The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Player Success Versus Character Success

RPG Design Theories • 511 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration 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.

THE NEW MARK

Unbound • 585 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Mark is an incredible storyteller who captivates everyone around him with his tales from the past. His ability to draw listeners in shows the power of sharing personal experiences.
  2. During a moment of storytelling, he seemed to transform, showing different ages of himself all at once. It was a fascinating glimpse into the depth of a person's life and identity.
  3. The experience made the observer feel a deep connection and understanding of Mark as a whole person, beyond just his current state. This highlights how we often overlook the complexity of those around us.
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The State and Art of Storytelling

The Octavian Report • 216 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Short stories in magazines like The New Yorker play a vital role in showcasing American literature over the decades. They highlight different writing styles and evolving themes from the past hundred years.
  2. Even with concerns about the short story's relevance, it is thriving today due to more writing workshops and the rise of authors who produce both stories and novels. People still enjoy reading short fiction.
  3. There is no strict formula for writing a good short story. The key is to ensure there's change or development, so the reader feels they've experienced a complete narrative.

Rêves trouvés

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 293 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The author found a lost notebook that had a note asking to be returned to its owner, which sparked a journey to reconnect it with that person.
  2. The contents of the notebook revealed dreams written by someone, which were personal and at times eerie, showcasing the complexities of human emotions.
  3. There was a moral dilemma about returning the notebook, as the author reflected on the past experiences with its owner while trying to do the right thing.

A Cold Front

slow motion multitasking • 734 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The post discusses the characteristics and activities of Yetis.
  2. Yetis have unique features like communicating through musical instruments.
  3. The article provides insights into the making of Summer Camp, highlighting the different factions and art styles.

A Course To Make Them Care

Everything Is Amazing • 760 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Storytelling
  1. Storytelling is more than just good writing; it's its own skill that can be developed. You can tell a great story even if the writing isn’t perfect.
  2. Storytelling isn’t just something for kids; it’s used in many professions, like therapy, business, and even law. It’s a tool that's relevant everywhere in life.
  3. You can learn to tell stories effectively; it’s not just a natural talent. Everyone has the potential to become a better storyteller with practice.

When Writing Fantasy, Kill Your Darlings. Literally.

The Bottom Feeder • 703 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Killing characters can add emotional weight to a story. When a character dies, it can make the readers feel more suspense and connect emotionally to the narrative.
  2. It's important to time character deaths well in a story. Too many deaths can numb the audience, while too few can make a story feel cluttered and lacking in stakes.
  3. Character deaths should serve a purpose. They should reflect the story's themes and impact the narrative, making the audience feel the reality of loss and its significance.

Story: MORE TOMORROW

So Here’s a Thing • 314 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  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.

A Question about The Question

Story Club with George Saunders • 55 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. A good story often raises a question rather than providing a clear answer. This helps to create depth and complexity in the narrative.
  2. Writers should stay open to what their story is trying to express instead of forcing it to fit a predetermined question. This flexibility can lead to more organic and engaging storytelling.
  3. It's important not to get too caught up in finding the 'perfect' central question for a story. Focusing too much on this can hinder creativity and the natural evolution of the narrative.

How Not What

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 194 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. In storytelling, it’s often more interesting to focus on how events unfold rather than just what happens. This shift helps create a deeper connection to the story.
  2. Surprises can be exciting in stories, but relying solely on them can make them feel exhausting over time. Understanding how things happen can be more engaging.
  3. Asking 'how' questions in conversations can lead to richer discussions. These questions help get to know people better and uncover feelings and motivations.

[OVERRIDE]

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 673 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature 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.

Stories we tell ourselves

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  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.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 259 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  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.

Declarations of Independence

steveinskeep • 373 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Americans have embraced and used the promise of equality throughout history.
  2. The Declaration of Independence has been adapted and quoted by various groups seeking equality.
  3. The story of America's journey towards equality is reflected in both historical events and modern interpretations.

A Crisis...

Story Club with George Saunders • 62 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. We might be entering a new stage where reading and writing aren't as important as they used to be. This is called a post-literate age.
  2. This idea sparks a lot of debate about how it affects storytelling and communication in our society.
  3. It's important to discuss these changes and think about what they mean for the future of culture and creativity.

The Future of Trantor Publishing

Trantor Publishing • 219 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Holding Your Own Basket

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  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.

A Slightly Altered Course

Story Club with George Saunders • 590 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. It's important to keep political discussions separate from certain spaces. This helps maintain a positive and civil environment.
  2. Understanding different perspectives is crucial, especially when it comes to politics. People may see things differently, and being curious about those views can help us grow.
  3. Moving forward, the focus will be on storytelling and literature, while political topics will be discussed in other venues. This way, the creative space remains enjoyable for everyone.

