The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

The end of literary criticism

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The post discusses the idea of the end of literary criticism and reflects on mortality and life's meaning.
  2. The author talks about a personal Twitter list named DICKHEADS, and how it serves as a reminder of mortality and the importance of accepting life's end.
  3. There's a reflection on life wearing one out so that accepting its end is a more natural process, rather than feeling robbed.

How I prepare for an interview

Austin Kleon • 599 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Making mind maps helps organize thoughts and ideas before an interview. It's a great way to see connections between different topics.
  2. Instead of preparing a strict list of questions, focus on topic areas. This way, you can listen better and have a more natural conversation.
  3. Listening is key in interviews. If you're busy thinking about your next question, you might miss what the person is saying.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 11/11/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 194 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Horses have played a huge role in human history, helping with farming and trade. They allowed people to transport more goods and develop agriculture more efficiently.
  2. Dogs and cats have different roles in our lives. While dogs have been our working partners for thousands of years, cats are more companions that bring us joy.
  3. Many of today's educated elites don't understand the views of the majority. This disconnect can lead to problems in a democratic society, as it might affect how political systems work.

The Farmhouse

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 58 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The farmhouse was located in a clearing on top of a hill and dated back to the 1800s.
  2. The path to the farmhouse was initially a walking path that later became a bike path.
  3. The writer enjoyed carrying heavy camera equipment for outdoor activities like photography.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

My year in 101 quotes

Austin Kleon • 659 implied HN points • 28 Dec 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing down one good line every day can help capture meaningful thoughts and moments from your life.
  2. Embracing quiet moments and allowing yourself to step back can lead to clearer insights and creativity.
  3. It's important to give yourself permission to create and express yourself without needing external validation.

What I'm Looking For In Literature

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Literature can be seen in two ways: as an exclusive club with a few great writers or as a broad space open to anyone's creativity. Both ideas hold value, but they require different approaches to writing.
  2. The ideal literature celebrates personal truth and creativity, allowing for unique expressions rather than just following traditional rules or famous examples.
  3. Criticism of the publishing industry often focuses on the lack of originality in many works. Yet, good writing is possible if writers avoid clichés and stick to their true voices.

An Exciting Announcement

Story Club with George Saunders • 51 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. George Saunders will be speaking at the New Yorker Festival this fall with Zadie Smith, and he's really excited about it.
  2. He praised Zadie Smith's recent novel as a powerful piece of writing that renewed his faith in literature.
  3. Saunders also congratulated his colleague Bruce Smith on his new poetry book, highlighting Bruce's talent and achievements.

Plugpost and Updates

Resident Contrarian • 781 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Getting exposure as a new writer or for a new product is crucial for success.
  2. The internet often reacts negatively to self-promotion, so getting boosted by established figures or famous people can be key.
  3. It's important to be proactive in seeking opportunities and promoting your work, even in the face of challenges like internet backlash.

prompts for human beings

Both Are True • 71 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Prompts are meant for humans, not for AI. It's important to reflect on them personally and explore what's blocking your creativity.
  2. When you face a writing block, consider writing about the block itself. This can lead to discovering deeper insights and surprising outcomes in your writing.
  3. The element of surprise is crucial in good writing. Explore unexpected paths in your ideas to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

The year of the leap

The Next Chapter • 6 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Took a big creative and professional leap by raising funds and making a debut short film while balancing a part-time day job and learning directing and acting skills.
  2. Chose Austin over Chicago to prioritize family and a fresh start, accepting uncertainty but committing to give the move a real shot.
  3. Focused on emotional and physical growth through therapy and EMDR to accept feedback and heal past hurts. The year also included strengthening the marriage, becoming independent at the gym, and planning better rest and tech boundaries for 2026.

Scatterbrain: a spring letter

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. London Book Fair attracts writers who wander like wailing souls, seeking inspiration and connections in trade fair events.
  2. The writer reflects on the weather in London and news from Rosario, Argentina, contemplating the idea of staying in a grey island country.
  3. Cheltenham event signifies springtime, aligning the writer's narrative with seasonal changes and events.

Fast writers and generous readers

Thoughts on Writing • 339 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing at speed in modern life is common, but it's crucial to balance it with thoughtful reading to avoid rushing to judgment.
  2. Language can be complex and sometimes betray us, so it's important to consider the context and medium in which statements are made before reacting.
  3. Being a generous reader, avoiding snap judgments, and nurturing media literacy skills are essential in today's world of diverse content and opinions.

July 21, 2025 (Monday)

Letters from an American • 51 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Writing
  1. Taking breaks is important for mental health. Stepping away from daily stresses can help refresh your mind.
  2. Nature can provide a great escape from routine. Enjoying the outdoors can lift your spirits and offer new perspectives.
  3. Capturing moments through photos can help share experiences. It allows others to enjoy the beauty and peace you find in nature.

The kind of author you *don't* want to be

How to Glow in the Dark • 259 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Commercial book editors and readers expect authors to adopt a specific persona on the page.
  2. Avoid coming off as annoying in your writing to connect better with commercial audiences.
  3. Authors who are too focused on their trauma or too self-absorbed may struggle to engage readers and may not be ready to write a commercial book.

Start the Week #106

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Debates about 'decolonising' Father Christmas are treated with humour and used tongue-in-cheek to argue for Santa's existence.
  2. The holidays are a mix of enjoyment and relief, with pleasure from lights and gatherings but a strong preference for returning to work; the season can also bring sadness because a family death occurred on December 26.
  3. There is a seasonal push to subscribe with a 70% discount, alongside plans for a paid nonfiction series and writing courses, and an emphasis on a long, consistent writing career and regular updates.

