The hottest Writing Style Substack posts right now

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My Àntonia: Book I, Chapters 8–19

Book Post • 137 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Analysis Author Book review Writing Style Themes
  1. Willa Cather's work in My Ántonia emphasizes the value of early memories and wisdom, reflecting on important aspects of life.
  2. The novel portrays growing intimacy between Jim and Ántonia, highlighting elements of adventure and struggles, and delves into deeper themes of survival and hardship.
  3. Cather's embrace of naturalism in the novel, inspired by Darwin's struggle for survival, shapes the narrative and intertwines with themes of human nature and societal dynamics.

Inside looking in

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoirs Criticism Writing Style
  1. Memoirs can pose challenges for authors and critics, leading to delicate evaluations and special treatment.
  2. Authors can offer universal insights by looking inward, Personal experiences can embody broader themes and human conditions.
  3. Advocating for a shift from 'the political is personal' to 'the personal is political', encouraging connections and unity amidst societal fragmentation.
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Science Fiction Review: Steelstorm

Aristophanes Athenaeum • 452 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
📚 Literature Science fiction Book review Author Writing Style Imagery
  1. Steelstorm is a speculative science fiction story with multiple timelines, including a Cold War setting and a dystopian future.
  2. The author successfully switches between different perspectives, like a psychopathic character and a soldier, keeping the story coherent.
  3. The book is short but written with unique prose that captures grand imagery and deep themes, making it a satisfying read.

Ernest Hemingway: Macho Cat Dad

Litverse • 479 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
📚 Literature Biography Criticism Authorship Writing Style
  1. Ernest Hemingway, known for his macho image, had a deep connection with cats and spent a significant part of his life breeding them.
  2. Hemingway's persona often overshadowed the complexity and sensitivity in his writing, leading to misconceptions about his work.
  3. Through his unusual interactions with cats, Hemingway's true character emerges as a blend of strength and vulnerability, challenging common perceptions of his masculinity.

The Relentlessness of R.A. Salvatore, the Anti-George R.R. Martin

Litverse • 359 implied HN points • 08 Nov 22
📚 Literature Fantasy Authors Themes Characters Writing Style
  1. Different fantasy subgenres, like dark fantasy and high fantasy, offer contrasting themes and storytelling styles.
  2. R.A. Salvatore, known for high fantasy, values entertainment and accessibility in his work, showcasing the importance of catering to readers' enjoyment.
  3. Salvatore's focus on heroes winning and delivering joy through storytelling brings a refreshing perspective in a literary world often focused on darkness and complexity.

How do you know if your Eureka moments are real?

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 23 May 23
📚 Literature Reading Character analysis Writing Style
  1. Eureka moments may not always happen instantly; often, taking a break or diverting attention can lead to a breakthrough.
  2. Resilience and growth mindset are crucial in the pursuit of one's dreams, even if faced with setbacks or challenges.
  3. Finding meaning and purpose in life, even after loss or disappointment, can help in navigating through difficult times and moving forward.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 94 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📚 Literature Writing Style
  1. Writers should aim to find a unique and powerful voice to distinguish themselves and convey truth and beauty in their prose.
  2. Avoid relying too heavily on aphorisms and advice, and focus on writing with intention and honesty.
  3. Strive to identify and reflect your true values and voice in your writing, even if it means moving away from a 'natural' sound.

expat in Paris | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 63 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction Author Book review Themes Writing Style
  1. Discovering new authors in unexpected places, like bookstores, can lead to transformative reading experiences.
  2. James Baldwin's work in 'Giovanni's Room' delves into themes of love, despair, and societal expectations, providing a deep and impactful exploration of the human condition.
  3. Baldwin's writing style combines poetry, sharp observations, and social commentary to create a powerful narrative that resonates with readers across generations.

Reading Guide: The Bell Jar

salondao • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
📚 Literature Analysis Author Book review Writing Style
  1. The author discusses the impact of reading classic novels in nurturing the mind and body.
  2. Plath's 'The Bell Jar' is praised for its deep exploration of personal trauma, mental illness, and treatment.
  3. The novel sheds light on historical perspectives of medical institutions and prompts questions about modern therapies.

Nabokov's Lolita

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 15 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
📚 Literature Book review Author analysis Writing Style Literary Analysis Short Stories
  1. The reviewer finds Nabokov's Lolita to be beautifully written but struggles with the content.
  2. Despite difficulties with Lolita, the reviewer still recommends reading Nabokov's other works, particularly his short stories.
  3. Readers interested in writing well are encouraged to learn from Nabokov's writing style.

Lessons in narrative compassion

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 22
📚 Literature Short Stories Narrative Techniques Character development Influences Writing Style
  1. The book 'Dance Move' by Wendy Erskine uses third person narration, creating a detached, observer-like perspective that allows the stories to almost tell themselves.
  2. The stories in 'Dance Move' predominantly take place in intimate interior spaces like kitchens and living rooms, focusing on the everyday joys and sorrows of characters, rather than grand events.
  3. Wendy Erskine's writing style, influenced by authors like Chekhov, shows a compassionate approach to storytelling that prioritizes character depth and authenticity over sensationalism.

Paging Steve Anderson

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
📚 Literature Book review Novel Author Writing Style
  1. The novel "As the Day May Determine" by Steve Anderson features a dominatrix character who shows empathy towards her clients.
  2. The novel also offers a depiction of the changing East Village through the eyes of the author, reflecting on the neighborhood's evolution.
  3. The story line of the novel includes themes of betrayal, miscarriages of justice, and elements resembling murder, making it engaging for readers.

The Big Lookback: Christina Stead

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📚 Literature Novelists Criticism Biography Feminism Writing Style
  1. Christina Stead's novel The Man Who Loved Children is praised for its unique voices and detailed character development
  2. Stead's writing style is described as unorthodox and crafted with a mix of satire and naturalism
  3. Stead, an Australian novelist, was known for her eccentric, unedited prose which explored intolerable situations and characters