The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

I'm writing a climate fiction series

storyvoyager • 4 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. The series 'There Is Hope' is a climate fiction that explores life on a planet affected by climate change, focusing on the search for hope amidst suffering.
  2. It includes multiple interconnected stories set in a dystopian future where different groups struggle for survival and humanity.
  3. The author aims to create a realistic picture of a world that transitions from devastation to a better future, blending both dark and hopeful narratives.

The Haves and the Havents Part 4

Carefree Sketches • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jul 21
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Good sex can be a creation from scarcity or novelty, not just abundance. It's not just about size, but how you use what you have.
  2. The interactions between the rich and poor can involve co-opting methods - like staging wealth for status. The Cinderella story reflects a clever deception of scarcity for opportunity.
  3. Class dynamics and prejudices play out in situations where distinctions are made based on novelty and scarcity. The tale of Cinderella demonstrates how the prince's fixation with the slipper symbolizes societal judgments and preferences.

The Class Where All Students Won a Nobel Prize: Or Factchecking 101

FutureIQ • 2 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🚌 Education Storytelling
  1. Fact-checking is becoming more important, especially with the rise of AI and misinformation. It's a skill that everyone should work on developing.
  2. Stories about historical figures can sometimes be exaggerated, so it's important to verify claims before believing them. Always look for reliable sources when you hear something that sounds too good to be true.
  3. Historians face challenges sorting through conflicting information from the past. Even recent events can lead to differing accounts, showing how tricky it can be to get to the truth.

The hitchhiker paradox

Fictitious • 4 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Hitchhiking seems fun and adventurous, but it can be difficult to find people actually doing it nowadays. People have different travel options now, making hitchhiking less popular.
  2. Hitchhiking can be boring and frustrating, especially when you have to wait a long time for a ride. It's also tough to depend on strangers to help you out.
  3. Drivers who pick up hitchhikers might feel like they get a chance to do something good, but they also prefer casual, easy rides rather than deep conversations. It's more about the gesture of kindness than a fun trip.
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Ladies and Gentlemen . . .

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 03 Dec 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Writing a book can be a challenging but rewarding journey, with doubts and moments of discouragement along the way.
  2. The book explores deep questions about humanity, challenging readers to think about the essence of being human.
  3. Life is like a story with character development, challenges, and beauty, providing rhythm and meaning.

The Motion of Progress

Jake [Building in NYC] • 1 HN point • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Progress comes from ambition, which helps people imagine a better future. When people share a common vision, they work together to make it happen.
  2. Deconstructing big ideas into smaller parts makes problems easier to solve. Understanding how things work is key to building a better future.
  3. To achieve ambitious goals, we need to explore different approaches at the same time. Trying many options helps us find the best way forward.

Honkai: Star Rail

Have You Played? • 2 HN points • 23 May 23
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. Honkai: Star Rail is a sci-fi turn-based RPG with rich 3D worlds and an abundance of content.
  2. The game follows JRPG characteristics like linear story, turn-based battles, and specific character backstories.
  3. Despite some confusing battles and monetization tactics, the game impresses with its polished writing and immersive world.

To the Other World

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 7 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Dragon Ball Z, created by Akira Toriyama, was a hugely influential series that left a lasting impact on a generation with its complex characters and thrilling story arcs.
  2. Character development was a key strength of Dragon Ball Z, with characters like Vegeta undergoing significant transformations from villain to antihero to protector throughout the series.
  3. The unexpected twists and deep emotional moments in Dragon Ball Z set it apart, offering a level of pathos rarely seen in contemporary animation.

Litera chewer

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Literature has been a form of entertainment and storytelling that dates back to ancient times, from oral recitations around campfires to written works like Homer's Odyssey, influencing cultures for thousands of years.
  2. Our modern means of content creation like social media with limited characters and emojis may lack the depth and richness of traditional literature and storytelling.
  3. Literature is seen as a powerful and transformative element of human culture, providing illumination for readers and catharsis for writers, considered one of humanity's greatest accomplishments.

Experiments in style extra

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The project is about rewriting the same story in different styles, with 85 versions created so far. It's a fun way to explore creativity and storytelling.
  2. There is a competition where subscribers can guess a mangled story to win a year's paid subscription. It's a playful way to engage readers.
  3. The author reflects on the quirky twists of writing and humor, suggesting that sometimes nonsense might make more sense than the original. It's all about enjoying the writing process.

The creation of the universe

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 20 Aug 20
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Storytelling
  1. The creation of the universe is described as having been completed by God after 6 days of work, as outlined in the Bible chronologies.
  2. Human civilization and history are characterized by curiosity about our origins, storytelling, and the pursuit of knowledge about what it means to be human.
  3. It's suggested that fun, storytelling, and shared experiences are essential aspects of human nature, connecting us to our ancestors' joy in life.

