The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Why Science Fiction Helps Us Ask All The Hardest Questions

Everything Is Amazing • 719 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Science fiction Book recommendations Author interviews Fantasy Storytelling
  1. Science fiction is a great way to explore difficult questions and imagine different futures.
  2. Good science fiction is not just about technology, but also about societal and human issues.
  3. Speculative fiction allows us to discuss challenging topics in a relatable, fictional context, sparking valuable conversations.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #4

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction Podcasts Audio Writing 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.

TITAA #40: Post-Creative Creativity

Things I Think Are Awesome • 216 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Game design Storytelling Visual Arts TV Poetry
  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
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The Parable of the Butterfly

Soaring Twenties • 216 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Parable Storytelling
  1. Setting goals is important, but sometimes going with the flow can lead to unexpected joy and fulfillment.
  2. Listening to others and being open to new perspectives can help us see different paths and possibilities.
  3. Embracing the present moment and letting go of rigid plans can lead to happiness and meaningful connections.

Dave

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Healing Storytelling Personal Experience
  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 Disinformation Storytelling Conspiracy Theories Online Communities Critical Thinking
  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.

Scatterbrain: an autumn letter

The Leftovers • 179 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing Authors Books Storytelling Fiction
  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.

An Errand Boy Who Wrote Tales To Astonish

From The Future • 176 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling Comic Books Writing Creativity Inspiration
  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

The Infinite Almanac of Writing Wisdom

Tigerfeathers! • 17 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Tips Creative Process Storytelling Audience Building
  1. Collect and organize writing tips and techniques to create a valuable resource. This helps writers find inspiration in one easy place.
  2. Writing is an experimental process where you learn by doing. It’s okay to have rough drafts as they can lead to better ideas during revisions.
  3. Engage your audience by being specific and personal in your writing. Sharing your own experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

How to boost your personal statement or college essay

The Recovering Academic • 138 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🚌 Education Workshop Writing 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.

Cinema Without Cameras

Cybernetic Forests • 179 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Cinema Technology Storytelling Visual Effects Experimental
  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.

Months Late Game Review, Part 2. ... Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Some Bad Things.

The Bottom Feeder • 315 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Design Criticism Storytelling Inventory Management
  1. Deep criticism of games may not always engage a wide audience.
  2. Critiquing games can help keep design skills fresh and provide valuable design exercises.
  3. Large games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may have flaws, such as excessive encounter reuse and key plot elements revealed too early.

Vol. 2, Issue 25 - Being a Pokémon Cheater

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Nostalgia Art Community 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.

The last forest

storyvoyager • 8 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Sci-fi Climate fiction Storytelling
  1. The story features an AI protagonist named the Ghost, who learns that the last remaining forest on Earth is under threat. It's important to protect nature to help recover the planet's ecosystem.
  2. Characters in the story face moral dilemmas about resource use and survival, with some wanting to cut down trees for a space project. This raises questions about greed versus sustainability.
  3. The story emphasizes the need for hope and resilience in the face of climate change. Even as challenges arise, characters believe in finding solutions to save the remaining nature.

Six Books I Recommend 2023

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Book Reviews Poetry 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 Puzzle Storytelling Design Strategy
  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.

I'm writing a climate fiction series

storyvoyager • 4 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Storytelling Sci-fi Narrative Creative Writing
  1. The series 'There Is Hope' is a climate fiction that explores life on a planet affected by climate change, focusing on the search for hope amidst suffering.
  2. It includes multiple interconnected stories set in a dystopian future where different groups struggle for survival and humanity.
  3. The author aims to create a realistic picture of a world that transitions from devastation to a better future, blending both dark and hopeful narratives.

Writing As Performance

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Writing Storytelling Acting Creativity
  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 Film Literature Storytelling Writing History
  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 Explorers Club Edition

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling Adventure
  1. The Explorers Club has a rich history of adventurers and remarkable achievements like reaching the North Pole and diving to the ocean's deepest point.
  2. The club features fascinating artifacts such as a Yeti scalp, Egyptian writings, and rare animal specimens, creating a real-life 'Night at the Museum' experience.
  3. Through narratives like 'As Told at the Explorers Club,' the journal presents contemporary stories of adventurers like Thomas Baker Slick Jr., who sought legendary creatures like the Yeti.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 139 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
⚔ Fiction Adventure Fantasy Storytelling Characters
  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.

A mug story

Men Yell at Me • 198 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The author values their collection of novelty mugs, with one mug having a special story behind it.
  2. The author mentions sharing the story of their David Brooks mug at book events.
  3. The post is intended for paid subscribers, with an option to subscribe or sign in provided.

Coming soon

The Leap • 39 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Literary theory Narrative 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 Fantasy Storytelling Fiction Characters Plot
  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 Sci-fi Storytelling Fiction Writing World Building
  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 Writing Modernism Storytelling Narrative Criticism
  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 Fiction Storytelling Imagination Characters World Building
  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 Gaming Graphics Storytelling RPGs Immersion
  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.