The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Substack Tenets (and viva Sarah Fay!)

Castalia • 979 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Self-Expression Creativity Communication
  1. Writing helps us deal with the feeling of being alone. It's surprising that more people don't use writing to fill their time instead of playing games on their phones.
  2. Writing allows people to express themselves without any restrictions from publishers or institutions. It gives a sense of freedom and responsibility in what you say.
  3. Writing can be a personal journey for self-discovery. It lets you explore who you are and find a purpose beyond just making money.

My Friends Aren't Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 84 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing Reading Writing Books Culture
  1. Many people aren't reading books as much as they used to. This makes it tough for publishers to find audiences.
  2. Publishers need to think creatively to reach new readers. They might need to change their marketing strategies.
  3. Creating engaging and relevant content could help get more people interested in reading again. Finding fun ways to share stories may attract new fans.

I'm writing a book about Oh Hell

Matt’s Five Points • 199 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎭️ Culture Games Writing Leisure Social Narrative
  1. The author is writing a book on Oh Hell, a card game they love and play often. They want to share their passion and knowledge about the game with others.
  2. There is no existing book on Oh Hell, unlike many other card games, which motivates the author to fill this gap in the market.
  3. The book will mix strategy tips with personal stories about the game, showcasing its fun and competitive nature while engaging a broad audience.
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Setting up my new blogging engine

Overthinking Everything • 314 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature Technology Aesthetics History
  1. Using a typewriter is a unique and physical writing experience. It feels different from typing on a computer or handwriting because you have to hit the keys hard to get the letters to show up.
  2. Setting up a typewriter can be complex but satisfying. You may need to fix things like the ribbon, which teaches you about how mechanical objects work.
  3. Writing on a typewriter can help you focus better. Unlike computers, which distract you with notifications, a typewriter keeps you engaged in the writing process.

The A.I. Bloodhounds Are on My Trail

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Comedy Writing Content creation Automation
  1. A new AI chatbot called DeepSeek is improving and could be a threat to writers. It shows a better grasp of comedy than previous AI versions, making some writers concerned about their future.
  2. The AI's attempts at humor mimic certain styles but still struggle with logic and factual accuracy. It can copy formats and jokes, but often misses the mark on meaningful analysis.
  3. Despite the AI's growing capabilities, it lacks a true understanding of context or truth, which means human writers still have an edge when it comes to creating content that makes sense.

Riding or writing

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Writing Creativity
  1. Reflecting on the past year is important, like making a list of 100 things that made it special. It's a good way to remember goals and accomplishments.
  2. We lost several influential artists recently, reminding us of their impact on culture and art. Their work continues to inspire many people.
  3. It’s a good season for reading, with many 'best of' book lists coming out. People share their favorites, which is a great way to find new reads.

Hollywood's Real Estate Romance is Over

The Ankler • 923 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Real Estate Writing Housing Market Entertainment industry
  1. The Hollywood industry's writers are facing uncertainty about future work, impacting their ability to invest in real estate.
  2. The soaring real estate market prices in L.A. are making homeownership increasingly unattainable for writers and other entertainment professionals.
  3. The writer strike, combined with other factors like interest rates and taxes, is contributing to a slowdown in real estate transactions across Los Angeles.

Ali Abdaal Featured This Medium Writer and Substacker — Here’s the Secret Way to Attract Ali (and Others)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 779 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🚌 Education Learning Writing Self-help Personal Growth Content creation
  1. Building in public can really open up opportunities, like attracting people you admire. It's about sharing your journey and showing your work to the world.
  2. Luck and unexpected moments can play a big role in success. You never know when a chance encounter might lead to something great.
  3. Engaging content and a positive attitude can inspire others, just like Ali Abdaal does with his blend of education and entertainment.

