The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Sometimes it sounds like this

Austin Kleon • 5275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Françoise Gilot's memoir about her life with Picasso is a great read. It shares interesting stories and gives insights into her artistic journey.
  2. Writing books can be really helpful for all kinds of writers. Many people shared their favorites, showing there's a wide range of useful resources out there.
  3. Listening to curated music mixes can spark creativity. Exploring different artists and themed playlists can be a delightful way to enjoy music and find inspiration.

Is the artist crying?

Austin Kleon • 5775 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Citrus plants do not grow true from seeds, which means planting an orange seed could result in a grapefruit tree instead. This shows how surprising and diverse nature can be.
  2. Some slugs and snails can sleep for a very long time, which is a reminder that patience and slowing down can be important, especially during tough times like winter.
  3. Finding inspiration in conversations and interviews, like those with artists or comedians, can help renew our creative energies and give us new perspectives on our own work.

From the pine wood to Pinewood

The Fry Corner • 2817 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Switching between acting and writing makes for an interesting career, and each role has its perks. Acting often provides a more social and relaxed environment compared to the solitary nature of writing.
  2. There’s a sense of longing for the other role while doing one, showing how each path has its own joys and challenges. It’s like wanting warm cookies when you’re eating cake.
  3. Having the option to choose between acting and writing is seen as a privilege, highlighting the flexibility in one’s career choices. It's great to have different ways to express creativity.

It’s Groundhog Day... again.

Austin Kleon • 5415 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. February is a great time to start fresh with resolutions since it's short and has an extra day this year. There’s a special 29-day challenge you can try to improve daily habits.
  2. Groundhog Day marks a change in seasons, showing that spring is on its way. It's a good reminder that every day is a chance to begin anew.
  3. Flaco the Owl's story is fun to follow, reminding us of the joy in nature and the excitement of unexpected events in our everyday lives.

The year, run down

Austin Kleon • 6354 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading has a big impact on joy and learning. Books like 'Don Quixote' and 'Dune' brought a lot of happiness this year.
  2. There are many enjoyable ways to spend time with family, like movie nights with kids and discovering new shows after they go to bed.
  3. Music and video games can also be a source of fun and excitement. Creating playlists and playing games like 'Zelda' added to the year's enjoyment.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

South by southwest

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Exploring nature is refreshing. Hiking in places like Joshua Tree and driving along Malibu can make for an exciting day trip.
  2. Austin is gearing up for SXSW, a big event where people enjoy music, film, and culture. If you're in town, try to eat some great tacos and BBQ.
  3. There are lots of interesting things to see and do in Austin, from visiting unique libraries to enjoying local radio stations and watching films.

The 25 Best Online Articles of 2024

The Honest Broker • 13863 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The list features 25 of the best longform articles from the past year. These articles cover a variety of topics, showing that good writing can be found in many different subjects.
  2. Supporting quality journalism is important. The writers highlighted in the list often rely on the support of their readers, so consider helping them as a new year's resolution.
  3. Many pieces explore unique personal stories and experiences. From a former Goldman Sachs trader to a psychic, these articles are interesting and reflect a wide range of human experiences.

A Life With Less Pleasure Reading

Culture Study • 3565 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading for pleasure is declining, with many people spending less time on it than before. We need to think about how busy lives are affecting our reading habits.
  2. People might still be reading, but it's often not in the form of traditional books. Many are consuming content online, through social media or podcasts, which isn't always counted as reading for fun.
  3. The pressures of adult life and parenting make it hard to find time to read. Balancing work, family, and leisure can make reading feel like a low priority, even if it's valuable for relaxation and enjoyment.

Out of Words

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6909 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Twitter serves as an important archive of history, essential for transparency and fighting against autocracy.
  2. Learning new languages can be a way to escape from the negative aspects of social media and can provide a new perspective on the world.
  3. Poetry and language have the power to convey deep political sentiments and reveal the true heart of a nation.

The Fog

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5092 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Fog can obscure realities, making it challenging to navigate through the world and see clearly.
  2. The artist Andrew Wyeth's work reflected deep emotions and hidden stories, capturing the essence of loneliness and loss.
  3. Winter symbolizes difficult times, from Covid challenges to political uncertainty, creating a fog of bad information, regret, and grief.

