The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Start the week #89

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Teachers can have a big impact on our lives. One teacher taught lessons that stayed with me long after class ended.
  2. Exploring poetry can be really meaningful. A poet's words can connect deeply to experiences like love or historical events.
  3. Sharing different writing techniques can help people express themselves better. Teaching a writing course can inspire creativity and improve skills.

Experiments in style: The Christmas Letter

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It makes you think about how tone and style change a story.
  2. Christmas letters often mix bragging and boring news. A fun approach can be to blend both aspects in a humorous way.
  3. Experimenting with storytelling can bring fresh ideas and laughter. Sharing these experiments can entertain and connect with others.

I’m making a movie

The Next Chapter • 3 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The film 'After Moonrise' focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter, exploring themes of grief and healing together. It's about understanding and connecting across generations.
  2. The filmmaker is learning the craft through various classes and hands-on experience, despite not having a formal background in film. They are excited about the journey and value community support.
  3. The project relies on crowdfunding to cover costs like production and post-production, and the creator invites others to join in by contributing or spreading the word.

How I Write

Rough Diamonds • 23 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author's writing process involves minimal editing and a lot of continuous writing from years of experience.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of clear, concise writing using strong, plain language.
  3. In addition to focusing on logic in writing, the author also highlights the importance of evoking the right emotions and associations in the reader.

Potential

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 23 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The post discusses the concept of 'potential' and presents an experimental monologue on the topic.
  2. The content is part of a subscription-based platform, where paid subscribers can access exclusive essays and writings.
  3. The author offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers to explore the full post archives before committing to a paid subscription.
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It ain’t Grand

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 19 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Living in a tough situation can be a slow journey. It's important to find comfort and look for helpers during hard times.
  2. If you're stuck with your creative work, try just pointing at things around you. It can help spark new ideas and inspiration.
  3. Reading is a great escape. Picking up interesting books can offer new perspectives and inspire your own writing.

Weekend Theorys No. 3

Working Theorys • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. People often wear athleisure to appear fit and sporty, but might not actually engage in athletic activities. Similarly, many people want to be seen with books, but may not read them, showcasing a desire to appear well-read.
  2. Substack's 'Notes' feature is akin to Twitter posts, causing issues for writers trying to share links on Twitter. Simply mentioning or sharing Substack links on Twitter can lead to shadow banning.
  3. The desire for image and perception may drive actions like wearing athleisure or displaying books, even if the underlying activity isn't as prevalent. It's about the appearance rather than the actual engagement in the activity.

Experiments in style: Problem Page

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Rewriting a story in different styles can improve your writing skills. It helps you see how style changes the tone and meaning.
  2. Advice columns are common in British newspapers where people ask for help with personal problems. A fictional character, Uncle Fred, humorously answers these letters.
  3. Sometimes, people may avoid seeking medical help even when it's necessary. Humor can shed light on serious situations, showing how people reason with themselves.

Start the week #90

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing reviews can be tricky. Sometimes it's better to mix positive and negative feedback rather than sticking to one type every time.
  2. Teaching encourages sharing and growth. It takes courage to put your work out there, but it's worth it to get better.
  3. Reflecting on your past can be rewarding. Finding your first published work reminds you of how far you've come over the years.

What is it you do?

Path Nine • 25 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. Reflect on how you define yourself and your work - it's unique to you.
  2. Use tools like calculators to help set financial targets for your digital products.
  3. Reframe marketing and self-promotion as essential parts of sharing your craft and creations.

Introducing I Might Be Wrong Komedy Klass

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
😂 Humor Writing
  1. Comedy is meant to be fun, not a serious career path. If you're doing it just for enjoyment, that's what counts.
  2. Taking a comedy class can be helpful, but it's not necessary. Many successful comedians never took classes at all.
  3. The new Komedy Klass is a free resource where you can share your comedy work and get positive feedback, making it a supportive space.

