The hottest Narrative Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

against narrative

internet princess • 50282 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Narrative Emotion Identity Art
  1. Love can be really complicated and messy, and it's common to have both good and painful experiences in a relationship. Sometimes we find ourselves questioning if we were good or bad partners.
  2. People often want to turn their experiences into neat stories to make sense of them, but real feelings and relationships are much more complex and can't always fit into a simple narrative.
  3. Accepting the complexity of our emotions and experiences, rather than just trying to find answers, can be liberating and help us truly live with our feelings.

Israel And Its Apologists Weaponize Sympathy In Order To Facilitate Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1890 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Control Public Opinion Manipulation Narrative
  1. People often play the victim to gain sympathy, which helps them control the narrative around important issues. Sympathy makes others more likely to believe their stories.
  2. Manipulators use sympathy as a weapon to get what they want, whether it's attention, resources, or power. This dynamic is seen in various situations, including political debates.
  3. It's important to be cautious about where we direct our sympathy. If it's used manipulatively, it can lead to harm for others, especially in complex situations like international conflicts.

A Salute to Every Tolstoy Across Borders

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 5396 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Cultural Studies Narrative
  1. There's no clear line between 'solid' and 'liquid' countries. Everyone faces challenges and changes, regardless of where they live.
  2. Literature should include diverse voices from around the world. We shouldn't reduce cultures to simple categories like 'literate' or 'pre-literate.'
  3. All societies struggle with their own issues. Literature helps us understand these struggles and find a better path forward.

Chapter 31: Koa doesn't take the news well

PASSAGES • 1139 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Storytelling Character development Emotional
  1. Koa feels anxious about leaving her home in the Valley. She is not ready to leave the only place she has known as home.
  2. Koa discovers surprising and upsetting news about her family, which makes her feel lost and confused. She is starting to question who she really is.
  3. She experiences something new and exciting when taken to a diner, showing her curiosity about the world outside the Valley. The meal brings her joy but also adds to her feelings of uncertainty.

ANGEL FIRE

Unbound • 293 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character development Literary themes
  1. Ben is released from prison and tries to adjust to the real world, moving from a fantasy life back to reality. He feels excited but also scared about what lies ahead.
  2. He finds a job at a coffee shop called The Orbiter, which suits him well and helps him rediscover his love for storytelling and imagination. The owner, Ollie, believes in him and offers him a chance to rebuild his life.
  3. Ben encounters hostility from a group that hates imagination and creative pursuits, leading him to confront his past and the darker parts of society he now wants to navigate. He is determined to stand up for what he cares about.
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Chapter 30: Kent continues investigating Koa

PASSAGES • 1478 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Narrative Storytelling Novels
  1. Kent is investigating a case involving a woman named Mary Anderson, who had a stillborn baby twenty years ago. He is trying to confirm if she had a specific procedure after the delivery.
  2. Kent speaks with Dr. Samuel Ito, the doctor who delivered Mary's baby, to get answers. However, Dr. Ito is very cautious because of patient confidentiality rules.
  3. While waiting to hear back from the doctor, Kent reflects on his day and thinks about Koa, showing that he has personal feelings connected to his investigation.

Stephen King's 'Creepiest' Short Story

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 198 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Horror Short Stories Authors Narrative
  1. "The Raft" is a short story by Stephen King that tells about four friends who go swimming and end up trapped on a raft with a dangerous creature below them.
  2. The characters have typical young adult problems like love and jealousy, making their doom even more relatable and scary.
  3. The story is not just about the creature, but it's also about the darker sides of human nature lurking beneath the surface.

The Performance of Pride

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 85 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Novels Authors Narrative Themes
  1. Shuggie Bain learns to dance as a way to escape his tough life, but he still feels the pressure of others watching him. His mother encourages him to keep dancing despite the difficulties.
  2. The novel highlights how appearances can hide deeper sorrows, like Shuggie's mother trying to maintain a sense of pride even in hard times. It's about how people present themselves to the world, even when they are struggling inside.
  3. Shuggie feels different and vulnerable due to his sexuality and difficult home life. The story shows how environments can trap people, making it hard to break free from poverty and pain.

Chapter 29: Jud and his family visit the Valley

PASSAGES • 1278 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Writing Character development Narrative
  1. Jud and his family are traveling down a narrow and steep road into Waimalia Valley. It's a bit scary, but they are excited to see the wild horses.
  2. The journey brings a sense of responsibility for Jud as he drives with his family in the truck. He wants to keep them safe while they explore.
  3. On the way, Jud meets a local driver, which shows the community feel of the area. It’s nice to see locals enjoying the valley just like his family.

