The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Pulling back the curtain to show the set

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Production Entertainment Psychology Personal Development Storytelling
  1. The show is presented like an old-fashioned talk show, not just a casual podcast. The creator values a polished production and enjoys looking put together while performing.
  2. There's honesty behind the performance; the creator shares personal struggles and insecurities. They believe it's important to show that even those who entertain can have vulnerabilities.
  3. The aim is to connect with others who have faced similar challenges from childhood. The show encourages a sense of recognition and reminds viewers that it's okay to have flaws but still strive to entertain and engage.

Notes on Memoir Structure

The Fairest Writer • 259 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Non-fiction Creative Process Storytelling
  1. Start writing by keeping a memory journal. Write down significant moments to help you remember what to include in your memoir.
  2. Listen to your material while writing. The best structure for your story often comes from how you feel about your experiences, so be flexible and adjust as needed.
  3. During revisions, be willing to cut parts that don't fit. Always ask if you can make it better, instead of just wanting to be done with it.

The Summer Pitch Bible Part 1

slow motion multitasking • 1091 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Character design World Building Storytelling
  1. The idea for the show was born from homesickness and a desire to celebrate platonic friendship.
  2. The pitch bible creation process involved developing main characters like Oscar while maintaining personal attachment to original designs.
  3. The pitch bible layout included sections on show overview, characters, world-building, and episode ideas.

Theft

Story Club with George Saunders • 49 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Storytelling Critique Discussion
  1. A good work of art captures something deep and meaningful. It's about more than just the surface level; it resonates with our emotions and thoughts.
  2. Engaging with art is a collaborative experience. The audience plays a vital role in interpreting and connecting with the work.
  3. Effective storytelling includes exploring difficult themes. A story can tackle complex issues while still being relatable and thought-provoking.
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"Theft"

Story Club with George Saunders • 54 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Storytelling Narrative
  1. The story explores deep feelings of loss and how they impact our lives. It shows that remembering past losses can affect our present emotions.
  2. Katherine Anne Porter's 'Theft' invites readers to think about the nature of storytelling. It provides insights that can help us understand stories better.
  3. There’s an interesting trivia piece related to the story that sheds light on its themes. Learning these little facts can enhance our appreciation of the narrative.

🤯 10 surprising ideas about design

Design Lobster • 519 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Creativity Inspiration Storytelling Aesthetics
  1. In design, being obvious can be a compliment. It requires a creative mindset to see things as they truly are and eliminate the unnecessary.
  2. Design that makes people look good resonates more. A little flattery in design can go a long way in enhancing user experience.
  3. Embracing bad ideas in the design process can lead to wider exploration and better solutions. It's about challenging assumptions and sparking fresh ideas.

On Barbie and Oppenheimer, inevitability and guilty

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 530 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Demographics History London Storytelling
  1. _Barbie_ and _Oppenheimer_ films are compared with a focus on the inevitability and guilt associated with historical events.
  2. Film _Oppenheimer_ explores themes of guilt and responsibility regarding the Manhattan Project and the use of atomic bombs.
  3. Population shifts in London over the decades have seen fluctuations, with various factors influencing the city's growth and decline.

Cyan's Cart Path

Critical Mass • 6 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Storytelling Interviews Philosophy Science communication Personal narratives
  1. Cyan shares a unique journey showing how unexpected events and encounters can lead to meaningful connections. She reveals how a simple meeting turned into powerful collaborations.
  2. She emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not getting caught up in public perception. Drowning in self-scrutiny can hinder personal growth and authenticity.
  3. The power of storytelling is highlighted as Cyan describes her experience on a podcast with Lawrence. It’s about how a shared narrative can deepen friendships and inspire others.

