication and growth.
  2. Subscriber numbers are growing, but the number of paid subscribers has not changed much recently. This highlights a common challenge in converting free readers to paid ones.
  3. The anniversary post invites readers to suggest topics for future articles. This shows a commitment to community involvement and addressing reader interests.

An Event..(Bonus Post)

Story Club with George Saunders • 26 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. A book launch event for Jenny Slate's new memoir, 'LIFEFORM', is happening in Los Angeles on October 25th.
  2. The event will feature Jenny performing excerpts from her book, followed by an interview and audience questions.
  3. Jenny Slate is known for her creative and heartfelt writing, making this event one to look forward to.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 49 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📚 Literature Authors
  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.

Do You Own The Book You Wrote?

Notes from a Small Press • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Copyright is automatically yours when you create something, but if you sign a publishing contract, you might give up some of those rights. It's important to know what rights you're giving away.
  2. In the past, American publishers had a big advantage by selling cheap editions of British books without paying the authors, which helped make British authors more popular in America.
  3. Now, with tech like AI using books for training, it's being suggested that those rights should be included in publishing contracts too. This discussion around copyright is complex and impacts everyone in the publishing world.

Homewaters: One Year Anniversary

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
📚 Literature Authors
  1. The book 'Homewaters' has sold over 4,700 copies in its first year. This is considered a great success for a regional book.
  2. The author received positive feedback and kind words about both the book and his talks, emphasizing the importance of Puget Sound's history and stewardship.
  3. The endnotes of the book contain interesting facts and stories that didn’t make it into the main text, adding extra value for readers.

Pretend I’m dead

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 09 Jul 21
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Reading books about writing can be a fun way to avoid actually writing while still feeling productive. It's like pretending to care about writing without doing it.
  2. Attention can be interpreted differently in various languages, suggesting that how we think about focusing on things can change based on culture. This shows how language influences our perception.
  3. The idea that the year can feel either half full or half empty is a nice reminder to look at life positively. It really depends on your perspective!

Letter to Rebecca #25-10

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Libraries have become social hubs, but some believe they've forgotten their main purpose of providing access to classic literature.
  2. The book 'Hard Rain Falling' is a classic that explores serious themes and is written in a straightforward style, making it engaging.
  3. Teaching can be challenging, but with humor and open discussion, students can become more engaged and interested in learning.

First we read, then we write

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 28 May 21
📚 Literature Authors
  1. To write well, it's important to read a lot first. Reading helps improve writing skills and creativity.
  2. Keeping track of your reading materials can boost your productivity. Good indexing and filing systems let you find and use your resources easily.
  3. Old books have timeless insights. They remind us that human experiences are often funny and relatable, even centuries later.

Louis Aragon on critics

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Louis Aragon expressed strong disdain for literary critics and journalists, describing them in harsh and degrading terms.
  2. Aragon believed in the purity of his words and expressed a desire for them to be sacred, rejecting the idea of serving the 'miserable ends' of those who critique him.
  3. This text reflects Aragon's intense emotions and defiance against those who he felt were unworthy of commenting on his work.

10 good books I read this summer

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 24 Sep 21
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Reading good books can really inspire and help us through tough times. It's great to find a list of books that resonate with you.
  2. Creating and sharing your own projects, like a zine, can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, making it available for others to enjoy is special.
  3. Success can come with advice, like not being afraid to take breaks or 'disappear' for a while. It's important to prioritize your well-being.

Sneak Peek: New Books, New Covers

Notes from a Small Press • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Belt's upcoming catalog features new book titles and covers that are not yet available online. It's exciting to see what new books are coming out soon!
  2. There's a course available on how to write a book proposal, and it's almost full. If you're interested in writing, it's a good idea to sign up quickly.
  3. The process of designing book covers is ongoing, and there's an emphasis on making them visually appealing. Good cover design can really attract readers!

How to eat a book

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 21
📚 Literature Authors
  1. You can enjoy books more by engaging with them deeply, like thinking of them as something to 'eat'.
  2. Finding creativity can come from unexpected places, like trash or common experiences.
  3. It's important to keep practicing and challenging yourself to improve your skills, no matter how small the steps are.

12 Books, 12 Months

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. In 2024, a publishing company released twelve diverse books, covering topics from memoirs to anthologies. They aim to fill gaps in the market with unique stories.
  2. The company became part of a larger publishing group, allowing them to distribute more books effectively. They value collaboration with authors who appreciate their mission.
  3. Their goal is to publish voices and stories that might be overlooked, particularly those related to the Rust Belt. They want to create a community that values different perspectives in literature.

Turmoil and Hope

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. A new used bookstore opened nearby, which is exciting for book lovers. It's great to discover places that share our reading interests.
  2. I found two books by Meyer Levin at the bookstore, which felt like a special connection. Finding rare books can create a sense of kinship among readers.
  3. Supporting local bookstores is important for keeping the love of reading alive. These shops provide unique finds and foster community among fellow readers.

Start the week #99

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. People often feel pressured to work for free, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. It's important to know your worth and not let that pressure get to you.
  2. Sometimes, we say things without thinking, which can lead to funny or awkward situations. It's a common human experience that everyone can relate to.
  3. Sharing humorous or entertaining content can lighten the mood and bring joy to our daily lives. Laughter is a great way to connect with others.

Booksbooksbooks 12/24

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Different books can have very mixed reviews. Some might have a few great stories while others are less enjoyable.
  2. Authors like Stephen King and Adrian Tchaikovsky often explore deep themes in their works, blending genres like science fiction and horror.
  3. Books about philosophy and climate change offer unique insights and perspectives on society's challenges, encouraging readers to think critically about our world today.

Start the week #97

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Free travel for older people has benefits beyond just costs, like reducing social isolation and allowing them to volunteer more. It's important to consider the wider social impact of policies.
  2. Some argue that older people don't need free transport because they are financially stable, but many are not, and they've paid taxes for years. We should give back to them for their contributions.
  3. The comparison made about fare dodgers and travel benefits is flawed. Just like teachers gain more from engaged students rather than those who do nothing, society benefits more from supporting active older citizens.

‘De Beauvoir, my heroine’

Euro Desk Paris • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Simone de Beauvoir's 'Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter' had a deep impact on the writer, who identified with her.
  2. Marguerite Duras's 'The Lover' is a favorite book about love for its intimate portrayal.
  3. Choderlos De Laclos' 'Dangerous Liaisons' stands out as a provocative and scathing piece of work.

I have a book coming out!

Notes from a Small Press • 27 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📚 Literature Authors
  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.

Literature in the Age of Content Production

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Literature faces challenges in the age of content production, with authors struggling to make a living and facing difficulties in publishing and selling books.
  2. The traditional path to becoming a writer, such as pursuing expensive MFAs, may not guarantee success or recognition, highlighting the need for continuous writing and learning.
  3. Despite concerns about the state of Literature, it remains alive and thriving in the passion for words and storytelling, existing beyond the superficial debates and challenges of the modern age.

Improving my writing

A Bit Gamey • 40 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
📚 Literature Authors
  1. Find a slant when writing to focus on a specific idea related to the topic.
  2. Vary your sentence lengths to create a more engaging and musical quality in your writing.
  3. Provide useful information that readers can act upon after reading.