The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Inspiration, Indolence, and the Torment of Toilet Texting

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
📚 Literature Creativity Inspiration Poetry Romanticism Criticism
  1. Many people use their phones on the toilet, but this habit may be robbing us of valuable inspiration. Finding moments of boredom can actually lead to creative breakthroughs.
  2. In a culture obsessed with measuring every aspect of our lives, we often overlook the value of unquantifiable activities like relaxation and creativity. Embracing unmediated moments can bring joy and inspiration.
  3. Constant phone use can hinder our ability to relax and be creative. We need to find a balance between hustle and leisure to truly tap into our potential and avoid missing out on life's deeper experiences.

Getting bored and what I did!

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Writing Personal Reflection Emotional Expression Artistic Process
  1. Boredom can lead to creativity. When feeling bored, one might discover new ideas or art, like writing a poem.
  2. It's easy to get distracted by things like YouTube, which can make us feel unproductive. Recognizing this can help us refocus on our goals.
  3. Writing random thoughts as a way to cope with emotions can be valuable. It can provide a sense of release and help organize chaotic feelings.

Hope this finds you well

Austin Kleon • 799 implied HN points • 19 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Poetry Collage
  1. Creating collages from magazine type can be a fun and creative activity. It's a great way to express yourself using found text.
  2. Reading is a wonderful escape, and a novel about medieval nuns can be a perfect choice for late-night adventures. It’s engaging and might resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled with sleepless nights.
  3. There’s always interesting news in music, from unexpected collaborations to quirky music platforms. Keeping up with music can be a fun way to discover new sounds and artists.

Two or Three Sides of Caledonia

Euro Desk Paris • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Enlightenment
  1. Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, was a complex figure with contradictory elements in his life and work.
  2. Burns was known for his poetry, including love songs and political commentary, while also exploring the rebellious side of working-class life.
  3. To become a national poet, one may need to come from humble beginnings, engage in heavy physical work, have interest in politics, and embrace risky positions.

A Doublet Disposed

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Narrative Analysis Metaphor Comparison
  1. The death of Euphorbus in Homer's Iliad serves to resolve narrative tension and bring order to the story, illustrating how loose ends are handled in epic poetry.
  2. Homeric similes in stories like the Iliad engage with thematic elements, advancing the plot while also providing insight into the tension between the overall narrative and specific details.
  3. The brief life and death of Euphorbus in the Iliad can be seen as a way to resolve a narrative paradox, showcasing how Homer's poetry works within the boundaries of established narrative traditions.
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Dante's Medieval Transhumanist Fantasy

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry Philosophy Classics Transhumanism Religion
  1. Dante's vision of heaven in 'Paradise' shares similarities with contemporary transhumanist ideas like digital immortality and superhuman knowledge.
  2. Both Dante's medieval perspective and modern transhumanist ideas emphasize the urgency of living to secure a better future, whether in heaven or in a digital afterlife.
  3. Dante and transhumanist engineers are committed rationalists but diverge in their approach to ideal futures, with bookish utopias focusing on intellectual bliss.

The Shades of the Gothic Sublime

To Asra • 117 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry Color Theory Death Symbolism
  1. Both Poe and Dickinson explored themes of death and loss in their poetry, embodying the Gothic genre.
  2. The poets paid particular attention to color in their poems, inspired by Burke's concept of the sublime evoked by certain colors.
  3. Colors like purple, black, and white were used by both poets to represent the sublime and mystery, reflecting the Gothic tradition in their work.

Anyone can be Batman

Austin Kleon • 699 implied HN points • 17 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Poetry Writing
  1. Anyone can embrace their inner superhero, just like Batman. It means believing in yourself and taking action.
  2. The writings of bell hooks deeply influenced many people. Her ideas on love and creativity inspire us to think differently.
  3. Joining a book club or a poetry newsletter is a great way to discover new literature and find what you enjoy. It can spark your creativity!

Good Luck / Episode Ten

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Creative Writing Prose
  1. The writer talks about how their cacti need support, showing how sometimes we all need a little help in life.
  2. There are quirky decorations in their living space, suggesting that personal items can make a place feel more like home.
  3. A funny moment at a red light highlights how everyday experiences can bring laughter and joy.

