The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Calm

Cosmographia β€’ 1158 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The ocean remains a mystery as most of the Earth's surface is water. Even though we've explored more of Mars than our oceans, we're still drawn to the sea.
  2. Water plays a significant role in various beliefs, stories, and artworks. It symbolizes mystery, life, love, and even catastrophe.
  3. Throughout history, the ocean has captivated artists, writers, and thinkers, inspiring profound reflections on its vastness and impact on human existence.

How long is a sitting?

Five’s Substack β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A 'sitting' when reading should ideally be about two hours. This time allows readers to enjoy a story without too many breaks.
  2. The writer plans to expand their blog to discuss not just fiction but also film, music, and art. This shows a desire to connect with more topics and audiences.
  3. A recent hospital visit prompted the writer to find calm in music. They discovered a special song that may become part of their wedding, showcasing how important moments can inspire creativity.

What Are You Reading?!? (In January)

Culture Study β€’ 2436 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Taking a break from social media can help you find more time to read. Less screen time often leads to more focus on books.
  2. A historical romance that feels genuine and avoids clichΓ©s can be very enjoyable. A well-researched story makes it easier to connect with the characters.
  3. Engaging with others about books can spark new reading interests. Sharing what you're reading helps build a community around literature.

This is not the essay I wanted to present to you

Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 1918 implied HN points β€’ 16 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Writers today often struggle with readers who misunderstand or misrepresent their ideas. This makes it hard to have honest conversations.
  2. Many readers act like online debates are a competition instead of a discussion. This creates a barrier to meaningful exchanges.
  3. Writers feel frustrated by the pressure to engage with all readers, especially when some just want to argue rather than understand.
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Failing in both directions

Austin Kleon β€’ 3077 implied HN points β€’ 28 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Thinking about intelligence can be really interesting, especially when it's connected to our bodies. There are ways to have experiences that help us understand this better.
  2. Keeping a weekly review can help you track what you've done and what you want to do next. It’s like having a checklist to keep your thoughts organized.
  3. Sometimes when creating something new, you can only change one part at a time. It’s good to focus on either how it tastes or how it looks, but not both at once.

The Final Words of British Monarchs Presented as Modernist Poetry

Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The death of British monarchs marks significant historical shifts and eras, often defined by the reigning monarch's passing.
  2. The final words of British monarchs, though sometimes apocryphal, offer intriguing insights and can be read almost like modernist poetry.
  3. The rapid succession of power in British monarchy, like Charles becoming king upon Queen Elizabeth's death, is a unique phenomenon that seemingly defies physical laws.

The Monday Media Diet with Naomi Zeichner

Why is this interesting? β€’ 1085 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay informed and entertained throughout the day, especially during morning routines or before sleep.
  2. Finding new music can be fun; using charts and social media to discover songs is a good strategy.
  3. Reading print books and engaging with well-designed articles in magazines offers a unique experience that digital formats can't fully replicate.

Now More Than Ever

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1973 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The newsletter started four years ago and marked its journey with a special post. It's been a significant milestone for the creators.
  2. Initially, there was uncertainty about the audience for longer stories on animation, but they were excited to take the chance.
  3. The newsletter has grown along with its followers, showing that there's a demand for deep discussions about animation.

Let's Hear Your Ideas For Future Friday Threads!

Culture Study β€’ 692 implied HN points β€’ 15 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author is looking for ideas from readers for future Friday Threads. They believe that reader suggestions can lead to engaging conversations.
  2. Friday Thread topics can vary widely, including serious, silly, or meaningful themes. There's room for all kinds of discussions.
  3. Community input is valued, and this process helps the author know what readers want to talk about. It's a chance for everyone to share their thoughts.

⬜ Time-less Japanese notebooks

One Thing β€’ 929 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Japanese-made Stalogy notebooks are highly regarded for their quality, design, and cultural relevance.
  2. Stalogy notebooks offer a soothing planner experience with undated pages and functional details for easy use.
  3. The Stalogy approach to journaling encourages a sense of mindfulness and ease, allowing users to engage with their thoughts and tasks without pressure.

School’s out for summer

Austin Kleon β€’ 2657 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. School is out for summer, which often brings excitement and new opportunities for students to explore their interests.
  2. Writing and creativity can be daily practices that are done without the pressure of immediate success or failure.
  3. Understanding the complexities and risks of AI is important, as it can affect how we think and make decisions.

