The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

The Wit's Guide to Spending

Get Wit Quick β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. When spending money, you can't keep doing it forever. There's a finite amount to spend.
  2. Cakeism philosophy is about having your cake and eating it too. It's humorous but not practical.
  3. Attention and time are more valuable than money. Spend wisely on things that matter.

Happy Christmas

Who is Robert Malone β€’ 29 implied HN points β€’ 25 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The homestead is growing β€” more Lusitano horses, a herd of miniature Jersey cattle, expanded chicken and peafowl space, and a new rescue Pomeranian, with plans for foals and larger paddocks next year.
  2. Writing and media projects are underway β€” homesteading and wellbeing essays are being turned into a book, an autobiographical book about the mRNA vaccine story is planned, and a travel documentary is being developed.
  3. Major public and nonprofit work continues β€” a vice‑chair role on the CDC advisory committee, leadership of a nonprofit that publishes widely, and ongoing speaking, research, and outreach that reach millions each month.

Oops, I optimized my bath again

Trying In Public β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Reflect on your writing style and embrace both your strengths and weaknesses
  2. Utilize tangible tools like index cards to organize and connect your thoughts
  3. Flow in writing comes from showing up, focusing, and consistently practicing your craft

Seashells

The Commonplace β€’ 638 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Seashells are treasures found on the beach, reminding us of nature's beauty. They come in many shapes and forms, each with its own story.
  2. As children, we are curious and eager to learn about sea creatures like crabs and mollusks. This curiosity helps us connect with the world around us.
  3. Seashells symbolize the passage of time, being both temporary and eternal. They represent memories that change with the seasons but are always present in our lives.

A Crisis...

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 62 implied HN points β€’ 09 Nov 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. We might be entering a new stage where reading and writing aren't as important as they used to be. This is called a post-literate age.
  2. This idea sparks a lot of debate about how it affects storytelling and communication in our society.
  3. It's important to discuss these changes and think about what they mean for the future of culture and creativity.
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The Work of Substack

Oliver Bateman Does the Work β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of authentic and deep writing, prioritizing integrity and curiosity over digital fame and performative online culture.
  2. The Substack platform allows the author to explore a variety of topics that capture their interest, free from market trends or ideological constraints.
  3. The author's work on Substack reflects a commitment to consistent output, supported by paid subscribers, enabling a balance between creative freedom and financial stability.

This November, You’ve Got 30 Days to Write Your Novel - Short on Time? Tiger Time Is the Answer!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. NaNoWriMo is a fun chance to write a novel in November, with support from a community. You don't have to write perfectly, just get the words down.
  2. Set aside 'tiger time' to focus on writing. Treat this time as very important, just like a meeting you can't miss.
  3. Planning ahead is key! Talk to your family, meal prep, and find ways to carve out time for writing during November.

Overjoyed to Let You Know That...

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 175 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. A new novel titled 'Vigil' will be released on January 27, 2026, focusing on a fictional oil company head confronting his past actions on climate change during his last night alive.
  2. Writing can be challenging, and moments of doubt or frustration are common, but these struggles can lead to personal growth and new insights in the writing process.
  3. It's important to let go of perfectionism and focus on simply writing, even if it means producing something that feels less than perfect at first.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Paul Theroux

Why is this interesting? β€’ 1327 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Paul Theroux emphasizes the ease of staying updated on world events via online news sources and the convenience of assessing contradictions.
  2. Theroux recommends starting with Shakespeare for reading and emphasizes the satisfaction of diving into his works.
  3. Theroux prefers trains over planes for travel and advocates for road trips for the sense of freedom they offer.

Sending a Proper Thank You

A Small and Simple Thing β€’ 334 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Sending a handwritten thank you note is a thoughtful gesture that can brighten someone's day.
  2. Using personalized stationery can add a touch of elegance to your thank you notes.
  3. Investing in quality stationery and pens can enhance the experience of writing and sending handwritten notes.

The Future of Trantor Publishing

Trantor Publishing β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author plans to start monetizing their Substack newsletter by offering exclusive content for paying subscribers while keeping most articles and reviews accessible for free subscribers.
  2. Paying subscribers will have the opportunity to influence the author's upcoming projects through polls and receive additional content like monthly exclusive short stories and chapter commentaries.
  3. The author provides insight into their upcoming projects, such as 'The Domes of Calrathia' and 'Gigaheroes', and teases an upcoming article discussing what Reactionary artists can learn from storytelling in Hollywood.

The Algorithmic Bridge in 2024

The Algorithmic Bridge β€’ 520 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Writing
  1. Balancing speed and quality is important. Sometimes it's better to be fast, and other times it's key to focus on a well-made piece.
  2. It's easy to write for your audience and lose sight of your own interests. Keeping true to your curiosity helps keep your writing authentic.
  3. Instead of stressing about subscriber numbers, focus on consistent writing. Let yourself write freely without worrying about stats.

