The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Not writing, but typing

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Using typewriters can make writing more fun and slower, helping you pay better attention to your words. They allow you to enjoy the writing process rather than rush through it.
  2. Typing out poems or favorite excerpts can be a great way to connect with the text. It feels like you're playing the words, which can deepen your understanding and appreciation.
  3. You can share your typed poems with friends in a fun way, similar to how restaurants use check pads. It’s a creative method of sharing and enjoying writing together.

Best of the Best: Year End Awards

Range Widely • 1002 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The awards featured various categories like Best Quote for One's Own Obituary and Best Nobel/Olympic Family.
  2. Interesting fact shared about the empty space in atoms: if atom nucleus was the size of a tennis ball, the electron would be orbiting in New Jersey.
  3. Fascinating insights on different topics, from Saxon riddles to Nobel Prize connections, were shared in the post.

The vibration is the way in

Austin Kleon • 2977 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Good creativity comes from knowing when to take ideas and when to create something new. It's about making the right choices in what to borrow and what to invent.
  2. Getting to explore exciting events, like SXSW, can be a great way to find new ideas and inspirations. Even without a badge, you can enjoy the vibe and discover new experiences.
  3. Just like flowers, people thrive in different conditions. Some need more nurturing, while others can grow strong anywhere.

Kamchatka

Cosmographia • 1457 implied HN points • 06 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 place.
  2. To access this post, you need to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
  3. The post features content centered around Kamchatka and includes contributions from M. E. Rothwell.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 772 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Discovering new voices and stories can be enlightening, like the profile of a sound recordist who captures life on Earth. It shows how diverse experiences can connect us.
  2. Celebrating milestones, like weddings, creates a deep sense of joy and community. It's important to cherish moments spent with loved ones.
  3. Consuming a variety of content each week keeps our perspectives fresh and interesting. Trying different articles, ideas, or experiences helps us grow.
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Preaching to the choir

Austin Kleon • 2837 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's important to share ideas and creativity with friends and community. Connecting with others can inspire new thoughts and strengthen relationships.
  2. Reading and listening to influential figures can spark new insights. Ursula Franklin's work on silence and technology is a great example of this.
  3. When you believe in your ideas, it shows. Loving what you create can lead to more meaningful and impactful work.

Can the philistine supremacy be stopped?

The Common Reader • 2232 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Schools are changing curriculums in ways that some believe exclude important classics, like Shakespeare and ancient texts. This might limit students' exposure to foundational literature.
  2. There is a push to replace traditional cultural experiences, like theater and museums, with more relatable activities for students. Critics argue that this could reduce opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. Knowledge from literature and history plays a big role in helping students from all backgrounds move up in society. It's important to ensure all students have access to enriching educational experiences.

Havana

Cosmographia • 1397 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🏝 Travel 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 place.
  2. Access to the full content requires a subscription - this post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author of this post on Havana, published on October 11, 2023, on Cosmographia.

Tashkent

Cosmographia • 1298 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography based on a specific location.
  2. Access to the full content of this post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author featured in this post on Tashkent.

Life imitates comedy

Austin Kleon • 3397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Life often reflects comedy, showing how funny situations can mirror our daily experiences.
  2. Reading multiple books at once can spark creativity, as different ideas interact and inspire new thoughts.
  3. The acceptance speeches at the Golden Globes highlighted themes of resilience and the importance of perseverance in life.

Hidden Open Thread 393.5

Astral Codex Ten • 619 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post is part of a series for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement through discussions and sharing.
  3. The thread allows for open conversation, suggesting a space for diverse opinions and experiences.

Twenty Years Ago Today, My Life Began

Welcome to Garbagetown • 991 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Twenty years ago today, the author's first chapbook was published.
  2. The author expresses gratitude for the support and belief of key people in her life.
  3. Reflecting on 20 years in publishing, the author acknowledges the transformative power of books on readers and the tumultuous journey of personal growth.

Great Movies You Might Not Have Seen, Part 4

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There are many great movies that most people haven't seen, and they are worth checking out. These films often have unique stories and perspectives that can inspire and entertain.
  2. One movie, 'After Life,' explores what happens when you die and how people choose a significant memory to carry with them. It's both a thoughtful and fun take on life and memory.
  3. Another interesting film, 'Temple Grandin,' tells the inspiring true story of a woman with autism who revolutionized the livestock industry. It highlights her unique understanding of animals and her journey in overcoming challenges.