Legacy

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's important to talk openly about health issues. Sharing difficult news, like a terminal illness, helps both partners prepare for what’s to come.
  2. Planning for the future is valuable. Thinking about things like a legacy can give us peace and clarity, especially after seeing others' experiences.
  3. Humor can help lighten serious topics. Making jokes about heavy subjects can make them easier to discuss with loved ones.

screeeeeeeeeeeeee

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The sound of the neighborhood can be surprising and even annoying, like a shrill noise that seems to come from everywhere. This can lead to funny situations, like watching someone struggle to park a limousine.
  2. Interactions with neighbors can lead to unexpected moments, such as discovering a new pet bird next door that makes a loud noise. This can create amusing conversations and a sense of community.
  3. Everyday life can have silly and strange events, like a bride trying to get into a car or someone getting frustrated with a piece of trash. Observing these things can add humor and curiosity to regular activities.

Experiments in style: Antonymic translation

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying to rewrite texts in different styles can help improve writing skills. It's a fun way to explore new ways to express ideas.
  2. Antonymic translation is a technique where you replace words with their opposites, leading to funny and interesting results. It’s a creative exercise for writers.
  3. This experimentation with styles can change the tone of a story and offers a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. It's great for sparking new ideas.

Adverbs Are Good

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Adverbs and adjectives enrich writing by adding meaning, specificity, and style. They make language vivid and compelling.
  2. Writing advice advocating for cutting adverbs to achieve brevity may not always hold true in the digital age. Lengthier, in-depth pieces can actually perform well and engage readers.
  3. Finding your own writing style is crucial. Not all writers need to adhere to a strict minimalist approach; embracing your unique voice and style can set you apart in a crowded marketplace.

And then there was Spikey -- now open to all

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Losing friends can be really tough, especially when they let you down. It shows how important trust is in friendships.
  2. Sometimes, something good can come out of a bad situation, like finding a new connection or love. Those experiences can bring joy into our lives.
  3. Even if friendships fade over time, the good memories and feelings can stay with us forever. It's the love and respect that keep them alive in our hearts.

Letter to Rebecca #25-01

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The writer prefers quiet moments after the holiday rush, finding joy in low-key family gatherings rather than loud celebrations. It's okay to cherish solitude and more subdued experiences.
  2. The writer enjoys exploring new readings and has subscribed to a newsletter even without reading the articles yet, showing they value the publisher's reputation. Discovering new things can happen even before diving deep into them.
  3. There's humor in everyday situations, like using cleaning as an excuse to exercise, reminding us that we can find fun and creativity in mundane tasks. Life is what you make of it, even while doing chores!

250→22k Subscribers in One Year: How I Started & Grew "The Caring Techie"

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. Starting a newsletter can be challenging but rewarding; focus on providing valuable content to grow your audience.
  2. Choosing the right platform, name, target audience, and content pillars are crucial for a successful newsletter launch.
  3. Improving writing skills involves seeking feedback, reading relevant books, establishing a writing process, and consistently putting out content.

Essays on writing, life, and my journey.

Neckar’s Notes • 6 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing can help us find meaning in difficult experiences. It lets us explore our emotions and transform our pain into something valuable.
  2. Being honest and writing from the heart is important. It helps us connect with ourselves and our readers genuinely.
  3. Life is about the journey, not just the end goal. We should focus on growing and appreciating where we are right now.

The Skinhead Macbeth

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. This version of Macbeth uses modern slang to make the story easier to understand. It mixes traditional and contemporary language.
  2. Lady Macbeth plays a strong role, pushing Macbeth to take drastic actions for power. Their relationship shows a mix of ambition and conflict.
  3. The humor in the dialogue adds a light-hearted twist to a dark story. It invites readers to see Shakespeare's work in a new, fun way.

Start the week #84

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Modesty isn't the same as being jealous of others' success. It’s okay to celebrate achievements without feeling bad about it.
  2. People often react differently when you share news of success, especially in different cultures. Americans can be more supportive, while some in England might be less encouraging.
  3. Feeling overwhelmed by constant bragging can make someone unsubscribe or mute others on social media. It's fine to want a balance and appreciate modesty in sharing achievements.

I am terrible at talking about my achievements

Counting Stuff • 32 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Talking about your achievements is important for recognition and career advancement.
  2. It's common to downplay your own work and focus on flaws, but it's crucial to highlight the positive impact.
  3. Emphasize concrete facts and context when discussing your achievements, and seek feedback to improve your communication.

