The hottest Creative Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Better AI Creative Writing?

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 23 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Creative Writing Machine Learning Natural Language Processing User Experience
  1. The latest version of ChatGPT showed some improvement in creative writing over the past year, especially in children's stories. It produced longer stories with more engaging content.
  2. When it comes to writing poetry, the changes were minor. The recent poems didn't stand out much compared to last year's efforts.
  3. Overall, while there's some progress in AI writing skills, it's still quite limited. Bigger advancements are expected in the next generation of AI models.

Let's Connect this Summer!

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 29 May 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Personal Growth Community Engagement Workshops
  1. There are writing groups available for all levels, so anyone can join and start without feeling behind. It's a great way to express creativity and connect with others.
  2. The ADHD Moms Club offers a free space for support and sharing tips among moms. It's a fun way to connect and tackle challenges together.
  3. A free decluttering challenge is happening this summer to help reduce stress at home. It's a helpful way to start the season fresh and take control.

મૃગજળ

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Short Stories Creative Writing Interpretation
  1. What we see can sometimes be clear and real, but often it's influenced by our thoughts and feelings. It's important to question what we truly perceive.
  2. Happiness and sadness can both be misinterpretations of our experiences. Understanding these emotions can help us find deeper meaning in life.
  3. Searching for truth can be confusing, as we might get caught up in our illusions. It's essential to separate reality from our assumptions to see things clearly.

A dialogue

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Creative Writing Dialogue Writing Techniques
  1. It's important to express your feelings openly in conversations. Letting someone know when you're overwhelmed can lead to a better understanding.
  2. Humor can help lighten the mood during tough discussions. A little laughter can make it easier to find solutions to problems.
  3. Collaboration is key when facing challenges. Sometimes working together on a task can lead to better results than handling it alone.

Below the API

Data People Etc. • 17 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literature Speculative Fiction Creative Writing Contemporary Issues
  1. Marcie is trying to make art through pottery, but faces pressures from her brother and struggles with self-doubt about her work's value. She finds joy and control in creating but feels judged.
  2. Unexpectedly, a surge of orders comes in for her pottery, but it turns out to be driven by her brother's manipulation and automation. This raises questions for her about the nature of her art and who actually wants it.
  3. In the end, Marcie realizes she must take control back from external influences and prioritize genuine creativity over making money. She decides to focus on her true passions rather than just chasing trends.
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what's all this then

eieio games • 119 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Web Development Audience Building Creative Writing Internet culture
  1. The author, known as 'eieio', enjoys creating unique games and projects on the internet. They like using strange platforms to make fun experiences.
  2. They have a new project called stranger.video that pairs users for short, video-only chats. The call ends quickly, adding a fun twist to the experience.
  3. The author wants to build an audience but finds the process of audience-building uncomfortable. They promise to keep their communication genuine and low-key.

Leopold

Nice Try • 159 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing
  1. There's a new short story titled 'Leopold' that you can read for free online or buy in a magazine for $6. It's nice to have options!
  2. The story is quite lengthy at about 10,000 words, so it looks like a good read if you enjoy longer tales.
  3. The author appreciates feedback and invites readers to share their thoughts about the story or anything else on their mind.

Franklin

Nice Try • 259 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Personal essays
  1. The story features a brother who has wild and dangerous adventures, highlighting the carefree yet reckless nature of childhood.
  2. The brother experiences significant moments, like almost drowning and getting soaked in diesel, that illustrate the risks he takes.
  3. Despite his troubles, the bond between the brothers remains strong, even as they face challenges without parental guidance.

What if Vlad the Impaler ran The Ministry for the Future?

storyvoyager • 10 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Climate fiction Satire Historical Fiction Creative Writing Book analysis
  1. The idea of using harsh methods for climate action can evoke debate. Vlad the Impaler's violent approach is a dark metaphor for discussing tough solutions to climate issues.
  2. The concept of a '2000 Watt Society' suggests sustainable energy consumption for everyone. It's a practical idea that aims to limit how much energy each person uses.
  3. The satirical use of historical figures like Vlad brings a humorous lens to serious topics. It reminds us to think critically about our current climate strategies and their effectiveness.

Fridge poems

Austin Kleon • 739 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Creative Writing Arts Cultural Commentary
  1. Fridge poems are special poems that we feel connected to and want to display in our homes. They represent what matters to us and can remind us of important thoughts or feelings.
  2. The refrigerator holds a unique place in our homes as a space to celebrate memories and creativity, often decorated with personal items like drawings and photos. It’s like a public gallery for our family's stories.
  3. Steel refrigerators that aren’t magnetic can take away this personal touch, making it harder to showcase meaningful things. Choosing a magnetic fridge allows us to keep that tradition alive and foster connections through art and words.

