The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Why I’m back on OnlyFans

Sex and the State • 58 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sex work Feminism Storytelling Online Platforms Gender Studies
  1. The main reason for returning to OnlyFans is to earn more money. Earning from Substack alone isn't enough to live on, so diversifying income is essential.
  2. Posting adult content also helps reduce the stigma around sex work. It's a way to show that feminist women can choose to do this work confidently.
  3. Storytelling and representation are important. There’s a belief that making adult content can contribute to changing perceptions about gender and sexuality in society.

The Moment that Made Louis C.K.'s Career

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Creativity Performance Storytelling
  1. Louis C.K. faced dark times early in his career but kept going despite feeling lost. He learned that persistence is key, even when things seem tough.
  2. He spent years perfecting his comedy, but realized he wasn't happy with the act he created. This shows that just working hard isn't always enough if you're not passionate about what you're doing.
  3. C.K. admired George Carlin's ability to create deep work, which inspired him but also made him doubt himself. This highlights how comparison can drive us forward or hold us back.

Processing: How David Small Illustrated and Wrote The Werewolf at Dusk

Counter Craft • 168 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Graphic novels Fiction Illustration Storytelling Visual Arts
  1. David Small creates art that shows big feelings and fears, often inspired by monster movies he loved as a kid. He relates to the giant creatures and uses them to express those feelings in his work.
  2. When deciding on colors and styles for his illustrations, he chooses what fits the mood of each story. For example, he picked bright colors for one story to match its lively vibe, while another used darker colors to create a more serious tone.
  3. Small emphasizes that in graphic novels, visuals are very important. Writers need to trust artists to bring their stories to life without over-directing them.

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.
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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.

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.

What Wicked Taught Me About B2B Sales

Investing 101 • 41 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling Literature Entertainment Performance
  1. Storytelling can be really fun when we ask 'What if?' and explore different perspectives. This can give new life to old stories.
  2. Revisionist history helps us uncover deeper meanings in characters and events. It allows us to see things from different angles and appreciate complexity.
  3. Understanding different perspectives is key in business storytelling. It helps connect with your audience and shape how they see your brand or idea.

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.

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.

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.

Haircut for a Poem

Splattern • 119 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Community Music Storytelling Personal Growth
  1. Barbershops are important places in communities, where people gather and share stories. They create a special bond between the barber and their clients.
  2. Vaughn Acord, a talented hairstylist, listens to his clients and helps them express their true selves. It's not about his vision, but about bringing out their own unique style.
  3. Life should be about contributing to the community and making a difference. Helping others and sharing experiences can lead to a fulfilling life.

How Did You Get By?

BAD AT KEEPING SECRETS • 648 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling Book promotion Interviews
  1. New York Times columnists Julia Rothman and Shaina Feinberg interview people to share honest stories about topics not commonly discussed.
  2. Their book 'How We Got By' features unique yet universal stories about addiction, career changes, relationships, and more.
  3. The work by Julia and Shaina aims to provide perspective, comfort, and a sense of connection by addressing taboo topics openly.

Writing by a "Dossier" Method (?)

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Storytelling Character development Writing process
  1. You can start writing a story just by focusing on your characters first. Get to know them well before adding any plot or action.
  2. There’s no one right way to create a story. Different methods can work, and it’s okay to lean into what feels right for you.
  3. If your story feels a bit flat, try making your characters interact more. This can help bring energy and connection to the narrative.