Risk Reading for the Holiday Season

Risk Musings • 458 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Stephanie's risk-focused reading list includes books on AI, cyber-weapons, corporate influence, economic disparities, and hopeful history.
  2. The books cover topics like AI risk, cybersecurity, corporate influence, economic disparities, and hope for humanity.
  3. Stephanie is interested in forming a risk book club and reading books in a group setting.

I'm getting shorter

Next Level Leadership • 58 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The concept of an atomic newsletter is to write briefly and effectively around one idea.
  2. The author aims to restart their writing habit and share quick, powerful ideas on life and leadership.
  3. The marketing newsletter 'Simple, Effective Marketing' focuses on making complex marketing simple and is in a short format.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 148 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing regularly can help you find your voice and improve your skills over time. Even when life gets busy, making writing a priority can yield great results.
  2. Experimenting with different forms of expression and creativity is important. It's good to refresh your approach and try new things to keep your work interesting.
  3. Sharing personal reflections and insights can connect you with others. Writing about your journey and experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

Writing Without ChatGPT

Yehudi’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Meaningful writing, like wedding speeches, holds a special value that can be lost when outsourcing to AI like ChatGPT.
  2. Consider the Experience, Meaning, and Generation (EMG) framework when deciding whether to use AI for writing.
  3. Balancing time, meaning, and individuality is key when creating personal and valuable written pieces.

The Work of Comedy

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 98 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
😂 Humor Writing
  1. The post discusses AI in comedy writing and questions if AI should take over comedic work.
  2. Oliver Bateman Does the Work is a reader-supported publication that offers new posts to paid subscribers.
  3. The publication covers a feature on AI and hack comedy writing, exploring the impact of AI on creating uninspiring content.

Writing tools

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The importance of writing tools for aiding your writing process.
  2. Consider trying different writing tools to enhance your writing experience.
  3. Sometimes unconventional methods, like writing on toilet paper, can spark creativity.

*Tell Us a Childhood Story*, Part 1

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Memories from childhood can be really fun to share, especially the funny or mischievous stories from when we were kids. It's great to connect with our own kids by telling them about our past adventures.
  2. Writing about my childhood was a breeze because I have so many vivid memories. It felt exciting to dive into those stories and create something new like a book.
  3. I'm open to exploring new opportunities in writing, even if it's a challenge. I believe that persistence pays off, and I'm excited about the possibility of sharing my childhood stories with a wider audience.

Why I Write (An Invitation)

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing can be a way to understand ourselves better. It helps us process our thoughts and experiences by putting them on the page.
  2. Writing allows for a connection with others and can express feelings that are hard to communicate otherwise. It's a way to share our truths and experiences.
  3. Engaging in writing regularly can be transformative and fulfilling. It offers a method to explore our inner thoughts and feelings while keeping us present in our lives.

Every writer should edit a magazine (at least for a year)

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Editing a literary magazine can provide a valuable understanding of the literary world and help writers avoid self-absorbed behavior.
  2. The novel 'Scamp' by Roland Camberton offers a glimpse into bohemian late-1940s London and the struggles of launching a literary magazine.
  3. Starting and maintaining a literary magazine can be a rewarding experience, offering a platform for writers and fostering a sense of community.

Ten signs that you need to quit writing

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The writer believes that writing isn't for everyone and encourages readers not to waste time on affirmations if they truly don't enjoy writing.
  2. The post lists ten signs that may indicate it's time to quit writing, highlighting the importance of recognizing when it's not the right path.
  3. The author offers a demotivational perspective on continuing writing and suggests that it's okay to admit that writing may not be the right fit for everyone.

Creativity for the sake of creativity

Erifili • 99 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Creativity for the sake of creativity can lead to personal fulfillment and deeper exploration of one's craft.
  2. Being creative privately, without the pressure of public validation, allows for more genuine and authentic artistic expression.
  3. Engaging in creative activities solely for personal enjoyment is valuable and does not require public recognition to validate one's identity as an artist.

Asking the hard questions

My Home Office Hacks • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The goal is to make My HOH a noticeably better read in the very near future, ideally by the next issue.
  2. The piece poses a few final questions to prompt feedback and sharpen what should change next.
  3. The mood is a blue Monday vibe, giving the conversation a reflective, slightly downbeat tone.

Coming soon

Devon’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. A new Substack newsletter is launching soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
  2. You can also follow the author on X for additional content.
  3. The author's book, 'Theft of Fire: Orbital Space #1', is available to read online or buy.

Poetry Writing and Me

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.

When Typewriters 'Killed Romance'

Pessimists Archive Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Typewriters were once considered unromantic but are now seen as romantic gestures
  2. Technology has always influenced the way love is expressed, from typewriters to AI-generated love poems
  3. The debate around AI love poems raises questions about the future of romantic gestures and personalization

noteables

practiceprocesscraft • 98 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Note-taking helps improve key writer's skills like attention and perspective.
  2. Taking notes provides endless inspiration from daily life.
  3. Different types of notes like observations, questions, and gratitudes can fuel creativity and writing projects.

Exciting news from Scroll 5!

Vesuvius Challenge • 117 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The P.Herc. 172 scroll from Oxford shows dense ink, which helps in identifying the text better than other scrolls. This makes it easier to detect letters and understand its content.
  2. Preliminary findings suggest that the scroll might be written by Philodemus, a famous philosopher. Some words found indicate it could be a complete work, not just a draft.
  3. This scroll has unique physical traits that might help decode other scrolls with unclear texts. As research continues, the hope is to develop better methods for reading ancient writings.

Sleeping Giants

Eliot Peper • 98 implied HN points • 28 May 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Author Eliot Peper discusses the success and origin of his novel 'Bandwidth'.
  2. The importance of challenging oneself creatively in writing novel sequels.
  3. Creating new and positive solutions rather than opposing existing ones.