"What Ifs" and Third Rails

A Particular Weird • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Lisa Cron's book 'Story Genius' helps authors understand the importance of a character's 'third rail' and emotional journey in crafting a compelling story.
  2. John Truby's 'The Anatomy of Genres' complements Cron's approach by showcasing how genres revolve around core thematic questions, providing a reliable starting point for writers.
  3. Crafting a riveting story involves determining the message, creating impactful characters, and outlining plot points that force characters to confront their past.

Shaky

Nice Try • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 20
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Work life can feel uncertain and shaky at times, with jobs changing and less demand for certain workers.
  2. People have unique ways to cope with stress, like finding humor in parenting or unexpected situations.
  3. Learning new skills can be fulfilling, whether it's cooking or teaching, and it helps us grow beyond our previous experiences.

How I wrote the Mastermind version of my 'experiments in style'

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Writing can be fun when you explore different styles. It helps keep stories fresh and interesting.
  2. You can retell the same story in many ways while staying true to the original. This shows creativity and flexibility.
  3. Trying out new writing styles can help improve your skills. It's a great way to learn and grow as a writer.

NYFF Wrap

Gideon's Substack • 7 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Attending film festivals can provide a renewed sense of hope for the art of cinema.
  2. Different film festivals offer unique experiences and atmospheres, contributing to diverse perspectives on the film industry.
  3. Experiencing films on a big screen in a collective environment can enhance the impact and appreciation of cinematic art.

VenezolanosPodcast.com

Juan David’s Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. A new website called VenezolanosPodcast.com helps people find and learn about the history of Venezuela through a popular podcast. It's designed to make accessing episodes easy for everyone.
  2. Understanding history is important because it helps us learn from the past and build a better future for Venezuela. The more we know about where we come from, the better we can shape our tomorrow.
  3. The creator of the site aims to inspire a community to engage with Venezuelan history and support each other in understanding their roots. This passion can drive positive change for the country.

The Seed Grower - Part I

storyvoyager • 8 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. A farmer grows illegal seeds of resistance in a dystopian world.
  2. The Midsummer festival preparations reveal tensions with The Cooperatives and the arrival of an AI Officer.
  3. Alaska struggles with the legacy of her father and the responsibility of protecting bees and cultivating plants.

The Tintin Opera House

Arjun’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The Tintin Opera House was a remarkable building in Sarasota, Florida, created by the Tintin brothers.
  2. Dick Dawson, an enterprising New Yorker, transformed the failing venue into a successful establishment.
  3. After financial struggles and tragic events, the Tintin brothers had to sell the opera house, leading to its eventual transformation and loss of original beauty.

Slartboz: Bonk and The Beast

Synystron Synlogica • 1 HN point • 16 Oct 23
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. Bonk has unique talents like making projectile vomit and playing old arcade games.
  2. Bonk's mastery at an old arcade game becomes crucial in real life when a monster attacks his town.
  3. Bonk's friends remember two versions of him - before and after his heroic act, showing his growth and impact on their lives.

Writing conferences demystified, part 2

The Next Chapter • 1 implied HN point • 28 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Different writing conferences offer unique benefits like exposure, networking, and specialized knowledge at a more affordable cost than MFA programs.
  2. Attending conferences like Sirenland can lead to personal growth, increased confidence, and readiness to pursue larger writing projects.
  3. Key insights from Sirenland include the importance of writer exposure, the concept of 'perch' in storytelling, the significance of networking in creative industries, and the importance of honoring pacing and self-care during such events.

Wrestling is wrestling but sometimes it sucks

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 29 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Storytelling
  1. Professional wrestling transitioned from real competition to entertainment to cater to the crowd's desire for entertainment.
  2. The wrestling industry experienced different eras, such as the territorial system, the national expansion by WWE, and the peak popularity during the Attitude Era.
  3. Despite its flaws, pro wrestling uniquely combines storytelling, athleticism, and entertainment, offering a tailored and predetermined form of excitement.

OPUS: Echo of Starsong

Have You Played? • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. OPUS: Echo of Starsong is an adventure game set in the Thousand Peaks planetary system.
  2. The game features simple gameplay mechanics but offers a deep worldbuilding experience.
  3. Echo of Starsong implements Asian storytelling traditions, focusing on unresolved character traumas and emotional expressions.

Step 7: Build in Public and Storytelling 🎬

Crypto Good • 0 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🔮 Crypto Storytelling
  1. When building in public, share your story consistently to engage and connect with your audience.
  2. Authenticity and honesty are crucial in storytelling; be yourself and show all aspects of your journey.
  3. Storytelling creates emotional connections that build trust and invite people to be part of your cause.

CTExplored/Inbox

CTExplored/Inbox • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
💾 History Storytelling
  1. Learn about efforts to preserve the history of attorneys of color in Connecticut.
  2. Discover the story of the New England Hebrew Farmers of the Emanuel Society and their impact.
  3. Explore the history of Connecticut's Western Reserve in Ohio and the migration of people from Connecticut.