Player Success Versus Character Success

RPG Design Theories • 511 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Game design Character development Storytelling
  1. Players and characters should be conceptually separated in terms of success and failure.
  2. Game designers can choose between player-first and character-first gameplay styles, each with its own advantages and challenges.
  3. A balance between player-first and character-first elements can create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Book Release — Cyan Waters: A Story From the Poolrooms

antoniomelonio • 17 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Narrative Storytelling Genre Character
  1. The story follows Vuk Petrović, who finds himself in a strange, dream-like world after a corporate collapse. He faces eerie and beautiful settings that challenge his sense of reality.
  2. Vuk experiences a blend of violence and tranquility, showcasing a dark exploration of existential horror. His journey raises questions about memory, humanity, and the impact of corporate greed.
  3. The narrative blurs the lines between victim and caretaker, illustrating how life can be both cruel and serene. It's a tale about accepting one's fate amid chaos and confusion.

My Christmas story

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Family Food Storytelling
  1. The Christmas season creates a special atmosphere of warmth and comfort, making it a perfect time for reflection and writing. There’s a soothing silence that feels familiar and inviting as the days lead up to the holiday.
  2. Food plays a big role in Christmas preparations, with favorite treats like nuts, chocolates, and festive cakes being essential. Shopping for special items at the market adds to the excitement and tradition of the season.
  3. Watching Christmas television shows and movies is a cherished activity, even if the options aren't always great. The anticipation of classic comedies and family favorites makes this time of year feel magical.

On Titles

Story Club with George Saunders • 57 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Authors Literary Analysis Creative Process
  1. Titles should be simple and not give too much away about the story. A good title can grab the reader’s attention without being too clever or obvious.
  2. Many titles come to the writer naturally while working on the story. They might pop into the writer's head without much effort.
  3. It's important for a title to resonate with the story after it's read, adding extra meaning while still not being overly complicated or distracting.

Story: MORE TOMORROW

So Here’s a Thing • 314 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📚 Literature Storytelling Online Subscription
  1. The online story 'MORE TOMORROW' is part of a collection by the author that delves into the risks of the internet and explores the concept of duty of care to distant individuals.
  2. Readers need to be paid subscribers to access and enjoy the story, with options for a monthly or annual subscription.
  3. Referring friends can earn readers paid benefits, and there are discounts available for subscribers who introduce others to the platform.

Second String

Soaring Twenties • 30 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Storytelling
  1. The story explores complex relationships where loyalty and love are questioned. Characters are caught between their partners and secret affairs.
  2. Betrayal leads to dramatic consequences, revealing the emotional turmoil faced by those involved. It showcases how secrets can unravel lives.
  3. The ending suggests a cycle of hurt and anger, emphasizing the impact of choices in relationships. It leaves readers reflecting on love's complexities.

Stories we tell ourselves

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Mental health Self-reflection Storytelling ADHD Awareness
  1. Understanding your personal challenges can change how you see yourself. Recognizing a condition like ADHD or Tourette's allows you to reframe your story from weakness to strength.
  2. Everyone has stories about their abilities that may not be true. Instead of saying "I'm bad at math," think of what you're really good at instead.
  3. The way we tell ourselves stories shapes our lives. By being aware of our thoughts, we can rewrite our narratives to be kinder and more helpful.

Book excerpt: Death Row Welcomes You, by Steven Hale

The Watch • 366 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Journalism Storytelling Ethics Humanity Injustice
  1. Tennessee has increased its rate of executions recently, despite questions about the fairness and transparency of the process.
  2. Journalists covering the death penalty face challenges in maintaining objectivity and dealing with the emotional toll of witnessing executions.
  3. The book 'Death Row Welcomes You' by Steven Hale sheds light on the humanity and compassion present in the community of people who connect with death row inmates, despite the harsh reality of the system.

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

FutureIQ • 2 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🚌 Education AI literacy Critical Thinking 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.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 259 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📚 Literature Superheroes Storytelling Character development Fantasy Conflict resolution
  1. The Urban Defenders are strategizing to capitalize on the newfound popularity of the super villain known as 'The Ghost' for engagement.
  2. Nighthawk struggles with the superficiality and expectations of being a superhero amidst a party, revealing the complexities of fame and identity.
  3. Personal relationships and deeper desires contrast with the public persona of superheroes, highlighting the internal struggles within the team.