The Mystery of Mary Oliver

Tom Ryan, Author • 9276 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The post discusses the mystery surrounding the moves of poet Mary Oliver towards the end of her life.
  2. The author reflects on the idea of famous poets living away from their well-known locations.
  3. The text highlights the author's curiosity and interest in the mystery, drawing comparisons to other renowned literary figures.

Ode to the slattern

Disaffected Newsletter • 1758 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The slattern is a unique character type in stories, often portrayed as messy and chaotic but intriguing. Many people are drawn to these flawed characters because they are relatable and fun to explore.
  2. Growing up with a complex relationship with one’s mother can shape how individuals view and mimic female figures in media. This dynamic can lead to a stronger connection with the 'bad women' archetype in pop culture.
  3. Emulating these characters can feel empowering, even if there is awareness of their flaws. Playing around with the slattern persona can be a playful way to explore one's childhood experiences and relationships.

Links For December 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 13627 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Steven Seagal has led a colorful life after Hollywood, converting to Buddhism, supporting Russia, and marrying multiple women. He's even been called the reincarnation of a famous saint.
  2. An outrageous fine of $20 trillion was imposed on Google by Russia for blocking certain YouTube channels. This amount is far more than the total worth of the world's economy!
  3. There's a belief that taller candidates tend to win U.S. elections. While some studies suggest a slight trend, it's not enough to say it's a reliable rule.

Exact revenge

Austin Kleon • 5415 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. January can feel slow and heavy for many. If you're struggling to start the year, consider waiting until February to tackle your resolutions.
  2. Year-end lists are fun and help discover new books and movies. Checking out these lists can inspire new reads and viewings for the new year.
  3. Creative works can offer deep insights. Books and essays that explore big ideas, like life's meaning or creativity, can be really rewarding to dive into.

The Monday Media Diet with Naomi Xu Elegant

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Naomi reads a mix of different publications, enjoying both digital and print forms. She likes The New Yorker, Financial Times, and various newsletters that cover art and culture.
  2. She shares a passion for mixed reading styles, using both long and short books to keep herself entertained. Currently, she's reading a memoir and several biographies.
  3. Naomi's travels inspire her writing, and she loves exploring historical places like Timgad in Algeria. She finds rabbit holes in history interesting and plans to write about urban planning soon.

I Liked the Essay. Then I Found Out It Was AI

The Algorithmic Bridge • 838 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. AI-generated writing makes it hard to know where words come from, eroding the cultural and experiential roots that give language real meaning.
  2. People can still enjoy AI-produced pieces, but learning they were made by AI often changes how those works are judged and whether they are curated or accepted.
  3. Widespread AI use accelerates cultural uprooting and a race-to-the-bottom in speed and cost, so we must first recognize this reality and then decide whether to resist, regulate, or preserve human-rooted practices.

Our Language Is In A State Of Vast Humiliation

Public Universal Friend • 159 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Starting a new life can involve setting strict routines. For example, having a specific schedule for getting up, reading, and working can help create structure.
  2. It's important to balance work with personal time. Taking breaks for physical activity or listening to music can refresh your mind and emotions.
  3. Accepting different perspectives on loneliness can lead to deeper thoughts. Finding meaning in solitude might change how you view your daily experiences.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 87

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. One artist, James Niehues, paints most of the world's ski maps and is celebrated for the artistic quality of his work.
  2. John Grisham and Stephen King spent an hour chatting and bantering together, giving a rare, informal conversation between two top writers.
  3. Boeing's Doomsday Plane reappeared after 51 years; it's built to survive nuclear events and was recently spotted about 25 minutes from the White House.

The New ‘Animal Farm’ Movie Is Less Equal Than the Book

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The new animated Animal Farm softens Orwell’s pointed critique of Stalinism and changes key elements of the original allegory.
  2. Andy Serkis directed a big, star-studded 21st-century remake; Woody Harrelson voices Boxer and Kieran Culkin voices Squealer, and it opens in U.S. theaters on May 1.
  3. Orwell’s novella was a clear anti-Soviet allegory — so influential that the CIA backed a 1954 adaptation — but the new film downplays that specific political critique.

