The hottest Inspiration Substack posts right now

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"The Perfect Writing Space"

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 10237 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Inspiration Authors Creativity Personal narrative
  1. You don't need a fancy or big space to write. Even a small, cozy place can be inspiring and productive.
  2. What really matters for writing is having peace of mind and a sense of freedom. It's about your inner space more than your outer space.
  3. Everyone has their own way to get inspired. Music can be a powerful tool to help focus and create.

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.

Disorderly Creativity

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Expression Inspiration Art Theory Literature
  1. Creativity often feels chaotic and unpredictable. It's important to embrace that disorder rather than trying to control it with logic.
  2. Art is more about emotions than just ideas. Creating purely from thoughts can lead to dull and flat outcomes.
  3. To spark true creativity, step away from your usual patterns and allow yourself to engage with the mysterious and unknown parts of your mind.

Words words words

The Fry Corner • 9052 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Creativity Inspiration Mythology
  1. Writing is often a slow process, with ideas developing over time, even when you're not actively writing. A lot of groundwork happens in your mind before the words hit the page.
  2. Sometimes, the inspiration for writing can feel mysterious and out of your control. It can be helpful to think of it as a collaboration with a muse or some creative force.
  3. Writers might find solutions to their problems by simply writing about them. Getting thoughts down on paper can help unlock new ideas and ways to move forward.

Title matters

Austin Kleon • 2038 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Creativity Inspiration Writing
  1. Titles are important for any piece of work. They can set the tone and attract interest.
  2. Using randomness can spark creativity in titling. Techniques like flipping through books or pulling titles from a drawer can yield great ideas.
  3. Keeping a running list of potential titles helps you have options ready when you need to name something.
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prompts for human beings

Both Are True • 71 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Expression Inspiration Workshops
  1. Prompts are meant for humans, not for AI. It's important to reflect on them personally and explore what's blocking your creativity.
  2. When you face a writing block, consider writing about the block itself. This can lead to discovering deeper insights and surprising outcomes in your writing.
  3. The element of surprise is crucial in good writing. Explore unexpected paths in your ideas to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

On quantity and quality

Austin Kleon • 3776 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inspiration Education Literature Philosophy
  1. Making lots of work can actually help you create better work in the long run. The more you create, the more you learn from your mistakes.
  2. Focusing too much on making everything perfect can hold you back. If you worry less about perfection, you might surprise yourself with something great.
  3. The idea is that practicing quantity helps improve quality. It's about taking action and experimenting instead of just thinking about what could be perfect.

A Note of Gratitude to My Readers

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6050 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Museum Paintings Inspiration Creativity
  1. The newsletter is supported by paying subscribers who help keep the content accessible to all, without a paywall, allowing everyone to enjoy the material equally.
  2. Writing and reading serve as powerful tools during tough times, providing companionship, creativity, and a way to connect with oneself and others.
  3. The importance of free access to art and culture, as demonstrated by the St. Louis Art Museum's commitment to being free for all, supported by voluntary contributions and public funding.

What’s Missing?

Remarkable People • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🚌 Education Motivation Life lessons Inspiration Personal Growth
  1. Asking 'What's missing?' helps you see where improvements can be made. It's a great question to avoid mistakes and think critically about any situation.
  2. Learning from experienced and remarkable people can inspire new ideas. Their stories can guide you in your own journey and help you grow.
  3. Commencement speeches often get forgotten, but focusing on one key message can make it memorable. Simplifying your takeaways can create a lasting impact.

The Future Belongs to The Imposter Writers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 739 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Authors Publishing Inspiration
  1. Feeling fear and self-doubt is normal and can even help you grow. It means you're pushing yourself and trying new things.
  2. Everyone has their own journey, so don't compare your start to someone else's success. You are exactly where you need to be right now.
  3. Instead of letting fear hold you back, use it as a motivator. Embrace your feelings and take risks for the chance of amazing rewards.

The Arc of it All

CRAFT TALK • 3636 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Novels Books Creativity Inspiration
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey and the unexpected evolution of their career.
  2. Writing novels is challenging but familiar, while exploring self-help books presented a new set of difficulties.
  3. The upcoming book focuses on creativity and writing, drawing inspiration from various voices to guide aspiring writers.

Myth Take: C.S. Lewis’s ‘Till We Have Faces’

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1788 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author Novel Myth Inspiration Collaboration
  1. The book 'Till We Have Faces' by C.S. Lewis presents the idea that sometimes the questions we ask already hold the answers we are seeking.
  2. C.S. Lewis transformed the myth of Cupid and Psyche by re-centering the narrative through the perspective of Orual, Psyche's step-sister.
  3. The involvement of Joy Davidman played a significant role in inspiring and collaborating with C.S. Lewis during the creation of 'Till We Have Faces'.

Bright Death

The Soup • 2692 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Life reflections Inspiration
  1. The world is filled with both terror and beauty, and it's okay to hope for better.
  2. Acknowledge the perpetual grief of being alive and be honest about it.
  3. Embrace the wild too-muchness of life, showing empathy and reaching out to others.

GO BIG!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1297 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Composition Technique Inspiration
  1. Visual composition in drawing is key to achieving the desired impact of your artwork, focusing on elements like focal point, balance, movement, and interestingness.
  2. Drawing big can push you out of your comfort zone and lead to more interesting and engaging artwork, as you pay closer attention to details and take up more space in your drawing.
  3. Taking inspiration from artists like Georgia O'Keefe can encourage you to experiment, push boundaries, and capture the essence of your subject in a unique and captivating way.

Drawing A Life

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2122 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Artist Creativity Inspiration
  1. Ruth Asawa's drawing practice started on her family's farm, developing her motor skills and creativity.
  2. During World War 2 internment, Ruth Asawa honed her drawing skills with support from animators and using found materials.
  3. Ruth Asawa's consistent drawing practice at her kitchen table, amidst family life, reflects the importance of a creative space and daily commitment.

Jude Bellingham: A Star With the World at His Feet

Original Football • 439 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🎾 Sports Football Athlete Inspiration Youth Character
  1. Jude Bellingham is a young football star known for his talent, humility, and maturity, making him both a formidable player and a commendable individual.
  2. Bellingham stands out for his dedication, fearlessness in making mistakes, and understanding of what's truly important, showing a relentless pursuit of greatness and a love for the game.
  3. He embodies a balance of humility and confidence, displays maturity beyond his years, and has a good support system, setting him apart as an exceptional talent with integrity and unwavering determination.