Writing vs Journalism: Which Tells the Better Truth?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 50 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Michael Wolff believes there's a difference between writing and journalism. Writers focus on storytelling and expression, while journalists typically just report the news.
  2. Wolff claims he aims to capture deeper truths about people and events, using his experiences and relationships to tell meaningful stories.
  3. He sees value in understanding the complexities of figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump, going beyond just the news to explore human nature and societal flaws.

Short Story Ideas

David Friedman’s Substack • 152 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Parents can use a stasis box to take short breaks from baby care, but eventually this can lead to a strange situation where the parents age while the baby stays the same.
  2. With advances in medicine, it could be possible to slow down physical aging, allowing people to stay 'young' longer while still being mentally sharp.
  3. In a future society, people's homes could be identical and accessed based on a key that remembers the inside, but one person believes that true home is about continuity and tries to prove it.

Race Day

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  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 Storytelling
  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.

County Highway

The Hunt for Tom Clancy • 275 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The story of County Highway turned out to be uplifting, contrary to expectations of a depressing tale.
  2. Meeting Dixon Palmer, a successful farmer, turned the story into a positive experience.
  3. Readers can access County Highway through physical newspaper copies available at certain stores.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 27

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  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.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Cory Doctorow on FanFiction

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 107 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Authors often feel a strong connection to their characters, almost as if the characters have a life of their own. This makes it hard for them when fans create stories that don't match their vision.
  2. Readers can develop deep emotional bonds with fictional characters, making them seem real. This connection explains why fanfiction is so popular; fans want to continue sharing stories about those beloved characters.
  3. The history of storytelling includes borrowing and reimagining, which is what fanfiction does. It shows how narratives can evolve and why it's such a rich tradition.

The Greatest Performance Ever

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  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.

The Romance of Art

Clinsights • 255 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
⚔ Fiction 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.

Is Remedy Making an Alan Wake spinoff about Mr. Door?

Textual Variations • 165 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Remedy Entertainment is working on an unannounced game that is likely an Alan Wake spinoff called Doors. This project is part of a larger plan to expand their gaming universe.
  2. The new game might focus on characters like Mr. Door and Saga Anderson, exploring themes of parallel universes and interdimensional travel.
  3. The game is still in early development and is expected to be released around 2028 or later, emphasizing a connection to Remedy's other titles.

On Fairy Tales

Secretum Secretorum • 151 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Fairy tales often focus on themes of transformation and redemption, showing how characters grow and change through their challenges. For instance, Belle and the Beast evolve through their relationship, revealing that true beauty lies within.
  2. Telling stories connects generations, creating a special bond between the elderly and young, as tales from the past guide the future. These stories help children understand their roots and the world around them.
  3. The journey in a fairy tale is often unpredictable, leading characters to unexpected places where they ultimately discover what truly matters. This reflects our own journeys in life where we learn and grow along the way.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #4

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The author is updating paid subscribers on the progress of exclusive content, like a short story, despite setbacks from family issues.
  2. There's a proposal to let subscribers decide on focusing efforts on finishing Gigaheroes, a popular serial, rather than returning to the regular schedule after disruptions.
  3. The author shares updates on completed audio chapters for The Domes of Calrathia and Gigaheroes, along with links to playlists for listeners.

Is there an enterprise sales gene?

Top of the Lyne • 216 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
💼 Business Storytelling
  1. The enterprise sales gene is complex and unique, different from SMB and mid-market sales genes.
  2. Understanding the ideal customer profile and reaching decision-makers is crucial in enterprise sales.
  3. Emphasize value over features, tell compelling stories, and focus on how your product benefits the customer's business in enterprise sales.

TITAA #40: Post-Creative Creativity

Things I Think Are Awesome • 216 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Conceptual artist Sol Lewitt's wall drawings are executed by others based on his written prompts, highlighting different interpretations of instructions
  2. Poetry translation can lead to varied interpretations of the same text in different languages
  3. Copyright laws and the concept of dual authorship raise questions about originality and authorship in derived works

Doing Crimes w my dad

Both Are True • 130 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Spending time with family can lead to funny and memorable moments, like the bonding experience of removing an old TV together. It's special to share laughter and joy while doing something that feels a bit adventurous.
  2. Communication can shift between languages and cultures, as seen in the playful interactions between family members who speak different languages. It's a fun reminder of how language can bring us closer or create a divide.
  3. Inside jokes and shared laughter help strengthen family ties, making ordinary moments more meaningful. Humor can turn a simple task into a cherished memory.