Joy in repetition

Austin Kleon • 3597 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Doing the same thing over and over can be joyful instead of boring. It may help you learn and create in ways you didn't expect.
  2. Repetition can turn challenging tasks into enjoyable habits. When you keep practicing, you may end up loving what you once found hard.
  3. Life is full of cycles and routines, and we should embrace them. Recognizing the beauty in repetition can lead to happiness and creativity.

A quickie from Her Maj

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Mixing with different people can feel uncomfortable, but it's important to trust your home crew. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make a difference.
  2. Being confident and embracing who you are is a key part of self-identity. It's good to recognize your strengths and abilities, no matter how others perceive you.
  3. Using humor and creativity can bring a fresh perspective to historical situations. A fun twist can make serious topics more relatable and engaging.

Drawing an unlikeness

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Ralph Steadman and Hunter S. Thompson had a unique partnership that started with the Kentucky Derby. Their first collaboration was more about their friendship than the actual event.
  2. Steadman's drawings of people sometimes upset them, which confused him because people in England usually accept caricatures lightly.
  3. Trying blind contour drawing helped explore the idea of not needing to create a perfect likeness. It's okay to let loose and embrace the 'unlikeness' in your art.

Escape velocity

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Many people leave their hometowns but often return, struggling to find their own path away from familiar comforts.
  2. The word 'enshittification' was chosen as the word of the year for 2023, highlighting a trend in our society.
  3. Cool events are coming up in Austin, especially related to the solar eclipse, with art exhibitions worth checking out.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 91

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A weekend reading roundup points to longform pieces across philosophy, fashion, music, personal memoir, and current events, meant for relaxed, thoughtful browsing.
  2. Resurfaced archival conversations and delayed personal stories show how past voices and memories keep resurfacing to teach and provoke reflection.
  3. Several items explore how individual choices ripple outward — from sustainable wardrobe and quitting addiction to tourist behavior that can disrupt public events.

The Weekend Press: Totalitarianism Can Be Relaxing

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 343 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A life of endless comfort and convenience can hollow out struggle, passion, and meaning, so stories that imagine a relaxing dystopia warn that hardship helps make us human.
  2. Art and cultural institutions are increasingly retooled as political statements, which can reshape and polarize how audiences receive classic works.
  3. Short-form internet platforms rewired humor and attention, proving that six-second moments can define virality and change the way we experience culture.

Hidden Open Thread 416.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The content is behind a paid subscription, so you must subscribe or sign in to read it.
  2. It’s part of a numbered "Hidden Open Thread" series with links to previous and next entries.
  3. The page shows engagement indicators and sharing options, implying reader interaction and shareability.

What Does A Healthy Culture Look Like?

Castalia • 1498 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A healthy culture should be open and decentralized. This means it shouldn't be controlled by a few powerful people, allowing many voices to be heard.
  2. Quality work is important, but everyone should have the chance to share their art. A good culture encourages creativity and supports new ideas.
  3. Art and money are different things. While artists need support to create, financial success doesn’t always mean the art is good. The focus should be on creativity rather than just profits.

Love And Liberty

Astral Codex Ten • 28494 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Libertarians lack a dedicated holiday, unlike other ideological groups
  2. Love is seen as unfair, unsafe, and resists regulation unlike many other aspects of life
  3. The idea of love remains unique in its resistance to regulation compared to other fields like art and child-rearing

People prefer A.I. art because people prefer bad art

Read Max • 12303 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. People often have a hard time telling the difference between AI art and human art. This shows how good AI has become at creating images that people find appealing.
  2. Many people seem to prefer AI-generated art because it's straightforward and easy to understand. In contrast, more complex human art can be confusing or challenging.
  3. This trend suggests that people's tastes lean towards art that feels familiar and comfortable, which is why they might choose AI art over more challenging pieces.

10 Things to Remember as a New Year Begins

The Algorithmic Bridge • 509 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Aim for a happy home and close relationships as the heart of a good life. Investing in warmth and belonging gives everyday meaning.
  2. Love and live your life as it is—notice small beauties and treat each day as a fresh canvas. Choosing curiosity and creativity over perfection helps you find joy in simple moments.
  3. Keep your paths open and stay resilient because life keeps offering new chances. Reframing setbacks and renewing your perspective makes it easier to feel alive again.

What's the Most Profitable Movie of the Year? (No, I Won't Watch It.)