Dystopian visions: The Snowball Effect

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. New inventions can have surprising negative effects, even if they seem harmless at first. Sometimes, people focus on good intentions and overlook possible problems.
  2. A story called 'The Snowball Effect' shows how an idea about social mathematics leads to a small group growing into something massive and uncontrollable. This raises questions about how quickly things can change.
  3. Using techniques from psychology to influence people's behavior can be ethically tricky. When trying to do good, it's important to think about whether the ends justify the means.

Announcing Our Fall '22 Workshop Series

The Fairest Writer • 19 implied HN points • 24 Aug 22
🚌 Education Writing
  1. The Fall '22 Workshop Series is focused on the writing process and features special guest authors. It's a great opportunity for writers of all levels to learn and engage.
  2. Each week, the workshops cover different topics, from starting a writing journey to drafting and revising work. Participants will read essays and discuss their insights.
  3. The workshops are free and conducted on Zoom, making it accessible for everyone interested in improving their writing skills.

Experiments in style: hyperbole

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Hyperbole can make writing more engaging and fun. It exaggerates situations to create humor and interest.
  2. Reworking a story in different styles can help improve writing skills. Trying out new styles lets writers explore creativity and find their voice.
  3. Sharing personal experiences can connect with readers. People enjoy relatable stories and may feel comforted by shared struggles.

Dystopian visions: Flowers for Algernon

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The story shows that even good intentions can lead to bad outcomes. The character tries a drug that improves intelligence but faces serious consequences later.
  2. It raises questions about the ethics of scientific breakthroughs. We need to think about who checks these new developments and if anyone really understands them fully.
  3. Modern technology, like artificial intelligence, can be confusing and hidden. People often don't know how it works, making it hard to trust decisions it makes.

Three self editing tips

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Give your writing some time before editing. Letting it sit for a day helps you see it with fresh eyes and improve it better.
  2. Try printing your draft to edit it on paper. This makes the work feel new and helps you spot mistakes more easily.
  3. Reading your writing out loud can help you catch errors and awkward phrases. It’s a great way to make sure your writing flows well.

Experiments in style: Mansplaining

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's like practicing a sport in new ways to get better.
  2. Mansplaining can make a story sound overly complicated and annoying. It's when someone explains things in a way that feels condescending.
  3. Experiencing mild concussion can be frustrating but is often manageable with care. It's important to take it easy and let your body recover.

Letter to Rebecca #24-23

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Pets can sometimes cause unexpected worries, like health issues. It's good to stay on top of their care, like regular vet visits.
  2. Supermarkets collect a lot of data on shoppers, which can feel intrusive. It's interesting how they use this info to target offers.
  3. Ideas for writing can come from anywhere, even just everyday moments. Walking around or doing chores can spark creativity.

Top 5 posts of 2023

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. Force yourself to be creative every day to prioritize creativity in your brain.
  2. Good problems to solve are impactful, painful, in need of quick resolution, growing fast, frequent, and visible.
  3. Uniqueness and individuality are sources of power and influence in success.

Experiments in style: A merry dance

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Experimenting with different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. Trying out new genres and formats can change the tone and perspective of a story.
  2. A humorous take on a misadventure can add a light-hearted dimension to storytelling. Using funny situations, like a character bumping into walls while sleepwalking, makes the narrative more engaging.
  3. Involving readers through competitions or challenges can create interaction. Asking them to identify elements in a story, like types of dances, adds fun and engagement to the reading experience.

A Sound of Thunder

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Small changes can lead to big consequences, like in the butterfly effect. Even a tiny mistake can have a huge impact.
  2. In work, accuracy matters. Small errors in calculations, like rounding, can cause serious issues down the line.
  3. It's important to recognize that every part, small or large, plays a vital role in a project. Everything matters!

Writer's block

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Writer's block may feel real, but it doesn't actually exist; there are ways to overcome it.
  2. Sometimes writing feels challenging due to lack of inspiration or motivation, but it's important to keep pushing through.
  3. Maintaining a consistent writing practice, even on tough days, is key to improving and overcoming obstacles.

Sprachkunstwerk

Internal exile • 29 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Having images in posts is important for engagement
  2. AI writing tools are seen as helpful in creativity but not originality
  3. The debate on AI in writing highlights different views on creativity and artistry