The hottest Memoir Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Autofiction Is All We’ve Ever Known

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 518 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction Autofiction Memoir Narrative Creative Writing
  1. Autofiction, or writing based on personal experiences, has always existed and shapes how we understand ourselves. We create our memories and identities based on our interpretations, which makes our stories a mix of truth and imagination.
  2. The rise of social media has changed how we think about writing. Now it’s not just about reading but also about everyone having the chance to share their thoughts, which can blur the lines between genuine self-expression and simply following trends.
  3. We live in a universe where each person's story and perspective matter. Our ability to explore different versions of ourselves through storytelling can lead to a deeper understanding of who we are and how we connect with reality.

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.

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.

My Friend Max

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2624 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Memoir Friendship Art Travel Death
  1. Max was a unique and thoughtful person who had a passion for living life to the fullest. He was obsessed with exploring new places and tried new adventures often.
  2. He valued the concept of 'value' in various forms, whether it was calculating the best meal deals or considering the impact of choices he made in life, like his charitable efforts.
  3. Despite his quirky habits and passions, Max had a deep love for the people in his life. His friendships were authentic, and he left a mark on everyone he met.
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Writing Hack: Write It Just Like That

psychotechnology • 186 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Tips Creative Process Memoir Personal Reflection
  1. Starting to write can be the hardest part; don't overthink it, just begin with what comes to mind. Writing like you're talking to a friend can make your words flow more naturally.
  2. Honesty in writing is key; sharing your feelings, doubts, and experiences helps create more engaging and relatable content. Don't be afraid to show your vulnerabilities.
  3. Practice makes perfect; the more you allow yourself to write openly and quickly, the easier it becomes. Embrace your thoughts and let them shape your writing.

Pointless Pace Killers

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3200 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Storytelling Psychology Critique
  1. People often compare their boring everyday lives to the exciting highlights they see in stories or on social media, which can make them feel inadequate. It's important to remember that everyone has regular parts of their life that aren't shown.
  2. When writing, it's crucial to focus on the most interesting and meaningful parts of a story instead of trying to capture every detail. The first draft should be for yourself without outside feedback, then later you can edit for the audience.
  3. Stories are designed to be engaging, which means they often skip over mundane details. The best stories focus on conflict and emotion, highlighting only the moments that resonate with the reader.

Dreaming About Waking

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 121 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Memoir Creative Writing Philosophy Self-reflection Narrative
  1. Dreams can feel more real than waking life, leading us to question what reality truly is. Sometimes, the experiences we have in dreams seem more intense and immediate than our daily experiences.
  2. The stories we tell about our past shape how we see ourselves. When we write or talk about our memories, we change those memories and how we understand our lives.
  3. Our perceptions of reality can often be misleading. It's important to stay open to new ways of seeing things and not be locked into one view of life.

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.

Today Is My Birthday

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2215 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Memoir Non-fiction Social Critique Personal narrative
  1. The memoir _Troubled_ shares a personal journey from a difficult childhood in foster care to pursuing education at elite universities like Yale and Cambridge. It highlights the importance of resilience and overcoming hardships.
  2. The author discusses the concept of 'luxury beliefs', showing how ideas that seem beneficial to the upper class can actually harm lower classes. This points out a disconnect between elite perspectives and the realities faced by struggling families.
  3. Supporting the book can make a difference, as it raises awareness about the issues faced by foster children and encourages readers to think critically about social policies and class divides.

The rareness of good readers?

The Common Reader • 2197 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Literary Criticism Memoir
  1. Good readers are very rare, just like good writers. It's hard to find people who truly understand and appreciate a book.
  2. Writers often believe their good writing will attract good readers, but that's not always the case. Many times, books end up in the hands of readers who may not grasp their true value.
  3. Sometimes, writers who aren't very good can become famous because their work is misunderstood in a way that people interpret as greatness.

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.

Chartbook 344: Curzio Malaparte's war

Chartbook • 1444 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Historical Analysis Literary Criticism Memoir
  1. Curzio Malaparte wrote three important books about World War II, with 'The Volga Rises in Europe' offering unique insights into the war's industrial aspects. It explains how both German and Soviet soldiers were more like technicians working with machines than traditional soldiers.
  2. Malaparte's other two books, 'Kaputt' and 'The Skin', depict the decay of European civilization during the war. They present a nightmarish view of society under conflict and how people struggled for survival in brutal circumstances.
  3. By reading all three works together, we see a broader picture of war's impact on humanity and morality. Each book provides a different perspective on the chaos and trauma of World War II, emphasizing the horrors faced by civilians and soldiers alike.

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.

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.

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.

2024

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1382 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Writing Memoir Social Issues Personal Stories
  1. The newsletter has grown significantly, from 7,000 subscribers in the first year to over 67,000 now. This shows that consistent effort in writing can really pay off.
  2. The book 'Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class' performed well, receiving recognition and even being turned into a potential movie. This highlights how personal stories can resonate with readers.
  3. The author now lives in New York City, which symbolizes a new chapter in their life. It reminds us that change is often part of personal growth.

The Monday Media Diet with Emanuel Derman

Why is this interesting? • 723 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Memoir Critique
  1. Emanuel Derman has had a diverse career, changing paths from theoretical physics to finance and teaching, showing how one can blend different interests into a fulfilling life.
  2. He prefers reading over other media like podcasts, which reflects a desire for control over his pace. His media diet includes mainstream newspapers, literary journals, and financial newsletters, focusing on written content.
  3. Derman highlights the importance of poetry and fiction in his reading, and emphasizes a personal connection to understanding his roots through his writing.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.