The hottest Storytelling Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Crack in the Sidewalk

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. A new fiction book is now available at major bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. You might not find it immediately in all stores, but it should be there soon.
  2. You can also order the book online if you prefer shopping from home. Just check the provided link to get a copy.
  3. There’s an option to subscribe for a free trial to access more content related to the book and the author's work. It's a good way to explore other stories they have written.

Reading Guide: Post Office

salondao • 19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Bukowski's work provides practical lessons on storytelling from focusing on the mundane.
  2. Understanding an artist's experiences shapes their work and background.
  3. Bukowski uses humor, sets clear missions, obstacles, and stakes, and discusses meaningful content in his novel.

What does Gen Z really think about work?

Kyla’s Newsletter • 60 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Expectations about work can be drastically different from reality, leading to disillusionment.
  2. Work in today's society can lack meaning and cause existential crises for many individuals.
  3. Storytelling plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and ideologies, influencing how we view various aspects of life.

Cat City

The 21st Century Proletarian • 19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Cat City is a short animation that tells a deep story about the human experience in just 181 seconds.
  2. The cat protagonist's journey reflects themes of alienation, loneliness, capitalism, and the desire for autonomy and connection.
  3. The animation explores complex emotions and relationships, making viewers reflect on their own feelings and judgments.
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Mastering the Alchemy of AI Storytelling: Paid Subscriber Offer

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 21 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. A collaborative workshop will teach you how to create AI videos. It focuses on making socially valuable, inspiring video statements that could go viral.
  2. The skills you learn are broadly useful and can be applied to many different creative and promotional projects. You'll also get to practice and build them in a group setting.
  3. Access to the full workshop requires a paid subscription, but a 7-day free trial is available for a limited one-week offer. Sign-up is time-limited if you want to join.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 21
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami is considered a masterpiece by many critics and one of the best novels from an East Asian author.
  2. The novel was originally published in 1994 and translated into English in 1997, showcasing the blend of magical realism and storytelling rules.
  3. Readers interested in strange and desultory narratives may find this novel intriguing and worth exploring.

The Takeconomy

Kyla’s Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Opinions can become assets in a 'Takeconomy' driven by volume and aggressive trading.
  2. Language can both connect us and disconnect us, shaping our perception of reality.
  3. Haunted houses and unstable homes serve as metaphors for unexpected turmoil in familiar places.

Books that suck you in and spin you out

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 02 Apr 21
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Some books pull you in and make you feel deeply connected, while others push you out to explore new ideas or authors. It's a fun way to think about how stories can affect us.
  2. Maps in storytelling can really enhance your reading experience. They help you visualize imaginary worlds and can inspire you in your own writing.
  3. Art can be a way to express gratitude and create meaningful souvenirs. It reminds us of experiences or people that matter to us.

Turnaround #2

Turnaround • 98 implied HN points • 29 Jul 19
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Good storytelling helps you stand out and get noticed, conveying facts more effectively than presentations.
  2. A good story typically includes a central character, conflict, message, plot, and a journey.
  3. Timing matters in sharing your story - consider waiting until product-market fit or a launch to engage with media.

Fei Long: A Dragon is Born

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 12 Nov 25
🎙 Podcasts Storytelling
  1. The story features two dragons, one male and one female, highlighting the balance between masculine and feminine energy.
  2. Taoism appreciates both genders and finds harmony without favoring one over the other.
  3. The podcast includes personal stories that connect to the themes of the dragons, inviting listeners to reflect on their meanings.

Experiments in style: The Christmas Letter

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  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.

I’m making a movie

The Next Chapter • 3 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. The film 'After Moonrise' focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter, exploring themes of grief and healing together. It's about understanding and connecting across generations.
  2. The filmmaker is learning the craft through various classes and hands-on experience, despite not having a formal background in film. They are excited about the journey and value community support.
  3. The project relies on crowdfunding to cover costs like production and post-production, and the creator invites others to join in by contributing or spreading the word.

The Street Smart Naturalist

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 21 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Nature is everywhere if you take the time to look. In Seattle, you can find cool things like bald eagles, fossils, and slime molds just by paying attention.
  2. You can explore nature in many ways, whether by walking, biking, or reading about it. The more you explore, the more stories you can discover about the natural world.
  3. Connecting with nature can strengthen your relationship with your surroundings. Sharing these experiences and stories can help everyone learn from each other.

The economy of controlling women

storyvoyager • 10 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Stories help us understand the world better, and writing can be a way to figure out our own thoughts and feelings. It's all about being fascinated by ideas and emotions.
  2. Historically, women's roles have been controlled in many ways, and it's important to think about how society might impose new forms of control in the future. We can see echoes of past practices in today's world.
  3. The idea of merging human minds with technology, called mindbinding, shows how humans could interact deeply with tech in the future. This blend could bring empathy and intuition into powerful new roles.

Using the SCQA framework in UX Research

UX Psychology • 19 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Storytelling
  1. Using storytelling skills can help overcome challenges in presenting UX research insights - simplify and make it narrative.
  2. SCQA framework (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer) structures information for a clear and compelling story.
  3. Applying SCQA in presentations can make messages clearer, urgent, and more interesting, capturing audience attention effectively.