Deep-research an article with me

The Novelleist β€’ 445 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 25
🚌 Education Writing
  1. There is a six-week workshop for writers where they can learn about researching articles in real time. It will involve weekly calls to discuss research processes.
  2. Participants can bring their own story ideas or topics to explore alongside the main research topic. This helps everyone stay engaged and learn together.
  3. The workshop is open to paid subscribers who want a more intimate learning experience and will have access to recordings if they miss a session.

Story Ideas - The First Spark

Development Hell β€’ 355 implied HN points β€’ 29 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Story ideas can come from simple notions like one-line situations or movie loglines.
  2. Initial sparks of ideas need to be developed into robust story concepts in order to create engaging content.
  3. There is no shortage of ideas; the challenge lies in shaping and fleshing out those ideas into compelling narratives.

#97: KhΓ΄ng thỏa hiệp

Many One Percents β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Make decisions for your health based on personal needs, like supplementing with vitamins and taking cold showers.
  2. Engage in deeper conversations using tools like '36 questions in love' to connect with others on a more meaningful level.
  3. Consider joining courses or workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge, like a 30-day blogging course to improve writing habits.

The last show

Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 599 implied HN points β€’ 21 May 23
πŸ˜‚ Humor Writing
  1. Plane crash stories are exciting because they bring high drama and tension. The chaotic scenes captivate people more than other disasters like sinking ships.
  2. The narrator comically imagines being in a plane crash and feels overly confident due to watching so many crash shows. This leads to silly situations involving him and the flight crew.
  3. The story mixes humor with a fictional crash scenario while poking fun at flight attendants and the absurdity of emergency situations, making it entertaining.

I'm Back Again Again!1

Inland Nobody β€’ 160 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. The writer has experienced a lot this year, including a significant weight loss journey and moving to a new city. They briefly struggled with writing amid these life changes but are back and feeling great about it.
  2. From now on, the writer wants to focus on a variety of content, including informal posts and personal thoughts, instead of just formal essays. They plan to label their work to show how serious each piece is.
  3. They aim to share more of their ideas, encouraging a less pressured approach to writing, while still hoping to provide value and engage with their readers.

The Pen Edition

Why is this interesting? β€’ 1387 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. People have strong preferences for specific pens and writing tools.
  2. There is a variety of pens and tools preferred by different individuals for writing tasks.
  3. Some individuals have specific pens they prefer for different purposes like work, travel, or drawing.

The Snow Man

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. The author reflects on a poem written while driving through a snowstorm, contemplating the concept of nothingness in poetry
  2. The poem captures the chaotic and risky act of trying to immortalize art or humor while driving in dangerous conditions
  3. Despite uncertainties about the poem's quality, the author finds validation when a respected poet quotes a line from it in a different context

The standard in poetry is that you have to try to write poetry

Philosophy bear β€’ 185 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Writing poetry should be encouraged, even if it's not perfect. Everyone can express themselves, and that's important.
  2. There's a worry about what people enjoy in poetry. Not all poetry connects with deeper feelings, and some seems too simple.
  3. Good poetry should strive to break through ordinary language and create a fresh perspective. It's about making the reader see things in a new way.

A Slightly Altered Course

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 590 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. It's important to keep political discussions separate from certain spaces. This helps maintain a positive and civil environment.
  2. Understanding different perspectives is crucial, especially when it comes to politics. People may see things differently, and being curious about those views can help us grow.
  3. Moving forward, the focus will be on storytelling and literature, while political topics will be discussed in other venues. This way, the creative space remains enjoyable for everyone.

In conversation with Michael Marshall Smith.

Development Hell β€’ 335 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. The post discusses a conversation with Michael Marshall Smith on various topics like writing, television, and the creative life.
  2. The author shares a personal anecdote about discovering a book that caught their attention at a bookstore.
  3. To continue reading the post, there's an option for a 7-day free trial subscription to Development Hell.

The Tusks of Extinction

Eliot Peper β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Celebrate things you love and share them with others.
  2. Create things that you would love, even if you have to make them yourself.
  3. Be patient with your early efforts as skills develop over time.

honoring existence

spencer's paradoxes β€’ 334 implied HN points β€’ 15 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The importance of recognizing and appreciating day-to-day moments in life
  2. Struggling with the fear of inadequacy when sharing personal observations through writing
  3. Finding purpose in writing to honor existence and embracing the imperfect, yet genuine nature of storytelling

Recharging by Disconnecting

if not, Paris β€’ 334 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Writing
  1. Vacation is a time to put away the gadgets and reconnect with what matters by disconnecting.
  2. Taking time away can give you the space to focus on new experiences and meeting people in novel landscapes.
  3. Writing from happy places and sharing those experiences can be a way to reacquaint readers with past writings.

worldbuilding

bookbear express β€’ 396 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Being a matchmaker can be very intense, mixing excitement with a lot of pressure. It's about connecting people and making a real difference in their lives.
  2. The process of matchmaking requires understanding people's personalities and emotions deeply. It can feel overwhelming, but these feelings can also be a strength in this work.
  3. Hosting events, like a Valentine's party, can be fun but also nerve-wracking. It's about creating opportunities for people to meet and connect, which feels rewarding and special.

