The hottest Personal Substack posts right now

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14 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 257 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Publishing Stories Personal
  1. There are 14 pitch opportunities from various paying publications this week. Writers can find specific calls for stories in areas like lifestyle, food, and niche topics.
  2. When pitching personal stories, it's helpful to start with a specific moment that highlights larger themes. This gives editors a better sense of your writing style and story arc.
  3. Sharing your journey or unique experiences can lead to deeper connections in your writing. Make sure to convey how situations change over time in your pitches.

Who Else Is Feeling This In Their Body

Culture Study • 9438 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Essays Personal Resilience Wellness Mental health
  1. It's important to take your own feelings seriously, as well as the feelings of others. We often avoid acknowledging our true emotions.
  2. Resilience can mean carrying a lot of emotional and physical weight without realizing it. We need to recognize how it affects our bodies.
  3. Sometimes we create excuses for our struggles instead of facing them. Understanding what we feel can help us cope better.

Car trouble

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1328 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
😂 Humor Personal Philosophical
  1. Sometimes we spend too much time trying to figure out problems instead of actually looking at them closely. Instead of thinking too much, it might be better to observe what's happening directly.
  2. It's easy to get caught up in analyzing complex issues without taking action. Getting stuck in thought can prevent us from finding simple solutions.
  3. In life, not everything needs a deep understanding. Sometimes, just gathering more information and looking at the situation can lead to better outcomes.

15 things I consumed this thing

Maybe Baby • 550 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Parenting Personal Politics Trends
  1. A lot is happening with the Israel-Hamas conflict and there was a recent ceasefire agreement discussed in a New Yorker interview. It's interesting to learn how these agreements come about.
  2. Balancing life with a toddler can be tough, especially when they keep you up at night. It shows how parenting can be challenging and exhausting.
  3. Consuming different media can give us fresh perspectives on ongoing events. It’s good to stay informed and think about how various stories connect to our lives.
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This isn't what I wanted to write

Both Are True • 282 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Personal Creativity Expression Anecdotes
  1. It's okay to feel unsure and doubt your writing. Everyone goes through that, and it's part of the creative process.
  2. There isn't a perfect way to express your thoughts. What matters is that you share your feelings and ideas, even if they aren't flawless.
  3. Taking action, like writing something, is better than doing nothing. Every piece of writing contributes to your growth.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Trends Personal Social
  1. People are consuming a lot of different media each week. It's interesting to see what others are watching, reading, or listening to.
  2. Oral histories and interviews can provide deep insights into culture and entertainment. They can be both fascinating and sometimes a bit sad to reflect on.
  3. Entertainment news and celebrity gossip can spark discussions and speculation among fans. It's fun to wonder about the lives of celebrities, like if Kylie is pregnant.

Open Thread 360

Astral Codex Ten • 4955 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Discussion Social Personal Events
  1. You can talk about anything and ask questions in the open thread. It's a space for sharing thoughts and connecting with others.
  2. There's a survey for people who consider themselves effective altruists to participate in. It's a way to share insights about giving and doing good.
  3. A new post will be shared for subscribers, celebrating the author's children turning one. It likely includes reflections on parenting and life.

Woe's Weekend in D.C.

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Events Reviews Culture Personal
  1. The author shares their recent trip to Washington D.C. for an event, talking about the excitement and experiences they had during the weekend.
  2. They mention personal interactions with famous people and include behind-the-scenes photos, making the content special for paid subscribers.
  3. Despite being known for spicy political commentary, this article has a more optimistic tone, suggesting the author is in a good mood and looking forward to engaging with their audience.

New York City

Tao Lin • 499 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Events Personal Cinema
  1. The author is in New York City for a week, where he will host a reading and lecture. He has been to New York several times before and enjoys the experience.
  2. He plans to talk about his cat Nini during the reading, sharing personal stories and experiences, including Nini's health issues.
  3. The author hopes to sell art prints at the reading to help cover his travel expenses, as he is not being paid for the reading itself.

Summer Reading

The Bell Ringer • 99 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Education Culture Personal
  1. Summer is a time when many people take breaks from work and enjoy vacations, especially in education. It's a chance to relax and step away from the usual busy schedule.
  2. Reading books during the summer can be a great way to unwind and enjoy downtime. It’s a good opportunity to explore different genres and authors.
  3. Having a stack of unread books can sometimes feel overwhelming but also exciting. It shows that there are many stories and ideas waiting to be discovered.