The New Status Anxiety

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 82 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Media Journalism Literature Technology
  1. Substack is changing the way writers connect with their audience. Unlike traditional blogs, it allows writers to publish directly and even earn money.
  2. There's a growing tension between classic media and Substack writers. Established journalists are feeling insecure as newer writers find success without the usual media gatekeeping.
  3. The stigma around self-publishing is fading. Many Substack writers now gain more respect and income than bloggers did in the past, marking a shift in how we view independent writing.

From Zero to $1,300 Writing on Medium — Interview with Michelle Teheux

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 799 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Memoir Essays Personal Stories Online Publishing
  1. You can start writing on Medium without any experience and still earn money, like Michelle who made $1,300.
  2. Sharing personal stories and opinions can help connect with readers and increase your chances of success.
  3. Engaging with your audience through comments and emails can inspire new ideas and keep you motivated.

All good things must begin (again)

Austin Kleon • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Writing Expression Creativity
  1. Starting fresh can be tough, but it's okay to take your time. Sometimes it helps to focus on the little things that motivate you every day.
  2. Writing isn’t always about creating new ideas; it's also about rediscovering old ones and sharing them again. What you say can still be valuable even if others have said it before.
  3. Using notebook affirmations can uplift your spirit and give you the push you need to create. Remind yourself of your goals and why you love writing to stay inspired.

I am righting a book

LOL (lots of links) • 884 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Books Events Audio Visual Arts
  1. The author is writing a book about Wikipedia's cultural history with goofy content.
  2. The author shares cool things they like, such as trademarked exclamation points, Zoom hangouts, and Jeopardy audio as a podcast.
  3. The author also talks about fake reviews in history, events at libraries, and their experience of feeling like they're getting away with writing a book.

Increase the Odds of Getting Boosted by Submitting Your Stories to These 60 Medium Publications

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 739 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🚌 Education Writing Marketing Self-Improvement Publishing Content creation
  1. Submitting your stories to Medium's Boost-eligible publications can greatly increase your chances of getting noticed. It's like giving your work a better chance to shine.
  2. When a story gets Boosted, it can earn significantly more money and engagement than a non-Boosted story. Getting Boosted really can make a big difference.
  3. There are many active publications on Medium, so you just need to find the right fit for your writing. Once they see your amazing stories, you'll have a better shot at success.

Three self editing tips

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Editing Books Authors Creativity
  1. Give your writing some time before editing. Letting it sit for a day helps you see it with fresh eyes and improve it better.
  2. Try printing your draft to edit it on paper. This makes the work feel new and helps you spot mistakes more easily.
  3. Reading your writing out loud can help you catch errors and awkward phrases. It’s a great way to make sure your writing flows well.

Faster

ASK MOLLY • 471 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🚌 Education Writing Workshop Learning
  1. The post is about writing faster and not delaying
  2. The focus of the workshop is on the importance of not burying the lead
  3. The session is part of a paid seminar for writing

making things is hard

bookbear express • 875 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Writing Self-doubt Challenges
  1. Making things is hard and consistency is key. Practice constantly, read, and stay interested in topics you love.
  2. Accept that the creative process is challenging, but that's a good thing. Embrace the difficulties and keep pushing forward.
  3. Being stuck in the middle of a project is a natural part of the process. Learn to appreciate and navigate this phase to succeed in creating.

Writing Is a Bad Habit

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 915 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Writing Literature Philosophy Culture Education
  1. The author believes writing is not a lifestyle to be celebrated, but rather a bad habit.
  2. They express frustration with the cultural recursion and excessive focus on writing within platforms like Substack.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of conveying a unique sensibility through writing rather than focusing on writing rituals and advice.

Musings on Martians and Minority Membership (in the Lit Mag Context)

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Authorship Representation Diversity
  1. Some literary journals have policies about who can write about underrecognized groups in fiction.
  2. Editors may question the plausibility of certain characteristics or experiences of fictional characters from underrecognized groups.
  3. Gatekeeping around stories of fictional underrecognized group members raises questions about equity and creativity in literary spaces.