I'm writing a climate fiction series

storyvoyager • 4 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Storytelling Sci-fi Narrative Creative Writing
  1. The series 'There Is Hope' is a climate fiction that explores life on a planet affected by climate change, focusing on the search for hope amidst suffering.
  2. It includes multiple interconnected stories set in a dystopian future where different groups struggle for survival and humanity.
  3. The author aims to create a realistic picture of a world that transitions from devastation to a better future, blending both dark and hopeful narratives.

Good Luck

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Prose Narrative Creative Writing Short Stories
  1. A man in a blue suit stares longingly at a popsicle shop, showing how sometimes we hesitate to treat ourselves. It's humorous how he eventually buys a popsicle on a cold day, seeming a bit out of place.
  2. The story reflects on the changes in the neighborhood, with a guitar shop replaced by a luxury store, highlighting how businesses can come and go based on what's popular.
  3. The main character is cold and without a coat, symbolizing a kind of refusal to change one's life, which adds a layer of humor and relatability to the situation.

Good Gravy

Nice Try • 279 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Contemporary
  1. Relationships can be complicated and painful, sometimes leading to unexpected situations like being shot by someone you know. Humor and absurdity can help lighten these heavy moments.
  2. The experience of pain and healing can bring people together, as seen with friends stepping in to help after an injury. It's all about how we support each other through difficult times.
  3. Life is full of challenges and disappointments, but finding ways to appreciate and love even the tough experiences can lead to personal growth. Embracing life's chaos can make it feel more meaningful.

Getting bored and what I did!

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Writing Personal Reflection Emotional Expression Artistic Process
  1. Boredom can lead to creativity. When feeling bored, one might discover new ideas or art, like writing a poem.
  2. It's easy to get distracted by things like YouTube, which can make us feel unproductive. Recognizing this can help us refocus on our goals.
  3. Writing random thoughts as a way to cope with emotions can be valuable. It can provide a sense of release and help organize chaotic feelings.

Vol. 2, Issue 22 - Interview with The Pokémon Tower

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🎭️ Culture Fan culture Digital Media Creative Writing Nostalgia Community
  1. The Pokémon Tower is one of the longest-running fan sites, starting in 1998 and hosting a ton of fan works like stories and art. It's a special place for fans to share their creativity.
  2. The site has a friendly approach to submissions, allowing almost all content as long as it doesn't contain inappropriate material. This openness helped create a big community of contributors.
  3. Even though the site isn't updated anymore, the owner still pays for hosting because he wants to keep the site's history alive for fans. He believes it's important to preserve the creativity that was shared there.

Good Luck / Episode Ten

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Creative Writing Prose
  1. The writer talks about how their cacti need support, showing how sometimes we all need a little help in life.
  2. There are quirky decorations in their living space, suggesting that personal items can make a place feel more like home.
  3. A funny moment at a red light highlights how everyday experiences can bring laughter and joy.

Love Stories

Life and Letters • 39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
📚 Literature Literary theory Cultural Studies Romance Creative Writing
  1. Societies that are wealthier and more populated create more love stories in literature. This means that as people live closer together and have more resources, they start writing more about love.
  2. Literature helps us understand different forms of intimacy in complicated societies. It can influence how people think about their relationships and what love looks like in their lives.
  3. There seems to be a pattern in the history of love literature across different cultures. Even without direct connections, similar themes and styles appear in literature from different parts of the world during the same time periods.

A Conversation with Caleb Caudell

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 11 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Autofiction Creative Writing Contemporary Cultural criticism
  1. Writing about sex can be found in contemporary literature, but the author believes we need a deeper and more critical perspective on it. They're aiming to show how sexual issues connect to wider social problems.
  2. The writer thinks being from a place like Indiana shapes their work differently than writers from major cities. Yet, they also feel that true talent can shine no matter where someone is from.
  3. They share their writing routine is flexible, often fueled by coffee and exercise. Writing is something they enjoy, regardless of whether they make money from it or not.

Good Luck

Nice Try • 79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Narrative Memoir Fiction Creative Writing
  1. Life starts with a mix of hope and uncertainty, like when a baby is born and everyone says 'good luck.'
  2. Family members can offer both warmth and caution, showing how different perspectives on luck and superstition can shape our lives.
  3. Childhood is filled with imagination and innocence, where simple moments, like seeing a butterfly, bring joy and a sense of magic.

Moment in the Sun

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Artistic expression
  1. Creative careers often lead us to unexpected roles, like producing instead of purely making art. Producing can be rewarding in its own way, focusing on the behind-the-scenes work that holds everything together.
  2. Community support is vital during group projects like independent films. Everyone is working hard, and it's important to remember that we are all in it together, sharing both the struggles and the joys.
  3. Talented individuals sometimes disconnect from the group dynamic, which can be challenging. Acknowledging that everyone contributes differently can help maintain harmony, even if some are more difficult to work with.

