The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

It's Never Too Late to Write That Novel

Ladyparts • 319 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's never too late to pursue your passion, like writing a novel, even if it takes decades to achieve.
  2. Lisa Williamson Rosenberg started crafting stories in childhood and eventually secured a book deal after many years.
  3. Inspiration can strike at any age, and persistence can lead to fulfilling creative achievements.

Harlequin Ducks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 479 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Harlequin ducks are known for their colorful and striking appearance, especially the males during breeding season. Their unique colors make them stand out in nature.
  2. These ducks have an unusual lifestyle, living both at sea and in the mountains. They can dive underwater to find food, and they often nest in hollow trees instead of typical bird nests.
  3. The author finds joy in experiencing the beauty of both the sea and mountains. This connection to nature inspires their writing, leading to new creative projects about the regions they love.

An Ocean of Data

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 466 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Data produced in just one minute in 2023 was 169,371 times more than produced in the entire 18th century.
  2. The analogy of
  3. pissing into the ocean
  4. implies the massive amount of data being generated daily being like a drop in the vast ocean.
  5. The role of a writer has evolved significantly from the 18th century, with the digital era signaling the end of traditional writing as we knew it.

Coming soon

The Leap • 39 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The newsletter will cover a variety of topics like decision making, poker, and literature. It's described as random and flexible, meaning you can expect different subjects each time.
  2. Readers can try the newsletter for free for a week, giving them a chance to see if they like it before committing to a subscription.
  3. There's no strict promise on what will be discussed, making it open and interesting for anyone curious about diverse themes.

Diary Entry #4: Gathering in Numbers

Shades of Greaves • 117 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Book events are a great way to build community and connect with readers.
  2. Success as a writer isn't just about the money, it's about creating connections with others.
  3. In-person events, like book signings, are valuable for authors to see the impact of their work on readers.
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if you drink enough coffee you start peeing coffee

Both Are True • 155 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. It's okay to write about simple, everyday things, like kids or pets. Those topics can hold deep meaning, even if they seem easy.
  2. Children can remind us of the joy and love in life. They let us see the world differently and embrace our own innocence.
  3. Life doesn't have to be hard or complicated. Sometimes the best ideas come from a place of relaxation and simplicity.

The Shame of Easy Work

David Spinks' Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. It's okay to take the easy path sometimes. Writing or doing things doesn't always have to be hard for them to be valuable.
  2. People often feel proud of overcoming difficult challenges, but that doesn't mean hard work is the only way to achieve worth or happiness.
  3. Consider asking yourself how you can make things easier instead of forcing yourself to struggle. This can lead to more authentic and creative outcomes.

One thing leads to another

Austin Kleon • 739 implied HN points • 07 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Books and year-end lists can inspire creativity. Sharing your favorites might encourage others to reflect on their own experiences.
  2. Creating playlists or lists is a great way to track what you love over time. It's fun to see how tastes evolve year by year.
  3. Using ideas from past projects can spark new creations. It's like a 'chain smoking' method where one thought leads to another.

Diary Entry #3: The Numbers 33 and 1,000

Shades of Greaves • 117 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Being '33-people-in-a-theater-famous' can be incredibly fulfilling, showcasing the impact a small, dedicated audience can have.
  2. The concept of '1,000 True Fans' highlights the value of building a dedicated community to support and sustain creative work.
  3. Unexpected encounters like experiencing a flight delay due to a 'VIP' can lead to humorous yet reflective moments, appreciating the unique experiences in life.

Writing from the heart.

Neckar’s Notes • 57 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing should come from your true self, not just what you think others want to hear. It's about being real and authentic.
  2. Sometimes, we wear masks to fit in or feel safe, but it's important to let go of those and embrace who we truly are.
  3. Finding your voice can be a journey, and it may connect to other forms of expression, like speaking or singing. Exploring different ways to express yourself can help you discover your authentic voice.