Do/Don't Give Me Money

Yassine Meskhout • 393 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Freelancing Monetization Writing Income Sustainability
  1. The writer turned on paid subscriptions, but values being read over being paid and doesn't plan to put writing behind a paywall.
  2. The writer mentions not needing money due to getting paid well in their job, expressing gratitude for readers' interests and potential financial support for more writing time.
  3. The writer's writing schedule is irregular due to their job, but hopes it can become financially sustainable in the future to write full-time.

Pity the Short Story Writer

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 54 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Short Stories Literary Criticism
  1. Getting published as a writer can be really tough. Many writers spend a lot of time submitting stories and getting rejections before they find success.
  2. The traditional path to publishing, like getting into the New Yorker, is harder now. Writers may need to build their own audience through platforms like blogs or Substack instead.
  3. Self-publishing is becoming more accepted now, and many talented writers are finding ways to share their work without relying on big publishers.

Generative AI, Bullshit as a Service

The Algorithmic Bridge • 891 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Creativity Writing
  1. Generative AI technology is often used for negative purposes like spamming, cheating, and faking.
  2. The democratization of creative freedom through AI may not be beneficial as it can lead to misuse by those who don't truly value it.
  3. Despite the potential of AI to revolutionize the world, its primary current use is for mundane and simplistic tasks, highlighting the complexities and limitations of humanity.

Finishing a book

Brain Pizza • 1522 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The post discusses finishing a book by Shane O'Mara.
  2. Shane O'Mara shares his thoughts on ending the writing process.
  3. The post mentions a fourth book that Shane O'Mara has written.

Five Weeks Writing on a Boat

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Residencies Creativity Art Personal Experience
  1. Changing your writing space can really boost your creativity. Working in a cozy place like a boat helped focus on detailed work.
  2. Residencies like the Leighton Independent Residency provide a mix of independence and community. You can choose when to interact with others while still enjoying social moments.
  3. Being in a stunning natural environment, like Banff National Park, adds to the experience. Hiking and seeing wildlife adds a nice break from writing.

In Person > Online ⛲️

The Commonplace • 393 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Writing Friendship Creativity Personal Growth Inspiration
  1. Twin vocations can complement each other well, benefiting both the individual and their families.
  2. Building connections with others is crucial, especially in solitary work, as digital connections can't replace in-person friendships.
  3. Progress in work is made through daily consistency, even if the results may seem unimpressive at first.

Why commercial travel writing isn't for everyone | Pitch calls & travel writing jobs

Talking Travel Writing • 373 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Writing Jobs Webinars Industry
  1. Commercial travel writing may not be suitable for everyone due to its demands and nature.
  2. Engaging in commercial writing can provide opportunities for financial gain and skill development.
  3. Commercial travel writing involves a variety of tasks beyond traditional editorial work, contributing to a writer's growth.

Start Your Story Right Before You Get Eaten by The Bear

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 719 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📚 Literature Storytelling Writing Narrative Fiction Communication
  1. Start your story at a critical moment to grab attention. This helps keep your audience engaged from the very beginning.
  2. People appreciate brevity and relevance in storytelling. Avoid long backstories and get to the main point quickly.
  3. An effective story should be clear and focused. Make sure you highlight the most important parts to keep your message strong.

Thank you--yes, you!

Disaffected Newsletter • 1298 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Creativity Writing Support Community
  1. The author appreciates readers and subscribers for their support of the writing project. It feels good to have people enjoy and value their work.
  2. Writing can be tough, especially financially, but the support from readers is helping the writer get by.
  3. The author enjoys the freedom to write about topics they care about, and it’s rewarding to know people are listening.

Creativity is Domain Independent

Insight Axis • 671 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Science Art Writing Programming Creativity
  1. Creativity is not limited to specific fields like art or music; it is a fundamental aspect of being human, manifested across various domains like science, art, writing, and programming.
  2. The creative process involves daring to create something, followed by refining and improving upon it - a cycle present in science, art, and literature.
  3. In programming and software engineering, creativity is not just about writing code but also about the iterative process of refining, debugging, and deleting code - highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and simplification.