The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Chapter 31: Koa doesn't take the news well

PASSAGES • 1139 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Koa feels anxious about leaving her home in the Valley. She is not ready to leave the only place she has known as home.
  2. Koa discovers surprising and upsetting news about her family, which makes her feel lost and confused. She is starting to question who she really is.
  3. She experiences something new and exciting when taken to a diner, showing her curiosity about the world outside the Valley. The meal brings her joy but also adds to her feelings of uncertainty.

A Tale of a Lost Heir

Papyrus Rampant • 119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. When writing about a lost heir, it's important to show why others want to follow them. A strong character, like Bonnie Prince Charlie, can inspire loyalty in others, making the story more engaging.
  2. Authors need to create believable circumstances that allow the heir to gather support without being quickly defeated. Historical events can provide inspiration for how to craft these situations.
  3. A lost heir's eventual reign should hint at their ability to lead. Even if they don't win, showing how they would govern helps readers connect with the character and understand the challenges they face.

A Hopeless Introvert's Guide to Hopeful Public Speaking

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 8650 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Perception matters. If you view public speaking as a burden, it will feel heavy to you. But seeing it as a chance to connect can change everything.
  2. Being imperfect is okay. People come to listen to your stories, not to see a perfect image. Your genuine self is what really matters.
  3. Remember, the audience is part of the conversation too. We all share this confusing world, so it's important to connect and share our questions together.

Character Generation on the Carousel of Collapse

Postcards From Barsoom • 2399 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The collapse of complex civilizations leads to interesting discussions on future societies and human roles. People often use storytelling and archetypes to explore these ideas.
  2. There is a growing conversation around the influence of gender dynamics in spaces like academia, focusing on how male engagement is changing.
  3. Podcast discussions often dive into topics like male flight from traditional roles and the significance of reality as a structured story, prompting listeners to reflect on their own roles.

RADIO FREE CHICAGO

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 159 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Storytelling
  1. The podcast focuses on unique stories and discussions relevant to the Chicago area.
  2. Listeners can engage with the content by following the provided links.
  3. There are visual elements included, like images, to complement the discussions in the podcast.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

When Do We Give Up on Writing?

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 15613 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Writing often takes us to a quiet, lonely place where we can be creative, but once we share our work, our lives can become busy and public.
  2. Many people stop calling themselves writers or artists as they grow up because they fear judgment and criticism from others.
  3. We shouldn't let the fear of what others think keep us from expressing ourselves. It's important to hold onto our creativity and remember the joy of storytelling.

Chapter 30: Kent continues investigating Koa

PASSAGES • 1478 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Kent is investigating a case involving a woman named Mary Anderson, who had a stillborn baby twenty years ago. He is trying to confirm if she had a specific procedure after the delivery.
  2. Kent speaks with Dr. Samuel Ito, the doctor who delivered Mary's baby, to get answers. However, Dr. Ito is very cautious because of patient confidentiality rules.
  3. While waiting to hear back from the doctor, Kent reflects on his day and thinks about Koa, showing that he has personal feelings connected to his investigation.

Chapter 29: Jud and his family visit the Valley

PASSAGES • 1278 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Jud and his family are traveling down a narrow and steep road into Waimalia Valley. It's a bit scary, but they are excited to see the wild horses.
  2. The journey brings a sense of responsibility for Jud as he drives with his family in the truck. He wants to keep them safe while they explore.
  3. On the way, Jud meets a local driver, which shows the community feel of the area. It’s nice to see locals enjoying the valley just like his family.

Hector Saves His Dad

Postcards From Barsoom • 1863 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. A boy named Hector goes on a journey to help his dad, showing the strong bond between family members. This story highlights the importance of love and support in difficult times.
  2. The author feels guilty for not doing more for his supporters and wants to offer something special by putting his fiction behind a paywall. This decision is meant to reward those who truly value his work.
  3. Fiction often struggles to get attention and engagement compared to other topics like politics. The author hopes that by offering fiction for paid subscribers, he can encourage more people to appreciate this art form.

Chapter 28: Kent investigates Koa

PASSAGES • 1418 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Kent is getting to know Koa better, and he's impressed by her excitement for everyday things like food and driving.
  2. He's trying to learn more about Koa's background but is hitting dead ends, which raises questions about her family.
  3. Kent feels the weight of their serious situation and knows he must be cautious in how he interacts with Koa.

