The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Reflections on Exadelic

Gradient Ascendant • 11 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author's science fiction novel, 'Exadelic', mixes many ideas and is designed to challenge readers, making it a unique read. It's exciting and chaotic, similar to a roller coaster.
  2. The book reflects the author's thoughts on humanity and the future, using various themes like tech culture and dark elements to explore serious questions about being human.
  3. Readers generally find 'Exadelic' polarizing, with both fans and critics agreeing on its fast pace and high idea density, making it a memorable but divisive story.

Escape from Big Publishing

Systems Approach • 59 HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Open source software played a significant role in enabling authors to achieve their publishing goals.
  2. The decision to adopt an open source model for their textbook allowed for wider accessibility and frequent updates.
  3. Transitioning to an open source model for publishing led to more control over content and the ability to engage with the broader community.

Legibility

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Moving to a new place can make you rethink your identity and rewrite your story, leading to a sense of becoming unfamiliar.
  2. Writing in a second language can influence how you express yourself in your native language, blurring the lines between identities.
  3. In writing, balancing authenticity and legibility can be challenging, as it involves navigating personal identity and how others perceive you.

Cucumber season

Fictitious • 4 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The term 'cucumber season' refers to a time when news becomes less interesting, and reporters often need to chase bizarre stories to fill the content gaps.
  2. Characters like Robert, who float down the river on logs, highlight the unusual people reporters encounter, making for quirky yet entertaining segments.
  3. The conversations between reporters often reveal their humor and frustration, as they navigate through odd situations and the pressure to create captivating stories.
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The A.I. Bloodhounds Are on My Trail

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. A new AI chatbot called DeepSeek is improving and could be a threat to writers. It shows a better grasp of comedy than previous AI versions, making some writers concerned about their future.
  2. The AI's attempts at humor mimic certain styles but still struggle with logic and factual accuracy. It can copy formats and jokes, but often misses the mark on meaningful analysis.
  3. Despite the AI's growing capabilities, it lacks a true understanding of context or truth, which means human writers still have an edge when it comes to creating content that makes sense.

Start the week #97

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Free travel for older people has benefits beyond just costs, like reducing social isolation and allowing them to volunteer more. It's important to consider the wider social impact of policies.
  2. Some argue that older people don't need free transport because they are financially stable, but many are not, and they've paid taxes for years. We should give back to them for their contributions.
  3. The comparison made about fare dodgers and travel benefits is flawed. Just like teachers gain more from engaged students rather than those who do nothing, society benefits more from supporting active older citizens.

Me and Mrs Jones

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The song 'Me and Mrs Jones' is considered a classic because of its strong lyrics and emotional depth. People are still drawn to it many years later.
  2. Flash fiction, or very short stories, works well because it leaves room for listeners to imagine what happens between the characters. It asks them to read between the lines.
  3. The song hints at a complicated love story, suggesting the characters might have a deeper history. This ambiguity makes it interesting and relatable.

My 2024 in Reading

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. This year, the person read 58 books, mostly fiction, and found new favorite authors and stories. They believe fiction is important for understanding our world.
  2. They're excited to launch a new book review magazine to support new writers and literary culture. They think there’s a revival happening in how people engage with books.
  3. The person is releasing a new novel titled 'Glass Century' in May 2025. They're also looking forward to touring and sharing their experiences with readers in different cities.

Start the week #96

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Thinking about all the jobs you've had can spark creativity. It’s a good way to reflect on your experiences and tell your story.
  2. Running a course can be tough if not enough people sign up. But it can also be a fun learning experience for those who attend.
  3. Removing paywalls can help increase access to your work and attract more readers. It's a nice way to share knowledge with others.

Castles in the Sky's Seven Most Underrated Essays

Castles in the Sky • 10 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Reflecting on past essays can be a valuable exercise for writers and bloggers. It helps them see how their style has changed and what topics resonate with their audience.
  2. Understanding fatherhood often teaches important lessons about self-care and responsibility. Writers can convey deep emotions through relatable experiences with family.
  3. Exploring complex ideas in a simple way can lead to misunderstandings, so it's essential to keep an open mind. Just because something is hard to explain doesn't mean it's wrong or unworthy.

