The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Title matters

Austin Kleon • 2038 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  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.

Like a snail on a cactus

Austin Kleon • 5755 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Understanding perfectionism can help you recognize it in yourself and find solutions to overcome it.
  2. Reading different kinds of books can expose you to various styles, which might inspire you to explore more related works.
  3. Creative work often comes from what seems like wasted time or materials, highlighting that there’s value in every experience.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 238 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There are top reads each week that can keep you informed and entertained. It's a great way to discover new content that interests you.
  2. You can subscribe to get a free trial and access more in-depth posts. This is a good option if you want to explore more topics.
  3. The featured artwork, like 'Houses by the Sea', adds a visual appeal to the reading experience. Art can enhance our understanding of different subjects.

The Parable of Anna Akhmatova

The Honest Broker • 30154 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The power of art can overcome even the strongest dictators. Artists like Anna Akhmatova show that creativity can stand firm against oppression.
  2. Success in today's world is often measured by money and popularity, but true creative expression is about more than just those metrics.
  3. Even when artists face harsh censorship, their work can survive and resonate over time, leading to eventual recognition and respect.

Evolutionary Psychology, Sex Wars, Revolutionary Negation

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1212 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A public talk and a meetup are scheduled in Austin to discuss a book being adapted into a film, with RSVP links provided.
  2. Curated reading and media recommendations focus on topics like evolutionary psychology, sex politics, revolutionary negation, AI, and medicine/social justice.
  3. Three highlighted findings: climate activists are mostly female, white, and highly educated; eight in ten young Americans are ineligible for military service mainly due to obesity; and a meta-analysis found masculine traits are associated with lower depression.
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Cowboy Poetry

Points And Figures • 666 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Cowboy poetry gatherings celebrate and preserve Old West traditions through live performance, music, and traditional crafts.
  2. The cowboy ethos of rugged independence and hard work is held up as an American ideal and is likened to the spirit of entrepreneurs who want recognition and fewer burdens from government.
  3. Small rural communities contribute far more than tax dollars and deserve recognition, support, and opportunities to grow, so visitors and policymakers should value their businesses and traditions.

How to Achieve Immortality

The Honest Broker • 24901 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. In the past, people achieved immortality through great deeds that served others, but today, many seek it through extreme measures like blood transfusions and body freezing. This shift shows a focus on self rather than community.
  2. Art can offer a different type of immortality than technology can. Famous works can keep someone's memory alive far longer than any tech billionaire can, even if they chase superficial forms of eternal youth.
  3. The modern obsession with quick fame through social media contrasts with the lasting impact of art and good deeds. While many focus on fleeting popularity, true legacy comes from cultural contributions that endure over time.

Basic pleasantries

Austin Kleon • 7613 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A total solar eclipse will happen soon, and many events are planned. It's great to watch these events in everyday settings, like your backyard.
  2. Being playful as you grow older can make life more enjoyable. Staying curious and lighthearted is a good approach to aging.
  3. Politeness can go a long way; simple gestures like saying 'Hello' or 'Thank you' can really brighten someone's day. Treating others with respect is important.

Out of the Wilderness

The Convivial Society • 2481 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Everyone has their ups and downs when it comes to thinking and writing. It's normal to feel lost or in a 'wilderness' sometimes.
  2. Artificial intelligence is a big topic right now, and it affects how we feel and interact with each other. It's important to explore its impact on our happiness.
  3. There's a deep need to express what it means to be human, especially in today's tech-driven world. Art and honest conversations can help us connect on this level.

Trials of the young

Patti Smith • 12362 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Joan of Arc faced incredible challenges but remained brave and steadfast in her convictions.
  2. The story of Joan of Arc serves as a reminder of courage, faith, and unwavering belief.
  3. Despite her tragic end, Joan of Arc left a powerful legacy of determination and courage.

Figure it out

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading is valuable! Check out books that focus on writing good sentences; they can help improve your own writing.
  2. Exploring how artists work can inspire creativity. Look into features and documentaries about artists at different stages of their careers.
  3. Listening to music and podcasts about music can open your mind to new genres and artists. It’s a great way to relax and discover something new.

Oh, hail no!

Austin Kleon • 5615 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Standard Ebooks offers free and well-designed versions of classic books that are in the public domain. You can read great works without paying a dime.
  2. Working with your hands, like drawing or crafting, is really good for your brain. It's a nice way to relax and be creative.
  3. There’s a great community around Lynda Barry’s Comics Room that supports artists. It's a place where creativity and collaboration can really thrive.

Death Is Nothing to Be Feared

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Old stories and fairy tales teach kindness, shape our morals, and help build communities that last.
  2. Our hyper-technological age and the retreat of religion are eroding those guiding myths, creating a cultural amnesia about ancient wisdom.
  3. People often live in denial about mortality, but facing and accepting death as a natural part of life can restore meaning and a sense of fairness.