A window well wonderland

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Nature Lifestyle Personal Narrative
  1. The writer enjoys the view from their new apartment, especially the unique window well. It's a cozy spot with moss, leaves, and small creatures.
  2. Each morning, the writer checks on the wildlife in the window well, showing a sense of connection to nature.
  3. The writer has named a frog, Aloysius, which highlights their playful and imaginative perspective on everyday life.

Budget Little House

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Entertainment Audio Culture Personal
  1. Generosity from others helped the author recover from a flood disaster. It’s important to reach out for support when facing tough times.
  2. Creating a budget for living expenses is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Managing money wisely can help prevent financial difficulties in the future.
  3. Personal stories and experiences can bring people together and foster a sense of community. Sharing challenges and achievements can inspire others.

Good News and Bad News

Default Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Personal Community Creativity Social Issues
  1. The author is working on a difficult piece that has been in progress for years and feels a lot of pressure to finish it. The urgency comes from wanting to provide the detail it truly needs.
  2. Childcare challenges have made it harder for the author to keep up with tasks, including responding to others' messages.
  3. The post is shared with paid subscribers, highlighting a sense of exclusivity and possibly in-depth discussion of the author's experiences.

The penultimate push

Splattern • 139 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🏝 Travel Outdoor Adventure Culture Personal Fitness
  1. The author is nearing the end of their marathon journey and feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. They are looking forward to celebrating with their dad and connecting with family and friends.
  2. They stayed with some friendly hosts who reminded them of the good things about Seattle, like outdoor activities and homemade food. It made them appreciate the city's unique culture.
  3. The author is also dealing with feelings of being out of place as they enter more urban areas, but acknowledges that reintegrating into society can be challenging yet normal.

Mornings with his Majesty

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Pets Lifestyle Arts Humor Personal
  1. Mornings are special times, often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. They can be a great way to start the day peacefully.
  2. Cats can have unique personalities, and some seem to have a strong awareness of their surroundings. It's fun to watch how they behave and interact with their environment.
  3. Having a pet can bring joy and companionship, making mornings feel more lively and interesting. Spending time with them can create cherished moments.

Why I didn't wear a tie

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Essays Narrative Personal Reflections
  1. The author decided not to wear a tie this year at a family New Year party, breaking a long-standing tradition.
  2. This decision was influenced by a family member's recent serious health scare, which made the author want to feel less formal and more connected.
  3. The story highlights how personal and emotional events can change our perspectives and choices about traditions.

The small things

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 42 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Personal Reflection Inspiration Creativity
  1. Small moments in life can really shape our mood and creativity. It's important to notice and appreciate these little things.
  2. Private experiences often influence what we feel inspired to write about. Writing can be deeply personal and connected to our feelings.
  3. Taking the time to reflect on our daily experiences can help us understand ourselves better. This can lead to richer and more meaningful writing.

Happy New Year

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎙 Podcasts Media Entertainment Communication Culture Personal
  1. The author is starting a new chapter in life as they wrap up a 20-year career. It's a big change for them.
  2. There's a mix of excitement and sadness that comes with change. They acknowledge feeling a bit melancholic about what is being lost.
  3. The author looks forward to sharing new content in the upcoming year and appreciates the support from their subscribers.

And then there was one

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Family Culture Personal Adventure Charity
  1. Saying goodbye to family can be really hard, especially after spending a lot of time together. It's okay to feel sad but also thankful for the experiences shared.
  2. Running can be seen as easy since you only need shoes, but many people don't have access to proper footwear. This can make it hard for those in some communities to participate.
  3. Small acts can make a big difference. A charity started from a simple idea of giving away shoes is helping many people, showing how one person's actions can inspire others.

Story Seven

Stories From The Rail • 499 implied HN points • 17 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Personal Travel
  1. Minneapolis is a lovely city even when not in chaos, but visiting for court brought unexpected experiences.
  2. Left-handed people face challenges in a right-handed world, emphasizing adaptations in everyday tasks.
  3. Unexpected encounters during travel, like conversations and assistance at the airport, can offer unique and memorable moments.