Bravery, revisted

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 11 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Eclecticism in writing means blending different styles and ideas. It can make your work more unique and interesting.
  2. Bravery is often about facing difficult situations, like dealing with loss. It shows how we can handle tough times and still carry on.
  3. Family memories can be both joyful and bittersweet. They remind us of the love we share, and the people we miss when they're gone.

First Drafts

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. First drafts are important and can be tricky to handle. Writers often feel stuck or unsure about how to start.
  2. It's okay to get distracted while writing. Things happening around you can break your focus, and that's normal.
  3. Meeting new neighbors can be a funny and awkward experience. Sometimes the little moments, like not shaking hands during a pandemic, make great stories.

Another chortleworthy 'experiment in style'

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. It’s a fun way to get creative and explore new ways to express ideas.
  2. Steampunk is a unique genre that blends history with futuristic technology. It adds a cool twist to storytelling with its imaginative vocabulary.
  3. Experimenting with writing can lead to humor and interesting narratives. Sharing these experiments can engage others and spark discussions.

Bookish words,& their surprising stories

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 May 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Reading around a subject can deepen your understanding, even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you're studying. For example, exploring historical or literary contexts can provide valuable insights.
  2. The book 'Bookish Words' explains the origins and meanings of certain words and phrases that we often use. It makes learning about words fun and interesting.
  3. 'Bookish Words' is short and easy to dip into whenever you want to know more about language. It can also be a neat reference for impressing friends with your word knowledge.

Micro and Macro

life mechanics • 1 HN point • 14 Jun 24
🚌 Education Writing
  1. In activities like gaming and life, understanding the importance of balancing Micro (individual control) and Macro (growth and efficiency) is crucial.
  2. Prioritizing macro actions (broad and consistent efforts) over micro actions can set a strong foundation for success in various areas like fitness, career, and writing.
  3. Mastering macro first provides resources and stability needed to excel in finer details, emphasizing the significance of focusing on broader efforts before refining specifics.

Experiment in style: Testing times

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. It’s fun to see how changing the style can change the story's tone.
  2. Reworking a text into something like an exam can be a creative exercise. This approach encourages deeper thinking about the content.
  3. Using humor and different literary techniques can make writing more engaging. Experiments like these help explore the balance between seriousness and playfulness.

Start the week #88

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The 60 Minute Writer course teaches different writing techniques each week. It's a great opportunity for those looking to improve their writing skills.
  2. Giving and receiving feedback is important for growth in writing. Clear instructions can help people understand how to give constructive feedback and accept it better.
  3. Reading a mix of articles and different styles can inspire new ideas. Engaging with various writers helps to understand different perspectives and improve one's own writing.

Don’t get me wrong

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Everyone has their pet peeves when it comes to language. It's normal to have a phrase that annoys you, like 'Don't get me wrong.'
  2. Reading can be fun and diverse! You can enjoy multiple books from different genres at the same time.
  3. Creative inspiration can come from anywhere, like movies, music, or even conversations about what kids can teach us.

Why I didn't wear a tie

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author decided not to wear a tie this year at a family New Year party, breaking a long-standing tradition.
  2. This decision was influenced by a family member's recent serious health scare, which made the author want to feel less formal and more connected.
  3. The story highlights how personal and emotional events can change our perspectives and choices about traditions.

Literature in the Age of Content Production

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Literature faces challenges in the age of content production, with authors struggling to make a living and facing difficulties in publishing and selling books.
  2. The traditional path to becoming a writer, such as pursuing expensive MFAs, may not guarantee success or recognition, highlighting the need for continuous writing and learning.
  3. Despite concerns about the state of Literature, it remains alive and thriving in the passion for words and storytelling, existing beyond the superficial debates and challenges of the modern age.

Hello, World

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author wants to write about a variety of topics, especially tech and culture from the US and France. They feel current social media formats are not appealing.
  2. They aim to share thoughts through their writing, believing it helps in understanding them better, even if there isn't a big audience.
  3. The author plans to publish once a week, allowing themselves time to think about each post thoughtfully.

