The hottest Memoir Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

How to Show the Whole in Your Memoir

Writerly Things with Brooke Warner • 1626 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Memoir Narration Writing Self-assessment
  1. Memoirs should connect personal experiences to larger themes in society. It's not just about telling your story; it's about what it means for everyone.
  2. Using a reflective narrator helps you explain what you've learned over time. This adds depth to your story by showing your growth and understanding.
  3. Identifying both the small and big parts of your story can be overwhelming but also liberating. It allows you to explore everything you’ve felt and learned.

Writing While Needed By Others

Writerly Things with Brooke Warner • 2400 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Memoir Creativity Self-reflection
  1. It's hard to write when you feel like others need you all the time. Some writers find they need to physically separate themselves from distractions to focus.
  2. Writers, especially women and moms, often feel guilty for taking time for themselves to write. It's important to remind ourselves that our creative pursuits are valuable too.
  3. There are strategies to combat feelings of selfishness and guilt when prioritizing writing. Finding what works for you can help make writing a regular part of your life.

The Book of Love

Everything Is An Emergency • 2525 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Personal Reflection Parenting Grief
  1. The author grapples with how to keep the memory of her deceased husband alive for their newborn daughter. She wants to make him a real part of Athena's life, not just a memory.
  2. Writing serves as a way to confront grief and maintain a connection with the past, helping the author hold onto memories of her husband while also creating new stories with her daughter.
  3. The author reflects on the difficulty of moving forward after loss, balancing the urge to keep her husband's story alive while also accepting that she must let him go in some ways.

Sophie from Romania - Publication Day!

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1230 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Publishing Memoir Pets
  1. Publication day is a big deal for authors, filled with emotions and hard work. It's exciting to finally share your story after so much time spent writing and editing.
  2. The journey of adopting a rescue dog can be challenging, but it often comes with rewarding moments. The author learned a lot about their dog, Sophie, and shared her growth from being scared to becoming more confident.
  3. Community support is crucial for both authors and pet owners. People love to share their own rescue stories, and this connection makes the experience even more special.

Mad Wives

Men Yell at Me • 234 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Marriage Feminism Memoir Social Commentary
  1. In marriage, roles can be confusing. Sometimes women give a lot, and men take, leading to questions about consent and complicity.
  2. Anger can be a powerful force for change, but it's important to think about who it serves. If it only helps ourselves, it may not be truly revolutionary.
  3. Villains and victims often exist in shades of gray. The same person can embody both roles, making it hard to draw clear lines in relationships.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Remembering Mimi

Bad News • 6309 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Family Life
  1. Mimi was an exceptional individual with a rich and varied life story.
  2. Her relationship with her best friend, Bill, led her on adventures around the world.
  3. Mimi's impact on her family, especially her grandson and great-grandchildren, was profound.

Manjula Martin Tells Us

Cheryl Strayed • 6368 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Natural History Personal Growth Advice
  1. Manjula Martin shares about the importance of taking advice, whether it turns out to be good or bad.
  2. Her book, 'The Last Fire Season,' explores the wildfire crisis in the American West and personal experiences.
  3. Manjula talks about personal transformation and the joy of roller skating, pointing out the value of trying slow and rounding up when it comes to pain.

Substack Reads: The double exposure effect, a mustard obsession, and the color of Neptune

read • 4894 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Design Coaching Science Memoir
  1. Nominees with great performances in multiple roles can lead to extra praise, known as the double exposure effect.
  2. Mustard packaging has a rich history dating back centuries, with brands like Grey Poupon and Maille showcasing timeless design.
  3. Neptune's true color is not actually blue as previously thought, but a milky, unmemorable interstellar cataract, challenging our perceptions.

Girl Storm (2023) by Peg Kerswell

Tao Lin • 599 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
📚 Literature Memoir Autism Health Parenting Self-help
  1. Raising a profoundly autistic child can be incredibly challenging and heartbreaking. The author shares true stories of frustration and helplessness while caring for her daughter Ellie.
  2. There is a growing concern about the rising cases of profound autism, with the author questioning the commonly held belief that autism is purely genetic. The book highlights the potential roles of diet and environmental factors.
  3. Despite the struggles, the memoir offers a perspective that can cultivate gratitude in readers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of support and love in difficult circumstances.

My Year in Reading

The Audacity. • 5188 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry Novel
  1. Favorite book: _All the Sinners Bleed_ by S.A. Cosby - a gripping Southern noir.
  2. Second favorite: _Family Meal_ by Bryan Washington - a poignant story of grief and finding love.
  3. Not every book is great - it's okay to have differing opinions on what you read.

Substack Reads: Beatrix Potter’s notes, and the dark side to high-growth business

read • 8294 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📚 Literature Memoir Poetry Artificial Intelligence
  1. Beatrix Potter's fascination with mushrooms led to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
  2. The relationship between European countries and their food reputation is complex and tied to historical influences.
  3. Poetry can be deeply inspired by personal stories and historical events, leading to powerful expressions of emotions and experiences.

These dreams

Disaffected Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
📚 Literature Memoir Personal narrative Creative Writing Psychology Arts
  1. Some people's dreams can be really intense and dark, often reflecting unfinished business or unresolved fears from the past. They stick with you long after you wake up.
  2. Facing difficult or scary memories in dreams can be a way to process them and find some closure. It's like your mind is trying to help you deal with what happened.
  3. Even after changes in life, like therapy or distancing from harmful people, old dreams can resurface, but understanding them better can bring clarity and healing.

