The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Pathless Path as Accidental Antimeme | #301

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 150 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Some ideas are hard to spread and often stay in private conversations. These 'antimemes' might take longer to get noticed but can still have a deep impact on individuals.
  2. Going viral can sometimes seem appealing, but seeking broad attention often leads to simple answers that don't challenge deep thinking. It's better to focus on creating meaningful, nuanced content.
  3. Building genuine relationships and engaging in thoughtful discussions can be more valuable than chasing a large audience. Authentic connections help spread ideas more effectively over time.

Introducing our newest writer

The Generalist • 1421 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
💼 Business Writing
  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.

My Books of Summer

The Fairest Writer • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are exciting lectures and workshops happening in Chicago related to art and writing. These events focus on practical skills like embracing failure in creative work.
  2. Summer reading can be slow, but there are some standout books to explore. Titles like 'Housemates' and 'Tehrangeles' offer unique perspectives on art and culture.
  3. 'Refuse to Be Done' is a helpful resource for writers. It encourages persistence and improvement, showing that good writing often comes from the willingness to keep working.

i'm probably wrong (and that's okay maybe good even???)

Both Are True • 96 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. It's okay to be wrong; in fact, it can be liberating. Embracing the possibility of being wrong helps you avoid the stress of always needing to be right.
  2. Being wrong doesn't mean you're less; it can lead to personal growth and new insights. Many people fear being wrong, but it's actually a chance to learn.
  3. Join a supportive community like Batwrite to share ideas and work creatively without pressure. It's a fun way to get things done and connect with others.
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How I Learned To Read Books Again

Everything Is Amazing • 1194 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Reading can be a way to find solace in difficult times and rediscover empathy and kindness.
  2. Struggling with reading can happen due to life circumstances, but it is possible to regain the ability over time.
  3. Consider investing time and effort into re-learning activities that are important to you, even if it feels self-indulgent at first.

Writing Is a Bad Habit

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 915 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Writing
  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.

Reshaping a Book

Mindful Modeler • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Accepting feedback is crucial for improving your work. It can lead to significant changes and enhancements in your projects.
  2. Collaborating with beta readers and working with an editor can provide valuable insights and help spot issues that may be overlooked.
  3. Separating theory, implementation, and application in writing can improve the flow and clarity of your content. Using smaller building blocks and setting learning goals for each unit can lead to a more coherent narrative.

writing my way home

Both Are True • 111 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing can feel tough and confusing, almost like being stuck in jello. But pushing through those hard feelings is important.
  2. Finding the right form for your writing is a big deal. It can change everything and help reveal what you really want to say.
  3. Writing can be a way to feel at home again. When you find your rhythm, it feels like you've come back to yourself.

Breaking the Screenplay

Development Hell • 236 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Rules in screenwriting can be flexible and breaking them can lead to creative breakthroughs.
  2. Working on personal projects without external pressure can allow for creative experimentation.
  3. Challenges and frustrations can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities and new directions.

Mt. Snot

Message from the Underworld • 235 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author shares a past experience of unpleasant memories from boot camp in Chicago.
  2. The author attends the Printer's Row Lit Fest in Chicago and has a positive experience meeting fellow writers.
  3. Despite the past negative memories, the author's recent trip to Chicago for an event is enjoyable and free from past hardships.

Quenching my Thirst With Living Water

Clinsights • 235 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Writing
  1. Writing is essential for the author to quench their thirst for creativity.
  2. It's important to focus on what truly satisfies you, rather than chasing external validation or success.
  3. Self-improvement comes from taking action and experiencing, not just consuming information.

March 2023 Update

The Rabbit Hole • 235 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The Rabbit Hole has gained significant Twitter followers and made millions of impressions through its tweets.
  2. The Rabbit Hole has published 8 articles in 2023 covering various topics like social media dynamics and societal issues.
  3. Collaborations with prominent figures like Elon Musk and sharing articles on other platforms have extended the reach and impact of The Rabbit Hole.

Findings, vol. 3

thegreataffair • 137 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The newsletter discusses personal reflections on experiences and insights into various topics.
  2. The author shares updates on their life, from recovering from illnesses to being back in KL.
  3. There are references to diverse cultural influences like books, films, and Korean culture.

Thinking on the page

Austin Kleon • 1278 implied HN points • 08 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing and drawing help to develop ideas, rather than just expressing them. Sometimes you need to start making marks to discover what you really think.
  2. Thinking is a back-and-forth process between your mind and your materials. What you draw or write can lead to new thoughts and connections.
  3. It's important to externalize your ideas on paper. By getting them out of your head, you can see patterns and create new insights more easily.

making things is hard

bookbear express • 875 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  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.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #4

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author is updating paid subscribers on the progress of exclusive content, like a short story, despite setbacks from family issues.
  2. There's a proposal to let subscribers decide on focusing efforts on finishing Gigaheroes, a popular serial, rather than returning to the regular schedule after disruptions.
  3. The author shares updates on completed audio chapters for The Domes of Calrathia and Gigaheroes, along with links to playlists for listeners.

Thank you, and remember, the universe is in your basement

Both Are True • 298 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. David Lynch believes everyone has creativity and happiness inside them. It's okay to be positive and embrace the good in life.
  2. Cinema can express emotions and experiences that are hard to put into words. It connects with our feelings in a unique way.
  3. It's important to just create and share your work, instead of always explaining why you're doing it. The act of creating speaks for itself.

