The hottest Essays Substack posts right now

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Top Literature Topics

14 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 257 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Publishing Stories Personal
  1. There are 14 pitch opportunities from various paying publications this week. Writers can find specific calls for stories in areas like lifestyle, food, and niche topics.
  2. When pitching personal stories, it's helpful to start with a specific moment that highlights larger themes. This gives editors a better sense of your writing style and story arc.
  3. Sharing your journey or unique experiences can lead to deeper connections in your writing. Make sure to convey how situations change over time in your pitches.

A Salute to Every Tolstoy Across Borders

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 5396 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Cultural Studies Narrative
  1. There's no clear line between 'solid' and 'liquid' countries. Everyone faces challenges and changes, regardless of where they live.
  2. Literature should include diverse voices from around the world. We shouldn't reduce cultures to simple categories like 'literate' or 'pre-literate.'
  3. All societies struggle with their own issues. Literature helps us understand these struggles and find a better path forward.

Who Else Is Feeling This In Their Body

Culture Study • 9438 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Essays Personal Resilience Wellness Mental health
  1. It's important to take your own feelings seriously, as well as the feelings of others. We often avoid acknowledging our true emotions.
  2. Resilience can mean carrying a lot of emotional and physical weight without realizing it. We need to recognize how it affects our bodies.
  3. Sometimes we create excuses for our struggles instead of facing them. Understanding what we feel can help us cope better.

Subscriber Writing, February 2025

Freddie deBoer • 1516 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Creative Writing Essays Reviews Personal narratives Cultural critique
  1. There's a lot of great writing by subscribers every month, so readers should check it out. Submitting work helps gain more readers too.
  2. The email format is changing because there are more submissions than can fit in one message. This change makes it easier for interested readers to find what they want.
  3. The topics covered range widely, from politics to personal experiences, showing the diverse interests of the community and offering something for everyone.

Wordspells to Rewyrd the World

Postcards From Barsoom • 2855 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Essays Mythology Creative Writing Podcasts Cultural critique
  1. Words have power, and they can shape our reality. The way we use language can create meaningful changes in our lives and society.
  2. Myth and stories play an important role in understanding our world. They connect us to our history and help us make sense of our experiences.
  3. Engaging in deep discussions with others can open our minds to new ideas and perspectives. It's valuable to learn from one another through conversation.
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"It looks like the fork has pierced the sky"

Read Max • 737 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Movies Music Art Essays
  1. Three picture books are a hit with my 4-year-old, showcasing the value of finding good children's literature.
  2. Interesting essays cover various topics, from cryptocurrency to social media, highlighting unique perspectives worth exploring.
  3. I enjoyed a lesser-known movie adaptation of John Le Carré's work, emphasizing the charm of discovering hidden gems in cinema.

How I Write Culture Study

Culture Study • 3885 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Essays Podcasts Writing Organization
  1. Organizing your week can help you manage different types of work like essays and Q&As. It’s about finding a balance and creating a routine.
  2. Creating interesting content often involves a bit of mystery or curiosity. This can lead people to appreciate and pay for the material you offer.
  3. Collaboration with others can enhance your work. Finding 'coworkers' or partners can support your creative process and make things more enjoyable.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 277 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Criticism
  1. The week features a selection of interesting articles to read. It's a great way to catch up on new ideas and perspectives.
  2. There's an option for a 7-day free trial to access more content. This lets people explore more without any initial cost.
  3. You can easily share the top reads with friends. Sharing is a good way to discuss things you find valuable or thought-provoking.

TERRAFORM: An essay collection about the future of our planet

The Novelleist • 195 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Essays Writing Publishing Discussions
  1. TERRAFORM is an essay collection where six writers discuss how we can shape the future of our planet. It'll be published online and also in a print pamphlet.
  2. You can support this project by buying a digital or print version for $5, which helps pay the writers and fund future projects.
  3. There will be a discussion event about the essays on July 23rd, and anyone can join for $10, while paid subscribers can participate for free.