⬜ Fragments on Connecticut

One Thing • 79 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Poetry Food
  1. Connecticut is seen as a blank canvas for projecting insecurities and lacks a strong independent identity.
  2. Local media in Connecticut is thriving and provides insight into the local culture and community dynamics.
  3. Discussions around Connecticut often revolve around gentrification, evolving identities, and unique local experiences.

Fast writers and generous readers

Thoughts on Writing • 339 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Reading Criticism Communication
  1. Writing at speed in modern life is common, but it's crucial to balance it with thoughtful reading to avoid rushing to judgment.
  2. Language can be complex and sometimes betray us, so it's important to consider the context and medium in which statements are made before reacting.
  3. Being a generous reader, avoiding snap judgments, and nurturing media literacy skills are essential in today's world of diverse content and opinions.

A New Widow and Her Orphan

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Greek mythology Classic literature Narrative analysis Tragedy
  1. Andromache's lament in the Iliad for Hektor showcases the profound grief of a widow and her orphaned child, expressing the devastating impact of loss on families and communities.
  2. Andromache's speeches highlight themes of trauma and projected pain, emphasizing the tragic fate awaiting her son Astyanax as a symbol of lost potential and unfulfilled promise.
  3. The epic portrays the horrors of war through the lens of violence against children like Astyanax, revealing the irrevocable destruction violence brings to cities and the emptiness of glory in the face of irreparable loss.

Good Luck

Nice Try • 79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Narrative Memoir Fiction Creative Writing
  1. Life starts with a mix of hope and uncertainty, like when a baby is born and everyone says 'good luck.'
  2. Family members can offer both warmth and caution, showing how different perspectives on luck and superstition can shape our lives.
  3. Childhood is filled with imagination and innocence, where simple moments, like seeing a butterfly, bring joy and a sense of magic.

Amazement

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Process Publication Inspiration
  1. The author shares their journey of writing and rewriting a book of poems over the years, highlighting the importance of revisiting and restructuring creative works over time.
  2. The process of creating a collection of poems involves carefully selecting and arranging individual pieces to create a cohesive and meaningful narrative thread throughout the book.
  3. Self-publishing can be a valuable outlet for producing work and refining one's craft, leading to personal growth and the eventual creation of a polished manuscript for publication.

/

Nice Try • 239 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Essays Narrative
  1. Sharing and connecting with people through writing can be a great experience. It allows for creativity and community building.
  2. Joining a subscription plan might offer extra benefits and exclusive content. This can enhance your reading and engagement with the content.
  3. Starting your own publication can be easy and rewarding. It gives you a platform to express yourself and share your thoughts with others.

Fogwill

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Short Stories Authors Literary Analysis
  1. Fogwill's _Cuentos completos_ is recommended for its range of writing styles and deep character exploration
  2. Fogwill's complete works offer insight into his transition from successful market executive to acclaimed writer
  3. Personal exchanges with Fogwill reflected his mischievous nature and highlighted the impact of his work on the author

The Salt and the Women

Cybernetic Forests • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film AI Tools Narrative Interpretation Poetry
  1. The film 'The Salt and the Women' is an experimental exploration of AI tools and creativity, blending themes of mushrooms, AI, and generative cinema to tell a unique narrative.
  2. By working with AI tools to create art, the artist can steer emergent themes and create complex interactions between images, text, and music, resulting in a rich storytelling experience.
  3. Pairing AI-generated images and text can lead to stochastic resonance, where noise in the data aligns to amplify a signal, allowing artists to craft new stories by combining different elements.

Going Broke and Getting Rich

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Social Commentary Poetry Visual art
  1. The author plans to maintain expenses below the U.S. poverty level for a year, challenging themselves to make under $399 profit, showcasing a unique thought/action experiment.
  2. There is a focus on living frugally and embracing a minimalistic lifestyle as a form of protest against government systems and societal norms.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of stories and rare artifacts as valuable remnants of past resistance and cultural significance.