Diamonds and dictionaries

Austin Kleon • 5095 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Life is short, so choosing to live playfully can enhance your experience. A new documentary about Hans Zimmer shows how creativity and playfulness can lead to interesting discoveries.
  2. The Criterion Channel now offers a continuous stream of films, so you can watch without deciding what to choose. It's a great way to enjoy movies while working or relaxing.
  3. Women artists often create their work in small moments throughout the day. This highlights the importance of finding time for creativity in our busy lives.

A Manifesto in Defense of Courtship

The Honest Broker • 25333 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Courtship has been important for a long time in helping couples come together. It gives a structured way to build a relationship over time.
  2. Following the rules of courtship helps both people become better and more attractive. It builds respect and courtesy, really laying a good foundation for a future together.
  3. In today's fast-paced dating world, finding love can be harder despite all the dating apps. Slowing down and embracing courtship might help create more meaningful connections.

"We are sensitive machines"

Five’s Substack • 3197 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Most people only have about 5 good hours a day to focus and be productive, and this can vary a lot. It's important to recognize that sometimes it might feel like you have even less time to think clearly.
  2. To make the most of those good hours, you need to protect your time and avoid distractions. It takes discipline to choose better activities and stick to them.
  3. Having a set time dedicated to reading and writing can help create a space for creativity and deeper thought. It's about creating a routine that allows you to fully engage with your ideas.

The Nine Best Movies on the Creative Life

The Honest Broker • 8743 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Movies can give us deep insights into the creative process and life of artists. They show us the struggles and breakthroughs that come with creating art.
  2. Films about writers, like 'The End of the Tour,' highlight the real challenges behind public perceptions of success. They remind us that success doesn’t always equal happiness.
  3. Authenticity in storytelling, as seen in movies like 'American Splendor,' connects with audiences because it shows the true, often messy, nature of life and creativity.

౨ৎ Girl blog

Vague Blue • 7608 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The personal essay genre has a long history, and its form has evolved over time, but its essence as a literary form remains strong.
  2. The rise of online platforms and social media has influenced the way personal essays are written and consumed, leading to changes in content and style.
  3. Younger generations of writers, particularly girlbloggers, are redefining the personal essay by incorporating external sources and focusing on the aesthetics of their writing.

When you hear it

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Experiences like a solar eclipse can be felt with your whole body, not just seen. Sounds from nature during such events can be unique and delightful.
  2. Creating a mixtape or playlist can be a fun way to share music inspired by special events like an eclipse.
  3. Rejecting ideas can hurt your creativity. It's important to explore your own thoughts and not just follow what others want.

‘Wuthering Heights’ Is Delightfully Perverted

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 278 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The new Wuthering Heights throws out strict fidelity for a bold, stylized reinvention. It leans into raw emotion and deliberate perversity.
  2. Some viewers and critics find it superficial, but its emotional thrust and shocking choices make it a powerful, affecting experience for many people.
  3. Don’t expect a faithful Brontë adaptation; expect a polarizing, entertaining film that’s great if you want a wild, emotionally charged good time.

Back to the beginning

Austin Kleon • 5735 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading children's books can help adults reconnect with their imagination and sense of wonder. It's like taking a break and remembering how big the world feels when you're a kid.
  2. Making and sharing mixtapes is a fun way to bond with others. It's all about connecting through music and sending songs you love to each other.
  3. Talking about books and stories you love is important. Sharing what resonates with you can inspire others and create a great discussion.

I'm joining a fellowship at the Mercatus Centre.

The Common Reader • 7123 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The writer is starting a two-year fellowship at the Mercatus Centre in the USA, focusing on literature and liberal values. They aim to understand how great literature connects with ideas of human flourishing.
  2. They plan to explore how classical liberal thinkers and literature, like those by Adam Smith and J.S. Mill, can inform our understanding of society and individualism. They want to study the relationship between literature and liberal ideas.
  3. The writer believes in a revival of interest in the humanities and wants to encourage deeper reading of great works. They see this as essential for understanding life and happiness in today's culture.

Fold, crease, tear

Austin Kleon • 7094 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Making things with your hands, like creating zines, can boost your mood and happiness. It's good to stay connected to your creative side.
  2. Writing in a paper journal helps keep thoughts organized and can enhance creativity. Using paper is a simple yet powerful tool for self-expression.
  3. Exploring new forms of art and literature, like zines and unique book recommendations, opens up new ways to think and feel. There's always something new to discover.

Letters mingle souls

Austin Kleon • 4975 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Letters can connect us deeply, allowing friends to communicate and share thoughts even when they're apart.
  2. Many scientists still prefer using chalk on blackboards because it offers a tactile and visual way to think and communicate ideas.
  3. Reading magazines from cover to cover can provide enriching conversations and unexpected insights, especially about creative relationships.

A three town report

Patti Smith • 14800 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Patti Smith toured three towns and shared the experience
  2. She enjoyed performing in Covington, Kentucky and Washington D.C.
  3. Patti Smith reminisced about childhood adventures while visiting her sister in South Jersey

Parma Return

Patti Smith • 13660 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Patti Smith returned to Parma for a festival honoring Guiseppe Verdi and St. Francis.
  2. Loris Borghi, who previously presented an honorary doctorate to Patti Smith, passed away in 2018.
  3. Patti Smith's visit to Parma included exploring the town, sharing pictures, and a venue performance the next day.

