The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

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
  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.

A Golden Age of Letters

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Being a journalist can be tough and not very rewarding, so it's better to think about becoming a writer with your own audience. It's a different path that offers more creative freedom.
  2. Platforms like Substack are growing because they let writers earn money directly from their readers, rather than going through traditional media. This makes it a good time for independent writers.
  3. Successful independent writers tend to have moderate views and focus on building steady relationships with their audience, rather than chasing after controversy for short-term gains.

Spores

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The narrator has decided to use a Gro-Pad to try and start a family, even though they initially didn't believe they would need one. It shows how life can take unexpected turns.
  2. There is a debate about whether the beings created from these Gro-Pads are truly human. The narrator believes that if they can walk and talk like humans, then they deserve to be regarded as such.
  3. The narrator describes a challenging experience with the process, including finding something troubling while using the Gro-Pad. This led to a private moment of mourning for what they lost.

Faster

ASK MOLLY • 471 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🚌 Education Writing
  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
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Profile Dossier: Stephen King, the Master of Suspense

The Profile • 1308 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Stephen King's success story is a testament to perseverance and the support of loved ones.
  2. King's writing tips emphasize simplicity, perseverance, and the importance of enriching readers' lives.
  3. Key lessons from King include focusing on active idea generation, avoiding adverbs, and taking care of personal well-being.

When the Writing Path Must Go Darker

Lit Mag News Roundup • 825 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Great writing often comes from delving into the 'dark place' within to find the most authentic material.
  2. A supportive and eager-to-learn student can sometimes inspire and push a teacher to new creative heights.
  3. Writing success isn't just about publication but also about the personal growth and journey as a writer.

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

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing
  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 Writing
  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.

The Questioning Substack Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1387 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Substack has become popular, but not all new writers bring valuable content. Some just add noise instead of fresh ideas.
  2. Substack is shifting from being a platform for written words to focusing on creators and video content, which may dilute its original purpose.
  3. There's a need for better writing and opinions in newsletters that are not just about making money or following trends; writing should matter more than affiliate links.

Peak Hustle on the Picket Line

The Ankler • 805 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Networking on the picket line can lead to valuable connections with showrunners and industry professionals.
  2. Don't be intimidated by successful writers - they're just people too, so approach them and start a conversation.
  3. Being around other people, whether for networking or socializing, is beneficial for your career and mental well-being.

Call for Subscriber Writing, February 2025

Freddie deBoer • 959 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There's a call for writing submissions from subscribers to share their work with a large audience. It's a great chance for writers to get noticed.
  2. You need to use a specific Google Form to submit your work by the deadline. Make sure to follow the instructions to avoid missing out.
  3. This is only for written pieces, like blog posts or articles, not for promoting podcasts or social media. So focus on sharing your writing!

Hidden Open Thread 381.5

Astral Codex Ten • 619 implied HN points • 15 May 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The post is part of a ongoing discussion space for paid subscribers, encouraging shared conversations.
  2. It emphasizes the value of community interaction and exchange of ideas.
  3. Subscribers are offered opportunities to engage more deeply through the thread's content.

A Chatbot Coined A Phrase I Really Like. Am I Allowed To Use It?

Singal-Minded • 470 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. AI can help generate new ideas and phrases that may not have been used before. Sometimes, the phrases created by AI can resonate and feel relevant in discussions.
  2. Using phrases created by AI raises questions about ownership and credit. Writers might wonder if they can use these phrases without considering who actually came up with them.
  3. The phrase 'confirmatory research theater' highlights an important issue in research, where studies might look rigorous but really just confirm what researchers wanted to prove all along.

Five Weeks Writing on a Boat

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Writing
  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
  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.

How Being an Intelligence Officer Made Me a Better Writer

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Having a background in intelligence can improve writing skills. It helps in understanding complex characters and motivations.
  2. Reading fiction is important for writers. It builds empathy and a deeper understanding of others, which is crucial in storytelling.
  3. The journey from being a special operator to a writer can be surprising, but both roles require strong observation and understanding of human behavior.

on tedium

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 24 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Use simple scaffolding—like lists or checklists—to stop meandering and make your work predictable and easier to do when you're busy or tired.
  2. Tedium is thoughtless repetition caused by the wrong mental frame, so instead of waiting for inspiration or clinging to identity-based approaches, try changing your process and act differently now.
  3. Keep things playful by working within time‑bounded, flexible containers (rough plans plus open time), and deliberately press feel‑good buttons like reading and exercise by challenging beliefs that they don't work, are too hard, or are undeserved.

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

The Novelleist • 1303 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.

tension and flow

bookbear express • 1293 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Flirting involves creating tension, like a fun game where you keep others engaged. People often enjoy the moments of connection it brings, even if there's no romantic intent.
  2. Writing and relationships both require an ongoing balance of tension and flow. To keep things interesting, you need to surprise and delight the other person over time.
  3. Staying lively and engaged with the world is important. If you don’t find joy in what you do or share, it can affect how others connect with you.

My approach to writing, these days

Fridays on the oLo • 727 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are seasons to being a writer, from self-doubt to finding confidence.
  2. Transitioning from traditional publishing to platforms like Substack can be liberating.
  3. Experimenting with different forms of expression, like videos, can help keep creativity alive.

