The hottest Personal essays Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

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.

Eating in bed, a lyric essay

Vittles • 333 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Culinary Arts Food Writing Personal essays
  1. Eating in bed is a cozy and intimate experience that can transform a small space into a comforting sanctuary. It feels special to share meals in this setting, where there are fewer formalities than at a dining table.
  2. Messiness isn't just seen as a hassle; it can show how relaxed and comfortable people are with each other. Sharing food in bed allows for a deeper connection and understanding between partners.
  3. Creating a personal 'nest' in bed can make everyday meals feel luxurious and cherished. It's a way to express love and care through small, thoughtful gestures like bringing each other unique treats.

Me and a Stapler of My Own

The Fry Corner • 2278 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Interviews Personal essays Journalism
  1. Many newspapers and magazines have fun questionnaire sections that ask interesting personal questions. These can reveal your favorite books or who you'd like to have dinner with.
  2. Some publications have a quick Q&A format that saves time and keeps things light. It’s an easy way for readers to learn about someone's daily life without deep interviews.
  3. People can often answer these questions through email, making it super convenient. This way, they can participate without the hassle of meeting in person.

Procrastination bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1218 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
😂 Humor Satire Commentary Personal essays Cultural critique Social Commentary
  1. Procrastination can lead to random thoughts and observations, often making it hard to focus. It's okay to let your mind wander sometimes, even if it feels unproductive.
  2. Frustration with social media is common, especially with annoying accounts. It's important to take control of your online experience by blocking or ignoring negative distractions.
  3. Humor can be found in everyday annoyances, like pointless things we buy or use. It’s good to laugh at silly things, like complicated salt grinders.

I ate a burrito from the middle

Situation Normal • 161 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture Culinary Arts Food Writing Personal essays
  1. Eating a burrito from the middle is a different approach that challenges traditional methods. It can lead to messy situations, but some people are curious about trying it.
  2. Finding answers and funding for bizarre stories can be tough, but communities can come together to support interesting journalism projects.
  3. Not every new idea or method is better than the traditional way. Sometimes sticking to what's easier, like eating a burrito vertically, just makes more sense.
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Toxic friends, Temu victims and the outskirts of reality

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 758 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Personal essays Internet culture Media industry
  1. The resurgence of personal essays is evident across various platforms and mediums, adapting to the changing online landscape.
  2. There appears to be a shift towards more personal storytelling as a response to the mundane and commercial nature of traditional and social media.
  3. The rise of personal narratives and essays may be tied to the decline of traditional media, showcasing a desire for more authentic and human connection in the digital age.

Being an idiot and writing your newsletter - an interview I did for Creator Spotlight

Both Are True • 139 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
😂 Humor Stand-up Personal essays Writing Techniques Community Building
  1. Building a newsletter can be a journey of personal expression and growth. Being honest in your writing helps connect with your audience.
  2. Working with other creators and communities can really help you grow your audience and improve your content. Collaboration makes things more fun and effective.
  3. It's okay to not have everything figured out. Embrace mistakes and keep learning as you go. Just talk to people about your work and take it seriously, but also keep it light.

KG: Fending off Selena Gomez in Bishkek

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing Cultural Exploration Personal essays Adventure
  1. Kyrgyzstan is a place that can feel both lonely and welcoming at the same time. The author experienced both isolation and a sense of community during their visits.
  2. Bishkek has changed over the years, becoming safer and more modern. The author's past experiences of danger have shifted to more everyday issues like taxi rides and music choices.
  3. Life in Kyrgyzstan is quite affordable and functional. People seem to get by, and while it may not have rich resources, there’s a sense of contentment in the everyday life.

The Rotor

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Creativity Personal essays Art
  1. Writing can be a source of freedom. Unlike sports, where failure can weigh you down, writing allows for exploration without fear of public judgment.
  2. Persistence is key to success in writing. It’s important to keep trying, even when faced with rejection, and to keep showing up to do the work.
  3. Minimize distractions to enhance your writing experience. Put away technology when you need to focus, and embrace the urge to write whenever it strikes.

