The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

no. 67: a year or four

let them eat cake β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. The newsletter operates on a patronage model with paid subscribers receiving extra content.
  2. The author started the newsletter as a way to build an audience for a potential book.
  3. The original memoir written by the author has taken a backseat to the importance of the essays in the newsletter.

I, Cyborg: Using Co-Intelligence

One Useful Thing β€’ 650 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Writing
  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.

#6: How to Sell More Copies of Your Book

Shades of Greaves β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Help your audience find your work by making it clear what you're offering them - clickbait works.
  2. Demonstrate why your audience should listen to you brag whenever possible.
  3. Selling a book isn't just about explaining what the book is about, it's also about explaining who you are and why that makes your book worth reading.

T.V. Digest #23 Reveals the Paid Tier

Textual Variations β€’ 66 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. A new paid subscription option is available for $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year, giving access to some older articles behind a paywall.
  2. The publication schedule will be flexible and inconsistent, with posts coming out when there's time and inspiration instead of on a regular basis.
  3. Recent updates include new content and discussions around various topics, such as films and viewer sensitivity to violence.
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My Favorite Essay

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 97 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Writing can be a fun game, even if it's for a boring assignment. Making it playful, like sneaking in surprises, can make the experience enjoyable.
  2. Language has power and can shape our world, so it's important to choose words thoughtfully. Crafting sentences with care can be satisfying and fun.
  3. Even if you find a class boring, you can still absorb valuable lessons. Sometimes, what seems dull on the surface can hold deeper meanings that stick with you.

Rites Of Passage

Weekly Wisdom β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author reflects on a year of writing with acknowledgements and a tribute to writing colleagues who provided support and inspiration.
  2. The author talks about heading into the backcountry desert for a trip, acknowledging the break in the streak of publishing as a moment of reconnecting with nature.
  3. The author expresses excitement and fears about the upcoming trip, highlighting the anticipation of stargazing in the desert and concerns about being perceived as the weakest link in the group.

Copy and paste

gen yeet β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Intertextuality explores the relationship between texts and their cultural environments.
  2. Writing can be seen as a collage, with language harvested and organized like pieces of a puzzle.
  3. Craft in writing can involve playful word experimentation and the incorporation of multiple voices.

re-encountering language

Thicket Forte β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Sometimes, new and surprising thoughts can come when we allow ourselves to explore language freely. Writing poetry can help unlock emotions and ideas we didn’t know we had.
  2. People often hide their pain behind a calm surface, but deep feelings can be revealed through creative expression. Language can connect us to the raw emotions of ourselves and others.
  3. Language isn't just about rules and grades; it can be a way to communicate something real and important. Embracing this freedom can make our words feel powerful and alive.

Content hell

The Leftovers β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Content creation can become overwhelming if driven by the need for constant output, leading to a flood of mediocre posts.
  2. Being prolific in writing comes with a trade-off; quantity may overshadow quality and necessitate resisting the urge to publish everything created.
  3. The rise of AI-generated content, including books and articles, raises questions about the manipulation of literary culture and the distinction between genuine literature and junk content.

Ten Little Things

Nice Try β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 29 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing can be done anywhere, even in a small notebook. It helps with creativity and can be more enjoyable than using a phone.
  2. It's important to take care of health issues, like allergies. Visiting a doctor can lead to better solutions for feeling good.
  3. Life can be busy with chores and personal projects, but spending time with loved ones, like going to a movie premiere, makes it all worthwhile.

How to align your values with your work

The Recovering Academic β€’ 178 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 23
πŸ’Ό Business Writing
  1. Self-exploration is important to align your values with your work. Take time to understand what truly matters to you.
  2. Transitioning from academia to industry can be challenging but rewarding. Soft skills and practical tools are valuable in various job fields.
  3. Embracing change and exploring different industries can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. There isn't just one path to a meaningful career.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #3

Trantor Publishing β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Isaac Young is working on making his content more accessible by experimenting with audio formats.
  2. Isaac Young is diligently creating content for his subscribers, with progress on projects like 'Gigaheroes' and exclusive short stories.
  3. Isaac Young encourages engagement from his audience and appreciates their support.

