The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jul 25
  1. Wearing a tie at family events was a tradition, but sometimes it's okay to break from tradition. This year, one person chose not to wear a tie to feel more at ease with everyone else.
  2. A health scare in the family made the decision to skip the tie even more meaningful. It was a reminder of life's unpredictability and the importance of being present.
  3. For special occasions like memorials, respecting the moment can mean changing how we dress. Sometimes, a casual look reflects our true feelings better than formal attire.
Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 24
  1. A book launch event for Jenny Slate's new memoir, 'LIFEFORM', is happening in Los Angeles on October 25th.
  2. The event will feature Jenny performing excerpts from her book, followed by an interview and audience questions.
  3. Jenny Slate is known for her creative and heartfelt writing, making this event one to look forward to.
Austin Kleon β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 07 May 21
  1. The Goldilocks theory of creativity suggests that we find the right balance between too much and too little stress in life when being creative. It's about finding that perfect spot that inspires us to create without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Making something, even if it's not perfect, is often better than striving for an ideal. Starting with a rough draft or just creating anything can help get your creative juices flowing.
  3. When life gets tough or too easy, it can affect our ability to work creatively. Sometimes, a little challenge can make creating more enjoyable and rewarding.
vrk loves paper β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jun 23
  1. The writer hasn't started their newsletter yet because they want to build an audience first.
  2. They have written an about page which gives more information about the newsletter.
  3. They encourage people to subscribe, promising that the first newsletter will be coming soon.
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Kyle Chayka Industries β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 23
  1. Working on big projects can make you feel deeply involved but also detached at the same time.
  2. Consistency and persistence are key in tackling huge projects - small efforts daily can lead to significant progress.
  3. Every big project carries within it a personal narrative reflecting your experiences and influences.
Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 49 implied HN points β€’ 29 Feb 24
  1. The form of how writers present themselves to the public has evolved over time - from scripted, stiff appearances to more open and vulnerable portrayals.
  2. There is a wide range in how writers engage with the public - from staying secluded to embracing public speaking engagements and performances.
  3. Authenticity can be less stressful than carefully crafting a public image, and taking risks in the public eye can be rewarding for writers.
Investing 101 β€’ 50 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 24
  1. The author practices 'panic writing' to maintain consistency in their writing process.
  2. Shorter posts sometimes result from trying to tackle larger pieces, which can lead to popular content.
  3. Improving writing skills is seen as crucial for clear thinking by studying advice from experienced writers.
polymathematics β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 23
  1. Questions can lead to deeper thinking and understanding. It's important to ask the right questions to explore a topic thoroughly.
  2. External influences like a good book or song can inspire creativity. Sometimes, a simple change in our environment can spark new ideas.
  3. Writing can be a great way to reflect on thoughts and feelings. Putting ideas down on paper helps clarify and develop them further.
SatPost by Trung Phan β€’ 84 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 23
  1. Constraints can lead to creativity in business models, as seen in Blumhouse Productions.
  2. Blumhouse's low-budget, high-return approach focuses on making multiple horror films with unique storytelling.
  3. Financial constraints in film production, like fewer speaking parts and limited locations, can result in creative and successful outcomes.
Castles in the Sky β€’ 71 implied HN points β€’ 08 Aug 23
  1. The series is about a second-generation secondhand bookseller building the bookstore of the future
  2. Each issue will include a feature, update on inventory, and interesting book world links
  3. The goal is to assemble an inventory of 25,000 hand-picked books with updates on the progress
Austin Kleon β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 21
  1. Reading books about writing can be a fun way to avoid actually writing while still feeling productive. It's like pretending to care about writing without doing it.
  2. Attention can be interpreted differently in various languages, suggesting that how we think about focusing on things can change based on culture. This shows how language influences our perception.
  3. The idea that the year can feel either half full or half empty is a nice reminder to look at life positively. It really depends on your perspective!
Situation Normal β€’ 86 implied HN points β€’ 12 Apr 23
  1. The author quit Twitter due to changes and frustrations, emphasizing the importance of finding new ways to reach and connect with the audience.
