The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Comedy Storytelling Performing Arts Women empowerment
  1. Women are speaking out about topics that are often seen as taboo, like relationships and aging. This honesty helps to break down barriers and opens up important conversations.
  2. Supporting female-led performances and productions is a way of resisting the suppression of women's voices. Events like 'Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back' celebrate women's stories through comedy and storytelling.
  3. The focus of these discussions is on real-life experiences, including motherhood and identity. Sharing personal stories allows women to connect and support each other in navigating life's challenges.

Taylor Sheridan's Extreme Productivity

SatPost by Trung Phan • 122 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Television Hollywood Storytelling Creativity
  1. Taylor Sheridan didn't become a successful writer until he was 40, showing that it's never too late to start a new career. His need to support his family pushed him to work hard and produce a lot of content quickly.
  2. He handles creative control differently than others in Hollywood, often working alone instead of in a writer's room. This unique approach allows him to stay true to his vision and produce shows and movies that resonate with people.
  3. Buying a massive ranch for $350 million increased his pressure to succeed even more. This financial burden motivated him to create new shows and push out his work at an extreme rate.

[OVERRIDE]

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 673 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Narrative Creative Writing Literary Criticism Storytelling
  1. The work consists of ten chapters that form a serial metafiction written by the same author, despite featuring different fictional names. Each chapter contributes to a bigger story that explores themes of authorship and reality.
  2. The author emphasizes that from this point onward, nothing else can be considered a part of the 'Work'. Any future contributions under fictional names will either be collaborations or individual essays, and misunderstanding them as part of the 'Work' is a reader's concern.
  3. There is a call for deeper engagement from readers to understand the complexities of internet-specific fiction. The author aims to challenge readers' attention spans and encourages them to explore the narrative more richly.
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Big as the what? Big as the Super Bowl: Marketing, Storytelling &...

The Social Juice • 17 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Storytelling Media
  1. Good brand storytelling is not just about being creative; it's important to have a clear strategy. A story that resonates can build trust and engage your audience.
  2. You should always focus on solving a problem your audience has when telling your brand story. This helps make the story relevant and valuable to them.
  3. When a brand fails at storytelling, it loses customer loyalty and trust. But if a business fails in its brand storytelling, it risks shutting down completely.

Barangay stories: the Aswang and the jealous auntie

Wyclif's Dust • 268 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore Mythology Family Storytelling Tradition
  1. The Aswang is a local Filipino monster that can scare children into behaving. It is said to look like a human, which makes it even creepier.
  2. Beliefs like the Aswang play a big role in Filipino culture and storytelling, blending fear with community wisdom.
  3. The story of the jealous auntie highlights struggles with mental health and relationships, showing how jealousy can strain even the closest ties.

Jeffrey Sitting Bear, Peyote, and Hippies

The Microdose • 1198 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics Cultural Appropriation Storytelling
  1. Jeffrey Sitting Bear believes peyote is sacred medicine meant for healing, not getting high.
  2. White people during the 1960s hippie era tended to misuse peyote by using it as a drug rather than for its intended purpose.
  3. Respect for Native teachings and using peyote in the right way is crucial for its positive effects, according to Sitting Bear.

Let The Espresso Martinis Speak!

Castalia • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Storytelling Expression Creativity
  1. Writing is about taking risks and pushing your limits. It's more meaningful when you explore ideas outside your comfort zone, even if it feels hard and messy.
  2. Every piece of writing starts with an initial idea or feeling. It's important to stay connected to that idea, as it shapes the entire work.
  3. Writing should come from intuition rather than overthinking. It helps to let your subconscious guide you, similar to how a performer relies on instinct during a show.

The Greatest Performance Ever

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Travel Storytelling Cultural heritage Entertainment
  1. Travel can be full of wild and unexpected experiences. Meeting new people and sharing adventures can change how you see the world.
  2. Cultural performances, like wayang kulit puppet shows, can be exciting and engaging for all ages. They bring communities together and celebrate traditions.
  3. Being a part of artistic performances helps preserve culture. Having the right tools, like a banana tree for puppetry, can be essential for delivering a true and heartfelt show.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 27

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Storytelling Publishing
  1. Reading stories in parts, or serials, is a fun and old tradition. It keeps people coming back for more every week.
  2. Working at big companies can feel familiar, but it often involves juggling different cultures and opinions, especially when many companies team up.
  3. People in tech often have strong opinions about new products, and convincing them can be tough, but it's important to stay confident and informed.