Punjab ਪੰਜਾਬ

Cosmographia • 1218 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The name "Punjab" translates to 'The Land of Five Waters,' referring to specific rivers.
  2. Punjab was the site of one of the earliest urban societies, the Indus Valley Civilisation.
  3. Punjab has a rich history with significant cultural, artistic, and literary contributions.

The Monday Media Diet with Chris Nashawaty

Why is this interesting? • 723 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading physical newspapers and magazines provides a unique experience that's hard to replace with digital media. The tactile feel of paper and ink makes it more enjoyable for many readers.
  2. Hard Case Crime books are a thrilling dive into classic crime fiction that's not only fast-paced but also very entertaining. They bring old-school hardboiled stories back to life for modern readers.
  3. Conversations about film history can be incredibly engaging, and books like 'Pictures at a Revolution' show how pivotal moments in cinema reflect larger cultural changes. It's a great prompt to explore other recommended reads.

Grandiose Narcissism, Stamina, Claremont McKenna College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Praising kids too much can actually lead to grandiose narcissism instead of healthy self-esteem. It's better to encourage them to develop confidence in a balanced way.
  2. Many young men are not working and rely on government help. Increased screen time, especially from video games and porn, is a big part of why they're working less.
  3. Surprisingly, getting intimate with a regulated sex worker in Nevada may be safer from STIs than being with an average young woman in San Antonio.

Recommendations

Nice Try • 279 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The movie 'Notorious' by Alfred Hitchcock is a great blend of love and espionage. It's still exciting and fresh even years after it was made.
  2. The films 'Cat People' and 'Curse of the Cat People' show how creativity can thrive under limitations. They turned low-budget challenges into memorable horror classics.
  3. Visiting the Rubin Museum is a must before it goes online. It has beautiful art and artifacts, especially related to Hinduism and Buddhism.

As Long as There is Life

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 859 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Spending time in nature can help calm your mind and bring you peace. It's a way to focus on the beauty around you and escape from daily worries.
  2. Hope can be found even in tough situations, as shown by a past Arctic expedition. Just like finding a flower in the cold, small moments can inspire us to keep going.
  3. Facing challenges and finding renewal is possible anywhere, regardless of the circumstances. It's important to look for signs of hope and courage in our lives.

Waiting for the miracle

Austin Kleon • 3417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Trying times can bring both fun and challenges, like dealing with a painful kidney stone. It's important to find joy and comfort from friends even in tough situations.
  2. Reading can be a delightful escape, and keeping lists helps to remember our favorite books and moments from the year. It's fun to reflect on what we've enjoyed.
  3. Good advice often reminds us to focus on what we want instead of just running away from negativity. It's all about moving towards something positive.

On this date...

Austin Kleon • 2497 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Curiosity is important, but sometimes we miss things we should be curious about. It's good to reflect on what interests us.
  2. Sharing art can be a fun and engaging experience. It's great to connect with others and see various creative works.
  3. Keeping a journal can be a magical space for thoughts and ideas. It's a good way to explore your feelings and creativity.

Going through the motions

Austin Kleon • 2897 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Starting something can feel tough, but just going through the motions can help get you going. It's a great way to break the ice and find your rhythm.
  2. Roget's Thesaurus has a quirky history that's more fascinating than you might expect. It's not just a reference book; it's filled with unusual ideas about language.
  3. Artists are always in the process of creating, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Like plants staying alive in winter, their work is growing beneath the surface.

“To embrace the whole sky with the mind”

Seven Senses • 559 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The weather has a deep connection to our lives. It affects our moods, conversations, and even economies.
  2. Humans have long tried to predict and control the weather, but it remains unpredictable and sometimes chaotic.
  3. Despite its unpredictability, the weather can inspire creativity and beauty, leading to unique expressions in art and daily life.

Tuesday Thread: What Games Are You Playing?

Culture Study • 1654 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a new series where people share about their work lives and how they manage their time. It will help others learn how different professionals organize their days.
  2. The focus is on understanding how people protect their time and handle tasks like emails. This can give useful insights for managing one's own work.
  3. Participants will do their interviews using Google Docs, making it easy for everyone to share and read their experiences.

