The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Screenwriting

Story Club with George Saunders • 57 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Screenwriting Writing Storytelling Adaptation
  1. Writing for film and TV is different from writing books. In screenwriting, many choices depend on how the scene is shot and performed, which isn’t just up to the writer.
  2. Screenwriting can feel frustrating because it limits the writer's control over language and detail while also feeling liberating since writers can imagine big, wild scenes without needing to describe every detail.
  3. It's common for writers to have strong opinions about their work in fiction, while they might be more unsure when writing scripts. This can lead to both hesitance and exploration in screenwriting.

Morning ritual

Escaping Flatland • 353 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Routine Focus
  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 Teaching Writing Workshops Learning College
  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.
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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 Authors Feedback Books Editors
  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.

In conversation with: Julian Simpson

So Here’s a Thing • 688 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Storytelling Authors
  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 Music Creativity Inspiration Art
  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.

I, Cyborg: Using Co-Intelligence

One Useful Thing • 650 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Writing Future of AI
  1. AI can be a powerful tool in writing and reading, enhancing the process by providing options and guidance without replacing human creativity.
  2. Authors can use AI as Cyborgs or Centaurs, blending human and machine efforts to optimize their work in writing and analysis tasks.
  3. AI continues to advance rapidly, with models like GPT-4 showcasing impressive writing capabilities, indicating a future where AI may play an even larger role in book creation.

Audiences

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Music Creativity Audience Building Personal Growth
  1. Growing your audience can help you make money, connect with like-minded people, and influence positive change. It’s worth considering what audience growth means to you personally.
  2. Prioritize improving your work and be consistent with your writing. The better your work, the more likely it is to attract readers over time.
  3. Engagement can come from different platforms, so it's good to be visible on both Substack and your own website. Find creative ways to connect with your audience across these platforms.

How Great Writers Become Great

Mind & Mythos • 219 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Philosophy Education Creativity
  1. Great writers often have time and space to focus on their work. Many famous writers dedicated their time to thinking and writing without many distractions.
  2. Younger writers may have more time but lack experience. Older writers have knowledge but often struggle to find time to write.
  3. Finding balance between family, work, and writing is tough. It's important to prioritize what matters most in life, even if it means having limits on achievements.

Introducing our newest writer

The Generalist • 1421 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
💼 Business Tech Startups Writing Operations Media
  1. The Generalist has welcomed a new writer, Ben Butler, who brings startup experience and a strong sense of taste to the publication.
  2. Ben Butler is a creative individual with a background in writing, stand-up comedy, and screenwriting, adding a fresh perspective to The Generalist.
  3. Ben Butler's addition to The Generalist is seen as a valuable enhancement that will push their thinking forward and improve the quality of written analysis.

Hallucination and Humour

Going Awol • 159 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Philosophy Writing Culture
  1. Humor often arises from incongruity, where there's a mismatch between what's expected and what happens. In writing, overly incongruous humor might be mistaken for AI-generated content.
  2. The suspicion of AI-generated writing can discourage writers from using certain types of humor, creating an incentive to avoid being accused of cheating.
  3. As technology improves and AI becomes more sophisticated in generating content, it may lead writers to lean towards more sensible and less conspicuously incongruous humor.

Offering: April 2023

Tarot Offerings • 648 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tarot Writing Meaning-making Personal Growth
  1. Jessica Dore started creating Tarot Offerings in 2016 as a newsletter after leaving her job in publishing.
  2. The newsletter has evolved over the years, transitioning from collective forecast readings to personal stories and themes.
  3. Jessica Dore is preparing to offer new events like a workshop on deconstructing the Tarot and a live telling of the Grail Legend.

Story: TO RECEIVE IS BETTER

So Here’s a Thing • 412 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Story Novel Writing
  1. The story 'To Receive Is Better' started from a vivid dream the author had about a dark tunnel and indistinct figures, which inspired a short story about cloning that later became a novel called 'SPARES'.
  2. Timing played a significant role in the novel's success, as it was completed around the same time as the news of Dolly, the first cloned mammal, which led to its adaptation for a film by Spielberg's DreamWorks SKG.
  3. The author highlights the unpredictable nature of a writer's career, where turning a random dream into a story can lead to unexpected opportunities and successes.

You Can't Win Them All

Between a Rock and a Card Place • 358 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inspiration Tarot Writing Self-reflection
  1. Success is not always about winning or creating hits, but about the quality and impact of the work you do.
  2. Don't let pressure hinder your creativity; approach tasks with curiosity and a beginner's mindset.
  3. Embrace that not every project will be a success, as outcomes are often beyond your control, so focus on creating meaningful work instead.

Street Smart Support

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Community Writing Outdoors Support
  1. The newsletter has over 3,000 subscribers, mostly from Washington, and is reaching readers in 49 countries. It shows that there's a wide audience interested in nature and history.
  2. The author appreciates support through paid subscriptions, which help him continue writing the newsletter. Paid subscribers will receive more content and benefits.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share the newsletter with friends and family to spark conversations and outdoor activities together. Sharing can help grow the community and encourage new subscriptions.

Read the world

Substack • 551 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Creativity Community Globalization Publishing
  1. Substack is helping writers globally connect and create a supportive community. It's important for creators to find others who understand their journey.
  2. A new world map on Substack makes it easier for people to discover popular writings from different countries. This tool helps writers reach a wider audience.
  3. Substack is introducing various payment methods and masterclasses to support writers in new regions, allowing them to earn in local currencies and learn how to succeed on the platform.

Just Do It

Development Hell • 612 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Getting things done is not an alternative to getting things done.
  2. Consider using Obsidian to write and organize your work effectively.
  3. Get a 7-day free trial subscription to Development Hell to continue reading and access full post archives.

How I write...

Development Hell • 612 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Feedback Substack Blogging
  1. The author received feedback from readers about their content and what topics they want to see covered.
  2. There are many resources available on Substack for growing subscriber numbers and improving content quality.
  3. Readers can access the full content and post archives with a 7-day free trial and subscription.

LiB is going away for a while

London in Bits • 609 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Newsletter Writing Community City Subscribers
  1. The London in Bits newsletter is taking a break, maybe forever, due to the editor's need to balance other life priorities.
  2. The editor is choosing to cancel all paid subscriptions for transparency and will refund recent subscribers.
  3. Readers are encouraged to explore other newsletters in the meantime and stay tuned for the possible return of London in Bits.

How to Write an Action Sequence.

Development Hell • 454 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Action sequences in scripts are crucial for storytelling and should always serve a purpose in moving the plot forward.
  2. When writing an action sequence, structure it with a three-act pattern: beginning, middle, and end to create a well-paced and engaging narrative.
  3. Use the 'three-act' principle, like in Snyder's 'Save The Cat' structure, to build tension and drive the action forward in your script.

SITREP

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1139 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Writing Publishing Genres
  1. Upcoming MEET-UP in Chicago on 6/9/2023 may have changes; stay tuned for updates.
  2. Exciting developments in content creation with Season 2 of MINDPHASER podcast and 7HOMAS TV channel in progress.
  3. Dedicated time on book manuscripts, including the third installment of the STEELSTORM series and a book on international jurisprudence.

Notes on Memoir Structure

The Fairest Writer • 259 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Non-fiction Creative Process Storytelling
  1. Start writing by keeping a memory journal. Write down significant moments to help you remember what to include in your memoir.
  2. Listen to your material while writing. The best structure for your story often comes from how you feel about your experiences, so be flexible and adjust as needed.
  3. During revisions, be willing to cut parts that don't fit. Always ask if you can make it better, instead of just wanting to be done with it.