Reviews of My Life

Nice Try • 379 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
📚 Literature Creative Writing Personal essays Narrative Nonfiction Memoir
  1. Unicycles seem to be a funny way to show how society has changed, and not always for the better. It's kind of silly to find two of them in the woods.
  2. Dealing with quirky problems, like porcupines eating your house, can push someone to become inventive. Adding salt licks to trees is a clever idea to keep them away.
  3. Electricity in old buildings can be a big headache. It’s good to know that if things go wrong, it can often just be a personal issue, not something beyond our control.

Many Such Cases: a formal relaunch

Many Such Cases • 559 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Social Issues Personal essays Online Communities Relationship Dynamics
  1. The newsletter focuses on exploring desire and how it affects our lives. It's about understanding our feelings and how they influence our interactions.
  2. There is a growing concern about the decline of sexual relationships and social connections in society. This change reflects a bigger problem with loneliness and isolation.
  3. The writer plans to share personal stories and thoughts regularly, and will also offer paid content with a community element. They want to engage with readers and help with their questions.

Franklin

Nice Try • 259 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Personal essays
  1. The story features a brother who has wild and dangerous adventures, highlighting the carefree yet reckless nature of childhood.
  2. The brother experiences significant moments, like almost drowning and getting soaked in diesel, that illustrate the risks he takes.
  3. Despite his troubles, the bond between the brothers remains strong, even as they face challenges without parental guidance.

Introducing The Breadcrumbs Project

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Personal essays Writing Community Childhood
  1. Nostalgia is powerful, and many people feel a strong pull to revisit their childhood homes and memories. It's important to acknowledge how these experiences have shaped who we are today.
  2. The 'I Am From' poem is a great tool to explore and express our backgrounds and stories. Writing about our past can reveal how childhood experiences influence our adult lives.
  3. The Breadcrumbs Project invites people to share personal essays about their experiences with 'going home.' It's a way to connect over shared memories and celebrate our unique journeys.

Someone you should read

Disaffected Newsletter • 219 implied HN points • 31 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Personal essays Family Dynamics Immigration Identity
  1. Ines Sabet's blog covers her experiences as a German emigrate to the US. She reflects on different topics, including family dynamics.
  2. Her latest post is very personal, sharing how she thinks and how others perceive her. This shows vulnerability in her writing.
  3. Reading her blog can provide insights into her unique perspective and experiences, making it a recommended read.

530: Road Trip in Paradise

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Personal essays Wildfires
  1. The film about the Paradise fire includes various voices and perspectives, showcasing the aftermath and people affected by the disaster. It's important to capture many experiences rather than just focusing on one narrative.
  2. The shooting experiences are a mix of challenges, ranging from difficulties with the main director to interesting local characters encountered during interviews. Filmmaking often involves navigating complex personalities and situations.
  3. The community in Paradise seems reluctant to change despite the devastating fire. Many prefer to stick to old ways despite the risks, showcasing a tension between progress and tradition.

Weak Man

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Personal essays Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The story explores the conflict between desire and reality in a man's relationships. He indulges in casual flings but ultimately feels empty and unsatisfied.
  2. Desi, the woman he becomes involved with, challenges his views on love and intimacy. She wants deeper connections and lives without limits, which contrasts his more superficial experiences.
  3. The protagonist struggles with his own weakness and cowardice. His inability to fully engage with Desi and his past choices lead to a sense of isolation and self-awareness.

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.

Memoir Is Sculpture, Fiction Is Painting

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 11 May 20
📚 Literature Memoir Fiction Art Creative Writing Personal essays
  1. Memoir is like sculpture; you shape a story from your real life. You start with the material of your experiences and craft them into something meaningful.
  2. Fiction is like painting; you're free to create and imagine without real-life limits. You decide how the story flows and can change things as you go along.
  3. Both memoir and fiction involve creativity, but they ask different skills. Memoir focuses on working with fixed life events, while fiction allows more imaginative freedom.

Blasts and baes and wtfs

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 14 Sep 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Grief Personal essays
  1. The internet and internet slang can contribute to English proficiency by teaching when to use casual language and when to be formal.
  2. Social media is filled with personal essays that may lack authenticity, flooding feeds with stories that may be exaggerated or disconnected.
  3. The development of the middle-finger emoji was a complex process involving Unicode and Apple.