The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

My Multitudes

Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble • 29 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author writes about a variety of personal experiences and reflections, not confined to a specific niche.
  2. The writing covers topics like family, music, career changes, and challenges of being a parent to a child with disabilities.
  3. The author shares insights on writing consistently, dealing with creative challenges, and evolving as a creative writer.

Experiments in style: Bandit poem

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying out new writing styles can really help improve your skills. When you change the way you present a story, it can show you new perspectives.
  2. A bandit poem is a cool way to switch things up. It keeps the original text but changes the layout to make it feel more poetic.
  3. Experimenting with writing can change the tone and mood of a piece. Layout and style can make your story feel different than you might expect.

Writers Meet-Up in Hollywood!

Journal of Free Black Thought • 7 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There is a writers meet-up in Hollywood on December 6 from 7pm to 10pm. It's a great chance to connect with other writers and work on your projects.
  2. Everyone is welcome, whether you're experienced or just starting out. You can work on anything from blog posts to scripts in a fun, creative space.
  3. Spots are limited, so it's important to RSVP as soon as possible to secure your place at the event.

Dystopian Visions: The Machine That Won The War

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The story highlights concerns about reliance on computers, especially in life-or-death situations like war. It makes us think about how much we should trust technology.
  2. The twist in the plot shows that human judgment can sometimes be more important than computer calculations. Sometimes, taking a chance with basic decision-making can be necessary.
  3. Even with all the advancements in AI, we still need to use common sense and personal input when making decisions. Computers have limits, and we shouldn’t forget our own instincts.

I'm Thankful For My Subscribers!

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. The author values genuine engagement in conversations and believes that conflict and debate are essential for real relationships.
  2. The author expresses gratitude for the support of subscribers and the autonomy of working on their newsletter, Silent Lunch.
  3. The author plans to expand Silent Lunch with more investigative pieces, guest writers, and a podcast in the coming year.
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Letter to Rebecca #25-02

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Making New Year resolutions can lead to feeling bad if you don't stick to them. Instead, not making any can help avoid that pressure.
  2. Advertisements can sometimes highlight the wrong details. It's often better to focus on what really matters to customers, like comfort and reliability.
  3. Books and reading are enjoyable, and finding interesting ones in second-hand shops is a fun adventure. Plus, discussing what you read with others can make it even better.

Start the week #58

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author had a close call with their cat Minty almost getting run over, revealing a story with humor and relief.
  2. The author is promoting a writing course and showcased an AI-generated press release that praised their literary imagination.
  3. The author is reimagining Macbeth for a modern audience, blending humor and nuance to explore the characters' dynamics.

Experiments in Style Special Edition

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Literary criticism plays an important role in understanding and discussing literature. It helps us explore the complexities of writing and its impact.
  2. The book 'The Secret Miracle' features a character who can read letters without opening them. It uses a unique story structure, which fits into larger literary themes.
  3. The debate over what makes a good writer is complex and subjective. Comparing authors can lead to misunderstandings about literary merit and creativity.

Sampler

Internal exile • 26 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. AI can be manipulated through poisoning attacks, affecting outcomes and creating incentives for spammers and tech companies.
  2. Influencers drive the trend of 'kinetic' food in restaurants, emphasizing visual appeal for videos over taste.
  3. The 'sharing economy' has shifted from genuine sharing to profit-driven exploitation, impacting workers and service users.

Experiments in style: Mastermind

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's fun to change the way you tell a story.
  2. Parody writing is about using humor to mimic another style or genre. This can add a playful twist to your creativity.
  3. Writing can be a way to explore different tones and themes. It’s interesting to see how a simple story changes with a new style.

All grapes are sour until they're ripe

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Patience is important. Just like grapes need time to ripen, ideas and goals also take time to develop.
  2. Creating can be tough sometimes. There were many challenges this year, but the hard work eventually turned into sweet success.
  3. Sharing stories can connect us. The upcoming mini-series is a way to bring people together and reflect on past experiences as we step into a new year.

Have a problem? Write an essay

Jeff Giesea • 1 HN point • 13 May 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing essays can help you process your thoughts and emotions. It feels like going on a journey where you discover what you truly want to say.
  2. Essays are a way to connect with others and share experiences. They can help you feel less alone and create meaningful connections, similar to the friendships formed during a trek.
  3. Writing is a valuable tool for personal growth and understanding. It can lead to new insights and lets you explore your ideas and feelings in depth.

Three possible beginnings of a book review

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 2 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's important to have a strong opening for any piece of writing, like a book review. A good start can grab your readers' attention right away.
  2. Seeking feedback on your writing is valuable. Others can give you insights on which parts work best or what needs improvement.
  3. Writing is a process that often involves trying multiple versions of something to find the best fit. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas.

What John Cleese taught me about creativity

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Creativity is a skill that anyone can learn. It's not just for naturally creative people; with practice and the right mindset, anyone can become creative.
  2. Being in an open and playful mindset helps with creativity. Taking breaks and allowing your mind to relax can lead to better ideas and problem-solving.
  3. Embracing uncertainty and not fearing mistakes is important for creativity. Taking risks can lead to original ideas and solutions.

Writing tips

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The 'show, don't tell' advice in writing may not always make sense outside of filmmaking.
  2. In writing, the job of a writer often involves telling rather than showing.
  3. Writing advice should not be seen as one-size-fits-all and writers should find approaches that work best for them.

Can AI Identify an Author’s Background from a Writing Sample?

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Current AI tools struggle to accurately determine someone's background from their writing. They often miss subtle clues that could reveal a person's origin.
  2. Different AI models can give varying guesses about an author's background. Some might guess English native speakers or Americans when the real background is different.
  3. To test AI's ability, you can try analyzing your own writing through an AI tool. It can be fun to see if the AI gets your background right!

