The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

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18 pieces of writing advice

Tao Lin • 2 HN points • 11 Aug 24
📚 Literature Writing advice Creative Writing Storytelling
  1. Don't be afraid to save your favorite lines for later instead of cutting them out completely. Keeping a separate file can help you use them in a future piece.
  2. Focus on writing about genuine emotions and experiences. Sharing those deep moments can really connect with your readers.
  3. Be patient with your writing process. Revisit your work multiple times and make small changes until you feel it's ready.

Tyranny and the Plot

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Classics Epic poetry Storytelling Performance Mythology
  1. Book 8 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus shaping the plot through divine council and speeches, emphasizing the influence of Gods and Humans in the narrative.
  2. Zeus's control of the plot showcases his authority and highlights the consequences of opposing him, reflecting a theme of power dynamics and storytelling.
  3. Scholars propose book divisions in the Iliad align with potential performances, with Zeus's speeches marking key moments and guiding the understanding of the epic's plot.

The Breadcrumbs Project: My Sister's Hand

The Reclamation Era • 39 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Memories Childhood Relationships Storytelling
  1. The bond between siblings is special and unique. Growing up with a brother or sister creates a connection that nobody else can replicate.
  2. Sharing childhood memories can strengthen sibling relationships. These memories can serve as comforting reminders of support and love, especially during tough times.
  3. Rituals between siblings, like saying goodnight, create lasting emotional ties. These small gestures can help foster a sense of security and connection that lasts into adulthood.

The hitchhiker paradox

Fictitious • 4 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Human behavior Social norms Adventure Storytelling
  1. Hitchhiking seems fun and adventurous, but it can be difficult to find people actually doing it nowadays. People have different travel options now, making hitchhiking less popular.
  2. Hitchhiking can be boring and frustrating, especially when you have to wait a long time for a ride. It's also tough to depend on strangers to help you out.
  3. Drivers who pick up hitchhikers might feel like they get a chance to do something good, but they also prefer casual, easy rides rather than deep conversations. It's more about the gesture of kindness than a fun trip.
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Y'all Ain't Gonna Believe This...

The Experiment • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling Author Book Writing Visual Arts Literature
  1. The post discusses the story of a fascinating case where a client shot her husband's testicle and the surprising legal outcome.
  2. McCracken Poston Jr. is highlighted as an exceptional storyteller, with a talent for captivating narratives.
  3. The post shares insights into Poston's life and experiences, showcasing his skills as a lawyer and the journey of writing his book.

Guest Post: Baale and Mugudu

The Story Birds • 39 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Folktales Illustration Storytelling Photography Literature
  1. The story of Baale and Mugudu is a cautionary Tulu folktale about a brother and sister who turned into fish, emphasizing the consequences of breaking promises.
  2. In Tulunad, festivals like Keddasa are celebrated to honor Mother Earth and mark the blooming season with festivities.
  3. The tale highlights the importance of honoring traditions and following certain rules to lead a healthy and prosperous life.

Star Trek: Resurgence

Have You Played? • 39 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Video Games Graphics Storytelling Dialogue
  1. Star Trek: Resurgence is a dialogue-driven adventure game focusing on preventing an interplanetary war.
  2. The game mimics the style of Star Trek: The Next Generation with dialogue choices that affect crew opinions.
  3. The inclusion of unnecessary minigames like stealth and tricorder scanning detract from the core storytelling experience.

The High Realm Trilogy

Trantor Publishing • 39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
📚 Literature Review Children's Books Storytelling
  1. When choosing books to review, focus on those that are enjoyable, not well-known, and offer something interesting to discuss.
  2. Creating children's literature with conservative values is important to provide alternatives to modern ideological narratives.
  3. In storytelling, it's crucial to balance delivering moral lessons with engaging and entertaining narratives.

