The hottest Memoir Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

How a Story Gets Written

The Fairest Writer • 119 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Memoir Artistic Process
  1. Being curious about your art can spark new ideas. It's important to explore different styles and inspiration to grow as a writer.
  2. Sometimes a story can come out really quickly, almost like a burst of energy. Other times, it takes a lot of time and changes to get it just right.
  3. Both quick and slow stories have value. The key is to keep exploring your creativity, no matter how long it takes.

The Sweet Spot

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author's love for baseball and the connection with his father shines through the memoir. Baseball became a bonding activity between them and a way for the author to feel close to his father.
  2. The author's experience in baseball and the pursuit of finding the 'sweet spot' on the bat is paralleled with his spiritual journey. The 'sweet spot' represents more than just a physical connection with the game, but also a sense of purpose and truth.
  3. Baseball serves as a metaphor for the author's internal struggles and search for validation and redemption. The game becomes a canvas where he grapples with guilt, faith, and the pursuit of meaning.

The First Road Trip

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
📚 Literature Memoir Narrative Parenting Travel Family
  1. Taking a long car trip can be stressful but also a chance for special memories. It's all about managing the chaos and making the best of the journey.
  2. Family homes hold a lot of sentimental value, and saying goodbye can bring up deep feelings. It’s tough to let go of places that hold childhood memories.
  3. Being a mom means constantly trying to prove you're doing well, even when things get chaotic. It’s important to cherish moments with family, despite the challenges.

How sugaring feeds my soul

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry History Culture
  1. Maple sugaring is not just a culinary tradition but a cultural practice that connects people to nature and history.
  2. The process of syruping serves as a way to mark the changing of seasons and fosters community through shared experiences like tapping trees with friends.
  3. Syruping holds the potential to create lasting memories and connections to a sense of place, offering a way to anchor personal identity in a rapidly changing world.
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These Dreams

Disaffected Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 06 Jul 22
📚 Literature Memoir Personal narrative Mental health Family Dynamics
  1. Dreams can be a reflection of unfinished business in our lives. They might show us fears or unresolved issues we need to face.
  2. Tornadoes and plane crashes can symbolize deep-seated anxieties. These events often haunt dreams and can relate to feelings of fear and helplessness.
  3. Acknowledging past trauma is important for healing. Recognizing and understanding what our dreams tell us can lead to a better understanding of ourselves.

Breadcrumbs Across the Midwest

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Road trips Memoir Friendship Childhood Nostalgia
  1. The journey back to childhood places can help remind us of who we used to be. It's powerful to reflect on different versions of ourselves and what we once loved.
  2. Reconnecting with old friends and sharing memories can be healing. Those deep connections from our youth can still bring joy and support in adulthood.
  3. Embracing our past experiences, both good and bad, is important for personal growth. Sometimes we need to revisit those times to realize how much we've changed and appreciate our current selves.

Following My Trails of Breadcrumbs

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Travel Nostalgia Personal Growth
  1. The journey of writing a memoir is ongoing and personal. It involves revisiting places and memories that shape who we are.
  2. Nostalgia plays a big role in the writing process. Going back to old homes and memories helps clarify thoughts and feelings.
  3. The experience of retracing past steps can bring unexpected gifts, making the journey as meaningful as the final product.

Too many books

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
📚 Literature Books Publishing Authors Reading Memoir
  1. The publishing industry often thrives on the thievery of our time and brain cells, with many books being published that may not bring value to humanity.
  2. Not every book is a noble object, and the world wouldn't lose much if a vast majority of books disappeared, leading to more trees and less ideological issues.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Leftovers for more insightful content and a 7-day free trial to explore the full post archives.

If I Don't Write It Down, Will I Remember It?

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Memoir Childhood
  1. Writing down memories and thoughts can help preserve them better. This practice helps keep our experiences alive even as time passes.
  2. Childhood experiences shape who we are and influence our creative paths. It's important to acknowledge how these moments impact our lives.
  3. The bond between siblings is unique and plays a significant role in our storytelling. Sharing these stories can strengthen relationships and inspire creativity.

Rooster King Project Launch

Transmissions from the floor • 15 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Memoir Media Collage Storytelling
  1. The Rooster King project is a creative blend of stories, images, and sounds that form a multimedia memoir. It's designed to be an enjoyable experience as you scroll through different pages.
  2. This project includes personal tales that explore significant life events, particularly the challenges faced after 2016. It's a mix of fun and serious themes, packed into seven stories.
  3. There's a goal to inspire others with similar creative ideas and even provide a way for them to create their own projects like this in the future.