  2. Writing newsletters through email can be a good interactive platform, promoting engagement and feedback from readers.
  3. There is no secret sauce to writing well, just keep practicing, experimenting with new styles and forms, and reading critically for improvement.
Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble β€’ 18 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 24
  1. A new original piece will be published on December 21st, where several writers will share their personal philosophies.
  2. There will be a live Community Writing Circle in Sonoma on January 13th, inviting all types of writers to connect and create.
  3. A portion of paid subscriptions goes to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, supporting important initiatives for those with CP.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 18 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
  1. A memoir called 'The Minotaur at Calle Lanza' by Zito Madu has been nominated for a prestigious award. It's being celebrated for its unique storytelling and depth.
  2. There's an ongoing discussion about the pressures around platforms like Substack. Writers should focus on their financial needs without feeling judged.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of new, smart nonfiction books available, especially about Japan. It’s important for readers to have access to well-researched overview materials.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 25
  1. Libraries have become social hubs, but some believe they've forgotten their main purpose of providing access to classic literature.
  2. The book 'Hard Rain Falling' is a classic that explores serious themes and is written in a straightforward style, making it engaging.
  3. Teaching can be challenging, but with humor and open discussion, students can become more engaged and interested in learning.
Vesuvius Challenge β€’ 18 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
  1. There are three weeks left to enter the Vesuvius Challenge 2024. Make sure to submit your entries before the deadline!
  2. The challenge offers over $500,000 in prizes for various achievements in reading ancient scrolls. It's a great chance to win while exploring history!
  3. They are hiring for their Segmentation Team, giving you a unique opportunity to work with ancient writings that nobody has seen for thousands of years.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jul 25
  1. Bureaucracy can be really frustrating, especially when dealing with customer service. It often feels like you're stuck in a complicated system.
  2. Even a bad experience from the past, like with a gas company, can leave lasting anxiety. It shows how past issues can affect future interactions.
  3. It's important to reflect on these experiences to understand how they shape our feelings and responses now. Sharing stories can help us connect with others who have faced similar challenges.
Austin Kleon β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 28 May 21
  1. To write well, it's important to read a lot first. Reading helps improve writing skills and creativity.
  2. Keeping track of your reading materials can boost your productivity. Good indexing and filing systems let you find and use your resources easily.
  3. Old books have timeless insights. They remind us that human experiences are often funny and relatable, even centuries later.
Austin Kleon β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 01 Oct 21
  1. October is a month for cozy things like scary movies and stories, bringing a fun spooky vibe to bedtime. It’s a great time to enjoy seasonal activities with family.
  2. Creative work can be driven by different feelings, like being happy, grateful, angry, or insulted. These emotions can really spark creativity and influence your work.
  3. Reading books can lead to deeper thoughts about their value. If you can sum up a book easily, you might wonder if it was worth your time in the first place.
Austin Kleon β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 24 Sep 21
  1. Reading good books can really inspire and help us through tough times. It's great to find a list of books that resonate with you.
  2. Creating and sharing your own projects, like a zine, can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, making it available for others to enjoy is special.
  3. Success can come with advice, like not being afraid to take breaks or 'disappear' for a while. It's important to prioritize your well-being.
Castles in the Sky β€’ 52 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 23
  1. The pilgrims on the Ark journeyed towards their promised land of Proxima Centauri-XR-4, embracing life as their religion.
  2. The importance of the observation deck on the Ark went beyond engineering; it symbolized the connection of the passengers to their purpose.
  3. Through personal stories and shared moments, relationships and perspectives evolved on the Ark, shaping individuals' sense of purpose and duty.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jun 25
  1. Crossword clues can be complex, but they can also be enjoyable to solve. It's a fun way to challenge your brain.
  2. Writing letters can be a great way to connect with others and share thoughts. It adds a personal touch to communication.
  3. Having a sense of humor about life's little quirks helps us enjoy the journey. Laughter can make tough topics lighter.
The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 24
  1. Writers who publish regularly can become repetitive and lose their edge over time. It's important for them to refresh their ideas to stay interesting.
  2. The author originally chose Substack to share their book because they believed it would reach more people than traditional publishing. They wanted to connect with readers who may have shorter attention spans.