Awaken Your Memoir By Making It Strange

The Recovering Academic • 395 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Defamiliarization can transform ordinary scenes into memorable literary images that stick with the reader.
  2. Avoid predictability in writing to create characters, settings, and plots that resonate with readers.
  3. Using defamiliarization techniques in writing can help make scenes and characters more impactful and engaging.

How I Lost 100,000 Followers in One Year, and It Made Me a Better Writer

OK Doomer • 360 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Breaking the rules can lead to better writing. Following strict guidelines might limit creativity, but stepping outside those boundaries can help a writer express themselves more freely.
  2. Having a real audience is more important than the number of followers. It's better to connect with readers who appreciate your message rather than just chasing clicks and fame.
  3. Writers face many challenges, especially when their views go against popular opinions. Despite the difficulties, persistence in writing can be rewarding, even if it means losing some followers along the way.

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 Writing
  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 Writing
  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 Writing
  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.

how to walk away from a book

astrology for writers • 687 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Walking away from a book can be difficult, leading to ego death and humility.
  2. It's important to listen to feedback from trusted individuals in the writing process.
  3. Letting go of a plan or timeline can lead to new, more fulfilling creative paths.

The TERRAFORM print pamphlet is now available—here's what we earned

The Novelleist • 282 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The TERRAFORM pamphlet is now out, featuring essays about the future of our planet. You can get it in digital or print versions and support the project.
  2. A literary salon discussion is happening this week for subscribers to chat about the TERRAFORM series. Free subscribers can buy a ticket to join in.
  3. The project is part of an experiment in funding journalism and shares details on how it earned money and will fund future pamphlets.

Why ChatGPT Is a Balloon and the Book Is a Bicycle

Counter Craft • 819 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Tech discussions often compare AI to past innovations. Some see it as the next big thing, while others think it might just be an overhyped trend.
  2. AI tools have made writing easier but aren't necessarily changing literature in a revolutionary way. Many writers still question what true innovation they bring.
  3. Books remain a sturdy format that people enjoy, just like riding a bike. Even with new tech, many people still prefer traditional reading over flashy interactive options.

Morning ritual

Escaping Flatland • 353 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of dedicating pre-dawn hours to focus on core work like writing essays.
  2. Having a routine helps maintain focus, especially when balancing work, chores, and parenting.
  3. Essay writing requires deep, patient focus and can show erratic progress, making it a unique and challenging task.

Should a Workshop Be a Safe Space?

The Recovering Academic • 534 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Workshops should be places of respect where the focus is on the work itself, not personal attacks or fears.
  2. Creating in a workshop may not always be comfortable, but it should be a space of caring and deep respect for the work.
  3. Balancing belief in the work and constructive doubt can help writers grow without falling into extremes of pure praise or relentless criticism.

On Irregularity

Development Hell • 690 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author, a professional writer, often finds it challenging to write despite being paid handsomely for it. They joke about avoiding writing TV scripts and screenplays.
  2. The post discusses the theme of irregularity in writing for Substack, highlighting the struggles and difficulties that come with it.
  3. The author offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe to their content on Development Hell, giving access to full post archives.

What people like me mean when we tell you that sad book you're working on "needs to be more uplifting"

How to Glow in the Dark • 479 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Feedback to make a sad book more uplifting is not about toxic positivity, but finding hope in the story.
  2. Readers of dark books seek recognition, catharsis, and guidance, not denial or toxic positivity.
  3. Editors advising to make a book 'more uplifting' aim for authors to find the hope in their story to satisfy readers' expectations.

Q&A Thursday

Agents and Books • 334 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. Q&A session with Kate McKean about writing and publishing
  2. Kate McKean provides advice on finding new writing projects
  3. Subscription required to read the full post and access archives

In conversation with: Julian Simpson

So Here’s a Thing • 688 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Don't wait for the perfect conditions or confidence to pursue your passion or career choice, sometimes taking a leap of faith can lead to unexpected success.
  2. Regardless of the challenges and changes in the creative industries, the core value of storytelling remains significant and enduring.
  3. The landscape of publishing and entertainment industries is evolving, creators must adapt to new challenges while staying true to their passion for creating stories.

Writing Rhythm

So Here’s a Thing • 688 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. In writing, weaving different elements together like characters, plot, and dialogue is essential for a compelling story.
  2. Just as a driving rhythm is crucial in music, a well-crafted prose needs texture and momentum to engage the reader.
  3. Find your unique 'Open G' in writing - discover your natural style and voice to make the writing process smoother and authentic.

Zinfandel

Soaring Twenties • 85 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The story blends imagination and reality, inviting readers into a unique and playful narrative with characters like Moriarty and Poe. It's all about fun and creativity in storytelling.
  2. The protagonist finds herself in a dusty, forgotten space, which symbolizes neglect and the need for refreshment in both the physical and mental sense. Dusting off her blog mirrors the need for revitalizing one's thoughts and ideas.
  3. There's a humorous twist around the absence of Zinfandel wine, leading to a comedic exchange about the characters having too much fun. It highlights how sometimes, the best plans can go awry in the most amusing ways.