The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

The Novelleist β€’ 1303 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Mythology Cultural Studies Writing
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.

The Heteronym Edition

Why is this interesting? β€’ 904 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Authors
  1. Heteronyms are creative identities that authors use to express different voices, separate from their real selves. This can add depth and variety to literature, allowing for unique perspectives.
  2. Augusto Monterroso created a fictional translator named Eduardo Torres, who never existed, to showcase the art of heteronyms. He used this persona to publish works that read like they were from a real author.
  3. The concept of heteronyms reminds us that everyone has different sides to their personality. As we grow, we create versions of ourselves that reflect our changes over time.

Recommendation: The Odyssey (Read by Ian McKellen)

Counter Craft β€’ 663 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Classic literature Book recommendations Poetry Audiobooks Cultural Discourse
  1. The Odyssey is an important piece of literature that many people surprisingly haven't read or heard of. It's essential to explore these classics because they still hold relevance today.
  2. Listening to The Odyssey as an audiobook can enhance the experience, especially with a talented narrator like Ian McKellen. The oral tradition of the poem makes it well-suited for this format.
  3. The structure of The Odyssey, which includes stories within stories, is different from modern storytelling norms. This unique format offers a refreshing take that can inspire new ways to write.

"Silence for Gaza," by Mahmoud Darwish

Pen>Sword β€’ 1737 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Gaza's resistance is deeply rooted and not for show; it is about survival and dignity, not media attention.
  2. The essence of Gaza lies in its relentless resistance despite hardships, symbolizing a powerful and unwavering spirit.
  3. Mahmoud Darwish's depiction of Gaza highlights its unique value, strength, and significance to its people and the world.
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2nd Annual Fiction Issue

Soaring Twenties β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 24 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Creative Writing Art
  1. The annual fiction issue is a special tradition that celebrates creative writing during the holiday season. It aims to offer readers an escape from negative online trends.
  2. Readers are encouraged to appreciate quality art and storytelling, moving away from the low-quality content often found on the internet.
  3. There is a sense of freedom in choosing what to engage with, and the importance of supporting meaningful creative work is emphasized.

Tlaxcala

Cosmographia β€’ 1497 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on cosmographia.substack.com, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. Access to the full post is reserved for paid subscribers.
  3. The post by M. E. Rothwell on Tlaxcala was published on Jan 16, 2024.

A great, fun, strange translation of Homer; a rich, poignant 2000s time-travel thriller; and some new songs I love

Read Max β€’ 737 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Books Poetry Fiction Essays Translations
  1. There is a unique and enjoyable translation of Homer's work that stands out from typical versions. It's worth checking out if you're interested in classic literature.
  2. A time-travel thriller from the 2000s combines romance, humor, and deep feelings in a fun story. It's a great pick if you enjoy thrilling adventures with emotional depth.
  3. Four new songs have caught the author's attention and are highly recommended. Music lovers should give these tracks a listen for something fresh.

The Intrinsic Perspective's subscriber writing: Part 3

The Intrinsic Perspective β€’ 4805 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Short Stories Authors
  1. Reading multiple submissions from subscribers gives insights into a wide range of topics and perspectives.
  2. Paid subscriber writing can offer unique views on historical events, philosophy, and personal experiences.
  3. Exploring different writing styles and themes can lead to discovering new perspectives and valuable insights.

nomadic go | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Prose
  1. Traveling can be a journey filled with new experiences and challenges. Even when things get tough, the adventure continues.
  2. From exploring unknown places to meeting new people, there's always something beautiful waiting ahead. Stay open to what's next.
  3. Each step of the journey might feel like a struggle, but there's a sense of discovery and hope that keeps pushing you forward.

Complicit Poetry

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 399 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Technology Capitalism Evil
  1. Poetry can challenge traditional notions by embracing superficiality and self-absorption.
  2. Exploring systemic evils in poetry can lead to unique and transparent expressions of societal behaviors.
  3. The concept of 'complicit poetry' questions the role of the poet in perpetuating materialism and individualism.

The Old Woman Who Hexed Summer

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 2296 implied HN points β€’ 05 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Book recommendations Poetry Community Engagement
  1. The author reflects on the joy of home nesting, finding comfort in familiar objects and creating enchantment through personal belongings.
  2. The newsletter introduces upcoming storytelling events exploring mythic stories to inspire and provide insight during difficult times.
  3. Book recommendations and poems are shared to encourage reflection and exploration of British folklore and the magic within everyday routines.

Professional human loser

Austin Kleon β€’ 3816 implied HN points β€’ 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Poetry
  1. Embracing the idea of being okay with failure can lead to a more fulfilling outlook on life. It's all about learning and growing, even when things don't go as planned.
  2. Creative expression, like making blackout poems, can be therapeutic and inspiring. It's important to find joy in the creative process regardless of others' opinions.
  3. Sharing your work can help you connect with others and build an audience. Don't be afraid to put your creativity out there and see where it leads.

Frozen Spit

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Science fiction
  1. The post talks about a science-fiction revenge poem titled 'Frozen Spit'.
  2. It suggests a unique form of revenge for low-wage technicians in cryogenic facilities to spit on a client before they're frozen, creating a future inconvenience for the wealthy client when they wake up after 500 years.
  3. The idea is to leave a lasting impact on those who have outlived you due to their wealth or status.

