The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 1

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Memories from childhood can be really fun to share, especially the funny or mischievous stories from when we were kids. It's great to connect with our own kids by telling them about our past adventures.
  2. Writing about my childhood was a breeze because I have so many vivid memories. It felt exciting to dive into those stories and create something new like a book.
  3. I'm open to exploring new opportunities in writing, even if it's a challenge. I believe that persistence pays off, and I'm excited about the possibility of sharing my childhood stories with a wider audience.

Good Luck / episode seven

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
😂 Humor Storytelling
  1. A funny story was shared about a man who built a secret tunnel to a bar to drink without his wife's knowledge. It highlights the lengths some people might go to hide their habits.
  2. The story sparked a discussion among friends in the truck about the wife's concerns, suggesting she was right to worry about her husband's drinking.
  3. This episode showcases how humor can be used to address serious themes, such as addiction and the impact of relationships on personal choices.

Genevieve Goffman: The Town (excerpt)

Do Not Research • 99 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The story 'The Town' by Genevieve Goffman explores a haunting tale of two children from a town, one of whom is drawn to a mysterious wasteland by mutated creatures.
  2. The town's growth, fueled by industrial and tech developments, experiences a destructive explosion and fire, showcasing a disconnect between the town and the tech center to the west.
  3. A unique relationship is depicted between a girl, the protagonist, and a dog that possesses intelligence and skills, warning her of dangers beyond the gate she crosses despite the foreseen consequences.

The annoying parts of creativity | #29

The Pole • 99 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Editing is crucial but often disliked in the creative process. Finding ways to integrate editing into the writing phase can help improve efficiency.
  2. Jazz improv teaches the importance of establishing a strong foundation, common language, and focusing on adding rather than editing in creative collaboration.
  3. Expanding vocabulary and understanding in creativity can enhance storytelling, humor, and self-awareness, unlocking untapped creative potential in everyday experiences.

Reading The Room

From The Future • 98 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Learning to read the room can reveal hidden messages.
  2. Observing details in the environment can lead to important discoveries.
  3. Paying attention to patterns and clues can uncover deeper meanings.
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The Turquoise Serpent

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The story explores the contrasting characteristics of a seasoned warrior and an insecure wizard, reflecting on the theme of the warrior versus the wizard in sword and sorcery tales.
  2. It delves into how the modern world seems to value intellect and science over physical strength and competence, raising questions about the imbalance between mental and physical development.
  3. The narrative highlights the importance of humility, forgiveness, and finding common ground in order to navigate complex challenges and conflicts, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration among different generations for a better future.

The Domes of Calrathia

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Messalina shows gratitude by offering the protagonists food and shelter.
  2. Berenice's loyalty to her father's dying hound Argos demonstrates the theme of faithfulness.
  3. The description of the city Terminus and its inhabitants provides stark contrasts to the protagonist's previous experiences.

Book Review: “Clear Thinking" by Shane Parrish 5/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 78 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The book explores clear thinking and decision-making holistically, starting with self-awareness and strengths/weaknesses, delving into the decision-making process, and ending with a philosophical reflection on what truly matters.
  2. An interesting tool suggested in the book is creating a personal board of advisors in your head, made up of people you value and trust, to gain different perspectives when making decisions.
  3. The book shares a recipe for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary results, but emphasizes that success depends on our implementation of the concepts discussed.

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

Counter Craft • 168 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  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.

The Consciousness Box

Passing Time • 401 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. There is a sentence that can destroy or heal you.
  2. Being conscious involves more than just reacting to stimuli.
  3. Proving consciousness can be a challenge, even in a unique scenario.

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

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Open Friday Thread: Storytelling, Teaching Experiments, and Private Threads

The Recovering Academic • 98 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🚌 Education Storytelling
  1. Collaboration on projects like Inner Life can help create a sense of community and engagement among contributors and subscribers.
  2. Storytelling and surprising teaching methods can have a profound impact on engagement and learning, both in traditional and experimental settings.
  3. Offering private threads or discussions for paying subscribers can enhance exclusivity and provide a more intimate space for in-depth conversations.

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 Storytelling
  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.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #7

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🚌 Education Storytelling
  1. Documenting your learning process and teaching along the way can be an effective method to learn and grow.
  2. Storytelling is essential in communication and can be a powerful tool, even in something as seemingly mundane as copywriting.
  3. Reflecting on your progress, implementing small planning practices, and exploring new learning challenges can help in personal growth and development.

AI Storytelling: Aesthetic and Minimalist Design (Usability Heuristic 8)

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 36 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. Storytelling helps people remember information better than just facts. Our brains were built to process stories, so they're more persuasive and engaging.
  2. Using stories reduces the mental effort required to understand data. Instead of processing raw numbers, stories provide a structured way to think about information.
  3. Narrative formats create a more immersive experience. When people can relate to a story, they're more likely to connect with the information and remember it longer.

The Jade Racket

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. The main character, Caroline Jade, is smart and tough. She runs her own business in a dangerous world and knows how to protect herself.
  2. Conflict arises between Caroline and a rival gangster, Gino Salerno, leading to life-threatening situations. This showcases the risks involved in her operations.
  3. Caroline uses her connections and strategic thinking to navigate tricky situations. Ultimately, she seeks revenge and maintains her power in a chaotic environment.