The Honest Broker • 12168 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Horror movies are really making money right now. Films like 'Terrifier 3' and 'Smile 2' are bringing in huge profits compared to what they cost to make.
  2. Bob Dylan is now writing quirky tweets directly from his account, sharing his unique thoughts without his team’s help. It offers fans a personal look at his views beyond music.
  3. People are increasingly worried about AI. Many believe it's reducing trust in media and making us lazier, and most want more rules on how AI is used.

Ripe on Time

Seven Senses • 1718 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's okay to bloom at your own pace, just like flowers. Some people find their talents early, but many discover them later in life too.
  2. Having a nurturing environment helps talents emerge, but sometimes life events push us to explore our creativity when we least expect it.
  3. It's never too late to follow your dreams or discover new passions. Many successful people achieved their greatest milestones later in life, showing that persistence is key.

The nervous system

Austin Kleon • 5195 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Starting a 31-day challenge now can help you get ahead instead of waiting for the new year. Making commitments regularly can lead to personal growth.
  2. Children are companions in life, not just projects. It's important to share experiences and life with them rather than just focusing on goals.
  3. It's frustrating to wait for new episodes of your favorite shows. Waiting can feel especially hard when you're looking forward to something exciting.

Like a ghost went through me

Austin Kleon • 6774 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. John Green learned he has aphantasia, which means he can't create mental images. This shows how different our brains can be.
  2. Wes Anderson recreated Roald Dahl's writing shed, highlighting the importance of creative spaces for writers. It's neat to see how environments can inspire artistic work.
  3. Joseph Grigley's art exhibit features notes he collected during conversations. It reminds us of the challenges of communication, especially for those with hearing loss.

A literary history of fake texts in Apple's marketing materials

Read Max • 3398 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Apple's marketing uses fake texts to create a sunny, perfect world where everyone happily communicates with their devices. This makes you wonder who these people are and why they text like that.
  2. Over the years, the themes of these fake texts often include sharing photos and planning trips or parties, showing a culture of cheerful connection among users.
  3. The fake conversations are oddly formal and lack the casual, funny vibe found in real texts. This creates an interesting contrast with how most people actually communicate today.

NO!vember

Austin Kleon • 5955 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Saying 'no' can help you focus on what really matters. If you're unsure about going out, ask yourself if you'd want to do it tomorrow.
  2. Spending time alone can help you discover your true self. It's important to sit quietly and reflect on who you really want to be.
  3. Reading is essential for artists. Great works can inspire you, so make time to read often and explore different stories.

The Monday Media Diet with Chris Dalla Riva

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Chris enjoys reading print newspapers and magazines like The New York Times and The New Yorker, focusing on in-depth articles rather than just breaking news. He likes getting different perspectives on topics outside major news focuses.
  2. He values newsletters for their unique content, recommending ones that cover youth trends, numerical news, and online culture. This shows he appreciates fresh ideas and insights in addition to mainstream media.
  3. Exploring lesser-known places can be rewarding. Chris highlights Solothurn, Switzerland, as a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a refreshing change from popular tourist spots.

Me and a Stapler of My Own

The Fry Corner • 2278 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Many newspapers and magazines have fun questionnaire sections that ask interesting personal questions. These can reveal your favorite books or who you'd like to have dinner with.
  2. Some publications have a quick Q&A format that saves time and keeps things light. It’s an easy way for readers to learn about someone's daily life without deep interviews.
  3. People can often answer these questions through email, making it super convenient. This way, they can participate without the hassle of meeting in person.

Open Thread 387

Astral Codex Ten • 3854 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. You can talk about anything you want in this open thread. It's a place for random questions and discussions.
  2. There's a new post for subscribers about making personalized AI kids' books. It highlights how AI can create fun presents.
  3. Finalists and honorable mentions for a review contest have been announced. It's a way to recognize great content shared within the community.

The Hinternet’s Best of 2025!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The Hinternet had a standout year, growing into a more established, collaborative publication with expanding projects and staff.
  2. They released a wide “Best of 2025” roundup across genres—fiction, music writing, essays, translations, poetry, film, and experimental work—showing the variety and ambition of their output.
  3. They’re running a strong year-end push to convert readers to paid subscribers, offering a 75% off sale and pitching the editor’s book as a holiday gift before more content goes behind a paywall.