The hottest Memoir Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Dodgers Jacket

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post is about a eulogy for the author's grandfather, focusing on defamiliarization to make the character more memorable.
  2. The author reflects on sharing the eulogy through a virtual service and the importance of highlighting quirks and oddities to make a eulogy effective.
  3. Full members can access the post with a 7-day free trial, showing appreciation for their support.

Authors in the mirror

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 157 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir
  1. Any book is a product of a place and time, reflecting the writer's perspective and influences.
  2. Memoirs can be highly subjective, influenced by the author's momentary feelings and experiences.
  3. Self-reflection and honesty are key in memoirs, allowing for personal growth and understanding.

Mississippi Mud

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 477 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Memoir Childhood
  1. Living near the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi wasn't what it seemed for a family struggling in the summer of 1980.
  2. Childhood creativity and imagination can serve as a powerful escape from hunger, boredom, and pain.
  3. Memories of making Mississippi mud pies symbolize resilience in the face of struggle and the ability to find joy in difficult circumstances.

The Old Man And The River

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 97 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir
  1. The author reminisces about a childhood memory of encountering an old man on a riverboat, highlighting how certain details may get blurred over time but the essence of the memory remains vivid.
  2. The physical appearance and actions of the man in the memory are described in detail, showcasing how our recollections can hold onto specific traits and emotions more than factual accuracy.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of the sensations and feelings evoked by a memory, suggesting that the emotional impact of a recollection often outweighs precise factual details.
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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.

Ceremony

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author worked as a wilderness ranger and wrote 150 poems during one summer, but kept only a few of them.
  2. The poem 'Ceremony' shared in the post was inspired by the author's time spent in northern Idaho's wilderness.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives and enjoy a 7-day free trial by subscribing to The Recovering Academic.

Searching for Stephen

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 963 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Memoir Theatre Family History Letters
  1. The author searched online for information about their brother's career and found a theatre program that shed light on his past.
  2. Their brother, Stephen, had a career in acting and was part of productions in the Old Vic theatre during the 1950s.
  3. Letters from their mother provided additional insight into their brother's life and the dynamics of their family during that time.

Richard

Sounds Good! • 78 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Memoir Friendship Youth Social Interactions
  1. The author is working on a new poetry project named 'Richard', with old and new poems in the sequence.
  2. The author reminisces about past experiences and relationships, reflecting on themes of sacrifice, friendship, and personal growth.
  3. There is a focus on storytelling, memories, and personal reflection through a mix of poetry and prose.

Day 16, Capn's Log: No Faces Have Been Punched. Today.

Look What You Made Me Do • 314 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🎶 Music Touring Performances Memoir Fans Band
  1. The Euro tour concluded without any unscheduled violence during OXBOW's performances.
  2. The author reflects on memorable moments and challenges during the tour, including interactions with security, unique venues, audience reactions, and personal experiences.
  3. Strong emotional connections with audiences in various cities, like Poland and Austria, were highlights of the tour.

Three Strategies for Drafting Your Book

The Recovering Academic • 316 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Start with a problem and write toward resolution of it. Embrace the character's struggle and follow it to its conclusion.
  2. Identify the major turning point. Have a transformative moment that changes the narrative direction, building towards that climax.
  3. Map out 'tent pole' scenes. Plan key scenes between the opening and the climax to guide your writing journey.

True Fiction

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 437 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Writing Voice
  1. The line between fiction and non-fiction is becoming less significant.
  2. The way a story is told is more important than the actual facts in memoirs or literature.
  3. Writing is subjective, changing based on moods and perspectives, but it's the voice and sensibility that truly matters in storytelling.

I Could Feel the Beating Heart of My Mother

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
📚 Literature Memoir Family Marriage
  1. Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong American writer, intricately weaves personal and family stories within her writings, reflecting universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.
  2. Her memoir, 'Where Rivers Part,' delves deep into familial relationships, showcasing the complexity and struggles within marriages, maintaining cultural identity, and the impacts of war and diaspora.
  3. The book illustrates the power of storytelling in preserving memories, bridging generations, and offering solace to those who have experienced similar hardships and challenges.

It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post discusses the idea that it takes years for the smoke to clear, implying a sense of waiting for clarity or resolution in certain situations.
  2. The post features a poem titled 'It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear', suggesting a reflective or contemplative piece of writing.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe and read more content from The Recovering Academic, possibly indicating a focus on intellectual or academic discussions.

