The hottest Novels Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Did novels stop mattering in the 2010s?

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 7343 implied HN points β€’ 01 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Impact Novels Cultural influence Publication
  1. Cultural impact of novels is more than just sales figures; it's about influencing discourse and defining eras.
  2. Recent literary novels may have lacked the same level of cultural impact as those from previous decades like the 2010s.
  3. Novels like 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney were noted for their importance in millennial writing, but their cultural impact may have been less significant compared to previous literary giants.

The life of a common reader

The Common Reader β€’ 1027 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Classics Biography Reading Novels Writers
  1. Remember the importance of nurturing your inner self and being uniquely you instead of blindly imitating others.
  2. Biographies can reveal controversial and intimate details, sparking debates on how much should be shared, yet some believe in telling everything.
  3. Common readers play a vital role in keeping great works alive, shaping a legacy of love for reading that extends across generations.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Paul Theroux

Why is this interesting? β€’ 1327 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Books Authors Novels Reading Writing
  1. Paul Theroux emphasizes the ease of staying updated on world events via online news sources and the convenience of assessing contradictions.
  2. Theroux recommends starting with Shakespeare for reading and emphasizes the satisfaction of diving into his works.
  3. Theroux prefers trains over planes for travel and advocates for road trips for the sense of freedom they offer.

In pursuit of a masterpiece

The Novelleist β€’ 901 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Novels Art Creative Process Inspiration
  1. The author values creating a masterpiece in their writing, taking time to explore and research different elements.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of incorporating personal experiences and uniqueness into artistic work to differentiate it from others.
  3. The author recognizes the need to slow down the creative process to pursue a masterpiece, allowing for deeper exploration and refinement.
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The Arc of it All

CRAFT TALK β€’ 3636 implied HN points β€’ 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Novels Books Creativity Inspiration
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey and the unexpected evolution of their career.
  2. Writing novels is challenging but familiar, while exploring self-help books presented a new set of difficulties.
  3. The upcoming book focuses on creativity and writing, drawing inspiration from various voices to guide aspiring writers.

Q&A Thursday

Agents and Books β€’ 668 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Publishing Novels
  1. Focus on finishing your book before worrying about your query letter.
  2. You may change the beginning of your book several times during the drafting process.
  3. Don't stress about revealing too much in your query letter; keep an eye on publishing news instead.

Four Books I Loved Coming Out This Spring

Counter Craft β€’ 270 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Book recommendations Authors Novels Short Stories
  1. The author recommends four excellent books coming out soon that they have read and loved.
  2. The books cover a range of genres and writing styles, from contemporary fiction to surreal and fantastical literature.
  3. The author shares insights on the books including plot summaries and their personal connections to some of the authors.

Fiction seekers, your search ends here!

The Lifeboat β€’ 275 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Short Stories Novels Sci-fi Fantasy Romance
  1. The post provides a curated index of fiction works by the author, spanning various genres like sci-fi, fantasy, dark comedy, and romance, making it easy for fiction seekers to explore based on their interests.
  2. The author emphasizes sharing similar lists as a way to support fellow writers and engage with a community of fiction enthusiasts.
  3. The post also mentions the availability of both digital and physical versions of the author's work, with an invitation to readers to sign up for updates and leave comments.

Here's a Sample Short Story

donaldjeffries β€’ 668 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Short Stories Novels Authors
  1. The author shares a sample short story that delves into a young girl's encounter with supernatural shadows in Georgetown.
  2. The story explores themes of fear, family dynamics, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the protagonist's sister's death.
  3. An eerie and suspenseful tale that leaves readers with a chilling ending that hints at the sinister forces at play within the narrative.

Interlude: The Problem With The Boxcar Children Is They Never Got To Spend Enough Time In The Boxcar

The Chatner β€’ 1297 implied HN points β€’ 07 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Children's literature Analysis Authors Novels Character development
  1. The Boxcar Children only lived in the boxcar in the first book and never returned to it in the series.
  2. The children should have spent more time living in the boxcar and maintaining their independence.
  3. The boxcar symbolizes a lost home and true happiness for The Boxcar Children, which they can never fully reclaim.

"Knowledge is the novel’s only morality."

Sucks to Suck β€’ 1533 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Themes Characters Influence
  1. Knowledge is the novel's only morality according to Milan Kundera, suspending moral judgment is the novel's wisdom.
  2. Milan Kundera introduced a skeptical psychological view of humanity, emphasizing introspection over projection.
  3. Kundera's work delves into the importance of memory, the relationship between slowness and memory, and the nature of friendships and secrets.

