The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Three Strategies for Drafting Your Book

The Recovering Academic • 316 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Start with a problem and write toward resolution of it. Embrace the character's struggle and follow it to its conclusion.
  2. Identify the major turning point. Have a transformative moment that changes the narrative direction, building towards that climax.
  3. Map out 'tent pole' scenes. Plan key scenes between the opening and the climax to guide your writing journey.

Ouvert Sur - Résilience

Newsletter Artistique • 314 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Poetry
  1. The article discusses the resilience of the buxus tree, which has endured attacks in the past.
  2. The author draws parallels between the tree's resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
  3. The message conveys hope for those going through tough times, emphasizing the potential for renewal and strength.

TITAA #50: Slow Grey Mares Stuck at Exit 8

Things I Think Are Awesome • 196 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Folklore AI Art Animation VR Poetry
  1. The post discusses the Welsh tradition of Mari Lwyd, a skeletal horse pranking people during New Year's Eve.
  2. Mari Lwyd is associated with village mummers in south Wales in the 1800s and is constructed of a horse's skull and a white sheet.
  3. The post also covers various AI art tools, including an AI animation artist called NiceAunties and AI-generated SVG from images.

I am the poet (ode to Walt Whitman)

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Non-fiction
  1. The poet expresses a deep connection with nature and reality. They feel the beauty and truth in the world around them, like the song of a bird.
  2. The poet understands the relationship between human experiences and nature. They highlight the balance between warmth and loss in human interactions.
  3. There is a recognition of personal growth and change. The poet reflects on overcoming past scorn to embrace new virtues and ideas.
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The long, slow slide

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 818 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Poetry Rituals Meaning-making
  1. The author shares insights on her recent trip to London, the cities vs countryside dynamic, and the concept of urban environments having their own 'dreaming'.
  2. The 'Hagitude' program focuses on exploring vitality, creativity, and vision in the second half of life for women, with a unique mythopoetic approach.
  3. A reading recommendation for the novel 'Sea of Tranquility' by Emily St. John Mandel, offering a story of time travel and parallel worlds.

The Dodgers Jacket

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post is about a eulogy for the author's grandfather, focusing on defamiliarization to make the character more memorable.
  2. The author reflects on sharing the eulogy through a virtual service and the importance of highlighting quirks and oddities to make a eulogy effective.
  3. Full members can access the post with a 7-day free trial, showing appreciation for their support.

This Is Paradise

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 13 May 24
📚 Literature History Romance Fiction Poetry Demography
  1. Infanticide was a common practice in many historical societies when families couldn't care for all their children. It often happened without legal punishment, especially against unwanted infants.
  2. Although Christianity introduced strong taboos against infanticide, it might not have completely stopped the practice. Evidence suggests that infanticide, particularly sex-selective infanticide, still occurred in Europe despite its legal prohibition.
  3. Infanticide impacts literature by influencing themes of abandonment and family dynamics. Many classic stories use these themes to convey deeper truths about society and the struggles people faced.

The poetry of the cosmos in two books

The Global Jigsaw • 198 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Books Philosophy Science fiction
  1. 2023 was a year of introspection, focusing on what makes a life well lived and the beauty in the mundane.
  2. The rise of AI prompts questions about what it means to be human, highlighting the significance of emotional experiences and characteristics.
  3. Books by Maria Popova and Ted Chiang fuse science with poetry, exploring the beauty of the cosmos and the blend of rationality and emotionality.

The Of of Of

Opaque Hourglass • 259 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Silence Gardening Literature
  1. Haiku poems emphasize the power of silence and the impact of what is left unsaid.
  2. Writing a haiku requires appreciating the importance of silence and mastering the art of restraint in words.
  3. The difficulty in creating a good haiku lies in the challenge of balancing what is said and what is left unsaid.

TITAA #42: Liqueured Up in the SciFi Wild West

Things I Think Are Awesome • 275 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art & Illustration Science Poetry Games
  1. Monks in the Alps make a secret green liqueur involving a mysterious alchemical manuscript and 130 plants.
  2. Chartreuse monks are facing production cutbacks to focus more on prayer due to environmental impact concerns.
  3. Recent advancements in AI art tools, video and sound generation, and narrative agents offer exciting creative possibilities.