The man whose life was £1

The Waiting Room • 536 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Memoir History
  1. Frank's Memories is a personal booklet that captures his life story, from his parents meeting to significant moments in his own life. It's a unique glimpse into one person's experiences and feelings.
  2. The author reflects on the ethics of sharing someone's life story, feeling a bit guilty about taking Frank's memories and reshaping them. It's a reminder that every story is complex and may not have a clear ending.
  3. Frank's journey highlights that life's moments can be both ordinary and special, like picking potatoes or sharing laughs. It encourages us to appreciate personal histories and the small details that make up our lives.

We've Come a Long Way

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3655 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Publishing Book Sales Writing
  1. The author shares their journey from financial struggle to success, highlighting how generosity from readers helped him transition to writing full-time.
  2. Pre-ordering a book can significantly impact its success by influencing bookstore orders, placement, and potential to become a bestseller.
  3. The book "Troubled" contains personal narratives about foster care, social class, and challenging societal norms, aiming to promote important conversations in the culture.

Frost Flowers

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5231 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature History Memoir
  1. Visiting Mooner's Hollow in Missouri offers a mix of historical exploration and natural beauty.
  2. The complexity of the situation in Gaza highlights the importance of distinguishing between people and governments.
  3. The symbolism of frost flowers in Mooner's Hollow serves as a reminder of the delicate yet powerful forces at play in life.

Rob Henderson: The Three Adults Who Abandoned Me

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2147 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Social Issues Childhood Trauma
  1. Rob Henderson's life story, from abandonment to academic success, has deeply influenced his insights on social issues like class and culture.
  2. Luxury beliefs are ideas that confer status on the upper class and can negatively impact the lower classes, according to Henderson's observations.
  3. Henderson's journey from a troubled childhood to academic achievement sheds light on the challenges faced by those in foster care and the importance of education in breaking such cycles.

Remembering what you want out of books

Austin Kleon • 1918 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reading Writing Authors Books Memoir
  1. Different writers can evoke different feelings. Some are frustrating to read but still valuable, while others are delightful and can leave you feeling a bit lost.
  2. Knowing what you don't want to read is just as important as knowing what you do want to read. It helps you focus on the books that truly matter to you.
  3. Reading can be both a joy and a discipline. It's about finding the balance between what you think you should read and what you actually want to read.

"DIY"

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Essays Memoir Cultural critique Writing
  1. The essay discusses the myths about doing things on your own, known as 'DIY'.
  2. It emphasizes that being self-taught or an 'autodidact' isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
  3. A key point is knowing how to find information is more important than memorizing everything.

On Running, Writing, and Life: Some Advice from Haruki Murakami

Subtle Digressions • 299 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Writing Authors Memoir
  1. Running, writing, and life are all about pushing your personal limits. It's not about competing with others, but about improving yourself each day.
  2. Focus and endurance are important skills you can develop. Unlike talent, which you can't control, these skills come from practice and patience.
  3. Being different and unique is a strength. Embrace your individuality to create stories and experiences that only you can share.

Flowerings and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1737 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Memoir Mythology Reading Poetry
  1. The author reflects on finding enchantment and solace in the summer despite not being a summer person, attributing it to their new stone house and connection to nature.
  2. They share their experience of making improvements to their new house during the summer months and express gratitude for living the life they've always dreamed of.
  3. The author announces new projects, such as a self-study version of their online course and monthly membership program, as well as upcoming lecture series and gatherings focused on mythic stories.

Declaration of an Independent

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 963 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Biography Autobiography Writing Reading Memoir
  1. Benjamin Franklin was a self-taught writer who used creative exercises to improve his style and vocabulary.
  2. Franklin's independence and determination are evident in his self-made man mentality and unique approach to life.
  3. His commitment to self-improvement, public service, and scientific innovation showcase his individualism and contribution to society.

Taking Back Trump's America Serialization

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 825 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Memoir Presidential Election Legal Battles
  1. Peter Navarro is offering a serialization of his book Taking Back Trump's America to paid subscribers only.
  2. The serialization includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Chapter One, with new chapters sent weekly.
  3. Navarro mentions facing legal bills as he advocates for the constitution and his freedom.

HOW I RUINED COURTNEY LOVE’S DRESS

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 1041 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music Fashion & Beauty Memoir
  1. The author recounts a story of ruining Courtney Love's dress, a vintage nightgown gifted to her by Love's grandmother.
  2. The author reflects on the consequences of lying about not destroying the dress and the impact it had on their relationship with Courtney Love.
  3. The story ends with a heartfelt apology to Courtney Love for ruining the vintage dress, recognizing the sentimental value it held.

You Know Literary Fraud When You See It

The Recovering Academic • 494 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Ethics Invention Truth
  1. Memory is unreliable - even recent events can be distorted by suggestion or misinterpretation, challenging the accuracy of our recollections.
  2. Inventing responsibly in memoir involves maintaining the balance between truth and embellishment, with the aim of illuminating deeper truths without resorting to outright lies.
  3. Ethics in writing demand a delicate balance - while some level of invention may be permissible to enhance storytelling, crossing the line into outright deceit constitutes literary fraud and violates the trust of the reader.

From Zero to $1,300 Writing on Medium — Interview with Michelle Teheux

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 799 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Memoir Essays Personal Stories Online Publishing
  1. You can start writing on Medium without any experience and still earn money, like Michelle who made $1,300.
  2. Sharing personal stories and opinions can help connect with readers and increase your chances of success.
  3. Engaging with your audience through comments and emails can inspire new ideas and keep you motivated.

The books that moved me in 2023

The Shift With Sam Baker • 758 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature History Memoir Fiction Women Humor
  1. The article discusses the author's favorite books of the year, focusing on ones that left a lasting impact on them emotionally.
  2. The books mentioned cover a range of topics, from a unique perspective on history to candid memoirs, and thrilling fiction with humor and rage.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of books that evoke strong emotions and provoke new thoughts, highlighting the power of storytelling.