The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

All media is niche media now

Men Yell at Me • 376 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  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.

Barangay stories: the Aswang and the jealous auntie

Wyclif's Dust • 268 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  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.

Dave

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Storytelling
  1. Dave worked at a grocery store and believed he could heal people through faith. He started giving 'healings' to women but was not as successful with men.
  2. His girlfriend became seriously ill because he didn't let her get medical help, believing his powers were enough.
  3. Thankfully, a wise co-worker advised him to take her to a doctor, and that saved her life, showing that sometimes real help comes from professionals, not just faith.

Disinformation & Why People Believe It

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
📰 News Storytelling
  1. Disinformation and misinformation are unintended consequences of the early days of the Digital Age, impacting societies globally.
  2. Disinformation often revolves around storytelling, with different groups creating narratives to shape their reality.
  3. The spread of disinformation is fueled by the rapid dissemination of stories in our hyperconnected world, highlighting the need for critical thinking skills in education.
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The Yakverse Chronicles

Breaking Smart • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Volume 3 of the Art of Gig series, titled The Yakverse Chronicles, is now available for free online. You can read it at the Art of Gig website.
  2. The Yak Collective, inspired by these stories, has been running for five years and is a rewarding community project. If you're interested in contributing, you can join and show your interest.
  3. AI tools, like ChatGPT, were used to simplify the self-publishing process for the new volume. This makes it easier for authors to publish their work without complicated setups.

It Was All a Dream! (But What If It Wasn't?)

Story Club with George Saunders • 24 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Stories ask us to believe in them completely, even if they are just dreams. It's like making a deal with the author to trust the narrative.
  2. When a story ends with 'it was all a dream', it can feel like the author has broken our trust. We invested in the story, and then it wasn't real.
  3. The concept of dreams in stories can make us rethink what reality is, both in fiction and in our own lives.

Scatterbrain: an autumn letter

The Leftovers • 179 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Starting a new passion or career path may not always lead to immediate success and can come with unexpected challenges.
  2. Having extra time available can be disorienting for individuals used to being constantly busy, raising questions about how time is best utilized.
  3. Public reactions to global events on social media can sometimes come across as performative, focusing on personal branding rather than genuine empathy.

The Algebraist

Eliot Peper • 176 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Rough drafts are like fresh powder for the imagination.
  2. Revision can be exhausting and frustrating, but it works in making a story better.
  3. Revision helps in transforming a story from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

An Errand Boy Who Wrote Tales To Astonish

From The Future • 176 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Stan Lee's early struggles and experiences shaped his storytelling journey
  2. Stan Lee's approach to writing stories that he would enjoy reading himself led to the creation of iconic characters like the Fantastic Four and Spiderman
  3. Stan Lee's perseverance and belief in doing things his own way were key to his success as a storyteller

How to boost your personal statement or college essay

The Recovering Academic • 138 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🚌 Education Storytelling
  1. Great storytelling is essential for personal statements and college essays to stand out in the competitive application process.
  2. The variety of personal stories, from being a first-generation student to a military veteran, can add diversity and value to an admissions committee's perspective.
  3. Seeking guidance from experienced coaches or editors can significantly enhance the quality and impact of a personal statement, potentially increasing chances of getting into desired schools.

Structure and Its Discontents

Counter Craft • 735 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Different cultures use various story structures, like kishōtenketsu, Freytag's Pyramid, etc.
  2. Story structures are abstract and can apply to different narratives globally.
  3. Writers can experiment with various structures to keep their work fresh and try new frameworks.

Cinema Without Cameras

Cybernetic Forests • 179 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. AI technology like Gen-1 from RunwayML is enabling new possibilities in generative video creation by focusing on the structure and content of videos.
  2. The concept of 'No-Camera Cinema' explores storytelling without traditional cameras, embracing AI-sourced images to reshape narratives and challenge storytelling norms.
  3. Older technologies like Magic Lanterns and experimental films provide inspiration for reimagining cinema with AI, showcasing the potential for new storytelling techniques and visual explorations.

Lost at sea

One bag many places • 39 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The author uses photography to tell a story, aiming to capture emotions and convey specific messages in their images.
  2. The importance of considering composition and editing techniques to enhance the intended story and emotions in a photograph.
  3. Reflecting on personal experiences and emotions to create more meaningful and impactful photographic work.

Vol. 2, Issue 25 - Being a Pokémon Cheater

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Using cheat devices in Pokémon can make the game more accessible and fun in the short term, but it can also lessen the overall enjoyment and sense of achievement. Many players find more fulfillment in playing the game legitimately.
  2. The rise of AI-generated artwork has affected competitions like the Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest, leading to concerns about fairness and integrity among artists.
  3. Sharing your creations or stories, like in Pokémon mailbags, helps build community and keeps the spirit of the game alive, allowing fans to connect over shared experiences and creativity.

Six Books I Recommend 2023

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The author shares six book recommendations for 2023, focusing on natural history and storytelling. These books inspire him, and he appreciates how they explore language.
  2. The author encourages readers to also share their favorite books, emphasizing the joy of discussing literature.
  3. This message is intended for paid subscribers, creating a sense of community and connection among them during the holiday season.

Mother of Frankenstein: Volume One

Have You Played? • 78 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Mother of Frankenstein: Volume One is a tabletop puzzle game that feels weightier due to its subject and length.
  2. The game features puzzles that are well-designed and include elements of wordplay and narrative storytelling.
  3. There is a lack of urgency in the story's pacing and the game's marketing does not effectively explain why players should care about the secret being unearthed.