An Errand Boy Who Wrote Tales To Astonish

From The Future β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Stan Lee's early struggles and experiences shaped his storytelling journey
  2. Stan Lee's approach to writing stories that he would enjoy reading himself led to the creation of iconic characters like the Fantastic Four and Spiderman
  3. Stan Lee's perseverance and belief in doing things his own way were key to his success as a storyteller

Diary: Stephen Mortland, (2) Reading Akutagawa

Book Post β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 23 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. RyΕ«nosuke Akutagawa had a complex relationship with his three mothers, affecting his self-understanding.
  2. Akutagawa struggled with mental health issues and the fear of succumbing to obsession and hysteria.
  3. Akutagawa's works, although not considered original masterpieces, reflected deep emotional and psychological struggles.

A Quick Update

Squarknotes β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The author's debut novel 'Cover Story' was a hit and the paperback version is now available.
  2. The author has been busy writing various projects, including novels, a nonfiction book, and a short story.
  3. The author is pursuing goals and dreams, including learning directing, acting, and horseback riding, after a health wake-up call.

Why 'The Rings Of Power' Was A Flop

diabolical β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Only 37% of viewers finished watching Amazon's 'The Rings Of Power'.
  2. The show had issues with unlikable characters and wild coincidences driving the plot.
  3. Many fans were disappointed by the lack of fidelity to Tolkien's source material in 'The Rings Of Power'.

A Family of Foxes

The Commonplace β€’ 1058 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The different seasons in our lives are marked by unique experiences and pre-occupations.
  2. Foxes, often seen as cunning, may actually exhibit caution and circumspection in urban environments.
  3. Watching animals in their natural behavior can have a calming and healing effect on human emotions.

Book Editing

Software Design: Tidy First? β€’ 950 implied HN points β€’ 15 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Editing a book can have emotional impacts like disrupting sleep and causing stress.
  2. Author seeks PR submissions for examples in their book and requests opinion on preferred book layout.
  3. Fear of losing control over how words are interpreted and used is a major concern for the author.

How to boost your personal statement or college essay

The Recovering Academic β€’ 138 implied HN points β€’ 21 Nov 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Great storytelling is essential for personal statements and college essays to stand out in the competitive application process.
  2. The variety of personal stories, from being a first-generation student to a military veteran, can add diversity and value to an admissions committee's perspective.
  3. Seeking guidance from experienced coaches or editors can significantly enhance the quality and impact of a personal statement, potentially increasing chances of getting into desired schools.

The Novel as Shaggy Dog Joke

Counter Craft β€’ 656 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. In novels, it's okay to break traditional writing rules and do something unexpected.
  2. Shaggy dog jokes delay the punchline for as long as possible, focusing on the journey of storytelling.
  3. Some novels, like Kafka's 'The Castle,' deny expected resolutions, finding meaning in the denial.

How Not to Write

Polymathic Being β€’ 63 implied HN points β€’ 24 Aug 25
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Don't worry about finding a specific niche when you start writing. It's better to explore different topics you're curious about and let your unique voice develop naturally.
  2. Outlining isn't necessary for everyone. Sometimes, just diving in and writing can lead to unexpected and exciting discoveries in your story.
  3. You don't have to write every day to be a good writer. Find a rhythm that works for you, like writing in short bursts when inspiration strikes instead of forcing a strict schedule.

The Year Behind and Ahead

Many Such Cases β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. 2022 was a year of big changes, including getting laid off but finding freedom in freelance writing and traveling a lot.
  2. The author discovered new motivations in writing, focusing on how topics like sexuality reflect on society, not just interesting facts.
  3. In 2023, there may be more conversations about masculinity and sexual health online, which could lead to confusion about desires and habits.