Shallow Feedback Hollows You Out

Nothing Human • 180 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. When thinkers have a large audience, they often repeat the same ideas instead of generating new ones. This can happen because they aim to please the crowd instead of exploring their original thoughts.
  2. To keep your thinking fresh, it's better to share ideas with a close friend or someone who understands you deeply. This one-on-one communication allows for more honest and thorough discussions.
  3. In academic spaces, there's a need to protect innovative ideas from becoming overshadowed by popular ones. Maintaining separate status hierarchies helps ensure that truly original contributions are still recognized.

Marc Andreessen's writing process

Turnaround • 59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Write how you talk - keep your writing natural and authentic.
  2. Start with an outline and then fill in the details - having a roadmap can make writing smoother.
  3. Think about a topic for a while, read a lot, and write when you have a good grasp of it.

Get Wise Or Die Trying, Part 2

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author released their first book 'Get Wise Or Die Trying: Musings & Memoirs On Mortality, Meaning & The Mystery Of Being Alive', available for purchase now.
  2. The book is pay-what-you-want with a minimum of $5, compiled from the author's first year of writing on Substack, featuring essays and poems.
  3. The author expresses gratitude to friends, writing group, and Substack subscribers for their contributions and support in completing the project.

Exhumations and Resolutions

The Lifeboat • 149 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Art is a way to express our feelings and ideas, even if it feels abstract or confusing. It's important to keep creating, no matter the medium.
  2. Writing music and poetry can be a fun challenge. It’s good to learn the skills needed to improve and enjoy the process.
  3. Setting resolutions helps to focus on creative goals, like finishing a project or getting others to read your work. Sharing those goals can motivate you and others.

Please Plagiarize This Blog Post

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 729 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. You can learn a lot by copying text word by word, like understanding writing techniques and styles.
  2. Paying close attention when copying helps you notice details and mistakes that you may have missed.
  3. Copying is a valuable practice that can help you improve your writing skills by focusing on the basics.

July 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 139 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Turning 30 can be a big milestone, and it often brings a sense of reflection on life. It's a time that can feel both exciting and tiring.
  2. The year has been busy with writing, working, and preparing for a baby. Balancing different responsibilities can be challenging.
  3. Updates and personal growth are important, especially for paid subscribers who want to stay connected and engaged.

The Third Person

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing in the third person can feel freeing because it allows for distance from personal emotions. It helps some writers feel less vulnerable and more objective in their work.
  2. Many people struggle with expressing personal views in writing, often feeling it's arrogant to use 'I'. This can create a barrier to authentic self-expression in writing.
  3. Finding one's true writing voice can come from personal growth and life experiences over time, rather than just practice in writing. It's an ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Background for The Ingarie Files

Carefree Sketches • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The Ingarie Files is a collection of stories that present a world set in a post-breakup Nigeria, featuring themes of espionage and cyborg soldiers.
  2. The narratives explore the intricacies of a fictional world through interconnected stories, essays, and reports, weaving a complex and immersive experience for the readers.
  3. The concept of THE INGARIE FILES acts as a jigsaw puzzle where each story piece enriches the depiction of the country across different time periods, offering a deep understanding of the setting.

💜 The Ajulu Framework for Writing.

Day One • 379 implied HN points • 26 May 22
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Alphabets and numbers form the foundation for learning other skills.
  2. Core tier one skills are reading, writing, arithmetic, persuasion, and computer programming.
  3. Reading extensively, storytelling, and using paragraphs effectively are key writing secrets for creating engaging content.

Thank you, readers

Disaffected Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
🎙 Podcasts Writing
  1. Writers often need support from their readers for motivation and financial stability. It's not easy to make a living through writing alone.
  2. Gratitude toward readers is important; those who subscribe contribute meaningfully to a writer's success.
  3. Building a sustainable writing career takes time and effort, especially in today's challenging environment.

Writing for a living

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author finds writing for a living to be a challenging way to make money due to low pay and lack of creative freedom.
  2. Personal experience led the author to realize the struggles of depending on writing as a career, pushing them to seek other job opportunities.
  3. Working as a writer and in an office doing admin work brought periods of depression, highlighting the challenges of these career paths.