Just Learning Now

Nice Try • 139 implied HN points • 16 Jan 21
📚 Literature Creative Writing Narrative Nonfiction Personal essays Memoir Storytelling
  1. Embrace creativity, even when faced with challenges. It's important to find joy in expressing yourself and not just in conforming to expectations.
  2. Life can be unpredictable, and everyone has their own unique story. Listen to others as they might have valuable lessons and experiences to share.
  3. Teaching can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to share knowledge while continuously learning from your students and their diverse backgrounds.

Notes on 'Allende'

As Ever • 5 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Historical Cultural Studies Literary Criticism Memoir
  1. You can't take someone else's love for their culture as your own. Real love for a place comes from a personal connection, not just admiration for its art or history.
  2. Exploring other cultures can be exciting, but it's easy to get lost and think you belong when you don't. True belonging can't be borrowed from someone else's experience.
  3. Writing about history and culture should be more than just using them to reflect on yourself; it should create a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.

My 30 Shades: A Kinky Biography

cruiseandpaul • 40 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Memoir Book review
  1. My Thirty Shades: A Kinky Biography is a sexy and humorous memoir with thirty erotic stories.
  2. The book offers a fun and flirty reading experience with different ways to enjoy it.
  3. Recommended for sharing intimate details with a best friend and as a smooth jazz read for lonely nights.

Douthat's Chronic Lyme Journey

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Memoir Medical Advocacy Personal Growth Science Writing
  1. Ross Douthat's memoir, _The Deep Places_, highlights the challenges of chronic Lyme disease, blending his personal story with science and social commentary.
  2. Douthat advocates for experimental treatment in chronic Lyme cases, questioning traditional evidence-based medical approaches that may not always be effective.
  3. The narrative showcases Douthat's journey through illness and growth in a compelling and thought-provoking manner, shedding light on the complexities of chronic diseases.

Things I Feared Most to Write, Part Four

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 3 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Essays Memoir Personal narrative Narrative Nonfiction Creative Writing
  1. The author feels a sense of time repeating itself in a hauntingly familiar way, experiencing similar moments in the same places years apart. This gives her a feeling of being connected to her past.
  2. During a stay at a haunted hotel, she experiences eerie occurrences, like a child's hand on her back and unexplained breezes, which make her question reality and the existence of spirits.
  3. She ponders the idea that our desires and needs might attract people and events to us, while also reflecting on the darker possibilities of places being affected by past traumas or negative energies.

From "Modern Love" to Selling a Memoir

The Fairest Writer • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jan 21
📚 Literature Memoir Essays Creative Writing Survival Cultural Commentary
  1. Writing about personal struggles can help others understand their own issues. Facing uncomfortable topics can lead to healing and growth.
  2. Survival training teaches us to trust ourselves and understand our needs. It's about more than just food; it's about connection to nature and community.
  3. Exploring our past and the relationships we have with family can help us find our true selves. Nature can be a way to reconnect with who we are and what we really need.

My Multitudes

Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble • 29 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📚 Literature Memoir Essays Fiction Creativity Writing
  1. The author writes about a variety of personal experiences and reflections, not confined to a specific niche.
  2. The writing covers topics like family, music, career changes, and challenges of being a parent to a child with disabilities.
  3. The author shares insights on writing consistently, dealing with creative challenges, and evolving as a creative writer.

The Heroine's Journey: the progress of an imperfect pilgrim

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 319 implied HN points • 24 Jan 16
📚 Literature Memoir Myth
  1. The author initially did not plan to write a memoir but found herself delving into the topic through her book on place and myth.
  2. The concept of the Heroine's Journey is explored as the progress of an imperfect pilgrim.
  3. The post is only accessible for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.

Tales from Both Sides of the Brain: A Life in Neuroscience

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
🔬 Science Neuroscience Memoir
  1. The memoir 'Tales from Both Sides of the Brain: A Life in Neuroscience' by Michael Gazzaniga discusses his personal and professional journey in cognitive neuroscience, focusing on his work with split-brain patients.
  2. Split-brain patients are individuals who have undergone a procedure that severs the corpus callosum, leading to unique insights into brain function and consciousness.
  3. The memoir provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of cognitive neuroscience and the complexities of the human brain.