Tolkien on Machines, Power, Language, Love, War, and Everything Else

Nothing Human • 23 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Mythology Philosophy Language
  1. Tolkien believed that technology and machines can create more problems than they solve, leading to endless labor and new evils. He saw a deep connection between power and the fall of humanity.
  2. The themes of love and relationships in Tolkien's writings reveal the complexities and challenges in human connections, especially concerning sexuality and friendship. He emphasized that true love requires self-denial and understanding.
  3. Tolkien wanted to create epic stories that reflected deeper truths about life, death, and morality, including the idea that all stories revolve around a fall, highlighting human struggles and the search for meaning.

A Bone to Pick (With Me)

Story Club with George Saunders • 37 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Criticism
  1. The importance of intention in writing is significant. It's about understanding what you want to communicate and why it matters.
  2. Engaging with feedback can enhance the writing process. Listening to others can provide new perspectives and improve your work.
  3. Creative exercises can be beneficial. They can stimulate ideas and help writers think outside the box.

Rubble

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Creative Writing Artistic expression
  1. Love can be chaotic and unpredictable, just like falling for someone who may not be good for you. It's important to embrace the wild moments, even if they come with risks.
  2. Life is about enjoying the small things and finding happiness in unexpected experiences. Sometimes, we just have to let go and live in the moment.
  3. The messiness of life can be humorous and relatable, like dealing with the aftermath of silly events or maintaining connections with people we care about.

Sierra Nevada

Cosmographia • 259 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notes, focused on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography about a specific place, in this case Sierra Nevada.
  2. Access to the full content and map featured in the post seems to be for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes images related to Sierra Nevada and provides links to the author and subscription page.

In roselit memory

Cosmographia • 259 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Photography
  1. The post is titled 'In roselit memory' and includes a vivid description of a scene by the lake.
  2. The content is available for paid subscribers only, with the option to subscribe provided.
  3. The post features original photography of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda by the author in 2017.

the difference between you & them is luck | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Creative Writing Narrative Artistic expression
  1. Luck can often make a big difference between people. Some people get more opportunities simply because of chance.
  2. Living in tough conditions can be isolating and hard. The narrator describes a bleak living situation, which reflects feelings of confinement.
  3. Finding comfort or entertainment in everyday surroundings can be a coping strategy. The narrator counts bottles and needles as a way to distract from loneliness.

Kindling | 2.14.23

Signal Fire • 255 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Holiday Poetry
  1. The author finds Valentine's Day silly but still wants to celebrate it.
  2. The best part of Valentine's Day for the author is candy hearts.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access the full archives.

The Matchbook | 4.7.23

Signal Fire • 255 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry Books Music Letters
  1. There are 7 idioms lost to the English language that could make a comeback.
  2. The book adaptation 'The Power' on Amazon Prime is worth watching for its empowering content.
  3. 9 easy life tips can make a big difference in making life a little easier.

"Boule de Suif"

Story Club with George Saunders • 41 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Critique Teaching
  1. The story 'Boule de Suif' explores themes of sacrifice and morality. It shows how people's values can change in difficult situations.
  2. The character of Boule de Suif represents strength and resilience despite facing judgment from others. She's a strong woman in a challenging world.
  3. The setting of the story highlights the impact of war on individuals and society. It reveals how external conflicts can shape personal choices.

The Helicopter Pilot

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The writing life requires dedication to craft, but publication isn't solely merit-based. Sometimes themes matter more than art in getting noticed.
  2. On platforms like Substack, embracing diverse interests can be more engaging for readers. It's okay to explore various topics instead of sticking to a single niche.
  3. Finding connections between seemingly different subjects is valuable, reflecting the essence of liberal arts. Embracing personal standards can lead to seeing all work as valuable.

મૃગજળ

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Short Stories Creative Writing Interpretation
  1. What we see can sometimes be clear and real, but often it's influenced by our thoughts and feelings. It's important to question what we truly perceive.
  2. Happiness and sadness can both be misinterpretations of our experiences. Understanding these emotions can help us find deeper meaning in life.
  3. Searching for truth can be confusing, as we might get caught up in our illusions. It's essential to separate reality from our assumptions to see things clearly.