Why Podcasts Are A Cultural Artefact

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Media Books Storytelling Society
  1. Podcasts have become a cultural artefact, deeply embedded in the aesthetic aspect of culture, and are here to stay
  2. The success of a technology within a cultural system is influenced more by norms, behaviors, customs, and traditions than by economic models
  3. The primary reason podcasts are a cultural artefact is their ability for audio storytelling, which is a fundamental human survival mechanism

Catechism

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Film Television Storytelling Editing Personal Stories
  1. Sometimes, stories that seem fascinating can feel boring in real life. The excitement gets lost during retelling.
  2. The editing process is really important in filmmaking. Editors can completely change how a story is perceived.
  3. People in the industry often have their own struggles and past experiences that influence their work and attitudes.

Diary #11

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Storytelling
  1. The writer describes being in a box, feeling isolated and unheard, reflecting on the concept of 'shriek' and the time spent waiting.
  2. An interaction in the kitchen highlights the repetitive use of 'vibe' by a colleague, showcasing how language can lose meaning through overuse.
  3. Observing a chaotic meeting from within the box, the writer reflects on time management and the uncertainty of future opportunities.

Cathedral: Year Forty-Six

Castles in the Sky • 52 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Writing Books Creative Writing Storytelling
  1. The pilgrims on the Ark journeyed towards their promised land of Proxima Centauri-XR-4, embracing life as their religion.
  2. The importance of the observation deck on the Ark went beyond engineering; it symbolized the connection of the passengers to their purpose.
  3. Through personal stories and shared moments, relationships and perspectives evolved on the Ark, shaping individuals' sense of purpose and duty.

Nothing ever happens / everything happens all the time

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Literature Storytelling Creative Writing Visual Arts
  1. Sometimes unexpected encounters and coincidences can lead to introspection and a desire for change in life.
  2. The exploration of doppelgängers, mundane events, and abrupt endings in storytelling can spark contemplation on the nature of existence and personal identity.
  3. Sharing experiences and moments of synchronicity with others can create a sense of connection and shared purpose, transcending individual narratives.

Experiments in style: The Christmas Letter

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Parody Creative Expression
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It makes you think about how tone and style change a story.
  2. Christmas letters often mix bragging and boring news. A fun approach can be to blend both aspects in a humorous way.
  3. Experimenting with storytelling can bring fresh ideas and laughter. Sharing these experiments can entertain and connect with others.

The Ninety-Seventh Voyage

Orbis Tertius • 57 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
⚔ Fiction Storytelling Imagination Adventure
  1. The trail in the story is described as unpredictable and constantly changing, making each voyage unique.
  2. The narrator pays close attention to details in nature and uses markers to navigate the trail.
  3. Respecting the environment, being prepared, and staying aware of time are essential when venturing into unknown places.

Social Media is a Tapestry of Humanity

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Humanity Storytelling Communication Technology
  1. Social media reflects the tapestry of humanity, showcasing both the good and bad aspects of human nature.
  2. Telling stories through words, art, and music is at the core of human culture, shaping our past, present, and future.
  3. As a species, we evolve by sharing experiences and stories, and social media provides a platform for weaving together the diverse narratives of human existence.

218: A Thanksgiving Story

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Documentary Veterans Mental health Trauma Storytelling
  1. Todd's story highlights the struggles many veterans face after returning home. They often deal with trauma, addiction, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
  2. During a visit, Todd expresses his feelings of pain and hopelessness, showing how deep his struggles run. Despite attempts to improve his life, he often feels overwhelmed and alone.
  3. The support system for veterans, like the friends at Ft. Endurance, plays a crucial role in their recovery. However, the challenges they face can make it hard for them to hold onto their progress.

Horsin' Around

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Humor Storytelling History Anecdotes
  1. A unique furniture store in Brooklyn is packed with all kinds of antiques, including horses as furniture types. It's a quirky place that shows how obsessed the owner is with his collection.
  2. A comical robbery scene happens in the store where bandits in pantyhose steal a necklace. The whole thing plays out like a funny movie, with the robbers sneaking around furniture.
  3. Spending time with family reveals personal stories and lessons, such as learning about history from grandparents and the complexities of moral questions, like those involving J. Edgar Hoover.