Maxims Vol.3

Heir to the Thought • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Prose Criticism Philosophy
  1. Mistakes are part of learning, but aim to make ones that you can learn from more than once. It's about improving rather than being perfect.
  2. True journalism supports freedom, but vanity can make journalists act against it. Being genuine can help you find a path to liberty.
  3. Grace is important in life. It's a powerful quality that everyone should try to create and share with others regularly.

why it's impossible to finish anything, especially the good things

Both Are True • 245 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Essays Writing Creativity Parenting Personal Growth
  1. Distractions often keep us from finishing our ideas. When we start something, everyday things like parenting or chores can pull us away.
  2. The closer we get to completing a project, the more we might doubt its worth. It's common to think an idea isn't good enough as we work on it.
  3. Acknowledging our fears about sharing finished work is tough, but creating and putting it out there is essential. We have to be brave and share our creations, no matter the fear.

On Turning Rejection into Motivation and Mastering the Art of the Pitch with Courtney Kocak

The Sub Club Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Essays Creativity Inspiration
  1. Rejection can be a powerful motivator. It helps writers keep going and improves their pitching skills.
  2. Building good relationships with editors makes the publishing process easier and more successful.
  3. Having excitement and belief in your writing is key. If you love your work, others are more likely to get on board with it too.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 297 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Criticism Reviews
  1. You can find a list of popular articles to read each week. It's a great way to discover new topics and ideas.
  2. There’s an option to subscribe for a free trial to access more articles. This allows you to see if you like the content before committing.
  3. The site has a focus on specific interests, making it easier to find related information you care about. It's like having a personalized reading list.

A Culture Study Mirror

Culture Study • 3295 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Media Trends Identity Critique
  1. You don't have to read everything an author puts out. Just engaging with some of their work is enough, and that's something to celebrate.
  2. There’s a lot of content available, including popular essays and personal favorites, so there’s always something new or interesting to discover.
  3. Being proud of what you create is important, and it’s okay to highlight the work that feels very personal or meaningful to you.

indescretion | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 35 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Essays Literary Criticism
  1. The poem reflects on memories and experiences from childhood, using vivid imagery to convey emotions. It touches on themes of nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
  2. It hints at the complexities of relationships and secrets, suggesting that not everything is as it seems. There are layers to every story and hidden truths among the surface.
  3. Nature and the environment play a significant role in the poem, illustrating how they shape our lives and memories. From the sound of waves to the warmth of knitted clothes, these elements evoke a strong sense of place.

Shorter Writing is Not Better Writing: An Argumentative Treatise

Freddie deBoer • 8694 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Criticism Essays Narrative Style
  1. Short writing isn't always better writing. Sometimes, longer pieces can explain complex ideas better than short ones.
  2. The push for brevity in writing often leads to dull and similar-sounding work. Good writing should capture unique voices and ideas without fear of being too lengthy.
  3. Many writers feel pressured to write short because of trends, not because it's the best way to express their thoughts. Confidence in one's own style is important.

How I learned to love literary criticism.

The Common Reader • 3154 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Reading Writing Biography Essays
  1. Literary criticism can be valuable for helping readers understand deeper meanings in texts. It can guide readers to appreciate literature beyond just their personal thoughts.
  2. Reading secondary literature can enrich your understanding of authors and their works. Many great critics highlight unnoticed details that make reading more enjoyable.
  3. Critics who focus on the structure and style of writing can improve our reading skills. They help us notice important aspects of a text that we might otherwise miss.

fuck it

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Drama Essays
  1. It's okay to acknowledge our family's past struggles, even if they involve violence. These experiences shape who we are today.
  2. Emotions and memories can be heavy, making us feel empty or lost at times. It's normal to feel this way.
  3. Finding joy or comfort in physical connections is important, even when dealing with painful memories. We can seek pleasure despite our past.

An Unusual Bonus Friday Post

Story Club with George Saunders • 253 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Writing Authors Critique
  1. Keeping politics out of discussions is important, but sometimes it's necessary to address serious issues affecting governance and society.
  2. It's essential to remember the values of kindness and support for the less fortunate, especially during challenging times.
  3. Staying engaged and critical while maintaining a sense of humor can help us deal with difficult situations and keep hope alive for a better future.