Gnomic Utterances

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 28 Apr 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Publications
  1. Wisdom may come from unexpected places like the Swamps of Sadness.
  2. Love is described as a waveform - continuously changing and evolving.
  3. Certain truths may not require formal education to understand, like the value of experience and relationships.

County Galway

Cosmographia β€’ 2096 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Literature Poetry Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific location like County Galway.
  2. The content seems to be exclusive for paid subscribers, with options available for subscription or for existing paid subscribers to sign in.
  3. The post also includes engaging visuals, such as images, that enhance the storytelling and overall experience for the readers.

Saxony

Cosmographia β€’ 1597 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Photography Poetry Literature Cartography
  1. The post is about Saxony, featuring art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around this specific place.
  2. The content is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, available for paid subscribers.
  3. The post includes a mix of creative elements like art, poetry, and photography focused on highlighting Saxony.

Open Thread 320

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 2821 implied HN points β€’ 18 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Community Contest AI Research Poetry
  1. The 2023 Forecasting Contest winners were determined with an ambiguous scoring criteria, resulting in a few surprise winners
  2. The ACX Grants impact market has received 53 proposals, including projects such as growing blood vessels in the lab and a swarm of robotic bees
  3. A Reddit thread discussing an AI-generated reading of a poem from ACX highlights the speculation around AI involvement in online discussions

Surprised by Joy?

Meaning || Matter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 11 Sep 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Biographies
  1. Unexpected joy can come from being curious and open to the world around us. Sometimes, simply noticing something ordinary, like a tree, can lead to a wonderful experience.
  2. Reading can spark new insights and help us think differently. Engaging deeply with books allows us to connect with ideas and experiences we might not have considered before.
  3. We can prime ourselves for joyful discoveries by maintaining an open mindset and exploring different perspectives. Making space for new ideas can lead to surprising moments of delight.

The Final Words of British Monarchs Presented as Modernist Poetry

Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Literature Poetry Monarchy Events
  1. The death of British monarchs marks significant historical shifts and eras, often defined by the reigning monarch's passing.
  2. The final words of British monarchs, though sometimes apocryphal, offer intriguing insights and can be read almost like modernist poetry.
  3. The rapid succession of power in British monarchy, like Charles becoming king upon Queen Elizabeth's death, is a unique phenomenon that seemingly defies physical laws.

Flowerings and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 1737 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Memoir Mythology Reading Poetry
  1. The author reflects on finding enchantment and solace in the summer despite not being a summer person, attributing it to their new stone house and connection to nature.
  2. They share their experience of making improvements to their new house during the summer months and express gratitude for living the life they've always dreamed of.
  3. The author announces new projects, such as a self-study version of their online course and monthly membership program, as well as upcoming lecture series and gatherings focused on mythic stories.

An In-Depth Profile of JSR and The Hinternet

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet β€’ 293 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
πŸ“š 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.

Ars Poetica

Seven Senses β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 25 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Poetry Art Music Literature Creative Expression
  1. Poetry connects us to deeper feelings and the divine. Unlike regular language, it speaks to our soul and can feel more complex or mysterious.
  2. Poetry can take many forms beyond written words, including art, sound, and even scents. This shows how flexible and expressive poetry can be.
  3. Everyday experiences can be tied into poetry, whether it's through textiles or video. This makes poetry a part of our daily lives and interactions.

3 poems from the sports section

Austin Kleon β€’ 1498 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Visual Arts Creative Writing Cultural critique
  1. The sports section of newspapers is great for crafting blackouts because of the simple and expressive language used by athletes and coaches.
  2. Even though the New York Times recently disbanded its sports department, this section continues to inspire creative writing.
  3. Using nouns and verbs from sports articles can help create interesting and relatable poetry, highlighting themes like time and idleness.

To Whom It May Concern

Castalia β€’ 1238 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing Poetry Fiction Literary Criticism Creative Nonfiction
  1. The recommendation letters highlight unusual and quirky characteristics of applicants, showing diverse and challenging backgrounds.
  2. Each candidate has distinct creative projects they are working on, ranging from deep personal struggles to dark humor.
  3. Despite their various issues, the letters suggest that these individuals could bring unique perspectives and contributions to a workshop setting.

Things Worth Remembering: The Doomed Romance of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath

Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 3120 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Authors Tragedy
  1. Ted Hughes was a genius poet with a mystique, known for collections like Crow and The Hawk in the Rain.
  2. Hughes' life was overshadowed by the tragic events involving his former wife and fellow poet Sylvia Plath.
  3. The enigmatic nature of Ted Hughes stems from the profound tragedy related to Sylvia Plath's death.

Babylon π’†π’€­π’Šπ’† 

Cosmographia β€’ 1497 implied HN points β€’ 20 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific location.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, showing that exclusive content is available on the platform.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author of the post, offering insights into Babylon through a unique lens.

Poetry Writing and Me

Soaring Twenties β€’ 170 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Writing Creative Education Arts
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.