Hector Saves His Dad

Postcards From Barsoom • 1863 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
⚔ Fiction Creative Writing Literature Storytelling Narrative
  1. A boy named Hector goes on a journey to help his dad, showing the strong bond between family members. This story highlights the importance of love and support in difficult times.
  2. The author feels guilty for not doing more for his supporters and wants to offer something special by putting his fiction behind a paywall. This decision is meant to reward those who truly value his work.
  3. Fiction often struggles to get attention and engagement compared to other topics like politics. The author hopes that by offering fiction for paid subscribers, he can encourage more people to appreciate this art form.

Northern Courage Was Just Coping

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 316 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology Rituals Performance Identity Narrative
  1. Northern Courage is not true bravery. Instead, it often masks a refusal to accept reality and allows people to keep performing rituals instead of facing the truth.
  2. Collapse in society isn't loud or dramatic. It's quiet and gradual, with traditions and myths losing their meaning over time, ultimately becoming mere performances without substance.
  3. True change requires honesty and stillness rather than unnecessary action. To rebuild, it’s important to let go of old forms and allow new possibilities to emerge.

Chapter 27: Koa goes topside

PASSAGES • 1638 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Narrative Character development
  1. Koa experiences a new way of exploring the world while riding in a truck, feeling like she's on a boat. This shows her that movement can change how she sees things around her without needing to slow down.
  2. As they drive, Koa reflects on her home in the Valley and feels both comforted by it and overwhelmed by the outside world. She realizes she knows her home well, but is also curious about what lies beyond.
  3. Koa struggles with her emotions about leaving the Valley, wishing she could stay forever but trying to embrace the new experiences. It's a mix of fear and excitement when facing the unknown.

An In-Depth Profile of JSR and The Hinternet

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 293 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Creative Writing Narrative
  1. Justin Smith-Ruiu shares his unique blend of nonfiction and speculative fiction, creating stories that reflect his personal vision. His work is described as vast and deeply engaging, allowing readers to explore surreal narratives.
  2. He emphasizes that the internet can offer a new kind of storytelling, different from traditional forms. He believes writing should match the digital medium's potential, rather than just mimic paper formats.
  3. JSR's journey to creative writing was a personal realization that he needed to pursue his true passions without waiting for others' approval. He values freedom in expression and encourages making things happen on one's own terms.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 33

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Storytelling Character development Narrative Themes
  1. Len has found a new purpose in his retirement by managing an Internet sector mutual fund. It's surprising how his career took a turn he never expected.
  2. Cassie is now a single mom and Len is thrilled to be her child's godfather. Family roles can change, but that doesn't mean they can't bring happiness.
  3. Len is thinking about the future, considering how to help his goddaughter and honoring his late brother. It's important to think about legacy and the impact we can have on others.

Shorter Writing is Not Better Writing: An Argumentative Treatise

Freddie deBoer • 8694 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Criticism Essays Narrative Style
  1. Short writing isn't always better writing. Sometimes, longer pieces can explain complex ideas better than short ones.
  2. The push for brevity in writing often leads to dull and similar-sounding work. Good writing should capture unique voices and ideas without fear of being too lengthy.
  3. Many writers feel pressured to write short because of trends, not because it's the best way to express their thoughts. Confidence in one's own style is important.

Best of The Free Press: Stories That Stirred My Soul

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1697 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism Human Interest Narrative Art Personal essays
  1. It's important to be aware of the things around us that we often overlook. Being humble and curious helps us see the bigger picture in life.
  2. Stories can deeply connect us to the experiences of others, helping us appreciate what we have. They remind us of the beauty and struggles in the world.
  3. Leaving a legacy goes beyond having children; we can create beauty through our actions and creativity. Even small things, like a rosebush, can have a lasting impact.

Excel at Assimilation

antoniomelonio • 75 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Creative Writing Storytelling Narrative
  1. Getting stuck in repetitive tasks can feel overwhelming, like being trapped in a never-ending loop with no escape. It's important to find a way out of that cycle to regain your sense of control.
  2. People often define themselves by how they're measured at work, which can feel dehumanizing. We shouldn't let our worth be reduced to numbers and data points.
  3. Finding moments of nostalgia and connection to simpler times can help revive our spirit amidst the chaos of modern work life. Those memories can provide comfort and hope for a better balance.