  3. Over the years, the author has noticed that many ideas they discussed early on are now part of mainstream conversations, reflecting a shift in public awareness and discourse.
Nice Try β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 29 Aug 22
  1. Reading can be a community experience. Finding another person's notes in a book can spark a connection, and even lead to creative projects like podcasts.
  2. Exploring different cultures through literature can be eye-opening. Reading classical texts like 'The Odyssey' and 'Tao Te Ching' helps understand different philosophies and life lessons.
  3. It's important to balance life and creativity. Engaging with stories while also finding ways to be present can enhance our understanding and give peace in a busy world.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 25
  1. When asked to write about a topic, the first reaction can be panic, feeling unqualified for the task.
  2. After calming down, the excitement of ideas starts to flow, followed by the worry about fitting everything into a word limit.
  3. Having a catchy title and a strong opening sentence is essential before diving into the actual writing.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 25
  1. Belt's upcoming catalog features new book titles and covers that are not yet available online. It's exciting to see what new books are coming out soon!
  2. There's a course available on how to write a book proposal, and it's almost full. If you're interested in writing, it's a good idea to sign up quickly.
  3. The process of designing book covers is ongoing, and there's an emphasis on making them visually appealing. Good cover design can really attract readers!
Cosy Moments β€’ 18 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 24
  1. Many newspaper and magazine editors are now jobless, which some people feel is a good thing. This change reflects a shift in how we consume news and who gets to be heard.
  2. Traditional media figures often had a lot of prestige but are now seen as outdated. Their influence has drastically decreased in a world that values different kinds of voices.
  3. With the rise of personal blogs and independent writing, anyone can share their thoughts without the control of editors. This leads to a more diverse range of opinions, even if it means some lower-quality content.
Austin Kleon β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 21
  1. You can enjoy books more by engaging with them deeply, like thinking of them as something to 'eat'.
  2. Finding creativity can come from unexpected places, like trash or common experiences.
  3. It's important to keep practicing and challenging yourself to improve your skills, no matter how small the steps are.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 03 Dec 24
  1. In 2024, a publishing company released twelve diverse books, covering topics from memoirs to anthologies. They aim to fill gaps in the market with unique stories.
  2. The company became part of a larger publishing group, allowing them to distribute more books effectively. They value collaboration with authors who appreciate their mission.
  3. Their goal is to publish voices and stories that might be overlooked, particularly those related to the Rust Belt. They want to create a community that values different perspectives in literature.
Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 36 implied HN points β€’ 17 Mar 24
  1. Office Hours post involves a reader seeking advice on transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction. The writer expresses feeling encumbered by old writing habits and seeks guidance on creating believable and interesting fictional worlds.
  2. The post highlights the challenge of shifting writing styles and provides insight into the process of capturing granular details to make fictional worlds realistic. The reader contemplates ways to make the leap to fiction despite feeling limited by habitual thinking patterns.
  3. Paid subscribers may access the full content of the Office Hours post by subscribing through the provided link.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 24
  1. Richey Piiparinen was passionate about Cleveland and its community. He cared about urban development and enjoyed discussing these ideas with others.
  2. The importance of local connections is highlighted, showing how friendships can inspire new projects. Richey and friends worked together to improve their city.
  3. Richey's legacy reminds us of the value of creativity in places that might feel overlooked. His work showed that every city has stories worth sharing.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 24
  1. A new used bookstore opened nearby, which is exciting for book lovers. It's great to discover places that share our reading interests.
  2. I found two books by Meyer Levin at the bookstore, which felt like a special connection. Finding rare books can create a sense of kinship among readers.
  3. Supporting local bookstores is important for keeping the love of reading alive. These shops provide unique finds and foster community among fellow readers.
Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jun 25
  1. People often feel pressured to work for free, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. It's important to know your worth and not let that pressure get to you.
  2. Sometimes, we say things without thinking, which can lead to funny or awkward situations. It's a common human experience that everyone can relate to.
  3. Sharing humorous or entertaining content can lighten the mood and bring joy to our daily lives. Laughter is a great way to connect with others.