Vol. 1, Issue 47 - Interview with The Cave of Dragonflies

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Fan culture Online Communities Creative Writing Nostalgia Hobbies
  1. The Cave of Dragonflies is a long-standing Pokémon fan website created by Dragonfree in 2002. It offers a variety of content, including guides, reviews, and fanfiction, all inspired by her love for Pokémon.
  2. Dragonfree emphasizes the importance of community and personal enjoyment over popularity. She encourages others to create their own websites and pursue their passions, regardless of audience size.
  3. Over the years, Dragonfree has contributed significantly to understanding Pokémon game mechanics and inspired many to start their own fan sites and projects, showcasing the lasting impact of her work.

11/24/24: Djinn Drive

Daydreams • 7 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Short Stories Creative Writing Mythology Literature
  1. To summon a ghost, you need specific items like a five-leaf clover and a particular mosquito. If you don't have the right things, it might not work.
  2. The ghost Solomon has been summoned multiple times for petty jobs by a person named Tom, including haunting tenants for being difficult. This shows how summoning can be misused.
  3. Tom's requests for haunting have led to consequences, creating a cycle of issues that may attract unwanted attention, like the potential involvement of powerful forces because of the magic involved.

The Dilemma of Writing

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Poetry Self-reflection Personal journey
  1. Starting to write can be difficult and filled with self-doubt. It's common to feel discouraged when seeing others succeed in their writing journey.
  2. Having a passion for language and writing comes naturally, but exploring it deeply can take time and effort. Writing should be an expression that flows from within, not just learned from books.
  3. Life experiences and personal challenges can inspire meaningful writing. Sharing these stories can help others and provide hope to those who may feel lost.

get your own MFA!

practiceprocesscraft • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing Reading Creative Writing Books
  1. The best thing about an MFA program is the dedicated time for writing, but you can prioritize your writing time without waiting for external validation.
  2. Having a community of supportive, like-minded friends to discuss and share your writing with is crucial for growth and creativity.
  3. Reading is essential for writers, and while an MFA program offers valuable reading lists and resources, you can curate your own reading curriculum to inspire and inform your work.

Mince pie brain

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
📚 Literature Creative Writing
  1. The author humorously describes feeling mentally fatigued as having a 'mince pie brain'.
  2. Despite feeling unable to write well due to mental exhaustion, the author continues to write out of a superstitious belief that something bad might happen if they stop.
  3. The post highlights the struggle of trying to write when feeling mentally drained and how difficult it is to come up with ideas in that state.

AirPods

The Elbow • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Visual art Creative Writing
  1. The post discusses the disappointment in technological promises versus the reality of AirPods.
  2. There is a contemplative moment on a film about orcas and a personal love-hate relationship with AirPods.
  3. The author expresses a desire for deeper connections and experiences beyond technology.

For And Against The Short Story

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
📚 Literature Short Stories Essays Literary theory Creative Writing
  1. Short stories can show the writer's unique style and ideas without the long structure of a novel. They're like a quick look into a writer's mind and creativity.
  2. They focus on a single idea or moment, making them direct and impactful. This clarity helps convey a strong message or theme without distractions.
  3. Reading short stories can sometimes feel light or simple, but they often leave a lasting impression. They can provide a quick escape or thought-provoking experience, similar to enjoying a snack rather than a full meal.

18 pieces of writing advice

Tao Lin • 2 HN points • 11 Aug 24
📚 Literature Writing advice Creative Writing Storytelling
  1. Don't be afraid to save your favorite lines for later instead of cutting them out completely. Keeping a separate file can help you use them in a future piece.
  2. Focus on writing about genuine emotions and experiences. Sharing those deep moments can really connect with your readers.
  3. Be patient with your writing process. Revisit your work multiple times and make small changes until you feel it's ready.

Experiments in style extra

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Literary Analysis Creative Writing Storytelling
  1. The project is about rewriting the same story in different styles, with 85 versions created so far. It's a fun way to explore creativity and storytelling.
  2. There is a competition where subscribers can guess a mangled story to win a year's paid subscription. It's a playful way to engage readers.
  3. The author reflects on the quirky twists of writing and humor, suggesting that sometimes nonsense might make more sense than the original. It's all about enjoying the writing process.

Pool Boy

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Contemporary Urban
  1. The story explores complicated relationships among young adults. It shows how confusion and manipulation can exist in love and friendship.
  2. Stevie, one of the characters, has a unique perspective on life and doesn't care what others think. His laid-back attitude helps him navigate adult situations without losing himself.
  3. Arianna, another character, struggles with her desires and expectations in relationships, showcasing how people's wants can lead to disappointment and a sense of emptiness.

Me Gustas Tu

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Creative Writing
  1. Friendships can be deep and meaningful, even when they start in surprising places like a hostel. The connection shared between friends can make life feel rich and exciting.
  2. Romantic feelings can be messy and confusing, especially when they involve friends. It's common to navigate awkward moments and unspoken feelings during relationships.
  3. Life paths can change unexpectedly, and it's okay to feel lost at times. Relationships and experiences can lead to personal growth, even when things don't go as planned.