My Father

Natural Selections • 17 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Family Memoir Food Travel Traditions
  1. The author reflects on her father's life, memories, and impact after his passing.
  2. The father was a strong and adventurous person, eager to teach his children but kept many of his thoughts to himself.
  3. He had a love for nature, mathematics, food, and life, leaving a lasting impression on his family.

From Blog to Breakdown to Book

As If We Were Staying • 1 implied HN point • 13 Sep 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Memoir Essays Creative Nonfiction
  1. The journey to writing a book can be tough, filled with challenges that test your determination. It's important to embrace these struggles as part of the learning process.
  2. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help shape your writing and connect with readers. Authentically blending life lessons with broader themes can create a compelling narrative.
  3. Consistency is key in writing. Setting deadlines and regularly producing work helps improve your craft and keeps your creative energy flowing.

A letter to my 4 year old self

Minor Musings • 1 implied HN point • 01 Aug 24
📚 Literature Essays Memoir Personal Growth Self-reflection Writing
  1. It's okay to feel different and misunderstood. Everyone is unique with their own strengths and skills, and that's what makes us special.
  2. You have a gift for experiencing life deeply, which can confuse others. Sharing your perspective can help them understand and connect with you better.
  3. By being open and sharing your experiences, you can form strong connections with others and brighten their world.

My Forthcoming Novel, and Why I Won't Write a Mental Illness Memoir

Freddie deBoer • 2 HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Memoir Fiction Mental health
  1. The author is excited about publishing a novel titled 'The Mind Reels.' It's the story of a young woman going insane, slowly and then rapidly.
  2. The author avoids writing a mental illness memoir because he doesn't want to glamorize or romanticize his struggles. He believes the reality of mental illness is mostly mundane and not engaging.
  3. The author feels unable to accurately recall key experiences due to memory issues from mental illness and medication. He prefers to write about mental health from a more detached viewpoint in nonfiction.

Rob Henderson's *Troubled*

In My Tribe • 1 HN point • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Youth Social Mobility
  1. Upward social mobility should be a result of focusing on family, stability, and emotional well-being for children.
  2. Teen years can be a time of overwhelming pressure to fit in and be accepted by peers, leading to actions that may not be in one's best interest.
  3. Books like 'Manchild in the Promised Land' and 'Random Family' explore the challenges faced by troubled youth in different cultural contexts, highlighting the importance of fitting in and finding acceptance.

used to have helluv parties . . .

the rohn report • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 20
📚 Literature Memoir
  1. The author reminisces about past parties and the memories associated with them.
  2. Reflecting on the past can bring about vivid memories and emotions, even if others may not fully understand or believe them.
  3. Imagination can lead to creative actions, like making a fire to welcome the rain, showcasing unique expressions and experiences.

Talking grief and Goodreads with "Seeing Ghosts" author Kat Chow

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 24 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Memoir Writing Grief Family
  1. Writing a book can be a profound process of navigating grief and loss, shaping personal identity, and connecting with family history.
  2. Publishing a memoir can be a vulnerable experience as the book's narrative becomes open to interpretation and projection by readers.
  3. A memoir reflects a part, not all, of the author's life, offering a narrative with a collection of memories that mirror the complexity of grief.

I Apologize for My Memoir

The Reclamation Era • 0 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Comedy Satire Memoir Storytelling
  1. The author is excited to share a new satirical piece they've published, reflecting on the challenges of writing a memoir. It's important for writers to balance their own experiences with how their audience might feel.
  2. They recently enjoyed the Eras movie with friends and family, which stirred up fond memories of attending a Taylor Swift concert. The film resonated deeply with them.
  3. There's an upcoming storytelling event in Denver that promises a mix of laughter and connection. It's a chance for locals to come together and enjoy personal stories.

On Writing Across Mediums

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 21
📚 Literature Writing Genres Memoir Resources Workshops
  1. Writing across different genres has unique challenges, but there are many lessons to learn that can help improve your skills.
  2. There are valuable resources available for writers, especially for BIPOC, including mentoring collectives and online guides.
  3. Participating in community events, like readings and fundraisers, can connect you with other writers and promote important causes.

Come Read and Write With Us!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 11 Nov 20
📚 Literature Writing Workshops Memoir Fiction
  1. There are upcoming writing activities and workshops for those interested in writing. It's a chance to connect with fellow writers and explore new techniques together.
  2. One event will be a book discussion group focusing on writing-related books. Anyone is welcome to join, even if they haven't read the book yet.
  3. Another event is a writing session on Zoom where people can write together. It's a good way to stay motivated and get your writing done.