The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Autism and the critic in me

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 11 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Discovering ADHD and autism can explain why someone might not emotionally connect with movie characters, so they legitimately experience films differently than most people.
  2. A critic often watches a film as a 'hyperobject'—seeing the filmmaker’s body of work, historical and social context, and technical choices all at once—which gives a broad, analytical perspective.
  3. That analytical distance is a strength, so the plan is to lean into long-form film criticism and focus the newsletter on reviews and essays, while still doing occasional fiction and other projects.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 69 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It is possible to over-revise your writing, which can lead to loss of freshness and spontaneity. It's important to find a balance between revising too much and too little.
  2. Taking your writing too far in revisions can help you understand your prose better. Push past the point of reason to see the impact of over-revising, then dial back and restore the essence.
  3. Maintaining freshness in subsequent drafts improves with time and practice. Developing the ability to see your work with fresh eyes more quickly is a skill that can be honed over time.

Better late than never. . .

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. It's okay to take your time when starting something new, like writing. Commit to it, even if it feels hard at first.
  2. Sometimes, life gets busy and it's hard to carve out time for yourself. Finding moments for small pleasures can make a big difference.
  3. Asking for help can feel tricky, but it's important to lighten your load and take breaks when you need them. Everyone needs support, even moms!

The Hardest Part

CTOrly • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Starting is always challenging, but it's not the only difficult part; other complexities follow.
  2. Success depends on evolving definitions, simplification, and finishing well, not just starting.
  3. Knowing how to finish and what to start are crucial; consistently starting without finishing may reveal underlying issues.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Diary #12

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The use of grammar-checking features in text-based applications is becoming dominant, which can be frustrating.
  2. The rise of AI-generated content, like GPT-4, poses challenges in maintaining human creativity and authenticity.
  3. Exploring mnemonic devices and cognitive tools to enhance memory and cognitive abilities can be tempting but requires simplification due to time constraints.

Street Smart Support

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Sharing the newsletter with friends or family can spark fun discussions and outdoor adventures. It's a great way to spread the joy of nature and history.
  2. A paid subscription helps support the newsletter and ensures you receive regular content about nature and history. It keeps the writer motivated to share more interesting stories.
  3. Reader feedback is encouraged, so feel free to share what you like or suggest topics. Engaging with the newsletter can lead to a more personalized experience for everyone.

howl at starving writers | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 116 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author lived among rough men in a bedsit, observing their struggles and lack of communication.
  2. Moving into a new bedsit in the UK was easily done without a contract, showing the transient nature of such accommodations.
  3. Traveling and living on the road in America brought the author in contact with diverse individuals, fostering a deep sense of exploration and cultural immersion.

Reading and Awareness

Story Club with George Saunders • 69 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The exercise aims to improve our ability to discern micro-reactions to a text.
  2. The more choices a writer makes during revision, the more of themselves is shown in the text.
  3. Readers are drawn to the quality of presence in a text that allows them to connect with the soul of the writer.

January 2023 Update

Mind & Mythos • 39 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author started their writing project in 2022 and is pleased with the work done so far.
  2. They want to improve their productivity in 2023 by sharing monthly updates to stay accountable.
  3. The updates will be posted on the first Friday of each month to track progress and keep engaged with readers.

one more turn...

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 21 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Playing games like chess and Sudoku can feel really rewarding, especially when there's a sense of progress and learning involved. It's nice to have fun and feel your skills improving over time.
  2. Game sessions can feel well-spent when they involve teamwork and shared goals. Achieving something challenging with friends can create great memories and a sense of achievement.
  3. Writing can be challenging, especially when figuring out how to express ideas in a satisfying way. Finding the right routine and format is key to feeling good about your work.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 99 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Editors have a tough job choosing what to publish based on personal taste.
  2. Rejections may not always provide clear or helpful feedback for writers.
  3. Writers should listen to their inner voice to improve their work, even after facing rejection.

Why writing = thinking

Devansh’s Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Writing helps us organize our thoughts, making it easier to solve complex problems. It's like having a tool to keep track of many small ideas that add up to a bigger solution.
  2. Our short term memory can be a barrier to deep thinking, but writing lets us externalize our thoughts. When we put ideas on paper, it frees our mind to focus on bigger concepts.
  3. Writing can be a personal journey and may change over time. It's important to find what feels right for you, rather than feeling pressured to perform.

Advice for Young Writers

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing for politics can be a specific career path if you're social and good at following trends. If you like engaging with popular ideas and have a good writing style, consider internships and networking.
  2. If you're more of a lone thinker and have unique interests, traditional paths might not suit you. Instead of chasing a flashy job, think about how to create your own space to learn and share ideas.
  3. It's important to recognize that gaining experience and refining your writing skills takes time. Focus on learning and growing rather than expecting immediate attention for your opinions.

Moses On The Beach

Adjacent Possible • 126 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing on different time scales can add depth and complexity to storytelling.
  2. Using varying time scales in storytelling can help explain the 'why' behind historical events.
  3. Long zoom storytelling should focus on forces that uniquely impact the events at the center of the story.

Diary #10

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author presents a unique and introspective view of observing from a detached perspective.
  2. Language and words are portrayed as powerful entities that both create and diminish.
  3. The text reflects on waiting, observation, and the intricacies of human interactions in a setting filled with symbolism.

Welcome, and what this is

The Counterfactual • 59 implied HN points • 17 Jul 22
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The newsletter will cover topics like language, statistics, and AI, mixing research with personal thoughts. Expect both solid research reviews and imaginative columns about the future.
  2. Posts will be written in a clear, clean format using Substack. This platform helps catch mistakes easily and connects with a larger community of writers and readers.
  3. The author aims to write about things that are interesting and useful, hoping to share knowledge and insights that spark curiosity in readers.