The Innocent And The Beautiful Have No Enemy But Time

Astral Codex Ten • 12526 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Fiction Philosophy Criticism
  1. Time is the only true enemy of those who are innocent and beautiful. It can take away love and youth.
  2. Embracing simplicity and purity brings happiness, even if it seems fragile. Pure intentions often face challenges.
  3. Beauty and innocence should be cherished, as they stand out in a complex world. They may be vulnerable, but they are worth protecting.

Vigil

The Intrinsic Perspective • 18132 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
📚 Literature Essays Nature Animals Philosophy Parenting
  1. The author finds a wounded rabbit and reflects on the nature of life and death. He is torn between wanting to help the rabbit and recognizing the harsh realities of nature.
  2. Through caring for the rabbit, he grapples with his own moral beliefs about animal life and the contradictions in being a meat-eater.
  3. As he takes the rabbit to a wildlife rehabilitation center, he contemplates the bigger questions of existence, connecting his feelings about the rabbit to deeper ideas about life and its fragility.

Palabras y Algoritmos y demás digresiones

Érase una vez un algoritmo... • 119 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing AI Humanities Books Essays
  1. Writing is an important activity for many people, even if it doesn’t make them money or gain them fame. It can be a personal need and a way to express oneself.
  2. AI can be used as a helpful tool for writing, acting like a smart editor. It can improve writing by catching mistakes and suggesting better phrasing without replacing human creativity.
  3. The author is working on a new book about how AI will change writing. They believe in combining human creativity with AI to create a new collaborative writing process.

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 2

Bet On It • 80 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Non-fiction Memoir Stories Childhood Essays
  1. Childhood stories can be strange and memorable. They often shape who we are later in life.
  2. Sharing personal stories helps connect with others and evokes emotions. It can create a sense of understanding and community.
  3. Reading or listening to childhood tales can inspire us to reflect on our own past experiences. They remind us of the lessons we've learned and the fun we've had.

Subscriber Writing, December 2024

Freddie deBoer • 1330 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Book Reviews Creative Writing
  1. There are many interesting blog posts from different writers. These posts cover a wide range of topics that might capture your interest.
  2. The email roundup indicates that reader engagement is important, as more entries mean more chances for quality writing to be discovered.
  3. Subscribing allows you to participate and share your own writing, offering an opportunity to reach a wider audience.

A great, fun, strange translation of Homer; a rich, poignant 2000s time-travel thriller; and some new songs I love

Read Max • 737 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books Poetry Fiction Essays Translations
  1. There is a unique and enjoyable translation of Homer's work that stands out from typical versions. It's worth checking out if you're interested in classic literature.
  2. A time-travel thriller from the 2000s combines romance, humor, and deep feelings in a fun story. It's a great pick if you enjoy thrilling adventures with emotional depth.
  3. Four new songs have caught the author's attention and are highly recommended. Music lovers should give these tracks a listen for something fresh.

#202: A Maybe Baby year in review

Maybe Baby • 806 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Parenting Style Podcasts Existential
  1. The author reflects on a year of ups and downs in their writing journey, sharing insights from their personal and creative life.
  2. There are exciting offerings for subscribers, including essays, recommendations, and podcasts that cover various topics, especially parenting and culture.
  3. A special promotion is available for new subscribers, making it a good time to access exclusive content and connect with the community.

The Heteronym Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Authors
  1. Heteronyms are creative identities that authors use to express different voices, separate from their real selves. This can add depth and variety to literature, allowing for unique perspectives.
  2. Augusto Monterroso created a fictional translator named Eduardo Torres, who never existed, to showcase the art of heteronyms. He used this persona to publish works that read like they were from a real author.
  3. The concept of heteronyms reminds us that everyone has different sides to their personality. As we grow, we create versions of ourselves that reflect our changes over time.

Resolutions

Soaring Twenties • 208 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Essays Literature Fiction Poetry Self-help
  1. Enjoy the process of learning and creating. Taking your time and being organized can make the experience much more fulfilling.
  2. It's important to set personal resolutions that truly matter to you, instead of following trends or what others expect.
  3. Reading can be a meaningful activity, especially when done mindfully, allowing you to savor each piece and reflect on it.

a poet cliché | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 35 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Prose
  1. Poets often deal with deep emotions like heartache and despair in their work. This pain can inspire them to create profound art.
  2. The solitary life of a poet can come with sacrifices, like neglecting their appearance and personal comfort. They may look disheveled but their creativity shines through.
  3. Being a poet means facing loneliness and working through tough feelings. This struggle is often what makes their writing relatable and impactful.