Remembering Gabe Hudson

Counter Craft β€’ 747 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Gabe Hudson was a beloved and energetic writer in the literary world.
  2. Gabe Hudson was dedicated to boosting and supporting fellow writers.
  3. Gabe Hudson's impact on literature and his students will be long-lasting.

Literary Precocity

Life and Letters β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Literary precocity refers to young writers who show exceptional talent early in life. Writers like Abraham Cowley became famous for publishing their work at a very young age.
  2. The concept of precocity emerged around the early 1600s, influenced by the rise of print publication. Printing made it easier to track when someone officially became an author.
  3. Before print, it was hard to define when a writer crossed into authorship. With printed books, age and publication date became clear, creating a clear distinction between different types of writers.

What I Was Doing In My Early 20s

Castalia β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Being in your early 20s can feel aimless and isolating. It's tough when you see others enjoying life while you struggle to find your path.
  2. Experiences in isolation can lead to deep self-discovery. Sometimes, stepping away from societal expectations helps you understand your true voice.
  3. Discipline and growth often come after a challenging phase. You may feel pressure to achieve quickly, but taking time to explore yourself can pay off in the long run.

Embracing weirdness: What it means to use AI as a (writing) tool

One Useful Thing β€’ 887 implied HN points β€’ 05 Sep 23
πŸ•Ή Technology Writing
  1. AI is weird and different from traditional software, so we need to embrace its uniqueness to fully understand its capabilities.
  2. AI can do much more than just act as a thesaurus or grammar checker; it has the potential to help in creative idea generation and simulate individual readers for market feedback.
  3. To unlock the true value of AI, we should experiment with unconventional uses of AI tools while being mindful of ethical concerns and technical limitations.

Productivity boosters, 2x revenue, saying NO, engineering as marketing, writing 5 books.

Play Permissionless β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 23
πŸ’Ό Business Writing
  1. Finding a productive work environment with like-minded individuals can significantly boost productivity and focus.
  2. Saying no to certain business opportunities is crucial for maintaining quality and ensuring sustainable growth.
  3. Engaging in deep, long-form writing like book projects can lead to clearer thinking, coherence, and nuanced understanding, even with just a small daily time commitment.

FrΞ±ction /

Fathom β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. The text explores a moment between a parent and child, highlighting the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  2. The child's curiosity and deep questions about life are a central theme.
  3. The concept of fractions is used metaphorically to discuss emotions like heartbreak.

The Book and the Screen

Life in the 21st Century β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. In the past, books and their authors played a major role in political revolutions.
  2. The rise of screens over the last century has diminished the political influence of books.
  3. Screens have created a new era where personalities are marketed over political ideas.

Read the world

Substack β€’ 551 implied HN points β€’ 20 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  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.

Honest Writing

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 607 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Writing can be perceived as permanent and irrevocable, creating a pressure for perfection.
  2. Writers may explore different perspectives and sensibilities, not necessarily aligning with their current beliefs.
  3. Literary writing allows room for ambiguity, partial truths, and playfulness, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

Are Books Worth Writing?

David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 260 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing
  1. Writing a book can help spread ideas more effectively than blog posts. Books allow for a more organized presentation of related thoughts.
  2. Converting blog posts into a book can save time since it involves editing rather than starting from scratch. It builds on existing content, which can be easier.
  3. There's a possibility to create short books or combine related topics into one longer book. Exploring these options might benefit both the writer and the readers.

The Update

The Discourse Lounge β€’ 987 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The author is finishing university and will soon graduate with a bachelor's in Computer Science.
  2. There will be a shift to weekly publication of 1-2 articles after graduation, focusing on housing, transit, and census data updates.
  3. Exclusive content will be available for subscribers, so it's a good time to subscribe for those interested.

is clear writing clear thinking?

practiceprocesscraft β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 03 Apr 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Writing is different from thinking, it's a process of observing, clarifying, and developing thoughts.
  2. You can have clear thoughts but struggle to express them clearly in writing, it's a skill of translation.
  3. Clarity in writing is relative, it depends on the audience and purpose of the writing.