Chapter 27: Koa goes topside

PASSAGES • 1638 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Koa experiences a new way of exploring the world while riding in a truck, feeling like she's on a boat. This shows her that movement can change how she sees things around her without needing to slow down.
  2. As they drive, Koa reflects on her home in the Valley and feels both comforted by it and overwhelmed by the outside world. She realizes she knows her home well, but is also curious about what lies beyond.
  3. Koa struggles with her emotions about leaving the Valley, wishing she could stay forever but trying to embrace the new experiences. It's a mix of fear and excitement when facing the unknown.

Classics Corner: Corduroy

Readable Moments Book Club • 396 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Corduroy is a story about a bear who wants to find a home and a child, Lisa, who sees his worth despite his missing button. It shows the importance of loving something for its uniqueness.
  2. The illustrations in Corduroy are charming and convey deep emotions, making the story more special. They help readers connect with Corduroy’s longing to be loved.
  3. Corduroy’s journey reflects a common human experience of wanting to belong, reminding readers about the deep desire for acceptance and a place to call home.

The Quiet King of Japanese Stop Motion

Animation Obsessive • 11122 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Dwarf Studios focuses on creating cute and warm characters in their stop-motion animations, using storytelling that connects with Japanese cultural elements. They believe that good animation comes from how well characters convey emotions through their designs and movement.
  2. The studio values its heritage in Japanese stop motion and aims to expand its style, blending traditional influences with new, diverse themes in its projects. They work with both local and international studios for collaboration and learning.
  3. Dwarf Studios sees its audience as a mix of adults and families who appreciate craftsmanship in animation. Their partnership with Netflix has helped increase visibility and funding for their projects, providing opportunities for broader reach.

Writers Against AI

The Abbey of Misrule • 1013 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. AI is becoming able to write novels, poems, and scripts that may be indistinguishable from human work, threatening to devalue and replace human storytelling. This risks saturating culture with machine-made stories and eroding what it means to create and understand real human narratives.
  2. Writers and readers can choose to resist by refusing to use AI, refusing to support AI-produced work, and actively backing creators whose work is entirely human-made. A grassroots pledge and visible symbols let people signal that commitment and build mutual support.
  3. The rise of AI brings wider social and security dangers — from mass copyright theft to outsourcing intellectual labor and the prospect of systems that outpace human control. These stakes mean individuals and communities must deliberately set limits and protect spaces where human culture and agency can survive.

The Visual World of 'Samurai Jack'

Animation Obsessive • 30856 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Samurai Jack told stories through visuals instead of dialogue. The team focused on creating beautiful images that captured emotions and actions without needing words.
  2. The show's unique art style came from mixing different influences, like classic films and mid-century cartoons. This made the backgrounds and characters really stand out.
  3. Tartakovsky believed kids could understand complex stories, so he created a show that treated them with intelligence. This bold approach made Samurai Jack memorable and different from other cartoons at the time.

4 Children's Books About Loneliness

Readable Moments Book Club • 317 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Children experience loneliness too, and it can be deep and overwhelming for them. They need comfort and understanding from adults and friends.
  2. Books can help kids cope with loneliness by showing them different ways to connect with themselves and others. Reading together can also strengthen those bonds.
  3. Friendship and community are important ways to combat loneliness. Events like sharing food can bring people together and help kids feel less alone.

When Disney Went Digital

Animation Obsessive • 16325 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Computers changed the way Disney made animations. Instead of using traditional cels, artists began to create and manage animations digitally, which saved time and opened up new creative possibilities.
  2. Disney was initially hesitant about using computer technology. They worried it might take away from the quality of their classic hand-drawn films and even tried to keep the new system a secret for a while.
  3. Despite the initial challenges, the move to digital animation helped Disney produce stunning films with more colors and effects. This technology allowed them to create ambitious scenes that were impossible or too costly with old methods.

21 Pitch Calls from Paying Publications

The Sub Club Newsletter • 396 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Editors are really busy right now and getting lots of pitches, so don't take it personally if you don't hear back right away.
  2. If you're unsure if a story idea will be popular, don't hesitate to pitch it. Your unique experience could resonate with many readers.
  3. There are many opportunities to pitch stories on various topics like lifestyle, politics, and ageism, so keep looking for the right fit for your ideas.

Learning the Real Lessons from Ghibli

Animation Obsessive • 14172 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The film 'The Glassworker' tells a powerful story about art, love, and the impact of war on people's lives. It's a journey of two children from opposing worlds who discover their paths are not so different despite their backgrounds.
  2. Inspired by Studio Ghibli, the director aimed to capture deep emotions and realism rather than just mimic the animation style. The goal was to share feelings that resonate with viewers, similar to what Ghibli films evoke.
  3. Persistence plays a huge role in filmmaking. The director emphasizes that pursuing your passion despite obstacles can lead to success, and that it's important to hold on to your creative enthusiasm even during tough times.