On Disliking Stories

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Stories can often be seen as practical jokes, repeating the same patterns that people fall for over and over. This can make writing feel cheap or formulaic.
  2. Some writers want to break free from traditional story structures to explore deeper, more honest experiences. They think the best writing comes from simply sharing real-life observations.
  3. There's value in both traditional storytelling and more experimental writing. Each has its way of connecting with readers, whether through polished craftsmanship or open exploration of truth.

The Solitary Creator

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 522 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing and reading are solitary acts that require introspection and concentration.
  2. Good art reveals the creator's deepest feelings and demands good writers and readers.
  3. Language comprehension is complex and subjective, leading to potential misunderstandings in communication.

Publishing Amid the AI Deluge

Risk Musings • 458 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. During the pandemic, there was a surge in manuscript submissions to publishers.
  2. AI technology like ChatGPT is being used to generate online book content, affecting discoverability and quality.
  3. The future of novel-writing as a career is uncertain due to AI's impact on the industry, with potential polarization into superstars and hobbyists.

How to create a consistent writing habit

Substack Blog • 624 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Creating a consistent writing habit can be supported by an editorial calendar and strategy.
  2. Resources exist to help writers with goal-setting, formats, and publishing schedules.
  3. Building a habit to consistently publish work involves setting a schedule and understanding your goals.

Let's Fly! Become a Verified Book Author and Promote Your Book on Medium

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 219 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Medium now offers a free blue 'Book Author' badge that verifies authors. This can help writers stand out and promote their work on the platform.
  2. To get the badge, authors need to apply with their book's details and they'll be verified if everything checks out.
  3. If you're writing regularly on Medium, you might already have the beginnings of a book. Consider compiling your posts into a full book project!

They Are Watching You

Stove Top • 117 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Surveillance technology is advancing rapidly, posing a threat to privacy
  2. Ron DeSantis is struggling to expand his political base, especially among Asian voters
  3. AI technology is disrupting the writing industry, leading to job losses for writers

chaotic good

practiceprocesscraft • 117 implied HN points • 01 May 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Embrace chaos in your writing process, it can help you find your unique voice and create with more enthusiasm.
  2. Don't be afraid of messy first drafts, let your thoughts flow freely on the page without self-judgment.
  3. Start with chaos to eventually reach a state of unity in your writing, as all creation stems from chaos and energy.

Writing Topical Satire Quickly

Shades of Greaves • 117 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing topical satire quickly involves reacting to timely headlines and translating them into jokes efficiently.
  2. Teaching topical satire allows for therapeutic exploration of real-world issues through humor and camaraderie.
  3. Efficiently turning around satire pieces involves quick brainstorming, drawing from familiar topics, and utilizing available templates.

Eulogizing Editors

Regress Studies • 117 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Collecting obituaries of New Yorker editors can be a fascinating hobby for editors.
  2. Obituaries of editors often showcase exceptional writing and humor.
  3. Reading obituaries of editors can offer insights into editorial legacies and practices.

Fountain Pens Continue to Draw Writers

The Newsguy -- Steve Herman • 117 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Fountain pens are evolving and defying obsolescence by being handcrafted with unique materials like titanium.
  2. Some people are drawn to fountain pens as a rebellion against technology and enjoy the traditional, unique experience of using them.
  3. Fountain pens offer a nostalgic writing experience, with features like durability, customization, and the challenge of using a unique writing tool.

Does cursive writing offer educational benefits over printing?

The Science of Learning • 119 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Handwriting, whether cursive or printing, is better than typing for young kids. It helps them with spelling, letter recognition, and memory.
  2. There is no solid proof that cursive writing is better for cognitive skills than printing. Both styles seem to be pretty equal in benefits.
  3. The claims about cursive writing being more helpful for critical thinking or expression are not supported by research. It's important for kids to practice any handwriting to become fluent.

Anyone can be Batman

Austin Kleon • 699 implied HN points • 17 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Anyone can embrace their inner superhero, just like Batman. It means believing in yourself and taking action.
  2. The writings of bell hooks deeply influenced many people. Her ideas on love and creativity inspire us to think differently.
  3. Joining a book club or a poetry newsletter is a great way to discover new literature and find what you enjoy. It can spark your creativity!