Happy Lupercalia

Res Obscura β€’ 2021 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a special discount of 33% for subscriptions to support the publication, which is a great time to sign up.
  2. Lupercalia is a historical Roman festival linked to purification and fertility, celebrated from February 13 to 15.
  3. The writer highlights that there is no direct connection between Lupercalia and Valentine's Day, though some suggest links to other February celebrations.

a postrationalist syllabus

eigenrobot,s Blog β€’ 1670 implied HN points β€’ 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Postrationalism is a cultural influence that never actually existed, but influences can still be studied and emulated.
  2. The selection of cultural touchstones in the syllabus is subjective, reflecting one individual's perspective within the realm of postrationalism.
  3. The syllabus encompasses a wide range of topics, including anthropology, language, stories, synthetic history, metacognition, ways to live, and more.

How to Adapt an Unadaptable Story

Animation Obsessive β€’ 1973 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Kenji Miyazawa is not very well known outside Japan, but he has greatly influenced Japanese literature and animation. His stories have been cherished by generations of Japanese readers.
  2. The film 'Night on the Galactic Railroad' is a unique adaptation that captures the emotional depth of Miyazawa's work. Director Gisaburo Sugii aimed to express the feelings in Miyazawa's stories through animation.
  3. The film is different from typical animated features, focusing on abstract ideas and emotions instead of concrete realities. This approach makes it a deeply mysterious and emotional experience.

The Kingdom of Kush π“Ž‘π“„Ώπ“ˆ™π“ˆ‰

Cosmographia β€’ 1238 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 23
πŸ’Ύ History Literature
  1. The post is about The Kingdom of Kush and is part of the Atlas' Notes series which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, showcasing a full map of Cosmographia and offering a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.
  3. The content offers a blend of visuals and written material, creating an immersive experience for those interested in exploring The Kingdom of Kush.

Ars Poetica

Seven Senses β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 25 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Poetry connects us to deeper feelings and the divine. Unlike regular language, it speaks to our soul and can feel more complex or mysterious.
  2. Poetry can take many forms beyond written words, including art, sound, and even scents. This shows how flexible and expressive poetry can be.
  3. Everyday experiences can be tied into poetry, whether it's through textiles or video. This makes poetry a part of our daily lives and interactions.

5 Quick Things #303 β˜•οΈ

The Commonplace β€’ 1533 implied HN points β€’ 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post shares 5 quick things related to date night, Owl, trucking, Parmesan, and the Traditional Latin Mass.
  2. Tsh Oxenreider discusses various topics like virtues, children's books, parenting surprises, Parmesan cheese history, and the Traditional Latin Mass.
  3. The post includes links for further reading, a reader poll on favorite meal, and quick links for creating a Rule of Life, podcasts, ordering books, and joining a Greece trip.

These Grapes Are Sour

The Reclamation Era β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's okay to feel sad about what we couldn't achieve. Being honest about our feelings can be tough but it's a part of healing.
  2. Sometimes we convince ourselves that what we didn't get wasn't really valuable. Acknowledging our true desires is important.
  3. Vulnerability can be a strength. Sharing our struggles may help us connect with others and find support.

So Here's a "thing"

So Here’s a Thing β€’ 1592 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Engagement in posts should be a pleasure and not a chore, focusing on quality over quantity to prevent overwhelming the audience.
  2. Consider offering a paid subscription for those who want to support content and provide exclusive features for those subscribers.
  3. Etymology reveals the evolution of words like 'thing' over time, showcasing how meanings shift and adapt in language.

The Storm

Cosmographia β€’ 1078 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The sea holds both beauty and danger, shaping human history through travel, trade, and artistic inspiration.
  2. Artists use paintings and literature to capture the essence of the sea's dual nature, from its nurturing qualities to its destructive power.
  3. The fascination with the sea stems from its role in human exploration and adventure, despite the risks and tragedies it has brought.

Conversations with women (over 40): Barbara Kingsolver

The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 1577 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The conversations with women over 40 cover a wide range of topics from personal experiences to professional achievements, offering insights and perspectives from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Barbara Kingsolver shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reflecting on overcoming challenges, finding courage to be authentic, and embracing wisdom that comes with age.
  3. Through her experiences with strong female role models like her literary agent and mother-in-law, Kingsolver highlights the importance of supportive relationships and the impact they can have on personal growth and success.

We Contain Multitudes

Seven Senses β€’ 1218 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Pursuing hobbies is important for self-discovery and can reveal hidden talents and interests. It's a way to connect with ourselves beyond our work.
  2. Many of us fear exploring our diverse interests because we're worried about judgment or not fitting into a certain image. But embracing our contradictions can lead to growth and inspiration.
  3. Engaging in creative activities or hobbies can enhance our artistic expression and help us understand the world better, as seen in the lives of famous creators like Nabokov, Murakami, and Dickinson.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Teddy Kim

Why is this interesting? β€’ 1990 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading about history can teach us a lot about how things connect and evolve over time. It can even change the way we think about important world events.
  2. Predictive markets can help us gauge our understanding of the world. They can show whether our news sources are reliable and help us prepare for future events.
  3. Family history matters. Visiting the places where our ancestors came from can provide a deeper connection to our roots and help us see ourselves as part of a larger story.