Inspiration potluck

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Adventure Community Inspiration Personal Growth Storytelling
  1. People can accomplish amazing feats, like climbing all 100 peaks in a summer while biking between them. It shows that with determination, anyone can do extraordinary things.
  2. When planning your own adventure, having clear and original parameters can help. Talking to others can inspire new ideas and approaches.
  3. It's important to speak out about tough experiences, even in places you're connected to. Sharing stories can help bring attention to issues and inspire others to be brave.

A Sound of Thunder

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Science fiction Literary Analysis Storytelling
  1. Small changes can lead to big consequences, like in the butterfly effect. Even a tiny mistake can have a huge impact.
  2. In work, accuracy matters. Small errors in calculations, like rounding, can cause serious issues down the line.
  3. It's important to recognize that every part, small or large, plays a vital role in a project. Everything matters!

Experiments in style: hyperbole

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Creative Expression Storytelling Narrative style Content creation
  1. Hyperbole can make writing more engaging and fun. It exaggerates situations to create humor and interest.
  2. Reworking a story in different styles can help improve writing skills. Trying out new styles lets writers explore creativity and find their voice.
  3. Sharing personal experiences can connect with readers. People enjoy relatable stories and may feel comforted by shared struggles.

Rooster King Project Launch

Transmissions from the floor • 15 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Memoir Media Collage Storytelling
  1. The Rooster King project is a creative blend of stories, images, and sounds that form a multimedia memoir. It's designed to be an enjoyable experience as you scroll through different pages.
  2. This project includes personal tales that explore significant life events, particularly the challenges faced after 2016. It's a mix of fun and serious themes, packed into seven stories.
  3. There's a goal to inspire others with similar creative ideas and even provide a way for them to create their own projects like this in the future.

The Magic Mind Stone

Once Upon A News • 19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Invention Adventure Magic Storytelling
  1. Elara wished to walk again and live without problems, and hoped for the magic mind stone to make it happen.
  2. Despite challenges, the inventor and helpers worked to make the magic mind stone safer after facing opposition.
  3. The story emphasizes the importance of being careful and responsible when pursuing dreams, like creating the magic mind stone.

Stories of Sand, Cities of Salt

Critic at Large • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Literature Novel Storytelling
  1. Artists like Kiluanji Kia Henda explore the notion of cities emerging in unlikely environments, such as deserts, and how these structures can impact society and culture.
  2. The concept of 'Dubaization' refers to the influence of extravagant city development projects, like those in Dubai, on architecture and urban planning in other regions, prompting discussions on the authenticity and value of such endeavors.
  3. The novel 'Cities of Salt' by Abdulrahman Munif delves into the consequences of rapid urbanization driven by oil exploitation, highlighting the societal tensions and transformations that accompany the development of 'cities of salt.'

Crise de foie

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Family Food Tradition Personal Growth Storytelling
  1. Celebrating Tally's birthday included a delicious and rich dinner, making it easy to break food rules. The dinner featured fresh ingredients, and the indulgence left the writer feeling unwell afterward.
  2. Kayla, Tally's mom, expressed her love and care, making the writer feel welcomed and supported. Her kindness and family connection provided emotional comfort.
  3. During the sauna conversations, Tally and Orion discussed the idea of desire and escaping from pain. They recognized that facing and feeling their pain is important for personal growth.

Bobbsey Twins

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Storytelling Documentary Human experience Social Commentary
  1. Documentary work often uncovers unexpected stories that don't fit into the main narrative. These side experiences can leave lasting impressions and enrich the overall understanding of the subject.
  2. The lives of the physicist's family members reflect contrasting lifestyles, showing both simplicity and complexity in relationships. Even with a famous father, personal struggles shaped their identities significantly.
  3. Community and connection can provide a sense of belonging, illustrated by the lively porch gatherings. The joy and camaraderie in these moments highlight the importance of social interactions in life.

Dystopian Visions: The Cold Equations

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Science fiction Storytelling
  1. The story 'The Cold Equations' shows how strict efficiency can lead to serious problems. It highlights the need to consider what might happen in unexpected situations.
  2. In the story, a pilot must make a tough choice when a stowaway threatens the mission. It raises questions about morality and the consequences of our decisions.
  3. The narrative serves as a reminder that always striving for efficiency without planning for the unexpected can have dangerous outcomes in real life, like during emergencies.