What is "Comfort," Anyway?

Story Club with George Saunders • 67 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Comfort often comes from facing the truth, even when it’s painful, because admitting reality can reduce anxiety and open possibilities.
  2. Sometimes reassuring a frightened person—especially a child—means offering a gentle untruth, since calming them in the moment can be the kinder, more useful choice.
  3. Turning your attention outward to help someone else can steady you and remind you who you want to be, and honest appraisal of problems often frees you to find new solutions.

Do Movies Have to Have a Point?

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Movies don't have to have a clear moral — sometimes a film can just be a story or 'a bunch of stuff that happened' and that's perfectly fine.
  2. What plays out on screen often leads viewers to draw a logical takeaway that may be different from what the filmmaker intended, and those unintended messages can be powerful.
  3. Trying to force big, explicit statements can backfire or produce harmful readings, so focusing on storytelling over preaching is often the wiser choice.

Women Running Barefoot

The Reclamation Era • 239 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Even when life feels overwhelming, we can find strength to keep going. It's okay to have ups and downs; that’s part of life.
  2. Having a support system is vital, especially during tough times. The connection with others can help us heal and feel less alone.
  3. Sometimes, breaking down is necessary for growth. It's important to feel our emotions and understand that they can lead to positive change.

Death Is Nothing to Be Feared

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Old stories and fairy tales teach kindness, shape our morals, and help build communities that last.
  2. Our hyper-technological age and the retreat of religion are eroding those guiding myths, creating a cultural amnesia about ancient wisdom.
  3. People often live in denial about mortality, but facing and accepting death as a natural part of life can restore meaning and a sense of fairness.

Wrapping Up Half a Year

Animation Obsessive • 8880 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The animation industry is facing tough times, with many artists struggling due to job shortages and business challenges.
  2. The newsletter has been highlighting valuable stories from the animation world, sharing insights and celebrating the work of dedicated artists.
  3. Despite challenges, the newsletter has gained popularity this year, showcasing diverse topics and engaging content that resonates with its growing audience.

Use the power of storytelling in tech to get promoted faster

High Growth Engineer • 735 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
💼 Business Storytelling
  1. Storytelling is essential to move into leadership in tech; technical skill alone won’t show your executive presence, but a well-told story shapes how decision-makers feel and helps you get buy-in and promotions.
  2. Use the 4S framework — Substance (focus on the listener’s top priorities), Surplus (cut irrelevant process details), Sequence (start with the answer to create curiosity), and Style (use metaphors, pronouns, tense, and wake words to connect).
  3. Apply storytelling in presentations, interviews, and promotion talks: lead with a clear recommendation (BLUF), trim long setups, create an open loop to hold attention, and use relatable analogies and language to be memorable and likable.

Ancient Wisdom: You Should Know Your Family’s Stories

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 268 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Family stories connect generations and make relationships richer by giving everyday moments deeper meaning.
  2. Caregivers and relatives often shape identity by teaching language, songs, jokes, and customs that become part of who you are.
  3. Keeping and sharing stories and keepsakes preserves your heritage and helps future generations feel rooted and connected.

Things Worth Remembering: How to Ask Timeless Questions

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1706 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. A single story can open whole new worlds for a reader, changing how they think about faith, doubt, and what stories can do.
  2. Some storytellers bring God into fiction in a direct, human way—praising, arguing with, and making the divine part of the narrative.
  3. A strong translation and the right publication can widen an author's audience and turn local work into international literature.

No Offense, But I Prefer Regular Porn Over Gore Porn Even If the Regular Porn Has Minotaurs or Whatever In It

Default Wisdom • 451 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. A lot of modern “extreme horror” is designed to shock for social media clout, so it often reads as a bloodless list of violent images rather than a real story or meaningful art.
  2. Amateur storytelling is making a comeback — people are telling campfire-style ghost stories and other real narratives even as film and TV often lose craft, and cryptids/paranormal creatures are reentering mainstream conversation.
  3. Online politics are shifting into new formations like the “post-right” and “right-coded,” which blur old left/right labels and are overtaking the older, essay-driven Dissident Right in the current media ecosystem.

Motaz, Our Beloved Brother from Gaza

Pen>Sword • 6210 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Motaz Aziaza from Gaza captured the world's attention through his humanitarian efforts during a siege.
  2. Motaz's portrayal shattered stereotypes and depicted Palestinian struggle with humanity and complexity.
  3. Motaz's resilience and dedication showcased a model of Arab and Muslim masculinity that challenged prevailing stereotypes.