Essay Club: Wotan by Carl Jung

Mind & Mythos β€’ 299 implied HN points β€’ 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Carl Jung believed that the rise of the Nazis in Germany was tied to a spiritual crisis, which he symbolized with the ancient god Wotan. He saw this as a sign of a deeper psychological unrest rather than just economic problems.
  2. Jung introduced the idea of the 'collective unconscious', suggesting that everyone shares certain archetypes or collective thoughts that can influence entire cultures. Wotan, for Jung, represented a part of the German psyche that could manifest in times of crisis.
  3. Jung argued that rather than being purely responsible for their actions, people could be seen as victims of these powerful archetypes. He thought this could help explain the extreme behaviors of nations, especially in challenging times.

Love is not mind-reading

Austin Kleon β€’ 3397 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Love can't read minds, so it's important to clearly communicate what you and your loved ones want. This helps build understanding and happiness in relationships.
  2. Expectations and reality can differ, and it's good to think about how our perceptions may mislead us. Reflecting on these differences can be eye-opening.
  3. Finding your unique voice is key for expression. Everyone has different ways of thinking, speaking, and writing, and recognizing this can help improve communication.

What Are You Reading (in February)???

Culture Study β€’ 1795 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. People often look for comfort in books during tough times, especially in February's cold and dark days.
  2. Readers are encouraged to share their current reads, which can lead to discovering new and interesting titles.
  3. Keeping discussions positive and respectful creates a welcoming environment for sharing book recommendations.

Making the Sausage

Freddie deBoer β€’ 11633 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author received positive feedback for a piece about the 1990s and discusses the importance of conveying conflicting perspectives in writing.
  2. The author emphasizes the value of crafting well-written pieces that move and entertain readers.
  3. The author reflects on the challenges and rewards of maintaining individuality in writing while meeting reader expectations.

Is the Baroness in The Sound of Music a Nazi?

The Common Reader β€’ 2055 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The Baroness in The Sound of Music might be seen as a Nazi sympathizer due to her actions and lack of opposition to the Nazi regime. Her character does not openly challenge the views around her.
  2. She maintains a connection to Rolf, who is aligned with the Nazis, indicating a passive acceptance of his stance. This raises questions about her moral standing in the film.
  3. While the film is viewed as a beloved classic, the deeper analysis of its characters, like the Baroness, reveals complex themes related to loyalty and affiliation during a troubled historical period.

Normal is what you can successfully ignore

Austin Kleon β€’ 3137 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Normal is not just a standard; it's about what we don't pay attention to. If something feels normal to you, it's likely something you easily overlook.
  2. Public speaking can improve with practice and self-assurance. It's important to focus on sharing ideas rather than trying to be perfect.
  3. Connecting with nature and animals can deepen our understanding of life. Reflecting on our relationships with them can lead to interesting insights.

Babylon π’†π’€­π’Šπ’† 

Cosmographia β€’ 1497 implied HN points β€’ 20 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific location.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, showing that exclusive content is available on the platform.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author of the post, offering insights into Babylon through a unique lens.

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom β€’ 864 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. History can offer insights into modern problems.
  2. Plagiarism has historical roots and can be understood through the study of history.
  3. Classical Wisdom discusses a range of topics on their podcasts, including ancient animals and 'Big Caesars'.

Feeling Honored

In My Tribe β€’ 759 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Having 10,000 subscribers feels like a big honor. This shows that my work is appreciated by many, which is really important to me.
  2. Through a discussion on what matters most in life, I found that honor is my top priority. It’s a reminder to balance this with my other responsibilities, especially to my family.
  3. Even if we disagree on some topics like AI safety, I appreciate the support from thoughtful people. Their feedback motivates me to keep sharing my ideas.

A good assistant to your future self

Austin Kleon β€’ 2857 implied HN points β€’ 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Keeping a diary can help you understand your past and guide your future. It's like having a helpful assistant looking out for you.
  2. Reading multiple books at once can lead to new and exciting ideas. Mixing different subjects creates a richer understanding.
  3. Slow learning is important in a fast-paced world. Taking your time can help you learn better and remember more.

Be Slightly Monstrous

Breaking Smart β€’ 161 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Embracing a slightly monstrous mindset can help people adapt to the strange nature of the world today. This means accepting new ideas and ways of thinking that might seem weird to others.
  2. Feeling time deeply is important, and being slightly monstrous can help achieve that. It allows people to see beyond the worries of the present and feel connected to the past and future.
  3. Understanding the difference between 'Type I' monsters, who represent positive change and adaptation, and 'Type II' monsters, who are tied to human darkness, helps in navigating societal and personal challenges.