In Praise of Charles Darwin

Critical Mass • 18 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The Voyage of the Beagle opened the author's eyes to a different side of Charles Darwin.
  2. Charles Darwin was not only a great scientist, but also a brilliant writer.
  3. Reading Darwin's works can provide valuable insights and appreciation for his storytelling.

August 2020: Notes in the Margins

Notes in the Margins • 39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Many people are feeling a mix of emotions in 2020 - from low key sad to high note sad, it's been a rollercoaster year.
  2. It's important to pay attention to the little details and listen to inner callings, even if it means making adjustments and changes.
  3. Committing to a creative project, like writing a novel, can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, even when the path forward may not be entirely clear.

The poetics of the pile-on

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 13 Aug 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing fiction can be a process where stories develop gradually during the act of writing, allowing space for creativity and exploration.
  2. Engaging with contemporary issues in writing can be challenging as the fast-paced nature of news events can quickly make a book feel outdated.
  3. In writing about the present, authors may choose to imagine possibilities rather than focus on capturing the exact reality, as fiction allows for the exploration of hypothetical scenarios.

Bodies Bodies [A Primer]

The Author Is Dumb • 6 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author is working on a new book that will be written in real time and is focused on themes of faith.
  2. Unlike previous works, this book will not have a paywall, promoting access to everyone, while still appreciating paid subscribers.
  3. The style of this book might be different, potentially being more autobiographical and experimental compared to the author's other writings.

Letter to Rebecca #24-24

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Weather can cause unexpected delays, like cancelled trains, and it brings a lot of funny stories. Sometimes people take travel warnings too lightly.
  2. Writing letters can be a fun way to communicate, and planning them with a checklist makes it easier. Everyone has their own way of writing, and it's interesting to compare styles.
  3. Music and opera can be really enjoyable experiences, even if it's your first time. It's great to explore new interests, like attending performances and trying out different genres.

🍀 Kernel 4 Pitches Now Open!

Reboot • 16 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Kernel Magazine is now open for pitches and submissions for Issue 4 themed around luck.
  2. The new issue of Kernel will delve into the concept of luck and randomness in technology.
  3. They are looking for nonfiction, creative, and other contributions in various formats for the magazine.

one idea, one week

Jyri And • 1 HN point • 29 Apr 24
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Writing one piece each week can help you think deeply about your topic without rushing. This way, you have time for ideas to develop and connect.
  2. Using an intense weekly writing schedule can mimic the tutorial system of schools like Oxford. It encourages self-discipline and in-depth learning.
  3. Even when you struggle with your writing during the week, taking notes and coming back to the topic can spark new insights and make everything click at the end.

First Draft

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jul 21
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author describes attending a literary event and feeling resentful towards writers and the written word, reflecting on his own writing and feelings of obscurity.
  2. The encounter with another writer at the event reveals the protagonist's insecurities and envy towards the seemingly successful and confident writer.
  3. The story takes a fictional turn towards a chance encounter that sparks a moment of clarity and connection, hinting at the possibility of finding inspiration and closure.

Back to Square One

Oren Cohen • 21 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The journey of self-discovery often involves starting over in different areas of life.
  2. Exploring new platforms and mediums can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.
  3. Finding a balance between pursuing creative passions and practical responsibilities is key to personal fulfillment.

If You Don't Have Anything Good To Say

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 6 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's better to stay silent than to leave negative reviews. If you can't say something nice, just don't say anything at all.
  2. Instead of tearing others down, focus on lifting them up with positivity. Like your friends' achievements and show support, even if you don't agree with their choices.
  3. Criticism can be easy and tempting, but being a critic isn't a worthy goal. Aim to be a force for good in the world instead.

Letter to a Friend: Why Write Online

Juan David’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing should be a daily habit, even if it's just for a few minutes. Treat it like brushing your teeth—make it a regular part of your day.
  2. Having an audience can help you stay motivated to write and improve your skills. Sharing your work adds a little pressure to keep your ideas sharp.
  3. Editing is best done with others. Getting feedback from friends or readers can make your writing stronger and help you connect with interesting people.

You've got one hour

Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble • 20 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. You never know how your work will be received by others, so focus on the creative process rather than the outcome.
  2. Embrace the freedom of creating without worrying about pleasing your audience.
  3. Consider spending more time on the quality and truth of your work rather than creating content solely for engagement.

Writing: An overlooked engineering leadership skill?

Brick by Brick • 18 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. Writing skills are crucial for engineering leaders to achieve alignment and communicate effectively.
  2. Well-written notes, emails, and narratives can help maintain alignment as a company grows.
  3. Crafting a 'new project launch' memo with clear descriptions can aid in driving ownership and pride within a team.

Some personal news...

The Bellows • 22 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. Ryan Avent is leaving The Economist and journalism for a new opportunity.
  2. He is working on a book that relates to themes he has discussed in his newsletter.
  3. Despite leaving journalism, he will not disappear and plans to publish his book within the next couple of years.

yeet thyself

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 19 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Ray Bradbury advises to create characters with strong desires, give them running orders, and follow their journey.
  2. Projects are collaborative undertakings that cannot be finished in one sitting, facilitating growth and self-collaboration.
  3. It's important to confront strong feelings, convey beliefs courageously, and strive for impactful connections through writing.

5 guides that improve my life

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Reflect on and live up to the expectations of your 18-year-old self.
  2. Avoid consuming news and focus on intentional activities like reading or listening to podcasts.
  3. Show respect and appreciation for manual workers and prioritize having 'skin in the game' by taking risks