The End

Story Club with George Saunders • 52 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Book clubs Narrative Storytelling
  1. The story 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' has a powerful ending that raises many thoughts and feelings. It's a perfect example of how storytelling can deeply impact us.
  2. As you read stories, pay attention to what captures your interest or confuses you. These moments can lead to deeper understanding and help improve your own writing.
  3. Discussing stories in a group can enhance your experience. Sharing questions and thoughts can lead to exciting discoveries and insights into the text.

on one-sidedness

bookbear express • 187 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Gender Relationships Feminism Narrative
  1. Some books tell stories about women who love men who don't love them back, which can feel pretty sad. Society often views this kind of love as something weak or pitiful.
  2. People usually try to match the energy that others give them in relationships. If someone doesn't seem interested, many believe it's best to move on, but staying in love can feel like a problem you need to fix.
  3. Limerence, or intense infatuation, can have meaning and might push you to change something in your life. But sometimes, it feels frustrating and pointless, leaving you unsure of what to do next.

Turning Off the TV in Your Mind

Counter Craft • 1344 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Narrative Prose
  1. Writing fiction is different from watching TV. When you write, you should focus on words and deep thoughts, not just what you see on a screen.
  2. Prose allows writers to control time and characters' inner thoughts. This means you can skip boring details and dive deeper into what characters feel and think.
  3. It's important to remember that Point of View (POV) is subjective in writing. Describe things from a character's perspective to add depth and personality, rather than giving a neutral view like a camera.

Change the Narrative

Personality Disorder • 79 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Baseball Media Analysis Commentary Narrative
  1. People are using the word 'narrative' too much, instead of just saying 'story'. Using the simpler term makes communication clearer.
  2. When someone talks about a 'narrative', they often mean how people are talking about a situation rather than just stating facts. This can make the conversation less genuine.
  3. Focusing on the actual event or story, rather than the narrative around it, can help us see things more clearly and appreciate the real impact of what happens.

Palm Beach, Tower D

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 449 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Themes Cultural critique Dystopia
  1. The Four Towers represent distinct areas of life in a revolutionary society, each with its own culture and traditions. People feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when crossing between these Towers due to their unique customs.
  2. Tower A focuses on transportation, where appointments are needed for travel. Cultural highlights include a beloved drone opera that humorously contrasts its artistic interpretation with its practical origins from the past.
  3. The Ministry of Communication, based in Tower D, reflects changes in how people interact. It encourages a collaborative approach to resolve conflicts rather than deepening divides, showcasing how communication has evolved since the revolution.

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.

When you dream, what do you dream about?

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Poetry Narrative Creative Writing
  1. Dreaming about love can feel very real and personal. It's a chance to think about what we truly desire in life.
  2. Fear often holds us back from chasing our dreams and expressing our feelings. Recognizing this fear is the first step to overcoming it.
  3. Living in the present is just as important as dreaming about the future. Enjoying today can lead to meaningful moments and connections.

Puppies and Processes

The Fry Corner • 2278 implied HN points • 24 May 24
😂 Humor Satire Life Social Commentary Entertainment Narrative
  1. People often make the same mistakes repeatedly, even after being conned. It's common to forget past experiences when presented with new opportunities.
  2. Instead of learning a lesson from a bad experience, many might still seek out similar situations, hoping for different outcomes.
  3. This tendency to be naive can be frustrating, as we might all fall into the trap of trusting too easily, despite knowing better.

Finding A Voice

The Fry Corner • 4516 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Style Autobiography Narrative Self-Expression
  1. Finding your voice in writing takes time and self-discovery. It's a journey about understanding your unique style.
  2. Many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially in childhood when compared to peers.
  3. Experiences of feeling like an outsider can lead to deeper insights, which can shape one's creative expression.

How Miles Davis Hired John Coltrane

The Honest Broker • 8710 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎶 Music Jazz Artists Narrative Biography Music Industry
  1. Miles Davis hired John Coltrane out of necessity, as his band needed a saxophonist for an upcoming tour.
  2. John Coltrane's musical talent and knowledge of Miles Davis's repertoire impressed during tryouts, leading to his eventual hiring.
  3. Their initial interactions were characterized by Miles Davis's aloofness and Coltrane's uncertainty, but despite difficulties, Coltrane eventually joined Davis's band.