Chronicle Your Quest

Eliot Peper β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
πŸ’Ό Business Writing
  1. Chronicle your journey to create a narrative explaining what you do and why it matters, help others understand you better, faster.
  2. Having a prose narrative about your quest is high-leverage, valuable for recruiting, fundraising, team alignment, and more.
  3. Telling your story through essays or narratives is a parallel art form to writing novels, providing a powerful way to document your company's journey.

Writing vs Journalism: Which Tells the Better Truth?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger β€’ 50 implied HN points β€’ 19 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Michael Wolff believes there's a difference between writing and journalism. Writers focus on storytelling and expression, while journalists typically just report the news.
  2. Wolff claims he aims to capture deeper truths about people and events, using his experiences and relationships to tell meaningful stories.
  3. He sees value in understanding the complexities of figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump, going beyond just the news to explore human nature and societal flaws.

In praise of Japanese small, Hokkaido as Wisconsin, and pachinko memories

intellectualinting β€’ 218 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Writing
  1. Hokkaido feels different from the rest of Japan, almost like a slice of America, especially in its open spaces and small towns. It's less crowded and offers a more relaxed vibe compared to the busy city life.
  2. Japan's small businesses thrive because of mixed-use zoning, allowing shops and homes to coexist. This setup creates a unique, local experience that reflects high-quality craftsmanship and a deep community connection.
  3. As a non-Japanese speaker, visiting smaller restaurants can be tricky. You might encounter staff who are hesitant to serve you due to language barriers and cultural nuances, leading to a desire for public trust and reputation.

How to Flounder Mode with Brie Wolfson

Not Boring by Packy McCormick β€’ 156 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Flounder Mode is about exploring your interests and curiosity rather than following a strict career path. It's a messy but rewarding way to build your career.
  2. It's important to differentiate between Flounder Mode and laziness. Flounder Mode involves creating and learning, while laziness is just consuming without producing.
  3. As AI takes over basic tasks, more people may find freedom to explore their curiosities. Embracing this less conventional path can lead to deeper satisfaction in one's work.

Ask Me Anything #3

Paging Dr. Lesbian β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Creative stamp design ideas: Sappho or Lavender Menace theme
  2. Newsletter writing process: Research-intensive posts take up to 8 hours
  3. Lesbian culture and community: Online and IRL spaces have different impacts

TERRAFORM: An essay collection about the future of our planet

The Novelleist β€’ 195 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. TERRAFORM is an essay collection where six writers discuss how we can shape the future of our planet. It'll be published online and also in a print pamphlet.
  2. You can support this project by buying a digital or print version for $5, which helps pay the writers and fund future projects.
  3. There will be a discussion event about the essays on July 23rd, and anyone can join for $10, while paid subscribers can participate for free.

13 Medium Publications That Can Nominate Your Stories for A Boost

Kristina God's Online Writing Club β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Medium has a Boost Program where selected stories get more exposure. This is great for writers who want their work to be seen by more people.
  2. There are 62 Community Nominators who can suggest stories for Boosting. Joining the right publications can help writers get their stories nominated.
  3. Writers can reach out to specific Medium publications to get their stories reviewed and potentially Boosted. Each publication has its own focus, so it's important to match your story with the right one.

πŸ‘‹ New name, new course, and other news

escape the algorithm β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The newsletter changed its name from Deep Sea Diving to Escape the Algorithm to focus more on the 'why' rather than the 'how' of finding and sharing online content.
  2. The author will be teaching a course called Escape the Algorithm at Penn, delving into ideas explored in the newsletter and developing tools for web exploration.
  3. The author is now a regular contributing writer for Lens, a publication covering cultural trends, business creativity, and crafting art, which may lead to more consistent writing and paid opportunities.

Discarded drafts, cleaning house, etc.

Data People Etc. β€’ 124 implied HN points β€’ 18 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Letting go of old ideas can free you to think more clearly. It's like cleaning out your closet; once it's done, you feel lighter.
  2. In today's world, our data and privacy are under constant scrutiny. We need to be aware of what's really happening online.
  3. Teamwork is essential, especially when dealing with data. Good coordination leads to better results and a smoother process.