A great Florentine-Renaissance alternate history, two Prince-inspired masterpiece albums, and a strange and spooky Terence Stamp phantasmagoria

Read Max • 474 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a cool mystery-thriller set in a different version of Renaissance Florence, which blends art and intrigue.
  2. A short horror film featuring Terence Stamp and a beautiful Ferrari offers a spooky experience worth checking out.
  3. Two new albums inspired by Prince showcase his lasting influence and are a must-listen for fans of his music.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 715 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading can take you on unexpected journeys, like one person's experience of trying to quit sugar. It's relatable and thought-provoking.
  2. Social media reactions, like those during a big event, can create a shared experience that feels special and memorable.
  3. Connecting with others through shared interests or stories, whether online or offline, can enhance your life in meaningful ways.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 611 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading about the experiences of others can bring strong emotions to the surface, especially when it relates to identity and culture.
  2. Social media can make us question our own traits, like being hypermobile, which might not apply to everyone.
  3. Engaging with different forms of storytelling, like essays and articles, helps us connect with diverse perspectives and ideas.

Fail again. Fail Better.

Seven Senses • 1778 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Failures can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. They often force us to rethink our priorities and can bring us closer to the people we truly connect with.
  2. Caring too much about outside approval can hold us back. It’s important to focus on what we love to do rather than what others expect from us.
  3. Facing failure is a part of the creative process. Embracing it can lead to genuine self-expression and a stronger sense of community.

Productive procrastination

Austin Kleon • 2957 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Productive procrastination can help you get things done while also allowing you to avoid tasks you might not want to do right away. It's about using your distractions to make progress on other things.
  2. Book design is important and can greatly impact how people perceive a book. Great designs, like those of Carin Goldberg, can become iconic in the literary world.
  3. Enjoying the little moments, like sitting around a fire, can help you focus better and recharge creatively. It's okay to take time for yourself in a busy world.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Dominic Scalise

Why is this interesting? • 844 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Being intentional about what media you consume can help you enjoy it more. Switching to an iPad Mini for reading apps made a big difference.
  2. Watching YouTube can be fun, especially for product, car reviews, and live music. It’s important to give feedback to the apps to avoid unwanted content.
  3. Reading books can offer new perspectives and laughs. It's nice to create a cozy reading environment, like a comfy chair and coffee in the mornings.

Poor Lazarus and the Mark Death Made

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. American folk music explores deep feelings of homesickness and the desire to wander. These emotions are the driving themes in many famous songs.
  2. Gillian Welch's work reflects on the contradictions in life and music, connecting the past with present experiences without offering easy answers.
  3. Welch's song 'I Dream a Highway' captures a feeling of endless searching and longing. It questions what it means to be truly home and how we cope with our losses.

The Second Paris Substack Meetup

if not, Paris • 1257 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Getting writers to attend events can be challenging due to their introverted nature.
  2. Sometimes, the hardest part of socializing is just getting out the door.
  3. Substack fosters a community where writers can connect without pressure to network or aim for fame.

Medieval Muslims loved their cats so much

weird medieval guys • 1257 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Medieval Muslims had a deep love for cats, treating them with kindness and care.
  2. Prophet Muhammad and his companions showed great affection towards cats, condemning any harm towards them.
  3. In the medieval Islamic world, cats were beloved pets across all levels of society, receiving special treatment and care.

Play is the only way (paradise theory)

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Life is filled with problems and solutions, and we can't reach a perfect paradise. Instead of longing for a utopia, we should focus on gradual progress and the joy of play.
  2. Engaging in arts, games, and community projects can inspire people and unite them for a common purpose. It's about creating shared experiences that are meaningful and uplifting.
  3. True paradise isn't just an escape from work but involves embracing play and creativity. To achieve a deeper, fulfilling life, we must be willing to risk and sacrifice for our dreams and values.

Reading List for Chapter 3

Fields & Energy • 199 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🔬 Science Literature
  1. To understand electricity and magnetism, start with accessible introductory books. These give a good overview but aren't deeply technical.
  2. For more in-depth study, look into undergraduate textbooks. They cover more complex topics and are aimed at those ready to dig deeper into the science.
  3. Supplementary texts and guides can be very useful. They often explain difficult concepts clearly and may include helpful resources like online solutions and podcasts.