A bit of Bach

Patti Smith • 13011 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Music can provide healing and uplift in times of conflict.
  2. Johann Sebastian Bach's music has a profound impact on listeners.
  3. Artists like Patti Smith use music to convey a wide range of emotions in their performances.

The Rest is British Soft Power

Wrong Side of History • 1267 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The podcast 'The Rest is History' has gained enormous popularity and has become a cultural phenomenon, appealing to a wide audience beyond just history buffs.
  2. The show presents history in a fun and engaging way, making it accessible for younger listeners who enjoy its lack of political bias and moral lessons.
  3. It represents British cultural export effectively and showcases a positive image of Britishness, combining knowledge with humor in a friendly style.

Optimism, The Last Taboo

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7640 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Toxic positivity is when people insist on being positive all the time, even when it's unhealthy. This can make others' real feelings feel ignored or invalidated.
  2. While being optimistic can have its benefits, too much emphasis on it can create pressure to always seem happy. This can cause people to feel more isolated or misunderstood.
  3. Society often rewards positive attitudes, but this can also lead to tension when genuine emotions are brushed aside. It's important to balance positivity with real empathy.

Sweet Thames run softly while I sing my song

The Common Reader • 4890 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. London is rich with history and literature, making it feel alive with the ghosts of famous writers and historical events. You can walk its streets and feel connected to the past.
  2. The city offers a mix of vibrant life and beautiful places, from busy streets to quiet parks. It has something for everyone, whether you're looking for culture, nature, or good food.
  3. There are countless memories tied to specific locations in London, creating a personal connection to the city. Each corner has a story, and it's a place full of life and experiences.

Miranda July's Lucrative Fantasies

Freddie deBoer • 14077 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Fantasies about life can often lead to disappointments. It's important to stay realistic about what to expect in a new place or lifestyle, rather than getting lost in idealized visions.
  2. The idea of 'having it all' is unrealistic for anyone, not just women. Life comes with limitations, and people need to be aware of the challenges involved in balancing career and family.
  3. Romantic ideals, like long-term relationships, provide genuine support and connection in life. Pursuing endless novelty may not lead to the happiness people expect, as the excitement can fade quickly.

On quantity and quality

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

Pushing and pulling

Austin Kleon • 6754 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a difference between the push internet, where things are thrown at you, and the pull internet, where you actively seek out information. It's good to engage more with the pull internet.
  2. To discover your taste, explore artists, read their biographies, and connect with their influences. Following the connections can deepen your understanding and appreciation of their work.
  3. Take time to reflect and be intentional about what you consume. The goal is to search for content that enriches your life rather than just passively scrolling through feeds.

What's in the cards

Austin Kleon • 5215 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Creating your own library checkout cards can be a fun project. You just need pockets, typewriters, and the right cards!
  2. New books by favorite cartoonists are now available. Check out Liana Finck's children's book and Kevin Huizenga's re-released work.
  3. Enjoying nature can be comforting, like watching baby eagles hatch on a live cam. It's a great way to connect with the world around us.

Enchantment is resistance

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 4792 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Enchantment can be a form of resistance, challenging the myths that contribute to ongoing issues and inspiring new ways of being.
  2. Writers and storytellers play a crucial role in resistance by offering stories that help people imagine and desire a better world.
  3. Resistance to everyday evils can involve living differently day by day, making small changes that collectively create a positive impact.

The best of America

Disaffected Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A song can capture deep feelings of home and nostalgia, even if it's not officially patriotic.
  2. Personal memories tied to music can evoke strong emotions and comforting moments.
  3. The power of music often brings back memories of loved ones and shared experiences, making it special.

Who is Elara Voss?

Read Max • 4847 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Elara Voss is a fictional name used frequently in AI-generated writing, emerging as a popular character name for science fiction and fantasy tales.
  2. The name doesn't reference a real person, and its popularity reflects trends in AI and language models that generate similar names.
  3. The term 'stomp clap hey' describes a type of folk music that rose to fame, with debates about its origins linking it to various bands and cultural movements.

Sick of spelling February

Austin Kleon • 4596 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. March is here, which many people find refreshing after spelling February for so long. It's funny how small things like that can affect our mood.
  2. Keeping a blog can help you track your thoughts and creative journey over time. It’s a great way to share your interests and projects with others.
  3. Owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They’re fascinating creatures, and we can help them by creating safe habitats and being mindful of outdoor lighting.

The Death of the English Language

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1295 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. AI is changing the way we write and speak, causing humans to unconsciously adopt the tics of AI. This back-and-forth effect is important to understand.
  2. English is at risk of losing its richness and diversity because of its dominance in AI-generated content. Instead of evolving, it may slowly become a lifeless language.
  3. Spanish, on the other hand, is likely to thrive because it is less absorbed by AI. This could lead to Spanish gaining more cultural significance in the future.