The hottest Creative Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

A dialogue

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
πŸ“š 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.

Teenager

Nice Try β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 07 May 22
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Books Authors Novels Creative Writing
  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.

Diary

Autoscriptorium β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Diary Creative Writing
  1. Work can sometimes feel disposable, with a focus on being memorable but ultimately forgettable.
  2. The writer reflects on experiences at a place like an emergency room that runs continuously.
  3. The act of writing a diary is explored, creating a connection with an unknown reader.

Internet writing was already obsolete

I have thoughts β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 22
πŸ•Ή Technology AI Digital Art Creative Writing AI Ethics Digital Tools
  1. Good writing requires time, practice, and thought - there's no quick fix for improving writing skills.
  2. AI can excel at repetitive tasks but lacks originality, ideas, and opinions.
  3. There's a growing dissatisfaction with low-quality, SEO-focused internet writing, creating space for authentic, creative, and meaningful content to flourish.

The Constitution

Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 23
βš” Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Literary Fiction Contemporary Fiction Narrative
  1. The club scene is filled with people pretending to have a good time, but many might actually be feeling uncomfortable or fake. It's interesting how everyone tries to fit in, even when they might not really be enjoying themselves.
  2. Some men in the club seem to feel the need to show off and prove their masculinity, which creates a tense atmosphere. Women often find themselves in the role of managing or calming these men's behaviors.
  3. The story touches on the complexities of attraction and relationships, exploring how societal pressures affect both men and women. It suggests that sometimes people enable harmful behaviors in others, leading to confusion and disappointment.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Story Seventeen

Stories From The Rail β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 11 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Creative Writing
  1. Sav Adler is taking over scheduling, management, and curation of The Rail while Linda Tirado and her team focus on upcoming adventures.
  2. Support for Linda on Patreon should be switched over to Substack to follow her work.
  3. Substack now has an app to make supporting freelancers and staying updated on their work easier.

Back To Black

Castalia β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 22
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Creative Writing
  1. Jared originally planned to be a doctor but changed his mind to pursue a career in music. He felt happier exploring his passion rather than sticking with a path that didn't excite him.
  2. Jared and Aline had a close bond, but their lives started to go in different directions as he focused on music and she concentrated on her academic success. This showed how relationships can change when people grow and follow their own paths.
  3. Despite trying hard in the music industry, Jared felt out of place and unsure about his future. He recognized the struggle and hunger needed to succeed, especially after observing the intense drive of others like Amy Winehouse.

Weak Man

Castalia β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 17 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Personal essays Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The story explores the conflict between desire and reality in a man's relationships. He indulges in casual flings but ultimately feels empty and unsatisfied.
  2. Desi, the woman he becomes involved with, challenges his views on love and intimacy. She wants deeper connections and lives without limits, which contrasts his more superficial experiences.
  3. The protagonist struggles with his own weakness and cowardice. His inability to fully engage with Desi and his past choices lead to a sense of isolation and self-awareness.

Mushrooms, Recursion and You

Cybernetic Forests β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Design Creative Writing Media Critique
  1. The post explores the interaction between mushrooms, synthesizers, and human design in creating music.
  2. Recursion, the act of repeating levels of systems, is highlighted as complex but essential for intentional decision-making.
  3. The music created reflects layers of feedback and exchange from the mushroom, synthesizer, cables, designer, and listener, emphasizing collaboration and interconnectedness.

Valentine’s Moon

The False Consensus Effect β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Paintings Visual art Creative Writing Imagery Artistic expression
  1. Valentine's Moon celebrates love and the temporary nature of life, promoting a moment of release and contentment.
  2. The text delves into the impact and significance of early love and courting experiences, suggesting a need to reclaim the poetic joy found in those relationships.
  3. The author ponders the influence of societal norms and the modern world on love and happiness, advocating for a reconnection with romantic love and wisdom.

Weirdo Watch

Castalia β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Creative Writing Contemporary
  1. Steven, the main character, struggles with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness after a difficult breakup, showing how even seemingly successful people can face deep emotional challenges.
  2. His friends try to support him by taking turns spending time with him, but he feels more like a charity case, which complicates their interactions and deepens his sense of isolation.
  3. Despite his struggles, Steven finds fleeting moments of joy and connection through music, highlighting how something as simple as a song can evoke strong emotions and feelings of value.

Diary #9

Autoscriptorium β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Prose Creative Writing 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.

Sunday Notes

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Writing Visual art
  1. The kids struggled to pick peas off the vine without damaging it, showcasing a lack of experience.
  2. Judgmental behavior was observed from the people parked near the author at the wildflower valley overlook.
  3. A surprising observation was made when a cow pie appeared dry on the outside but was actually wet inside.