To All This Fuckery

The Lifeboat • 195 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Narrative Prose Short Stories
  1. The story explores deep thoughts and feelings about beauty and life's complexities. The main character feels disconnected while everyone else interacts, highlighting a struggle to feel present.
  2. Friendship and shared moments are shown to be important. The gathering at the dacha is cozy and enjoyable, even while the protagonist remains skeptical of their friendships.
  3. Drinking alcohol is a new experience for the protagonist, leading to thoughts about identity and control. She reflects on her life, her dreams of escape, and how these moments shape her perspective.

Understanding Luigi Mangione

Philosophy bear • 500 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ideology Biography Narrative Agency Social Psychology
  1. Luigi Mangione's journey shows how complex a person's beliefs can be. He seemed to struggle with various political ideas throughout his life, often changing directions.
  2. People often don’t think strictly in political terms, but rather look for answers to different issues independently. This highlights the difficulty in fitting people into rigid ideological boxes.
  3. Luigi's story underlines the importance of feeling included in communities, especially for those wanting to make the world a better place. A lack of belonging can lead to frustration and misguided actions.

Adjusting the Levels in Revision

Counter Craft • 717 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Revision Narrative Creativity
  1. Revision is a critical part of writing where your draft transforms into a book. It's exciting because you see your ideas take shape, but it can also feel tough as you have to make tough choices about what stays and what goes.
  2. Writers typically fall into two categories: cutters and expanders. Cutters like to trim down their drafts, while expanders focus on building up their stories with more detail.
  3. It's important to maintain a balanced narrative throughout your story. This means looking at how much dialogue, description, and action you have in each chapter to ensure the pacing and flow of the book feels consistent.

Notes on Chapter 24

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Character Plot Themes
  1. A young man named Len travels to New York to find his brother, discovering how to survive by working odd jobs and following leads. He learns his brother went to Russia as part of the Merchant Marine.
  2. Len recalls moments where he helped catch criminals, highlighting that even accountants can be heroes in tough situations, similar to how Al Capone was taken down.
  3. Len gets a chance to be on a public TV show about the Internet, which excites him and his family as they recognize it might fulfill his long-held dreams.

The Hoaxer

Unbound • 613 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Creative Writing
  1. The story explores a father-son relationship centered around the father's obsession with creating hoaxes, particularly involving mythical creatures and odd phenomena. This shows how a unique bond can be built through shared secrets.
  2. It highlights the father's deeper struggles with personal fulfillment and dissatisfaction in life, demonstrating that his hoaxes are a way to escape from mundane reality and create excitement.
  3. The narrative also touches on themes of family dynamics, including the impact of the father's actions on the mother and son, and how these affect their perceptions of truth and trust in relationships.

[OVERRIDE]

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 673 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Narrative Creative Writing Literary Criticism Storytelling
  1. The work consists of ten chapters that form a serial metafiction written by the same author, despite featuring different fictional names. Each chapter contributes to a bigger story that explores themes of authorship and reality.
  2. The author emphasizes that from this point onward, nothing else can be considered a part of the 'Work'. Any future contributions under fictional names will either be collaborations or individual essays, and misunderstanding them as part of the 'Work' is a reader's concern.
  3. There is a call for deeper engagement from readers to understand the complexities of internet-specific fiction. The author aims to challenge readers' attention spans and encourages them to explore the narrative more richly.

What Really Happened to George Floyd?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7776 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📰 News Crime Journalism Documentary Trial Narrative
  1. A new documentary challenges key parts of the George Floyd story: the knee-on-the-neck hold as Chauvin's signature move, asphyxiation as the cause of death, and whether Chauvin received a fair trial.
  2. The full footage of the incident shows more context than the viral clip - officers had tried to place Floyd in the squad car and Chauvin's knee was not on Floyd's neck for as long as widely believed.
  3. Chauvin's criminal trial presented an opportunity to reassess the evidence and public opinion, with the prosecution having to prove Chauvin's actions constituted assault and caused Floyd's death.

The Ideology of the Dangerous Female

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Society Gender Narrative Mythology
  1. The 'Dangerous Female' concept explores how women can be seen as powerful or chaotic forces in society. It's interesting to think about the balance of power between genders.
  2. In the 2024 film 'Nosferatu,' women are portrayed as summoning dark, ancient powers. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative about femininity and danger.
  3. The film suggests that men often fail to recognize or stop these chaotic forces from women. It raises questions on awareness and the dynamics in gender relationships.