Mutiny in the North Woods

The Recovering Academic • 217 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The story recounts a firefighting crew's experiences in fighting fires in northern Alberta, highlighting the challenges and dynamics within the team.
  2. The crew faces issues of safety, boredom, and discipline, leading to a situation of potential mutiny against their leader.
  3. Ultimately, the crew's misdeeds are brought to light, resulting in a stern reprimand from their Fire Management Officer, showcasing the importance of accountability in high-stakes situations.

calm lunacy

spencer's paradoxes • 216 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Authors Books
  1. Great ideas require solitude and curiosity in exploring confusion to emerge
  2. Poetry is a practice of living and embracing the madness of seeking human connection
  3. Becoming a poet means courageously holding contradictory emotions and experiences in life

Facing the Abyss

lettersonbeing • 216 implied HN points • 14 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Illustration
  1. The author shares a poem about uncharted territory and exploration.
  2. Consider becoming a paying subscriber to support the Letters on Being publication.
  3. The post also features recommendations like Abigail Ervin Penner's illustrations and a tribute to mothers.

TITAA #40: Post-Creative Creativity

Things I Think Are Awesome • 216 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Game design Storytelling Visual Arts TV Poetry
  1. Conceptual artist Sol Lewitt's wall drawings are executed by others based on his written prompts, highlighting different interpretations of instructions
  2. Poetry translation can lead to varied interpretations of the same text in different languages
  3. Copyright laws and the concept of dual authorship raise questions about originality and authorship in derived works

Samarkand

Cosmographia • 259 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Poetry Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the 'Atlas' Notes' series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography about a specific location, like Samarkand.
  2. The content seems to require a paid subscription to access, providing a deeper, exclusive experience for subscribers.
  3. The post showcases a blend of different creative elements centered around a specific place, offering a unique thematic experience for the audience.

"Boule de Suif"

Story Club with George Saunders • 37 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Drama Essays Short Stories
  1. "Boule de Suif" is a story by Guy de Maupassant that explores themes of social class and morality during difficult times.
  2. The version discussed is from 1922, and it's helpful to have a printed copy with numbered pages for easier reference.
  3. This discussion is intended for paid subscribers, highlighting the exclusivity of the content and insights provided.

Soit Naado Murt

Cosmographia • 199 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📚 Literature Art Poetry Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series, which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a particular place.
  2. The content is only accessible for paid subscribers.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, shares a variety of creative works in this post, such as art, poetry, literature, and photography.

Open thread: Finding balance between extremes

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Balance Poetry Purpose Work-life balance Contemplation
  1. Find balance in work by merging personal passion with public good, aiming for a middle ground that sustains you and aligns with your values.
  2. Navigate through the all-or-nothing nature of work pathways, like the overwhelming job application processes, by seeking a balance between extremes in both personal and professional life.
  3. Strive to avoid negotiating work and life as separate entities but integrate them into a harmonious blend, ensuring that your work embodies both private passion and contribution to the greater good.

A rattlesnake poem

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The process of getting published in literary magazines can be unpredictable, and sometimes personal connections or misunderstandings can play a significant role in acceptance.
  2. As a writer, it's important to have a thick skin and believe in your work even when faced with rejection or differing interpretations of your writing.
  3. Writing, like art, has the power to communicate personal experiences in a way that can resonate with strangers and create a shared connection over time.

Anne Bradstreet: An American Rorschach Test

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry American Literature Feminism Historical Analysis Personal Reflection
  1. Anne Bradstreet, the first published American poet, challenges ideological assumptions through her work, requiring readers to reevaluate their preconceptions.
  2. Bradstreet's poems like 'The Author to Her Book' and 'Prologue' showcase her rhetorical mastery and ability to disarm while conveying powerful messages.
  3. In 'The Flesh and the Spirit,' Bradstreet explores internal conflicts and spiritual themes, providing a blend of personal introspection and theological exploration.