Camaraderie

Castalia β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 22
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character Study
  1. People in the same industry often bounce between companies, learning and climbing the ranks along the way. It's common to see someone do okay at one job, then move to a rival for a better opportunity.
  2. Some workers focus too much on details and processes, possibly missing the bigger picture of getting things done. This can lead to frustration for those who prefer a faster, more action-oriented approach.
  3. Camaraderie can develop in unexpected places, like parties with coworkers who aren't close friends. It's interesting to see connections form and change over time, just like people navigating their careers.

Earthly Delight

Nice Try β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 21
πŸ“š Literature Creative Writing Narrative Prose Personal Reflection
  1. Life can feel gray and mundane, but we can find moments of joy in small things. Whether it's a hot cup of coffee or a fun idea for a blog, these little pleasures brighten up our days.
  2. Many people deal with everyday frustrations that might not seem important, like a slow leaking tire. But these experiences can serve as interesting stories or metaphors for life's challenges.
  3. Connections with others, even through simple conversations, can spark creativity. Talking to friends or loved ones can help us figure out what to write about or how to find meaning in our lives.

Just Learning Now

Nice Try β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 21
πŸ“š Literature Creative Writing Narrative Nonfiction Personal essays Memoir Storytelling
  1. Embrace creativity, even when faced with challenges. It's important to find joy in expressing yourself and not just in conforming to expectations.
  2. Life can be unpredictable, and everyone has their own unique story. Listen to others as they might have valuable lessons and experiences to share.
  3. Teaching can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to share knowledge while continuously learning from your students and their diverse backgrounds.

Killed Somebody

Nice Try β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The story is about a dream where someone kills a person in a fancy dress and then tries to hide the evidence.
  2. As the dream continues, the character finds many of their belongings scattered around, suggesting a connection to their past.
  3. In the end, the police arrive, but instead of arresting the character, they ask them to solve the case, leading to a surprising twist.

Translating oneself

The Leftovers β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 28 Aug 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Translation Creative Writing
  1. The author realized they could translate their own work, even though they did it for a living, showing that writing in multiple languages changes the writer's voice.
  2. When writing in a language that is not native, writers tend to prioritize clarity over decorative language.
  3. Writing in a second language can make one feel like they are always being cautious, resulting in a simpler and clearer writing style.

Things I Feared Most to Write, Part Four

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Essays Memoir Personal narrative Narrative Nonfiction Creative Writing
  1. The author feels a sense of time repeating itself in a hauntingly familiar way, experiencing similar moments in the same places years apart. This gives her a feeling of being connected to her past.
  2. During a stay at a haunted hotel, she experiences eerie occurrences, like a child's hand on her back and unexplained breezes, which make her question reality and the existence of spirits.
  3. She ponders the idea that our desires and needs might attract people and events to us, while also reflecting on the darker possibilities of places being affected by past traumas or negative energies.

The Crack in the Sidewalk

polymathematics β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 06 Apr 23
βš” Fiction Literature Storytelling Creative Writing Publishing Narrative
  1. A new fiction book is now available at major bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. You might not find it immediately in all stores, but it should be there soon.
  2. You can also order the book online if you prefer shopping from home. Just check the provided link to get a copy.
  3. There’s an option to subscribe for a free trial to access more content related to the book and the author's work. It's a good way to explore other stories they have written.

Experiments in style extra

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 01 Dec 24
πŸ“š 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.

From "Modern Love" to Selling a Memoir

The Fairest Writer β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 21
πŸ“š Literature Memoir Essays Creative Writing Survival Cultural Commentary
  1. Writing about personal struggles can help others understand their own issues. Facing uncomfortable topics can lead to healing and growth.
  2. Survival training teaches us to trust ourselves and understand our needs. It's about more than just food; it's about connection to nature and community.
  3. Exploring our past and the relationships we have with family can help us find our true selves. Nature can be a way to reconnect with who we are and what we really need.

Dystopian visions: Disappearing Act

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Literary Criticism Science fiction Creative Writing Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a strong push for computer programming skills, but being digitally literate is just as important for most jobs. Companies could benefit more from employees who understand technology than just from programmers alone.
  2. Creative subjects like art, music, and literature are often undervalued in education, even though they can enhance skills in math and critical thinking. We should appreciate the value of creativity alongside technical skills.
  3. Good science fiction can highlight important social issues by presenting them in unique settings. Stories like 'Disappearing Act' can help us think about the balance between expert knowledge and the creativity needed to solve real-world problems.