Open Thread 362

Astral Codex Ten • 3303 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Reviews Essays
  1. This is a space for open discussions where you can share anything or ask questions. It's great for connecting with others about various topics.
  2. Jimmy Carter, the former president, has passed away, and there was a biography about him that many people found interesting.
  3. Happy New Year to everyone! Regular updates and posts will be coming back soon.

The Decline Will Occur Incrementally

Story Club with George Saunders • 50 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Biography Classics
  1. Change happens slowly over time, it's not always sudden. You might not notice it day to day, but over the years, things can shift a lot.
  2. Understanding someone's struggles can come from their relationships, like in stories where personal lives influence their work. It shows how feelings and experiences shape creativity.
  3. Literature often reflects personal experiences, and authors might use their own lives in their stories. This can lead to some interesting insights about their characters.

Individual Lies

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 133 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Essays Philosophy Author analysis Political Commentary Historical context
  1. Small lies might seem harmless, but they can build up and lead to bigger problems later. It's better to confront uncomfortable truths today than to delay them.
  2. George Orwell's work teaches us the importance of honesty in writing and in life. Fighting for truth, even in small details, is crucial for true understanding.
  3. Choosing to go along with popular opinions or easy paths can harm your values. It's important to know your own beliefs before facing pressure from others.

Enjoy the Honey Heavy Dew of Slumber

The Fry Corner • 2997 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Drama Prose Essays Classic
  1. Sleep is important for our well-being and should not be overlooked. It helps us recharge and feel our best.
  2. Shakespeare's works often capture the essence of human experiences, like sleep, in a way that's relatable and profound.
  3. Everyone has different views on Shakespeare and his relevance, but sleep is a universal need that connects us all.

love is a complicated business | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 24 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Prose
  1. Love can be both beautiful and risky. It's like catching a falling star but can also hurt like a knife.
  2. Acceptance is a big part of love. Sometimes it means dealing with difficult feelings and waiting for something that may never come.
  3. Love is also shown in little moments, like unexpected kisses, and even in the stubbornness over who is right or wrong.

2024 Year-End Writing Round-Up

Counter Craft • 361 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Publishing Author interviews
  1. The writer saw significant growth in their newsletter, which now has over 18,000 followers. It's nice to see how readers appreciate their work.
  2. They plan to publish a novel called 'Metallic Realms' in 2025, mixing genres like sci-fi and autofiction. They seem excited about this project.
  3. The writer shares valuable writing advice, emphasizing the importance of finishing projects and offers thoughts on writing techniques and publishing myths.

My Mormon Obsession

Castalia • 499 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
📚 Literature Essays Fiction History Biography Cultural critique
  1. The author has written two novels about Mormonism, despite having no personal connection to the religion. They find the history and stories surrounding Mormonism fascinating.
  2. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, had a unique background that influenced his development as a leader. His early life was marked by treasure hunting and a strong sense of individualism.
  3. Mormonism grew in a time of religious enthusiasm and many followers were drawn to its intellectual appeal. Smith's charisma and the communal experiences helped shape the church's early success.

a brief history of poetry | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 38 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Essays Drama Criticism
  1. Poetry has a long and complicated history with many famous poets facing struggles in their lives. They often dealt with personal issues, fame, or political problems that affected their work.
  2. Some poets achieve great recognition and success, while others remain unknown but still create meaningful art. The value of poetry isn't always tied to fame.
  3. The experiences of poets can help connect with deeper feelings in people. Those who feel abandoned or outcast often have powerful insights that shine through in their writing.

AUTUMN SALE 25% OFF FOREVER

The Common Reader • 531 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📚 Literature Classics Essays Book clubs Advice Analysis
  1. You can get a 25% discount on a subscription to The Common Reader for a limited time. This is a great chance to access quality literary content.
  2. The platform focuses on understanding classic literature and helps readers deepen their knowledge. Subscribers can participate in discussions about works like Shakespeare's plays.
  3. The paid subscription also offers access to a rich archive of essays and writings about famous literary works, encouraging readers to explore important literature while they can.