The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

A Call To Write

Sarah's Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 17 May 22
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The importance of writing to express your voice and thoughts even if you're not an expert.
  2. Encouragement for minority readers to share their perspectives and start writing.
  3. The commitment to continue writing regularly, even if other projects become a priority.

Flirting with death

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author had a close encounter with death when a building collapsed shortly after they passed by, prompting reflection on life and luck.
  2. The experience influenced the author's upcoming publication, 'We Are But Nothing / No somos nada,' a dark comedy dealing with death and the thin line between worlds.
  3. The author's personal experiences and reflections heavily influenced their writing and decision-making in the publishing process.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Authors often neglect writing realistic dialogues in their works, resulting in weaker characters and plots.
  2. Using dialogues as a plot-building device is crucial for creating visually engaging writing, as demonstrated by filmmakers like Robert Bresson.
  3. Observing real-life dialogues and incorporating them into writing, even if with artistic deterritorialization, can enhance the clarity and strength of the narrative.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Pace in writing involves creating a specific dynamic rhythm in the narrative events, achieved through factors like syntax, punctuation, and montage.
  2. The use of present tense influences the pace of writing by creating a sense of ongoingness in the narrative.
  3. Understanding pace in writing is essential for creating engaging and impactful storytelling that keeps readers hooked.

Diary #16

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The blend of good and bad news creates a unique suspension throughout the day, not merging but colliding.
  2. Original thought is explored, pondering on how fresh insights and observations come to fruition.
  3. Navigating moments of responsibility and accountability, reflecting on the concept of 'naked responsibility' in daily life.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

One Way to Become a Professional Writer

backstory • 484 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Getting opportunities sometimes means seizing the moment and taking risks.
  2. Learning from more experienced individuals can significantly improve skills and knowledge.
  3. Investing in the right tools can make a big difference in pursuing a profession.

get your own MFA!

practiceprocesscraft • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The best thing about an MFA program is the dedicated time for writing, but you can prioritize your writing time without waiting for external validation.
  2. Having a community of supportive, like-minded friends to discuss and share your writing with is crucial for growth and creativity.
  3. Reading is essential for writers, and while an MFA program offers valuable reading lists and resources, you can curate your own reading curriculum to inspire and inform your work.

Start Here

Michael’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. Michael Lin is an entrepreneur and writer, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, engineering, and life.
  2. He offers a free e-book on writing and provides actionable articles every Tuesday for subscribers.
  3. His popular essays cover topics like career growth, personal branding, and luck in your career.

The State of the Travel Media

Talking Travel Writing • 78 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Writing
  1. Participate in the biggest-ever survey on the state of travel media to support valuable research.
  2. Join a webinar series hosted by industry experts to learn about pitching tips and travel writing strategies.
  3. Being involved can win you vouchers and lifetime newsletter subscriptions.

The Black Prince

Regress Studies • 78 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Iris Murdoch wrote the novel 'The Black Prince' which explores the relationship between love and art.
  2. Martha Nussbaum and Clare Coffey discuss animal welfare and the philosophical approach of 'capabilities'.
  3. Isaac Wilks examines the sociological effects of distinctively Zoomer ills in his work 'The Zoomer Question'.

drafting 2/

practiceprocesscraft • 78 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Sketching in writing can help structure your ideas before committing fully.
  2. Different forms of sketches include structured outlines, summary sketches, and visual sketches.
  3. Asking specific questions can guide your sketching process and help in refining your writing.

writing a book 1/

practiceprocesscraft • 78 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. When starting a book, it's normal to feel uncertain about your ideas.
  2. List your questions and ideas to clear your mind and find your book's direction.
  3. Allow yourself to explore different ideas like trying out different ships to find the one that feels right.

A journal of becoming

Pav writes • 78 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Focus on an organic creative process to create and publish more easily and frequently.
  2. Recognize and counter high-brow biases by approaching creativity with love and care.
  3. Counter hierarchical and negativity biases by doing everything with love and attention.

Some Notes on Notes

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 522 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writers often procrastinate due to fear of difficult subjects, exposure, rejection or mistakes.
  2. Social media has become a common distraction for writers, but its impact on creativity seems to be diminishing.
  3. Discipline plays a key role in creativity, and writers can start creating with just a pen and paper, bypassing the need for a perfect setup.

Why You Should Write

salondao • 178 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Regularly writing is essential for a healthy life, regardless of the genre.
  2. Some modes of writing can be harmful, like short-form rapid communication that discourages nuance.
  3. Writing regularly not only changes our minds but also enhances our experience of life and improves our oral communication skills.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #2

Trantor Publishing • 39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Author has been busy in January with multiple chapters published and an exclusive short story for paying subscribers.
  2. Author is planning a raffle for paying subscribers to win signed paperback copies of their book as a thank you gesture.
  3. Author is seeking input from subscribers on potentially re-working the ending of one of their works and is open to suggestions for future content.