It's My Birthday!

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Fiction Poetry Literary culture
  1. It's someone's birthday and they are using it as an opportunity to support Electric Literature. They believe literature is important and can help people during tough times.
  2. Electric Literature needs small donations to keep going, especially as many literary venues are closing. These donations help nurture new talent and make writing accessible.
  3. The writer is proud of their work with Electric Literature and emphasizes that grassroots support from the community is essential for continuing to promote literature.

Orwell on Kipling

David Friedman’s Substack • 152 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism Poetry Essay Novel
  1. Orwell viewed Rudyard Kipling as a talented writer, despite being despised by many in his time.
  2. Orwell criticized Kipling's realism as 'sadism,' but believed Kipling's writing reflected a different perspective on handling life's unfairness.
  3. Orwell underestimated Kipling's skill as a poet and short story writer, failing to recognize the depth of his work beyond popular pieces.

Good Luck / Grasshopper

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Stories
  1. It's okay to feel nervous and unsure about what to say sometimes. Everyone experiences those moments.
  2. Sharing stories can be a great way to connect with others and express yourself.
  3. Taking a chance, like performing or speaking in public, can lead to new experiences and opportunities.

Before I Go

Soaring Twenties • 231 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Visual art
  1. The poem reflects on mortality, legacy, and passing down wisdom through generations.
  2. The piece showcases artistic expression without conforming to algorithms.
  3. Soaring Twenties promotes reader support to maintain and create new content.

Romance

Soaring Twenties • 224 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Romance Essays Fiction Poetry Creators
  1. Romance is a big theme in writing and requires vulnerability and care to handle well.
  2. Different writers explored romance through poetry, fiction, and essays in a diverse and engaging way.
  3. The Symposium on Romance featured a variety of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces that captivate the essence of love and relationships.

The Poetic Plant

To Asra • 39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Nature Poetry Romanticism Authors Comparison
  1. Wordsworth's poetry focuses on the connection between the natural world and human emotions, portraying nature as a source of solace and vitality.
  2. Hardy's work presents a melancholic and tragic image of nature and plants, emphasizing themes of universal loss and the frailty of existence.
  3. Both Wordsworth and Hardy depict the poetic plant differently, with Wordsworth highlighting vibrancy and independence, while Hardy explores decay and mortality.

The Dilemma of Writing

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Poetry Self-reflection Personal journey
  1. Starting to write can be difficult and filled with self-doubt. It's common to feel discouraged when seeing others succeed in their writing journey.
  2. Having a passion for language and writing comes naturally, but exploring it deeply can take time and effort. Writing should be an expression that flows from within, not just learned from books.
  3. Life experiences and personal challenges can inspire meaningful writing. Sharing these stories can help others and provide hope to those who may feel lost.

The Appalachian Nature Poetry of P.E.B.C.

To Asra • 78 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
📚 Literature Nature Poetry Family Life Heritage
  1. The grandmother was deeply connected to nature, teaching her granddaughter to appreciate and respect the natural world.
  2. The grandmother's love for writing and poetry was a significant part of her life, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful nature poems.
  3. The Appalachian Nature Poetry of P.E.B.C. reflects a deep love and devotion to the mountains and the land.

Death

Soaring Twenties • 231 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Essays Fiction Poetry Video
  1. The topic of Death evoked deep and varied responses from writers.
  2. The contributions ranged from personal essays to poetry, showcasing different perspectives.
  3. The Symposium highlighted the power of exploring complex themes through creative mediums.

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.

Thomas Hardy, Genius

Autoscriptorium • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Author Themes Biography Style
  1. Poetry involves sound and requires a voice. Thomas Hardy believed in conveying meaningful messages through poetry, not just elegant words.
  2. Thomas Hardy, a talented architect turned poet, had a diverse range of influences and taught himself various languages. He was known for his unique style inspired by folk music and rhythm.
  3. Hardy's poem 'The Voice' beautifully conveys deep emotions and longing through its poetic language and structure. Each line reveals layers of complexity and evokes strong emotions.