Readers Respond

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 05 Aug 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Reader responses can spark great conversations about natural and human history. It's fun to share thoughts and feelings, and everyone can learn from each other.
  2. People reminisce about their experiences related to places and events. Those personal stories help to connect the past with the present.
  3. Writing can feel lonely, but receiving feedback from readers makes it all worthwhile. It's nice to know that your work resonates with others.

Holy Books

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 123 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Appreciate wisdom in various forms, whether from religious texts like Psalms and Proverbs or from writers like Jim Harrison.
  2. Seek inspiration from those who share your passions and values, like how Harrison connected with elements of nature, writing, and indulgence.
  3. Embrace balance and truth, even in indulgence, as advocated by Harrison's views on drinking and facing life's challenges with humility.

the world is full of writers | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are many writers in the world, and they often appear in unexpected places.
  2. Writers come from all walks of life, sometimes looking worn and tired from their adventures.
  3. Creative people may feel more at home among fellow travelers than in formal literary settings.

Your limited edition copy of Nearly Perfect is ready

subtract • 10 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. 'Nearly Perfect' is a limited edition book that aims to feel handcrafted and personal. It's designed to be special and unique.
  2. The book is short at 118 pages but contains deep and meaningful content. It’s meant to be thought-provoking and encourages readers to reflect on its ideas.
  3. It's written in a conversational style, making it accessible to founders, designers, and investors. The author wants you to engage deeply with the text and enjoy the journey.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 66 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The post shares an excerpt from Shannon Reed's book 'Why We Read' about teaching 'Lincoln in the Bardo.'
  2. Shannon Reed is a beloved writer and professor living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  3. Shannon Reed's book explores different aspects of the reading life and is described as rich, funny, and poignant.

Embrace the Centaur

Startup Strategies • 85 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. The author discusses the Centaur model for AI collaboration in the context of writing.
  2. The author invites readers to join a course on ChatGPT Journalism at NYU.
  3. Readers can access more content by subscribing to Startup Strategies and get a 7-day free trial.

✍🏽 Become a better writer in 3 minutes? 

Turnaround • 98 implied HN points • 17 May 21
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Good writing is a result of mastering grammar, vocabulary, and style through practice, reading, and editing.
  2. Reading and imitating content you admire can help you develop your own unique writing style.
  3. Editing is essential for improving your writing - give your drafts time to rest, get them edited, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

refactoring

button mash • 15 HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Refactoring in coding means changing how code is written without changing the end result.
  2. Refactoring involves adjusting and reworking a process to improve it.
  3. It's important to find a balance between refining and over-refining to allow for creativity and natural emergence.

23 Highlights from 2023

Castles in the Sky • 62 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing a Pilgrimage for Book People was a huge writing success in 2023.
  2. Visiting London with my wife for a friend's wedding was a memorable highlight.
  3. Writing the unexpected viral essay 'Do the Weirdest Thing that Feels Right' brought unexpected success.

The Rotor

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing can be a source of freedom. Unlike sports, where failure can weigh you down, writing allows for exploration without fear of public judgment.
  2. Persistence is key to success in writing. It’s important to keep trying, even when faced with rejection, and to keep showing up to do the work.
  3. Minimize distractions to enhance your writing experience. Put away technology when you need to focus, and embrace the urge to write whenever it strikes.

Welcome to Ladyparts

Ladyparts • 99 implied HN points • 28 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The post introduces a new platform called Ladyparts, where the author is testing out how it works.
  2. The author is sharing a personal experience of accidentally sending a baby photo email, highlighting the human side of using new platforms.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to Ladyparts for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

How to write a good short story

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 26 Aug 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Be cautious of free writing advice, as it may not always be reliable due to the competitiveness in the writing community.
  2. The author shares eleven commandments for writing a good short story, which can be valuable guidelines for aspiring writers.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Leftovers for more insightful writing advice and access to full post archives.

Coolest Folks I Discovered in 2022

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author discovered many insightful people in 2022, recommending their work for others to explore. Their writing styles and topics range widely, making them interesting to a variety of readers.
  2. Each recommended person brings something unique, from discussions on technology to parenting and culture. This variety makes it easy to find a topic that resonates with different interests.
  3. Connecting with these individuals can lead to deeper understanding and new ideas. Following their work could inspire readers to think differently or explore new areas of knowledge.

batwrite is write now !! link within

Both Are True • 6 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The phrase 'batwrite is write now' plays with words in a fun way. It's a catchy phrase that combines humor and creativity.
  2. This post seems to be focused on being entertaining for its audience. It emphasizes engaging writing and playful language.
  3. The content is meant specifically for paid subscribers, suggesting a special connection with the audience. It creates a sense of exclusivity and value.

The New York Century

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 22 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The book _Glass Century_ is set to come out on May 6, 2025, and it tells a story about love and family from the 1970s to the pandemic.
  2. Pre-ordering the book is really important because it helps determine how many copies stores will order and how much attention the book gets.
  3. The author is planning book launch events and is open to traveling for readings in different cities if there’s interest.

Six Years!

Notes from a Small Press • 25 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The newsletter is celebrating six years of sharing content and engaging with readers. It's a big milestone that shows dedication and growth.
  2. Subscriber numbers are growing, but the number of paid subscribers has not changed much recently. This highlights a common challenge in converting free readers to paid ones.
  3. The anniversary post invites readers to suggest topics for future articles. This shows a commitment to community involvement and addressing reader interests.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 108 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Rejection in writing can lead to deeper honesty and self-discovery.
  2. The publishing world doesn't always equate good writing with being a good person.
  3. Success in writing is a mix of skill, ambition, and the ability to connect with the audience.