Start the week #98

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 4 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Meeting new people can bring fresh perspectives and insights. It can help you grow and think differently about life.
  2. Language is a powerful tool for expression and connection. How we use words can shape our thoughts and relationships.
  3. Reflecting on our experiences is important for personal growth. It helps us understand ourselves and the world around us better.

The Street Smart Naturalist

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🔬 Science Writing
  1. The writer enjoys creating newsletters that let them explore human and natural history. They see it as a fun way to connect with a community.
  2. They plan to keep the newsletter free but are offering paid subscriptions for those who want to support their work. Subscriptions come with extra benefits.
  3. The writer encourages readers to engage more by commenting and suggesting story ideas. They look forward to future topics and interactions.

Experiments in style: The Disk Jockey

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's like practicing a new dance move, the more you do it, the better you become!
  2. Parody writing is a fun way to explore styles, as it lets you play with existing texts. It’s like putting a funny twist on a familiar song.
  3. Using humor in writing can capture readers' attention and make serious topics more enjoyable. Laughing at something tough can help us understand it better!

Improving my writing

A Bit Gamey • 40 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Find a slant when writing to focus on a specific idea related to the topic.
  2. Vary your sentence lengths to create a more engaging and musical quality in your writing.
  3. Provide useful information that readers can act upon after reading.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The novel 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' explores the challenges and nuances of creating art and friendships, particularly in the context of the video game industry.
  2. The book is praised for elevating gaming to the level of art, alongside other creative forms like poetry and music, emphasizing the joy and bonds that come from creating something for others to enjoy.
  3. While the story is engaging and fast-paced, some elements of the plot and character development may fall short of the book's ambitious themes, ending with a less impactful conclusion.

Start the week #86

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing can be tough sometimes, and it's normal to feel stuck or unsure about what to create. It's important to remember that finding joy and laughter in writing can be valuable for others.
  2. Social media can feel overwhelming with constant bragging and selling. It's okay to mute or block content that doesn’t interest you, and it’s important to focus on what truly matters to us.
  3. Learning an instrument, like the saxophone, involves a lot of patience and practice. Success often comes just when we feel like giving up, so it's good to keep showing up and trying.

Experiments in style: New Journalism

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. Experimenting with how you write can change how your story feels.
  2. New Journalism blends storytelling techniques with real-life events. This style makes nonfiction more engaging and narrative-driven.
  3. Using personal experiences as inspiration can lead to creative writing. Your own life events can turn into interesting stories when reimagined.

Writing in front of the mirror

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing in a borrowed language can lead to a disconnect between the writer and the audience.
  2. There's a risk of unconsciously writing only for oneself, without considering the readers.
  3. It's easy to get caught up in self-intoxication while writing, potentially losing sight of connecting with the audience.

Of portals and pansies

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 16 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Reading and writing can feel like opening a new door to different worlds. It's an exciting way to explore new ideas.
  2. Music and movies can inspire and connect us, making us feel emotions deeply. It’s great to discover new films or songs that resonate with us.
  3. Spring brings new life and beauty around us, like flowers blooming. It's a nice reminder to appreciate nature and its changes.

Turnaround #2

Turnaround • 98 implied HN points • 29 Jul 19
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Good storytelling helps you stand out and get noticed, conveying facts more effectively than presentations.
  2. A good story typically includes a central character, conflict, message, plot, and a journey.
  3. Timing matters in sharing your story - consider waiting until product-market fit or a launch to engage with media.

Start the week #87

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Choosing the right holiday card can be tricky since different people celebrate different holidays, but a neutral card can be a good choice.
  2. Many people dislike the cheesy Christmas music played in stores, and can even find joy in playing the classic carols themselves.
  3. It's important to take breaks during the holiday season and focus on both family and traditions, while also wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year.

Home News Wrap

Gideon's Substack • 38 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The author has recently finished filming their debut feature film.
  2. Directing the film was a challenging but rewarding experience.
  3. The author will be sharing more about the film during the post-production process.