The hottest Authorship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Everything you always wanted to know about books (but were afraid to ask)

The Garden of Forking Paths β€’ 2614 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Publishing Books Authorship Non-fiction
  1. Writing a book involves intense research and a challenging writing process.
  2. Getting a book deal can differ based on the type of publishing and requires convincing an agent and publisher.
  3. Success of a book is uncertain and depends on various factors like author platform and public outreach.

What's American Fiction Without the Short Story?

Counter Craft β€’ 490 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories American Literature Authorship Publishing
  1. Short stories are integral to American literature and are considered a quintessential American literary form.
  2. The declining prestige of short stories is noted, despite the vibrant and alive nature of the form in American letters.
  3. Short stories face challenges due to lack of space in magazines, minimal big publisher support, and the popularity bias towards novels.

The secret I’ve been keeping from you

Granted β€’ 10821 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Books Authorship Empowerment Self-Improvement
  1. The book "Hidden Potential" by Adam Grant explores how progress is more about motivation and opportunity than talent.
  2. We all have hidden potential, and it's not just for underdogs or late bloomers, but for everyone in schools, teams, and workplaces.
  3. The focus should be on the progress made along the way towards achieving goals, not just reaching peaks.
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Musings on Martians and Minority Membership (in the Lit Mag Context)

Lit Mag News Roundup β€’ 786 implied HN points β€’ 19 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Writing Authorship Representation Diversity
  1. Some literary journals have policies about who can write about underrecognized groups in fiction.
  2. Editors may question the plausibility of certain characteristics or experiences of fictional characters from underrecognized groups.
  3. Gatekeeping around stories of fictional underrecognized group members raises questions about equity and creativity in literary spaces.

Fifteen-reader books

The Leftovers β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 06 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing Authorship Reading
  1. Facing challenges and performing for small audiences is a common struggle for content creators like writers and comedians.
  2. Experiencing setbacks, rejections, and small turnouts is part of the writing journey. Writers often face low audience numbers and sparse attention.
  3. Writing entails persistence and understanding that obscurity and tumbleweed moments are a normal part of the process, requiring dedication and resilience.

FrΞ±ction /

Fathom β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Writing Prose Authorship Narrative
  1. The text explores a moment between a parent and child, highlighting the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  2. The child's curiosity and deep questions about life are a central theme.
  3. The concept of fractions is used metaphorically to discuss emotions like heartbreak.

Multi-Craft Specialized Content in the AI Era

Jakob Nielsen on UX β€’ 17 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 24
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Content creation UX Design Authorship
  1. AI in the media world is enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it, providing hyper-targeted content experiences by combining text, music, images, and film seamlessly.
  2. Niche content creation will dominate the future, with highly specialized and targeted content surpassing the traditional mass-market blockbusters in cumulative revenue.
  3. Automation in UI design will streamline the process, with AI editors assisting in creating user interfaces efficiently, though high usability and polished designs may still require human intervention.

Big announcement...

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky β€’ 238 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Book release Writing Freedom of Speech Censorship Authorship
  1. The author has written a book that sheds light on silencing, shaming, and bullying for different views.
  2. The book includes stories of public harassment, interviews with well-known figures, and lessons on using one's voice freely.
  3. The author encourages principled individuals to resist authoritarianism and to find and free their own voices.

Ernest Hemingway: Macho Cat Dad

Litverse β€’ 479 implied HN points β€’ 05 Oct 22
πŸ“š Literature Biography Criticism Authorship Writing Style
  1. Ernest Hemingway, known for his macho image, had a deep connection with cats and spent a significant part of his life breeding them.
  2. Hemingway's persona often overshadowed the complexity and sensitivity in his writing, leading to misconceptions about his work.
  3. Through his unusual interactions with cats, Hemingway's true character emerges as a blend of strength and vulnerability, challenging common perceptions of his masculinity.

"My editor [or agent] is taking FOREVER with my edits. They keep making and breaking promises about when they'll be done with their notes. What the f*ck?"

How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 23
πŸ“š Literature Authorship Editing Publishing Tips
  1. Delays in getting edits from editors or agents are frustratingly common in book publishing.
  2. ESBs involve delays in receiving feedback, which can lead to distress for authors.
  3. It's important for all parties to address ESBs by understanding the underlying reasons and collaborating for corrective action.

How to keep writing

The Leftovers β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing Authorship
  1. Sharing ideas about writing with others can be a rewarding experience, even if you're not a professional writing tutor.
  2. Keeping up with the practice of writing can be difficult, but it's important to persist and find ways to continue.
  3. Engaging in informal occasions where you can share your work and ideas with an audience can be inspiring and motivating.

Poem: Ricky

Sounds Good! β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Authorship
  1. The poem depicts a man's negative reaction to being called "Ricky" instead of his preferred name, "Richard," suggesting a deeper story behind his response.
  2. Names hold power and significance to individuals, influencing their perceptions and behaviors.
  3. The poem explores themes of identity and how individuals may react strongly when their chosen identity is challenged or altered.

GRANTED: The new books to read this fall

Granted β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 01 Sep 19
πŸ“š Literature Books Reading Authorship Behavioral Science Leadership
  1. When meeting new people, ask 'What do you love to do?' instead of 'What do you do?' to encourage unique interests and deeper conversations.
  2. Leadership requires keeping your ego in check by promoting those who challenge you and accepting privileges that enhance your work.
  3. Elite schools are reinforcing inequality, not meritocracy, by admitting more students from high-income families than low-income families.

Homeschooling RΔ“Β·Δ•Ε„Β·Ε­n

The False Consensus Effect β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 22
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Creative Writing Authorship Fantasy Fiction
  1. The author shares a very busy Friday itinerary with tasks like writing a grant, painting, planning meals, and band practice, showcasing a variety of activities encompassing work, family, creativity, and relaxation.
  2. A story is shared, blending elements of fiction, contemplation, and imagination around themes of apples, roast duck, and a man named John Lindsey, adding an element of mystery and creativity to the narrative.
  3. The post concludes with a menu description for a Y2K New Year's Eve meal, including dishes like roasted duck, field greens, lemon vinaigrette, mashed potatoes, and dessert items such as Key lime pie and lemon-maple cake, offering a glimpse into a festive culinary experience.