Giving Thanks in Trying Times

Journal of Free Black Thought • 26 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Gratitude can be found even during difficult times, like losing loved ones or facing health challenges. It's important to recognize what we still have, like family and support from friends.
  2. Personal connections matter a lot, especially during hard times. The love and care from family can make a big difference in coping with loss.
  3. Writing can be a powerful way to express emotions and find meaning. Sharing thoughts and experiences helps connect with others and heal.

Generative AI, Bullshit as a Service

The Algorithmic Bridge • 891 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🕹 Technology 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.

In pursuit of a masterpiece

The Novelleist • 901 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author values creating a masterpiece in their writing, taking time to explore and research different elements.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of incorporating personal experiences and uniqueness into artistic work to differentiate it from others.
  3. The author recognizes the need to slow down the creative process to pursue a masterpiece, allowing for deeper exploration and refinement.

The Work of Writer's Block

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 137 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Originality in writing is becoming harder to achieve due to the influence of social media and its bite-sized content.
  2. The internet's focus on short content like tweets and Instagram captions is overshadowing the expansive thought celebrated in literature and journalism.
  3. Reading numerous Twitter posts can lead to writer's block, highlighting the creative challenges posed by the social media landscape.

7 Embarrasingly Wrong Predictions about the Future of Books

Litverse • 319 implied HN points • 31 Dec 22
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Books have not necessarily gotten shorter as predicted due to digital influence. In fact, the average book length has increased.
  2. The envisioned innovative ways for writers to monetize books, such as through related content packages and modular literature, have not been widely implemented.
  3. The shift towards short stories as a marketing tool and the importance of visibility from magazines and e-zines over cash prizes did not become mainstream trends as predicted.

Data at Depth 11: Diversity, Adversity, Case Study With GPT-4 and External Validation

Data at Depth • 59 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Documenting and analyzing your journey as a creator can help identify patterns of growth and areas for improvement, like diversification across social media platforms.
  2. Engaging in strategic thinking, research, and creation can lead to significant accomplishments, such as getting articles published and boosted, validating your skills as a writer.
  3. When using tools like GPT-4 for tasks like title generation, it's crucial to validate their output externally to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

This isn't what I wanted to write

Both Are True • 282 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's okay to feel unsure and doubt your writing. Everyone goes through that, and it's part of the creative process.
  2. There isn't a perfect way to express your thoughts. What matters is that you share your feelings and ideas, even if they aren't flawless.
  3. Taking action, like writing something, is better than doing nothing. Every piece of writing contributes to your growth.

Essay Club: Why I Write by George Orwell

Mind & Mythos • 179 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. George Orwell wanted to make political writing more artistic and impactful. He believed that writing should not just inform, but also engage the reader emotionally.
  2. Orwell reflected on his personal motivations for writing, showing that his experiences shaped his views and style. He felt that understanding one’s own reasons for writing is crucial.
  3. His work reminds us that writing can be a powerful tool for social change. Orwell believed that through good writing, we can influence thoughts and inspire action.

My Novels

David Friedman’s Substack • 116 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Creating a fictional world often feels like discovering its story rather than just inventing everything from scratch. As you write, new ideas and connections about the world can unfold naturally.
  2. It's important for characters in a story to have different voices and personalities. Otherwise, they might all end up sounding too much alike, which can confuse readers.
  3. Characters can take unexpected paths that change the original story you planned. Their actions and decisions may lead to new conflicts and relationships you never anticipated.

Welcome to The Recovering Academic

The Recovering Academic • 217 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The Recovering Academic newsletter offers exclusive interviews, essays, poetry, and resources for writers.
  2. Paying subscribers get access to behind-the-scenes interviews, thought pieces on higher ed, personal essays, and craft resources.
  3. Joshua Dolezal, the writer behind the newsletter, has 20 years of experience, has published a memoir, and co-produced a podcast.

How to Write Op-eds, Barbenheimer, and more

My New Band Is • 216 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Elizabeth Spiers is offering an opinion writing workshop on Zoom on August 9th and 16th from 7pm to 9pm ET.
  2. She recently wrote about Barbenheimer memes for The New York Times.
  3. Elizabeth Spiers is moving My New Band Is newsletter to a different platform to avoid promoting racists and transphobes.

Clichéd Efforts

Timeless & Timely • 216 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Avoid clich\u00e9s in writing to make it more impactful
  2. Address clich\u00e9s head-on as they can hinder the quality of your writing
  3. Clich\u00e9s have the power to either enhance or diminish your writing

calm lunacy

spencer's paradoxes • 216 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Great ideas require solitude and curiosity in exploring confusion to emerge
  2. Poetry is a practice of living and embracing the madness of seeking human connection
  3. Becoming a poet means courageously holding contradictory emotions and experiences in life

How to Write Good

Timeless & Timely • 216 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The U.S. government promotes plain language in communications.
  2. Federal plain language guidelines emphasize clarity and conciseness.
  3. Guidelines include writing for the audience, organizing information, and choosing words carefully.

Thirty-One: A Year-Long Project

lettersonbeing • 216 implied HN points • 04 May 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author is challenging themselves to write something new every day for a year.
  2. The goal is to write daily without expecting each piece to be amazing.
  3. Sharing the project helps with accountability and can inspire others to start their own year-long project.

The Novelist and the Fighter Pilot

Don't Save Anything • 216 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The writer James Salter and a man from the author's church were revealed to have known each other from their time serving as fighter pilots in the Korean War.
  2. Flight in the early 20th century transformed human perspective, influencing art and bringing a new aesthetic, like the discovery of perspective in drawing in the 15th century.
  3. The author reflects on the influence of Salter's work but also recognizes the importance of not idealizing an artist, appreciating the lessons drawn from different individuals, like Bob Boyd.