Welcome to Big Charts! Behind the scenes with interactive data stories

Big Charts • 79 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Interactive data storytelling projects involve a complex process involving journalism, design, and coding.
  2. The process of creating interactive data stories often deviates from the initial plan due to the dynamic nature of the work.
  3. Various modes of communication, such as writing, design, and coding, play unique and essential roles in organizing thoughts and shaping storytelling.

Inside Nat Geo Traveller UK: an interview with editor Pat Riddell

Talking Travel Writing • 78 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Storytelling
  1. National Geographic Traveller UK saw a quick bounce back after the pandemic, reaching 164 pages by mid-2021 and returning to 180 pages in 2022.
  2. A brilliant story for NGT UK includes a compelling narrative that weaves characters, culture, and place, emphasizing sustainable and responsible travel.
  3. The magazine highlights long-form pieces that have made a significant impact in recent years.

The Work of RPGs

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. Video game developers aim to find the right balance between gameplay and storytelling in RPGs.
  2. Publication discusses the role-playing video game genre and its significance.
  3. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to support this publication and access more content.

Taylor Sheridan's Extreme Productivity

SatPost by Trung Phan • 122 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Taylor Sheridan didn't become a successful writer until he was 40, showing that it's never too late to start a new career. His need to support his family pushed him to work hard and produce a lot of content quickly.
  2. He handles creative control differently than others in Hollywood, often working alone instead of in a writer's room. This unique approach allows him to stay true to his vision and produce shows and movies that resonate with people.
  3. Buying a massive ranch for $350 million increased his pressure to succeed even more. This financial burden motivated him to create new shows and push out his work at an extreme rate.

Bad Karmala

Fake Noûs • 117 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. The story is about a fictional election where Karmala Harris refuses to accept losing to Donald Trump. She believes the election results were manipulated and insists they should fight back.
  2. Despite evidence showing Trump performed better than before, Karmala argues that there must have been voter fraud because she can't believe so many people switched their votes away from her.
  3. The media and Karmala's supporters rally behind her claims, spreading her message of a stolen election, even though there's no solid proof provided.

Sunday Strip: The Original Big Beautiful Bill

Who is Robert Malone • 39 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. It's important to share information and stories with others. This helps build community and keeps everyone informed.
  2. Humor can make serious topics more relatable and enjoyable. A little laughter can lighten the mood.
  3. Supporting creators and sharing their work helps them continue doing what they love. Consider helping out in any way you can.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 92 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. It's important to notice areas in your writing that feel off or unsatisfying. These areas can guide you to make better changes and improve your story.
  2. Polishing your writing helps you see new possibilities. Once everything looks clean, you might realize something about the overall structure or flow that needs adjusting.
  3. Practicing writing through revision is key. Focus on small sections of your work and ask yourself how they can be improved, which can reveal new ideas for your storytelling.

Excel at Assimilation

antoniomelonio • 75 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. Getting stuck in repetitive tasks can feel overwhelming, like being trapped in a never-ending loop with no escape. It's important to find a way out of that cycle to regain your sense of control.
  2. People often define themselves by how they're measured at work, which can feel dehumanizing. We shouldn't let our worth be reduced to numbers and data points.
  3. Finding moments of nostalgia and connection to simpler times can help revive our spirit amidst the chaos of modern work life. Those memories can provide comfort and hope for a better balance.

Not Just a Camera, Not Just an Engine

Breaking Smart • 36 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. We often feel trapped between two narratives: one where people are blindly building without seeing reality, and another where people feel helpless and see a bleak future. Both views are inadequate.
  2. There are stories that help us see and do at the same time. It's important to find a balance between understanding the situation and taking action.
  3. Some narratives not only observe but also help shape reality, which can inspire us to navigate complex contexts in a more powerful way.

Good Luck / episode five

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Memories from childhood often stand out for their emotional impact. A birthday party moment can create lasting feelings of love and joy.
  2. People can have very early memories that stick with them, like seeing snow for the first time, even if it involves funny situations with pets.
  3. The way we remember things can be influenced by our feelings and imagination, leading to unique and sometimes questionable stories about our past.

Not Everyday Goes As Planned

Spilled Coffee • 80 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Not every day goes smoothly; sometimes things go wrong unexpectedly. It's normal to feel stressed when life throws challenges your way.
  2. Even tough situations can turn out for the best. What seems like a problem can lead to better outcomes later.
  3. Life is full of twists and turns. When facing obstacles, it's important to find new paths instead of getting discouraged.

Why am I rooting for a serial killer?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 28 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Stories can change the way we see people. We might feel for someone we usually wouldn't, like a character who is a criminal.
  2. A good narrative can make us understand a person's actions better. It highlights their pain and justifications, even if those actions are wrong.
  3. TV shows can blur the lines between right and wrong, making us root for characters who are otherwise villains in real life.

Dino Play

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Dinosaurs spark a sense of wonder and playfulness in children. This reminds us how important it is to nurture that joy and imagination.
  2. Parents play a key role in children's beliefs about the world. The father reassures his son about dinosaurs, showing the importance of trust and fun in family interactions.
  3. Stories can transport us to different times and places, allowing us to relive simpler moments. It's great to take a step back and appreciate the playful side of life.

The Parable of the Butterfly

Soaring Twenties • 216 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction 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.

Something fun...

Sunday Letters • 219 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. Using DALL-E as a creative tool can really enhance storytelling. It helps generate images from ideas in a fun and quick way.
  2. Iterating on images rather than expecting a perfect result on the first try is key. It allows for creativity and collaboration between the user and the AI.
  3. Continuity in style matters when creating a series of images. Curation and refining outputs can help achieve a more consistent look.