The Helicopter Pilot

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The writing life requires dedication to craft, but publication isn't solely merit-based. Sometimes themes matter more than art in getting noticed.
  2. On platforms like Substack, embracing diverse interests can be more engaging for readers. It's okay to explore various topics instead of sticking to a single niche.
  3. Finding connections between seemingly different subjects is valuable, reflecting the essence of liberal arts. Embracing personal standards can lead to seeing all work as valuable.

Cockroaches

The Leftovers • 159 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Childhood Facts Memoir
  1. The author recalls childhood memories of cockroaches in Argentina, where they were a common presence and even seen as pets amongst kids due to a TV show.
  2. Cockroaches lost their charm for the author when a cholera epidemic hit in the early 90s, changing the perception of these insects.
  3. The post also includes five interesting facts about cockroaches that the author found online, highlighting their resilience and unique characteristics.

El Duende

The Recovering Academic • 277 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poem Book Club Essay Memoir
  1. The post features a poem dedicated to the author's uncle, describing a near-death experience he had while mistaken for a bear.
  2. The poem touches on themes of fear, survival, and memory, capturing vivid imagery of the uncle's ordeal.
  3. The author also mentions an upcoming book club meeting to discuss 'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher, welcoming all to join the conversation regardless of academic background.

August bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 259 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Biography Fiction Memoir
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker bookclub reveals a book blending memoir, biography, and fiction about George Orwell's wife, Eileen O'Shaughnessy.
  2. The book focuses on giving recognition to Eileen O'Shaughnessy, who has been overlooked in history.
  3. Anna Funder discovered Eileen O'Shaughnessy and decided to shed light on her story through this unique book.

Meander, Spiral, Explode

lifeboat • 157 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Narrative structure Memoir
  1. Writing doesn't always need a linear narrative arc; explore different structures like meanders and spirals.
  2. Finding patterns and modulations in writing can help with structuring, instead of just plotting timelines.
  3. Consider visualizing your writing as a river, tree, or collage of colors for a more artistic and patterned approach.

No Story Today

backstory • 339 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Nature Wildlife Writing Diary Memoir
  1. The author struggles with writing in the presence of wild animals in their writing space.
  2. Wildlife interruptions have affected the author's writing projects in various locations.
  3. A recent encounter with a pygmy shrew disrupts the author's writing plans, leading to no story for today.

A rattlesnake poem

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The process of getting published in literary magazines can be unpredictable, and sometimes personal connections or misunderstandings can play a significant role in acceptance.
  2. As a writer, it's important to have a thick skin and believe in your work even when faced with rejection or differing interpretations of your writing.
  3. Writing, like art, has the power to communicate personal experiences in a way that can resonate with strangers and create a shared connection over time.

Mutiny in the North Woods

The Recovering Academic • 217 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The story recounts a firefighting crew's experiences in fighting fires in northern Alberta, highlighting the challenges and dynamics within the team.
  2. The crew faces issues of safety, boredom, and discipline, leading to a situation of potential mutiny against their leader.
  3. Ultimately, the crew's misdeeds are brought to light, resulting in a stern reprimand from their Fire Management Officer, showcasing the importance of accountability in high-stakes situations.

How many first-generation students were not the first?

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family Heritage Memoir Religion Literature
  1. Family history can be complex and full of mysteries, especially when it comes to understanding the generations before us.
  2. Sometimes, the silence in family stories, like what is not told or shared, can hold significant meaning and impact on our own lives and identities.
  3. The choices our ancestors made and the paths they walked can influence our own paths in unexpected ways, shaping our sense of belonging and the journey we take in life.

When I Got Knifed

Sundman figures it out! • 117 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📚 Literature Memoir Short Stories Fiction Novels Book promotion
  1. The author shared a story about being confronted by a knife-wielding assailant and how he managed to defend himself.
  2. The author reflected on experiences during the dot-com era and how a particular website played a role in spreading rumors about failing companies.
  3. Personal anecdotes about travels, encounters, weightlifting, and book promotions were seamlessly woven into the storytelling.

Watershed

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author explores the concept of epiphany in his writing journey, drawing from his religious upbringing and personal experiences to convey authenticity in memoirs.
  2. The piece delves into the process of writing memoirs as a means of discovering and articulating personal truths through a blend of innocence and experience in storytelling.
  3. The narrative features a reflection on the significant impact of a dam on the Kootenai Falls, illustrating the complexity of human interaction with natural landmarks.