218: A Thanksgiving Story

Castalia • 779 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Mental health Veterans Storytelling Documentary Personal narrative
  1. Many veterans face difficult lives filled with trauma, and often struggle to adjust to life after service. Places like Ft. Endurance provide support, but the road to recovery can be very tough.
  2. Scott's journey illustrates the deep emotional and physical pain veterans can endure, alongside their desire for connection and healing. Even small acts, like talking to a horse, can bring a sense of peace.
  3. Mental health struggles are real and ongoing for many veterans, and support from friends and family is crucial. It's important to check in on loved ones and encourage them to seek help.

Hope is a Book In Hand

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Author Events Diversity Storytelling
  1. Books have a powerful ability to help people understand and care about different experiences. They can bring hope in tough times, especially when diverse stories are told.
  2. Indigenous authors are important because they share stories that show their real lives, not just stereotypes. Their books help everyone learn about different cultures and perspectives.
  3. Seeing people come together at book events is inspiring. It reminds us that books can create community and spread joy and compassion.

Maki High School

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Education Charity Culture Storytelling
  1. Visiting Masudi at Maki High School was a joyful experience. It showed how much he has grown and how education changed his life.
  2. Emanuel emphasizes that successful business can help with charity work. He believes that being successful in business allows more money to go directly to those in need.
  3. Living has a strong interest in trading and is determined to write about it. His insights about the emotional side of trading were insightful and inspiring.

All media is niche media now

Men Yell at Me • 376 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Storytelling Digital Platforms
  1. Media today is all about specific audiences, not broad ones. This means every story has its own niche and people find information where they connect best.
  2. Big money often influences media, which can lead to biased reporting. Media outlets are not purely good or bad; they all have their issues, often based on their funding sources.
  3. The rise of independent creators is changing how we tell stories. It's important to be personal and relatable, making content more engaging and fun for everyone.

The One Who Knows

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art Storytelling Community Creativity Parenting
  1. A new Substack newsletter, 'Word to Your Mother,' is being created to support local women in the arts, offering opportunities for storytelling and performances.
  2. There’s a call for auditions for a local show and a writing workshop for those interested in sharing their stories.
  3. The author reflects on her feelings as her child goes to college, sharing a personal lullaby that holds special meaning during this transition.

Adventure Time and the Subversion of Whimsy, or How The Rightwing Lost Their Children

Trantor Publishing • 738 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Storytelling Creativity Fantasy
  1. Conservatives lost the ability to pass down their values to the youth, showing the importance of storytelling and children's entertainment in shaping culture.
  2. Children's stories should be taken seriously, as they can convey deep meanings in a way that is understandable and impactful to young minds.
  3. The show Adventure Time delves into complex themes and characters but also contains dark and subversive elements, reflecting a trend in modern storytelling where innocence is lost in pursuit of adult themes.

'The Old Man and the Sea' Is a Tremendous Spectacle

Animation Obsessive • 3498 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Film Visual Arts Cinematography Storytelling
  1. The film 'The Old Man and the Sea' is a spectacular visual experience that sticks with you.
  2. Director Alexander Petrov used a unique 'paint-on-glass' animation technique, creating a massive, enveloping spectacle.
  3. The film faced controversy for drifting from the original story, focusing more on visuals than the narrative.

Wandering Beneath the Shadows of Fallen Idols

Trantor Publishing • 439 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Art Storytelling Values
  1. The entertainment industry is facing diminishing returns and struggles with quality as a result of increased competition and financial pressures.
  2. Amidst cultural decay, there is a need for reactionary artists to create real, impactful narratives that connect with human experience and offer something meaningful.
  3. Traditional storytelling tropes and old archetypes in media are evolving, calling for the emergence of new, more relevant narratives that reflect the challenges of the current societal landscape.