Start the week #57

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Creative Writing Reflections Memoir Writing process
  1. Spring is here with crocuses and daffodils blooming, saving queen bees from cats is a noble action
  2. Creative writing can flourish within constraints, prompting innovation and unique expressions in writing
  3. Exploring jazz music through saxophone lessons brings joy and learning, creating engaging experiences in music

God Abandons Anthony - a translation

Logos β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 May 20
πŸ“š Literature Translation Poetry Creative Writing Cultural Studies Literary Analysis
  1. Translation is a tough job that needs creativity. It's not just about changing words; it's about keeping the feeling and rhythm of the original text.
  2. Turning poetry into another language is tricky but fun. Short poems highlight the challenges and decisions translators make.
  3. When translating, choices about words and their order can change the meaning. It's essential to carefully consider each option to stay true to the original intent.

We Don't Understand Time

The ApΓ©ritif β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Authors Books Cultural critique Creative Writing
  1. Kurt Vonnegut's life and work show that he had a unique understanding of time. He believed that moments in time, like past, present, and future, all exist together, which he explored in his writing.
  2. The film 'Unstuck in Time' captures Vonnegut's gentle and funny spirit, as well as his belief in the importance of family and creativity. It reflects on how modern technology can steal away children's wonder and imagination.
  3. Vonnegut's personality and wisdom feel rare today. He had a charming way of speaking that made people feel connected to him, and his experiences shaped his ability to convey deep truths about life.

An Ode to Restlessness

An Ode to Restlessness β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Creative Writing Artistic expression Literary Analysis
  1. Restlessness is a powerful feeling that pushes us to explore and seek new experiences. It can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
  2. In moments of quiet, restlessness can bring forth dreams and desires that drive us forward. It's like a whisper encouraging us to keep going.
  3. The journey of restlessness holds meaning and beauty. It's not just about the end goal, but the discoveries we make along the way.

A Series of Numbers

Autoscriptorium β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Creative Writing
  1. The post discusses unique concepts related to numbers, such as specific mathematical contests, poetic meters, and music compositions.
  2. Each concept is described in a creative and imaginative way, connecting numbers to diverse fields like exercise, poetry, and music.
  3. The author uses these inventive descriptions to explore the intersection of numbers with various aspects of human life and creativity.

Come Work With Me! + News

The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 23
πŸ“š Literature Creative Writing Workshops Awards Fiction Nonfiction
  1. The author will be teaching at two in-person writers' conferences this summer. If you're interested in writing, this is a great opportunity to learn from them.
  2. They received a Creative Capital Award for their novel-in-progress, which will help with research and travel for the project. This grant provides financial support and resources for artists.
  3. In the next newsletter, they plan to share tips about handling applications and submissions in the writing world. This could be helpful if you're looking to improve your writing process.

Diary #24

Autoscriptorium β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Creative Writing Art Theory
  1. Talent cannot be quantified like a substance, it grows in different environments.
  2. Choosing the right scenes is crucial in creating extraordinary art.
  3. Finding a calm space amidst interruptions is important for creative work.

The Power of Writing in Groups

The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 20
πŸ“š Literature Book clubs Creative Writing Motivation Teaching
  1. Writing in groups can really boost your motivation. When you share your writing goals with others, it helps keep you accountable.
  2. Participating in a writing group can lead to real success. Many people have found book deals because of the support and inspiration they got from their peers.
  3. Teaching and sharing ideas with others can enhance your own understanding. By helping others, you also reinforce your own knowledge and spark new ideas.

Memoir Is Sculpture, Fiction Is Painting

The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 20
πŸ“š Literature Memoir Fiction Art Creative Writing Personal essays
  1. Memoir is like sculpture; you shape a story from your real life. You start with the material of your experiences and craft them into something meaningful.
  2. Fiction is like painting; you're free to create and imagine without real-life limits. You decide how the story flows and can change things as you go along.
  3. Both memoir and fiction involve creativity, but they ask different skills. Memoir focuses on working with fixed life events, while fiction allows more imaginative freedom.

Two Weeks From 21 Years Ago

The False Consensus Effect β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Sculpture Creative Writing Visual art Mixed Media
  1. The author reflects on the passing of time and the role of technology in society, highlighting the importance of soul-searching and staying true to one's art amidst modern distractions.
  2. The text delves into philosophical and existential themes such as the illusion of the 'whole' and the concept of individuality, urging readers to explore their own significance in the world.
  3. The narrative touches on personal struggles, artistic pursuits, and the complexities of human relationships, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and finding joy in everyday moments.

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.