Blue Skies

Nice Try • 19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
📚 Literature Essays Narratives Reflections Poetry Personal
  1. Looking up at the sky can remind us to appreciate the simple things in life. It's a healthy practice to slow down and notice what's around us.
  2. Taking time to breathe and reflect can bring peace and clarity. We often forget to pause and enjoy the moment amidst our busy lives.
  3. Setting small, personal goals, like looking at clouds more often, can lead to greater happiness. It's about finding joy in our everyday experiences.

Diary #18

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Personal Observations Reflection Society
  1. The author reflects on the nature of friendships in different environments like an office and social media.
  2. Isolation during the pandemic may have intensified the author's social ineptitude.
  3. The text conveys a sense of introspection and loneliness, with the author contemplating on thoughts and interactions.

Purples

Nice Try • 199 implied HN points • 26 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lifestyle Personal Humor
  1. Life is full of distractions, but they can be welcome ones. Whether it's cleaning or spending time with family, these activities help us cope.
  2. Ordering groceries online can lead to unexpected surprises, like receiving way too many cans of tuna. It's funny how mistakes can turn into unique challenges.
  3. Creative projects, like painting a room or using a synthesizer, can become overwhelming and messy. It's important to keep things simple and not lose track of what you intended to do.

no. 55: color block concrete

let them eat cake • 79 implied HN points • 01 Jun 22
🏝 Travel Cultural Food Personal
  1. The author experiences a complex mix of emotions when returning home to Singapore, feeling a blend of homesickness and discomfort.
  2. The newsletter explores the author's culinary adventures in Singapore, particularly enjoying visits to hawker centers.
  3. The author reflects on their journey to separate feelings of homesickness from feelings of discomfort in their home country.

January 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 39 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
📚 Literature Essays Writing Updates Personal Creative
  1. The author started their writing project in 2022 and is pleased with the work done so far.
  2. They want to improve their productivity in 2023 by sharing monthly updates to stay accountable.
  3. The updates will be posted on the first Friday of each month to track progress and keep engaged with readers.

January 7, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Personal
  1. Heather Cox Richardson is taking a night off to catch up on sleep after a vacation
  2. Her partner takes photos of places while she rests, bringing back coffee and pastries
  3. She appreciates the alternative experience of seeing places through his photos

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Personal
  1. Reflecting on the past year can help you appreciate the good moments. Making a list of 100 things that made your year can be a fun and rewarding exercise.
  2. Sharing recommendations like great books or music can inspire others. It’s a nice way to connect and spread positivity.
  3. A new year is a fresh start for many people. Setting resolutions or challenges can motivate you to achieve new goals.

Big mood

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Personal
  1. It's normal to feel mixed emotions, like love and loathing, especially during tough times.
  2. Reading music books can be a comforting way to reset your mood when you're feeling low.
  3. Putting your work out into the world takes bravery, and it's important to understand the risks involved.

Hello, World

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Writing Technology Personal
  1. The author wants to write about a variety of topics, especially tech and culture from the US and France. They feel current social media formats are not appealing.
  2. They aim to share thoughts through their writing, believing it helps in understanding them better, even if there isn't a big audience.
  3. The author plans to publish once a week, allowing themselves time to think about each post thoughtfully.

Writing in a Chaotic New Year

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
📚 Literature Writing Travel Workshops Creativity Personal
  1. Finding a quiet place to write can help reduce distractions, especially when working from home. A change of scenery may spark new ideas and help break bad habits.
  2. It's important to recognize the privilege that comes with traveling, especially during challenging times. Traveling responsibly while following safety protocols is key.
  3. Inviting friends to join you in a writing retreat can be beneficial. Collaborating with others can provide support and motivation to get work done.

Tin Sáng

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 13
🎭️ Culture Events Community Personal
  1. There were issues with hosting payment causing disruption to Tin Sáng, expected to be resolved by mid next week.
  2. No interference in TetCon 2014 organization mentioned, despite past restrictions in TetCon 2012.
  3. Personal commitments may lead to TetCon being postponed to spring/summer 2014, with tentative months set for March or June.

On a break...

QUALITY BOSS • 0 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🎭️ Culture Family Social Community Support Personal
  1. The creator is taking a short break due to a family emergency. It's important to prioritize family in tough times.
  2. They appreciate the support and understanding from their audience. It's nice to know that people care during difficult moments.
  3. The creator plans to return soon. Taking breaks can help recharge and come back stronger.