The hottest Inspiration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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"The Perfect Writing Space"

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 10237 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📚 Literature Inspiration
  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 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.

Words words words

The Fry Corner • 9052 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
📚 Literature Inspiration
  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 Inspiration
  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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On quantity and quality

Austin Kleon • 3776 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Inspiration
  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.

Vermeer

Patti Smith • 11792 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Inspiration
  1. Vermeer's exhibition featured 28 of his 37 known works in one space.
  2. Vermeer faced financial struggles and only sold two paintings a year.
  3. Vermeer's family, though not wealthy in their lifetime, are admired through his works today.

A Note of Gratitude to My Readers

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6050 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Inspiration
  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 Inspiration
  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 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.

Get rid of what your project needs

Subtle Maneuvers • 3144 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Inspiration
  1. Céline Sciamma's screenwriting process involves merging desired and needed elements for a unique approach
  2. Sciamma believes in animating 'needed' scenes with desire to create a more compelling narrative
  3. Choosing unsatisfaction temporarily can lead to departing from conventional solutions in creative work

For the Strikers

CRAFT TALK • 3871 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
📚 Literature Inspiration
  1. Encouragement to continue writing for oneself, even in difficult times.
  2. Reflection on finding joy in writing through personal experiences and storytelling.
  3. Affirmation of the value in writing and importance of maintaining a love for the craft.

The Arc of it All

CRAFT TALK • 3636 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration 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 Inspiration
  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 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 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.

Conversations with a Friend

CRAFT TALK • 2692 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Inspiration
  1. Allow yourself to write without pressure or obligation, just letting your pen move freely.
  2. Approach writing by treating characters as friends, imagining interactions and feelings to enhance your work.
  3. Experiment with writing prompts that involve observing, listening, and feeling to create a more genuine and dynamic story.

The cringe stage

lifeboat • 1434 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Inspiration
  1. Creative work goes through a 'cringe stage' where things may not turn out as expected.
  2. Persisting through the cringe stage is necessary to improve and grow as an artist.
  3. Care and attention to detail are essential in creating meaningful and impactful art.

Hitting Reset

CRAFT TALK • 2437 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📚 Literature Inspiration
  1. The process of writing can involve hitting reset on a project, revising and starting over.
  2. Feedback from others, like editors, is crucial in shaping and improving a book.
  3. Writing is a journey where initial ideas may evolve through revisions and feedback.

Drawing A Life

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2122 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration 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.

Don't Let Good Ideas Get Away

Range Widely • 2279 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Inspiration
  1. Having a grab bag for ideas can help save you from distraction and preserve your thoughts.
  2. Stimulate curiosity by keeping a list of facts, ideas, and experiences that intrigue you.
  3. Organize ideas and spark creativity by keeping a repository for interesting things you come across.

Artist's Collections

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2279 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Inspiration
  1. Artists collect a variety of items and use them as inspiration for their art.
  2. The history of collecting dates back to ancient civilizations and evolved into private collections displayed in Cabinets of Curiosity.
  3. Personal collections often hold sentimental value and can reflect the values and aspirations of the collector.

Keep The Talent Funnel Wide (Part 2)

Range Widely • 1808 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Inspiration
  1. Diversifying entry points in talent development accommodates both fast risers and slow bakers.
  2. Slow and steady development can lead to significant achievements in various fields, like art.
  3. Encouraging diverse entry points into fields like art can help discover talent that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Jude Bellingham: A Star With the World at His Feet

Original Football • 439 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🎾 Sports Inspiration
  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.

5 lessons pop music can teach us about creativity

Make Work Better • 152 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎶 Music Inspiration
  1. Creative work comes from showing up and making a lot of stuff; persistent output and practice give you the few big wins.
  2. Being together in person helps creativity because small, quiet cues and half-formed ideas get noticed and built on.
  3. Creativity thrives in messy, relaxed, playful spaces and from outside inputs, so embrace chaos, laughter, and unexpected sources to get unstuck.

Christopher Nolan Reads "Without Purpose"

Range Widely • 1926 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Inspiration
  1. Christopher Nolan reads 'without any purpose' to find stimulation in unexpected places.
  2. Balancing focusing on immediate tasks with staying open to new possibilities is a key challenge of work and life.
  3. Embrace practices, like reading broadly without clear purpose, to invite new ideas and inspiration into your life.