The Bear Goes Full Bing Bong

Freddie deBoer • 6064 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Cynicism in art can come from trying too hard to manipulate emotions instead of allowing authentic feelings to develop. It's better to trust the audience to understand the story without forced sentimentality.
  2. Shows like 'The Bear' can lose their originality by relying too much on fan service and emotional tricks, making the storytelling feel cheap and unearned.
  3. A series can become less believable when it’s filled with too many side characters and plot holes, distracting from the main story and weakening its overall impact.

Look Before You Leap

The Leap • 1738 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Writing is a commitment to your readers. It's important to share your thoughts and connect with them, even if it feels like work sometimes.
  2. You shouldn't wait for the perfect moment to take risks. Embrace uncertainty and jump in, even if you feel scared or unsure.
  3. This newsletter will cover various topics and ideas. It's a space for exploration, so expect different subjects and personal insights.

The Look of 'Over the Garden Wall'

Animation Obsessive • 15786 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Over the Garden Wall is a special show that stands out for its unique visual style and storytelling. It mixes comedy, drama, and horror in a way that makes it feel like a timeless classic.
  2. The art team, led by Nick Cross, worked hard to create stunning backgrounds and designs using inspiration from old cartoons and paintings. This attention to detail made the show feel like an independent film on TV.
  3. Despite the challenges of making a short series, the team enjoyed a lot of creative freedom. This allowed them to take risks and try new ideas, which is something that’s rare in the animation industry today.

the virtues of the boring draft

sweater weather • 8097 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. When writing, try to include boring details about character backgrounds and settings to avoid ambiguity and confusion.
  2. Clarity is essential in storytelling to create mystery and engage readers.
  3. Include mundane, surface-level details in the first draft to build a lived-in world and deepen characters before refining the story.

How to Get a Standing Ovation

Remarkable People • 319 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🚌 Education Storytelling
  1. Make sure you have something meaningful to say in your speech. Think about what your audience needs to hear instead of just what you want to say.
  2. Know your audience really well. Conduct research or polls to understand what messages will resonate with them and tailor your speech accordingly.
  3. Engage your audience with personal stories and humor. This makes your speech more relatable and keeps people interested.

Motivation 101 by Guy Kawasaki

Remarkable People • 519 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🚌 Education Storytelling
  1. What really matters is that you find something that motivates you, no matter what it is. It doesn't have to be a big or noble goal; any drive can lead to success.
  2. Your personal experiences can shape what inspires you. For example, wanting a better car can be just as motivating as wanting to change the world.
  3. Don't stress too much about the nature of your motivations. What's important is that you are motivated to work hard and strive for your goals.

The Year's End

Animation Obsessive • 10135 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Animation has had a year of ups and downs. Big hits and mass job losses coexisted in America, while Japan's animation scene is growing despite some challenges.
  2. There are plenty of inspiring stories in the animation world, like independent creators making feature films or successful documentaries about past works. Art continues to find a way to shine through difficulties.
  3. The newsletter aims to celebrate good work and share intriguing stories, showing that even in tough times, passion and creativity can lead to great achievements.

One of 2024's Best Films Was Made in Pakistan

Animation Obsessive • 9956 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The Glassworker is a unique animated film from Pakistan that explores themes of art and war. It highlights the importance of creativity even in difficult times.
  2. The creators of The Glassworker spent ten years making the film, overcoming challenges to set up their animation studio in Karachi. They aimed to prove that high-quality animation could be produced in Pakistan.
  3. The film combines local culture with a universal fantasy feel, using the story of glassblowing to reflect the journey of its creators. It's set against the backdrop of their experiences growing up during conflict.

Why don’t you try typing?

Austin Kleon • 4056 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Writing can feel really difficult, and it often brings back memories of hard school assignments. It's important to remember that writing doesn't have to be a punishment; it can also be a creative and enjoyable process.
  2. Like the actors who approach their roles differently, we can also choose how we face challenges in our creative work. Sometimes, maybe we just need to jump in and start, rather than overthink it.
  3. Getting caught up in complicated planning can make us feel stuck. Instead, putting our fingers to the keyboard and just typing can help us make real progress on our ideas.

necessary scenes

sweater weather • 6171 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Some argue that certain elements in art, like sex scenes, are unnecessary, but they actually serve to broaden the depth and concerns of the work.
  2. The concept of necessity in art is subjective and varies based on individual preferences and reading agendas.
  3. What may seem unnecessary in a piece of art to one person could be crucial to another's interpretation or understanding.