Talking to ravens

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1697 implied HN points • 27 Aug 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Storytelling Poetry Podcasts Events
  1. The book 'Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life' by Dr. Sharon Blackie explores the significance of storytelling in shaping our perceptions of aging and elderhood.
  2. The power of myths and stories lies in their ability to help us understand life, dream of a better existence, and inspire personal growth and change.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing older women, highlighting their wisdom, roles, and contributions to community.

Start Your Story Right Before You Get Eaten by The Bear

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 719 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📚 Literature Storytelling Writing Narrative Fiction Communication
  1. Start your story at a critical moment to grab attention. This helps keep your audience engaged from the very beginning.
  2. People appreciate brevity and relevance in storytelling. Avoid long backstories and get to the main point quickly.
  3. An effective story should be clear and focused. Make sure you highlight the most important parts to keep your message strong.

Screenwriting

Story Club with George Saunders • 57 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Screenwriting Writing Storytelling Adaptation
  1. Writing for film and TV is different from writing books. In screenwriting, many choices depend on how the scene is shot and performed, which isn’t just up to the writer.
  2. Screenwriting can feel frustrating because it limits the writer's control over language and detail while also feeling liberating since writers can imagine big, wild scenes without needing to describe every detail.
  3. It's common for writers to have strong opinions about their work in fiction, while they might be more unsure when writing scripts. This can lead to both hesitance and exploration in screenwriting.

no. 84: acts of cartography

let them eat cake • 199 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative work Visual art Storytelling Craftsmanship Design
  1. The term 'umarell' is used to describe retirees who stop in the street to watch construction, often asking questions and offering unwanted advice.
  2. Building a restaurant involves acts of cartography, rewriting mental maps, and spending a significant amount of time on a construction site.
  3. Engaging in 'umarelling' - observing and learning on site - can provide valuable knowledge and a deeper understanding that goes beyond what blueprints can offer.

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 1

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Memoir Childhood Storytelling Writing Publishing
  1. Memories from childhood can be really fun to share, especially the funny or mischievous stories from when we were kids. It's great to connect with our own kids by telling them about our past adventures.
  2. Writing about my childhood was a breeze because I have so many vivid memories. It felt exciting to dive into those stories and create something new like a book.
  3. I'm open to exploring new opportunities in writing, even if it's a challenge. I believe that persistence pays off, and I'm excited about the possibility of sharing my childhood stories with a wider audience.

The Ghost in "Dylan's Ghost Story"

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 609 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling TV shows Nostalgia Ghost stories Community Building
  1. Telling stories with no clear resolution can keep an audience engaged, even if it lacks a traditional ending.
  2. Modern media often presents entertaining narratives that ultimately unravel, leading to self-referential gibberish and a lack of satisfying conclusions.
  3. Nostalgia for a past era, like the 1990s, is often rooted in a desire for the hope, community, and optimism that characterized that time.

Bed Omen

Situation Normal • 136 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Humor Lifestyle Consumerism Relationships Storytelling
  1. Assembling furniture can be more complicated than it seems. What started as a simple bed upgrade turned into a hilarious battle with confusing instructions.
  2. Sometimes, the best-laid plans get derailed. After a tough experience with a new bed, sticking with a basic, sturdy option felt like the right move.
  3. Even silly situations can lead to deeper conversations. Scary stories can pop up at unexpected times, showing how our surroundings affect our moods.

In conversation with: Julian Simpson

So Here’s a Thing • 688 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Storytelling Authors
  1. Don't wait for the perfect conditions or confidence to pursue your passion or career choice, sometimes taking a leap of faith can lead to unexpected success.
  2. Regardless of the challenges and changes in the creative industries, the core value of storytelling remains significant and enduring.
  3. The landscape of publishing and entertainment industries is evolving, creators must adapt to new challenges while staying true to their passion for creating stories.

A Mythsinger's Path

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 658 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Myth Storytelling Music Visual art Documentary
  1. The video shared is about the work and legacy of Daniel Deardorff, a multifaceted artist and mythologist with a rich history of creative contributions.
  2. Daniel Deardorff's focus on embracing Otherness and his exploration of meaningful wounds in myths make his work stand out, offering a unique perspective on culture and community.
  3. The Mythsinger Legacy Project continues to carry forth Daniel Deardorff's work through various creative endeavors, preserving his unpublished works and vision.