Book Release — Echoes of Tyranny: Freedom Lost

antoniomelonio • 17 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Books Dystopia Science fiction Storytelling
  1. The book 'Echoes of Tyranny: Freedom Lost' is a sequel that explores the aftermath of a revolution, showing how peace can quickly turn into chaos.
  2. The story features characters grappling with a dying land and a new threat, as an ambitious leader emerges promising order but brings old wounds back to life.
  3. It raises deep questions about power, rebellion, and human nature, highlighting how the line between freedom and oppression can blur.

The Future of Trantor Publishing

Trantor Publishing • 219 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Fiction Storytelling
  1. The author plans to start monetizing their Substack newsletter by offering exclusive content for paying subscribers while keeping most articles and reviews accessible for free subscribers.
  2. Paying subscribers will have the opportunity to influence the author's upcoming projects through polls and receive additional content like monthly exclusive short stories and chapter commentaries.
  3. The author provides insight into their upcoming projects, such as 'The Domes of Calrathia' and 'Gigaheroes', and teases an upcoming article discussing what Reactionary artists can learn from storytelling in Hollywood.

Five ways I sharpen my writing

A Bit Gamey • 47 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Creative Writing Composition Editing Storytelling
  1. Always know your purpose when writing. It helps you stay focused and get your message across clearly.
  2. Use a friendly and personal tone in your writing. It makes people connect with you and enjoy what you share.
  3. Keep your writing concise by using strong verbs and cutting out unnecessary words. This makes your points clearer and more powerful.

Holding Your Own Basket

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Family Dynamics Emotional Health Storytelling Motherhood
  1. It's okay to enjoy your own happiness without sharing it with others. Your moments of joy can be just for you.
  2. Talking about your day can help you feel valued and connected, but it's important to check if it truly brings you closer to others.
  3. Learning to appreciate your own achievements and holding your own 'basket' can lead to a more fulfilling life. You don't always have to prove your worth to others.

On Færie-Stories—like Frank Herbert's "Dune"—Derived from Agrarian-Age Roots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 299 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Analysis Themes Critique Storytelling Characters
  1. Dune by Frank Herbert is a complex and problematic story that delves into themes of tragedy, power, and morality.
  2. The connection between mastery-as-expertise and mastery-as-domination in stories like 'Dune' reflects historical perspectives rooted in Agrarian-Age dynamics of power and exploitation.
  3. While enjoying stories like 'Dune,' it's important to analyze and recognize the problematic aspects of the themes presented, such as the intertwining of expertise and dominance.

Race Day

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🎭️ Culture Adventure Storytelling Personal Reflection Travel Running
  1. The author is participating in a 50-mile race on familiar trails, which brings back childhood memories of hiking with their dad. These moments reflect a mix of nostalgia and personal growth.
  2. They are using the race as a chance to think about a future adventure in Africa, aiming to combine running with creating content. This shows a desire to merge physical challenges with creative storytelling.
  3. Inspired by other adventurers, the author plans to undertake an unsupported journey while documenting their experience. Learning from the past, they hope to prepare better and faster for the content side of their adventure.

How to Write a Story

Nice Try • 299 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Storytelling Drafting Creative Process
  1. Drafting a story is important. You often start with something rough and improve it step by step until it feels right.
  2. Titles can change a lot during the writing process. It's normal to go through several names before settling on one that fits your story.
  3. Writing takes experimenting with ideas. You can mix genres and characters, and even make changes that seem silly until you find what works best.

The Romance of Art

Clinsights • 255 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
⚔ Fiction Romance Storytelling
  1. A chance encounter can ignite a spark and bring joy and purpose to life.
  2. Creativity and inspiration can come from unexpected sources.
  3. Embracing the anticipation and uncertainty of the creative process can lead to unique and fulfilling experiences.

where fires burn | fiction

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Narrative Prose Creative Writing Storytelling Literature
  1. The story reflects on a desolate world where people are suffering and struggling to survive. It paints a picture of desperation and loss, reminding us of humanity's need for hope.
  2. The main character encounters a woman and her child, symbolizing the fight for life even in the harshest conditions. Their situation evokes feelings of sadness and highlights the importance of compassion.
  3. The man's question, 'Where is tomorrow?', captures the essence of uncertainty and longing for a better future. It resonates with anyone who's ever felt lost or in need of change.