Welcome to new subscribers

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair β€’ 1022 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Authors Novels Awards Publication Genres
  1. The Substack newsletter welcomes 500 new subscribers with free access and showcases the work of writer Lorenzo Warby.
  2. The author, Helen Dale, uses her platform to promote and support Lorenzo's essays and work.
  3. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics including politics and culture, with a focus on unique perspectives and interpretations.

Richard Cook on Bill Clinton the War Criminal, Rafiq on Atan the Revolutionary

Kevin’s Newsletter β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Presidents Books Novels Ideologies Global Politics
  1. Richard Cook critiques Bill Clinton's presidency, highlighting his role in transitioning the US into a state of global domination through war.
  2. Rafiq's novel 'Atan the Revolutionary' delves into spiritual battles and the clash between indigenous wisdom and the power of the bankster-dominated Deep State.
  3. The text includes references to debates on controversial topics like 9/11 conspiracies and the challenges faced by those who question the mainstream narrative.

In Conversation With: Tyler Jones

So Here’s a Thing β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 10 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Horror Fiction Writing Novels Themes
  1. In writing, sometimes the trigger for ideas can be something as simple as a horse on a foggy morning that sparks the imagination.
  2. Horror fiction allows for deep exploration of themes like loss and grief, presenting them in a way that can resonate with readers on a personal level.
  3. The spare prose in writing can allow readers to bring their own emotions and interpretations to the story, creating a more engaging and participatory experience.

How Novellas Became Novels

Counter Craft β€’ 566 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Novels
  1. Slim novels are popular now, even though they were once considered unpublishable.
  2. Novel 'Open Throat' by Henry Hoke was discussed at a book event.
  3. Consider subscribing to Counter Craft for more insights and a 7-day free trial.

Copy and paste

gen yeet β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Criticism Poetry Authors Novels Writing
  1. Intertextuality explores the relationship between texts and their cultural environments.
  2. Writing can be seen as a collage, with language harvested and organized like pieces of a puzzle.
  3. Craft in writing can involve playful word experimentation and the incorporation of multiple voices.

A Tale of Yachts and Yacht-Nots

Litverse β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Authors Novels Themes Critique Historical context
  1. The writing in Hemingway's 'To Have and To Have Not' showcases a deep exploration of characters' actions over their feelings, with strong themes of desperation and survival.
  2. The novel delves into the moral ambiguity of characters like Harry Morgan, who navigates ethical dilemmas in a harsh and unforgiving world, where decisions are made in the moment without much thought for consequences.
  3. Hemingway's work from his pre-World War II era, like 'To Have and To Have Not,' highlights a shift towards vulnerability and social commentary, reflecting his evolving perspective on human nature and societal injustices.

The Novelist and the Fighter Pilot

Don't Save Anything β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 07 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Authors Novels Influences Writing Literary Analysis
  1. The writer James Salter and a man from the author's church were revealed to have known each other from their time serving as fighter pilots in the Korean War.
  2. Flight in the early 20th century transformed human perspective, influencing art and bringing a new aesthetic, like the discovery of perspective in drawing in the 15th century.
  3. The author reflects on the influence of Salter's work but also recognizes the importance of not idealizing an artist, appreciating the lessons drawn from different individuals, like Bob Boyd.

When I Got Knifed

Sundman figures it out! β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jul 23
πŸ“š 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.

What I've Been Reading | August 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Philosophy Authors Novels Book Reviews
  1. The Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante is a complex series exploring female friendships and societal projections.
  2. Bronze Age Mindset by Bronze Age Pervert provides wild speculation and insight on evolution and societal norms.
  3. Nazi Literature in the Americas and By Night in Chile by Roberto BolaΓ±o offer intriguing perspectives on fascist literary figures and political reflections.

Simenon-on-Sea

Mister Slang β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 31 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Mystery Fiction Author Crime Novels
  1. Georges Simenon was a prolific and internationally renowned author with a vast body of work that includes detective novels and 'romans durs.'
  2. The sea and coastal towns played a significant role in Simenon's fiction, providing atmospheric backdrops for his plots and reflecting his personal experiences and interests.
  3. Simenon's writings often explore themes of human nature, criminality, and escapism, where the sea symbolizes freedom, danger, and the complexities of life.