The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Heliopolis

Cosmographia β€’ 1897 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, with an invitation to subscribe for access to the full post.
  3. The post features M. E. Rothwell and includes a collection of images for engagement with the audience.

Christmas, science, context, suicide, E.B. White, Bear, Piranesi, James, reading, epigraphs?, Murdoch, selfish, X, smells, Potter, gpt philosophy, PhD, rating Austen, American fantasy?, Art job

The Common Reader β€’ 992 implied HN points β€’ 25 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Nonfiction Criticism Poetry Literary theory
  1. Ben Jonson played a role in shaping the modern concept of Father Christmas, but it's unclear if he truly invented the character. He helped create the idea of a cheerful, fatherly figure for the holiday season.
  2. Critics argue that the scientific study of literature can't fully capture its value, suggesting that some truths about reading can't be easily tested. This raises questions about the reliability of many academic studies in this field.
  3. The review of 'Context Collapse' highlights its complex writing style and the author's impressive range of knowledge. While the book might feel like a mix of random facts, it aims to convey deeper insights through its collage-like structure.

overheard conversation at the back of a bus | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Drama Prose Essays
  1. People often talk about their relationships with friends, sharing updates and gossip. It's common to wonder if friends will get back together after a breakup.
  2. Friendship plans, like going out on Fridays, show how social gatherings are important in people's lives. Excitement about food deals can be a fun part of these outings.
  3. Everyday conversations can be noticed in public spaces, like buses, giving a glimpse into people's lives. Listening to others can reveal the little moments that matter.

Giving it all away

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 3215 implied HN points β€’ 02 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Books Writing Poetry Storytelling Novel
  1. Growing up in a working-class family, Dr. Sharon Blackie defied societal expectations to become a writer.
  2. Writing formula fiction wasn't for Dr. Blackie, who found her authentic voice in crafting scenes with compelling imagery.
  3. Through mentorship, Dr. Sharon Blackie learned the importance of the craft of writing, emphasizing the beauty of language and evoked images.
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Lhasa ལྷ་ས

Cosmographia β€’ 1937 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Photography Cartography Poetry
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notebook, which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place. This particular post is centered on Lhasa.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to detailed and curated information about Lhasa and other related topics.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to Cosmographia to access the full content and enjoy other similar posts in the future.

street life | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Nonfiction Narrative Creative Writing
  1. Heavy rain can remind us of the struggles of homeless people and those who are often overlooked in society. It's a tough reality, but it's hard to ignore when the rain falls.
  2. Capitalism can sometimes make us forget about the personal struggles of individuals. It's easy to focus on money and things rather than the well-being of others.
  3. Even though life can be harsh, rain can also symbolize a fresh start. While it can bring problems, it also has the power to cleanse and renew.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak β€’ 1726 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

Book Review Contest Rules 2024

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 4749 implied HN points β€’ 02 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Book review Fiction Nonfiction Poetry
  1. Book review contest for 2024 on www.astralcodexten.com. Participants can write reviews between 2,000 and 10,000 words, with no word count requirement. Entries must be submitted through a Google Form by May 5th.
  2. Contest rules emphasize blinding the judging process to ensure fairness. Personal information that could identify participants should not be included in the Google Doc submissions.
  3. Diversity in review topics encouraged through affirmative action. A quarter of finalist slots reserved for books from nontraditional categories like fiction, poetry, or older works.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I really need your help

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Poetry Art Literature Expression Community
  1. Poets on Substack feel overlooked and want more visibility. They believe their voices deserve to be heard on this platform.
  2. The writer asks readers to help featured poems get recognized by liking a specific post. Simple actions from readers can make a big difference.
  3. There's a desire for a special edition focused on poetry in Substack Reads. This would celebrate poetic contributions and help poets gain the attention they seek.

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.

coupling | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Creative Writing Literary Criticism
  1. The poem explores deep connections between lovers and memories. It highlights how we understand experiences through others, even if we haven't lived them ourselves.
  2. There is a theme of not wanting to be alone, which binds the lovers together despite any conflicts. This shows how love can create strong emotional ties.
  3. The poem also emphasizes a connection to nature and our roles in the world. It reflects on being part of the larger picture, like being children of the earth.

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

a defender of people | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Essays Drama
  1. The poem reflects on the bond between friends, showing how shared experiences are important in friendship. It captures moments of connection, like watching each other and being present in tough times.
  2. There's a sense of nostalgia and growth as the speaker mentions their friend changing over time, from youth to maturity. This highlights how friendships evolve as we age and experience life together.
  3. The imagery used in the poem illustrates the beauty of observation and deep insight into another person’s life. It shows that just witnessing someone can create a powerful impact and foster understanding.

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.