Writing As Performance

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Writing should be a heartfelt expression, not just about craft or style. It’s important to connect with your audience sincerely.
  2. Courage and honesty are key in both acting and writing. Pushing through discomfort makes the performance more engaging.
  3. The physical presence in performance is different from writing, but both should strive to create a genuine and relatable experience for the audience.

Scatterbrain: a letter from the North Pole

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The importance of storytelling and who gets to tell stories, questioning the media's focus on certain tragedies over others.
  2. Reflection on the never-ending process of writing, revising manuscripts, and the challenge of knowing when to stop.
  3. Critique of demanding representation in mainstream media and cinema, emphasizing the need to create cultural spaces that challenge the status quo.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 139 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. An Astronomer embarks on a dangerous journey to Calrathia with a historic manuscript, facing deadly obstacles and making a life-and-death decision to continue.
  2. The Astronomer encounters a fierce wolf and engages in a brutal struggle, showcasing resilience and determination to survive in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
  3. Hope emerges as the Astronomer discovers fresh footprints in the snow, leading him to a mysterious metal door and a potential chance for salvation.

It's Never Too Late to Write That Novel

Ladyparts • 319 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. It's never too late to pursue your passion, like writing a novel, even if it takes decades to achieve.
  2. Lisa Williamson Rosenberg started crafting stories in childhood and eventually secured a book deal after many years.
  3. Inspiration can strike at any age, and persistence can lead to fulfilling creative achievements.

Coming soon

The Leap • 39 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The newsletter will cover a variety of topics like decision making, poker, and literature. It's described as random and flexible, meaning you can expect different subjects each time.
  2. Readers can try the newsletter for free for a week, giving them a chance to see if they like it before committing to a subscription.
  3. There's no strict promise on what will be discussed, making it open and interesting for anyone curious about diverse themes.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Berenice's sword is a significant symbol tied to the memory of her child, and she must carry it until her death, representing her burden and the only memory allowed to her.
  2. The story delves into themes of love, grief, and sacrifice, highlighting the depths people are willing to go for those they care about.
  3. Death and its mysteries are pondered upon, emphasizing the unique ways individuals cope with loss and the different beliefs they hold about the afterlife.

Background for The Ingarie Files

Carefree Sketches • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The Ingarie Files is a collection of stories that present a world set in a post-breakup Nigeria, featuring themes of espionage and cyborg soldiers.
  2. The narratives explore the intricacies of a fictional world through interconnected stories, essays, and reports, weaving a complex and immersive experience for the readers.
  3. The concept of THE INGARIE FILES acts as a jigsaw puzzle where each story piece enriches the depiction of the country across different time periods, offering a deep understanding of the setting.

On Disliking Stories

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Stories can often be seen as practical jokes, repeating the same patterns that people fall for over and over. This can make writing feel cheap or formulaic.
  2. Some writers want to break free from traditional story structures to explore deeper, more honest experiences. They think the best writing comes from simply sharing real-life observations.
  3. There's value in both traditional storytelling and more experimental writing. Each has its way of connecting with readers, whether through polished craftsmanship or open exploration of truth.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Preparing for a dangerous journey involves seizing every advantage available, including acquiring knowledge and resources
  2. Exploring unfamiliar territories can reveal unexpected challenges and wonders, urging one to adapt and stay cautious
  3. Encounters with unique individuals can lead to unexpected gifts or insights, even if they challenge one's beliefs or perceptions

Cyberpunk 2077

Have You Played? • 117 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. Cyberpunk 2077 has an overly long and linear prologue, which takes away from the player's freedom in the game.
  2. The game struggles with editing in terms of dialogue and storytelling, making it feel verbose and lacking in immersion.
  3. Despite impressive graphics and familiar cyberpunk aesthetics, Cyberpunk 2077 falls short in delivering unique gameplay, compelling story, and engaging world interactions.

The Farmhouse

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 58 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The farmhouse was located in a clearing on top of a hill and dated back to the 1800s.
  2. The path to the farmhouse was initially a walking path that later became a bike path.
  3. The writer enjoyed carrying heavy camera equipment for outdoor activities like photography.

Bed Omen

Situation Normal • 136 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture 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.

Achilles Sings the Hero Within

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Achilles used singing to calm his rage in the Iliad, showing the power of music as a form of self-care.
  2. The phrase 'famous stories of men' in ancient poetry was seen as providing wisdom and advice through narratives.
  3. Achilles' engagement with the 'kléa andrôn' reveals a deeper exploration of narrative blending and the interpretation of stories, highlighting the complexity of storytelling in the Iliad.

The Dreamer Who Wanted to Touch Grass

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. The Dreamer represents a being who exists in a state of eternal perfection but longs for real experiences, like touching grass. He creates a universe to experience life through different characters in his dreams.
  2. The Divider keeps dream characters unaware that they are part of The Dreamer to sustain the dream. This part wants to prolong the dream so it can maintain control.
  3. Eventually, some characters awaken to their true nature, realizing they are connected to The Dreamer. This leads to a cycle of love and reunion, as they understand their shared existence and purpose.

May 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The person is excited to welcome new readers after reaching 200 subscribers.
  2. They recently lost their laptop, which also means they lost some of their previous work.
  3. They are looking forward to sharing more content and connecting with their audience.

Book excerpt: Death Row Welcomes You, by Steven Hale

The Watch • 366 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  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.