A Story, Refined

Story Club with George Saunders • 46 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. George Saunders highlights the beauty of storytelling and invites readers to discuss it. It's great to share thoughts on what makes a story resonate.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of Grace Paley's work and how it influences storytelling. Appreciating other writers can deepen our understanding of stories.
  3. The post encourages interaction and discussion among readers. Engaging with others about a story can lead to new insights and ideas.

Two years of Artificial Ignorance

Artificial Ignorance • 92 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Consistency in publishing is key. Writing regularly helps build your voice and keeps your audience engaged.
  2. Feedback from readers is really important. It's tough to improve without knowing what your audience enjoys or wants.
  3. Trying new things is a part of the journey. Some experiments, like podcasts or workshops, might not go as planned, but they teach valuable lessons for the future.

True Fiction

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 437 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The line between fiction and non-fiction is becoming less significant.
  2. The way a story is told is more important than the actual facts in memoirs or literature.
  3. Writing is subjective, changing based on moods and perspectives, but it's the voice and sensibility that truly matters in storytelling.

What to Do?

Story Club with George Saunders • 117 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Finding peace in difficult times can come from focusing on positive systems and relationships in your life. It's important to connect with people and activities that align with your values.
  2. Art and writing can be a powerful way to express feelings and connect with others. Creative work can serve as a positive outlet and a source of meaning.
  3. Even when overwhelmed, small acts of kindness, like writing, can make a big impact. Taking little steps each day can help bring happiness and presence into your life.

How to keep writing

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Sharing ideas about writing with others can be a rewarding experience, even if you're not a professional writing tutor.
  2. Keeping up with the practice of writing can be difficult, but it's important to persist and find ways to continue.
  3. Engaging in informal occasions where you can share your work and ideas with an audience can be inspiring and motivating.

Dear Subscribers

Dada Drummer Almanach • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. A new program called Dada Drummer Platinum™ is starting, giving paid subscribers special access to music recommendations. This is meant to help encourage more people to support the newsletter financially.
  2. Despite a growing readership, the number of paid subscribers has not increased in the past year. The author is trying to figure out how to boost those paid subscriptions.
  3. The author values free access to articles on public advocacy and wants to keep them available to everyone. They are cautious about what content to place behind a paywall.

New Year, New Newsletter

Shades of Greaves • 78 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
😂 Humor Writing
  1. Carlos Greaves is launching a newsletter with original satire pieces and updates on his work.
  2. Carlos Greaves successfully crowdfunded his debut book, with a planned release in June.
  3. Carlos Greaves has recent contributions in publications like McSweeney's and The New Yorker.

A Case Study in Revision

Story Club with George Saunders • 42 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Revising your work is important. It can help you improve the final product and connect better with your audience.
  2. Listening to how others react to your writing can be eye-opening. It gives you new perspectives and can inspire your revisions.
  3. Your writing journey is personal, but sharing it with others can lead to growth. Engaging with a community can offer valuable insights.

Introducing The Breadcrumbs Project

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Nostalgia is powerful, and many people feel a strong pull to revisit their childhood homes and memories. It's important to acknowledge how these experiences have shaped who we are today.
  2. The 'I Am From' poem is a great tool to explore and express our backgrounds and stories. Writing about our past can reveal how childhood experiences influence our adult lives.
  3. The Breadcrumbs Project invites people to share personal essays about their experiences with 'going home.' It's a way to connect over shared memories and celebrate our unique journeys.

The Crazy-Eyed Wild Ambitions Phase

DruGroup • 119 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. In a mid-life crisis, someone tried working on a doctorate but lost passion early on. This taught them it’s okay to explore interests, even if they don’t pursue them long-term.
  2. They started writing a science-fiction novel and put a lot of effort into it, but eventually faced challenges and had to put the project on hold. It shows that creative endeavors can be complicated, and it’s normal to hit bumps along the way.
  3. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and doesn't always bring clear answers. It's important to embrace change and reflect on personal growth, especially during challenging life phases.

How a Story Gets Written

The Fairest Writer • 119 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Being curious about your art can spark new ideas. It's important to explore different styles and inspiration to grow as a writer.
  2. Sometimes a story can come out really quickly, almost like a burst of energy. Other times, it takes a lot of time and changes to get it just right.
  3. Both quick and slow stories have value. The key is to keep exploring your creativity, no matter how long it takes.

I’m ditching Twitter for Lent

Matt’s Five Points • 359 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Taking a break from Twitter can help improve your thinking and writing skills. It's good to step away from social media sometimes.
  2. The writer wants to focus on topics they know best, like Congress and card games. It's better to stick to what you really understand.
  3. Leaving social media could be seen as a sacrifice or an act of service. It's a way to reset and find clarity in your thoughts.

The Overlap is sunsetting 🌅

The Overlap • 179 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The creator is no longer publishing the newsletter due to waning passion.
  2. The creator wants to write only about topics that genuinely excite them.
  3. Reflecting on personal interests and values is important to determine future writing topics.