In-person event, an interview, a personal note and a political comment

Charles Eisenstein • 6 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Take breaks for mental and physical health. Rest is really important to recharge and enjoy life.
  2. Many people feel torn between different political views. It's valuable to understand various perspectives without choosing sides.
  3. There's a unique gathering happening at the Omega Institute focused on a new and ancient story. It blends different financial contributions to make it accessible for everyone.

The last forest

storyvoyager • 8 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📚 Literature 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.

Great communication in 3 steps

A Bit Gamey • 27 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
💼 Business Storytelling
  1. Gain attention: Use humor, surprise, or shock to stand out and make an impact.
  2. Communicate clearly: Make your message easy to understand and remember, using simple language and visuals.
  3. Persuade effectively: Use influencing tactics like social proof or scarcity to encourage action.

where fires burn | fiction

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. The story reflects on a desolate world where people are suffering and struggling to survive. It paints a picture of desperation and loss, reminding us of humanity's need for hope.
  2. The main character encounters a woman and her child, symbolizing the fight for life even in the harshest conditions. Their situation evokes feelings of sadness and highlights the importance of compassion.
  3. The man's question, 'Where is tomorrow?', captures the essence of uncertainty and longing for a better future. It resonates with anyone who's ever felt lost or in need of change.

Experiments in style: hyperbole

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  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.

Cyan's Cart Path

Critical Mass • 6 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Storytelling
  1. Cyan shares a unique journey showing how unexpected events and encounters can lead to meaningful connections. She reveals how a simple meeting turned into powerful collaborations.
  2. She emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not getting caught up in public perception. Drowning in self-scrutiny can hinder personal growth and authenticity.
  3. The power of storytelling is highlighted as Cyan describes her experience on a podcast with Lawrence. It’s about how a shared narrative can deepen friendships and inspire others.

Rooster King Project Launch

Transmissions from the floor • 15 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Creative Advertising

Madhur’s Writings • 28 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Storytelling
  1. Smartphones changed advertising by allowing personalized targeting with specific ads quickly.
  2. Streaming services like Netflix reduced incentives for companies to create amazing ads.
  3. Social media has shifted focus to quick, placement-focused ads due to user behavior and algorithms.

"What If?"

Juan David’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Curiosity drives human connections. When you talk to strangers, you might discover amazing stories that surprise you.
  2. Taking risks is important. You need to act boldly to achieve what you want instead of overthinking things.
  3. The best stories often come from real experiences. When creating something, let the story develop naturally from the events that happen.

Dystopian Visions: The Cold Equations

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature 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.

Can you see it?

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. The post discusses over-characterization in a story told by the author's grandfather, creating intrigue.
  2. The author describes a humorous prank where his grandfather and friends pretended to see something in the sky, adding a playful element to the narrative.
  3. The use of storytelling and personal anecdotes can engage readers effectively, making the content more relatable and captivating.

All grapes are sour until they're ripe

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Patience is important. Just like grapes need time to ripen, ideas and goals also take time to develop.
  2. Creating can be tough sometimes. There were many challenges this year, but the hard work eventually turned into sweet success.
  3. Sharing stories can connect us. The upcoming mini-series is a way to bring people together and reflect on past experiences as we step into a new year.

The Cooperatives: The scream

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. The story explores a future where humans face severe consequences due to climate change. It showcases how people's actions can disrupt nature and bring about significant challenges.
  2. Characters interact with indigenous beliefs and practices, showing a deep respect for nature. This highlights the importance of understanding and honoring the environment we live in.
  3. The tension escalates as characters confront the consequences of their actions. Their interactions reflect the struggle between human desires and the sacredness of nature, encouraging readers to think about their choices.

August 2020: Notes in the Margins

Notes in the Margins • 39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling
  1. Many people are feeling a mix of emotions in 2020 - from low key sad to high note sad, it's been a rollercoaster year.
  2. It's important to pay attention to the little details and listen to inner callings, even if it means making adjustments and changes.
  3. Committing to a creative project, like writing a novel, can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, even when the path forward may not be entirely clear.

Dystopian visions: My Object All Sublime

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
⚔ Fiction Storytelling
  1. Time travel is a popular idea in stories, but it might not be a good thing. Changing the past could lead to even worse outcomes.
  2. The story 'My Object All Sublime' shows how time travel could be used as a punishment. This raises strong moral questions about technology and its impacts.
  3. As technology advances quickly, we might lose touch with important values like kindness. It's worth thinking about how we can manage our inventions better.

Dystopian Visions: Computers Don't Argue

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Computers and AI can be clever, but they aren't truly intelligent. They often follow set rules without understanding the human side of things.
  2. AI can't be reasoned with, especially when its decisions are based on flawed programming or biased training data. This can lead to serious issues, like unfair legal judgments.
  3. It's important to have human input when using technology. Combining AI's efficiency with human judgment could lead to better outcomes.

#40: Trials and tribulations

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 20
📚 Literature Storytelling
  1. Change employee roles to be flexible, so they can adapt to new tasks. This helps workers stay engaged and ready for whatever comes next.
  2. Encourage employees to have goals that are open-ended, not just specific tasks. This allows for creativity and helps them find new ways to succeed.
  3. Provide concrete work experiences for training instead of only theory. This hands-on approach helps employees learn better and feel more prepared.