The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

What I Learned From Editing Substack Reads

Castalia • 2378 implied HN points • 20 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Editing Publishing Content creation Market research
  1. Substack is packed with all kinds of content, making it hard to find what matters to you. It's better to think about how to reach a wider audience rather than just focusing on your own style.
  2. The platform seems to have more older writers than younger ones. Younger writers might not realize how useful Substack can be for launching their careers.
  3. Substack shows the power of democratic expression with lots of voices and ideas. However, the vast amount of content can make it feel overwhelming and make each writer feel less unique.

Heart Centered Writing

The Forgotten Side of Medicine • 6289 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Writing Communication Holistic Medicine Life purpose
  1. Writing from the heart is important in creating connections with readers and conveying the intended message effectively.
  2. Prioritizing quality over quantity in any work can lead to deeper satisfaction and better outcomes.
  3. Clear and relatable communication is key in teaching and writing, ensuring the audience understands and engages with the content.

I’m building a cooperative media ecosystem

The Novelleist • 2736 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Writing Collaboration Creativity Community
  1. The goal is to create a media platform owned by the writers, not big media companies. This helps ensure that stories and ideas come from creative individuals, fostering a better media environment.
  2. Instead of focusing on problems, the aim is to spark ideas and solutions for a better future together. This will include publishing various themes in print magazines and books, sharing profits fairly.
  3. The plan involves inviting other writers to collaborate on projects, learning from the process, and slowly building a community. It's about teamwork to make meaningful content and potentially inspire change.

The Algorithmic Bridge in 2024

The Algorithmic Bridge • 520 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Writing Content creation News Coverage Digital Trends
  1. Balancing speed and quality is important. Sometimes it's better to be fast, and other times it's key to focus on a well-made piece.
  2. It's easy to write for your audience and lose sight of your own interests. Keeping true to your curiosity helps keep your writing authentic.
  3. Instead of stressing about subscriber numbers, focus on consistent writing. Let yourself write freely without worrying about stats.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Sick of spelling February

Austin Kleon • 4596 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Television Writing
  1. March is here, which many people find refreshing after spelling February for so long. It's funny how small things like that can affect our mood.
  2. Keeping a blog can help you track your thoughts and creative journey over time. It’s a great way to share your interests and projects with others.
  3. Owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They’re fascinating creatures, and we can help them by creating safe habitats and being mindful of outdoor lighting.

Sometimes it sounds like this

Austin Kleon • 5275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Writing Media
  1. Françoise Gilot's memoir about her life with Picasso is a great read. It shares interesting stories and gives insights into her artistic journey.
  2. Writing books can be really helpful for all kinds of writers. Many people shared their favorites, showing there's a wide range of useful resources out there.
  3. Listening to curated music mixes can spark creativity. Exploring different artists and themed playlists can be a delightful way to enjoy music and find inspiration.

From the pine wood to Pinewood

The Fry Corner • 2817 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Literature Writing Acting Entertainment
  1. Switching between acting and writing makes for an interesting career, and each role has its perks. Acting often provides a more social and relaxed environment compared to the solitary nature of writing.
  2. There’s a sense of longing for the other role while doing one, showing how each path has its own joys and challenges. It’s like wanting warm cookies when you’re eating cake.
  3. Having the option to choose between acting and writing is seen as a privilege, highlighting the flexibility in one’s career choices. It's great to have different ways to express creativity.

tension and flow

bookbear express • 1293 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Relationships Writing
  1. Flirting involves creating tension, like a fun game where you keep others engaged. People often enjoy the moments of connection it brings, even if there's no romantic intent.
  2. Writing and relationships both require an ongoing balance of tension and flow. To keep things interesting, you need to surprise and delight the other person over time.
  3. Staying lively and engaged with the world is important. If you don’t find joy in what you do or share, it can affect how others connect with you.

I’m Moving To New York

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 5056 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Personal Growth Social Issues Urban life Migration
  1. The author is moving to New York City for new opportunities and experiences. They are excited but also aware of the challenges that come with city life.
  2. They express gratitude for their reader's support, which makes this move possible despite the high costs of living in NYC.
  3. The author sees this move as a fresh start, hoping to grow creatively and connect with others in a bustling environment.

Finding A Voice

The Fry Corner • 4516 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Style Autobiography Narrative Self-Expression
  1. Finding your voice in writing takes time and self-discovery. It's a journey about understanding your unique style.
  2. Many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially in childhood when compared to peers.
  3. Experiences of feeling like an outsider can lead to deeper insights, which can shape one's creative expression.

You Have To Hype Yourself. No One Else Will Do It For You.

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1598 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Writing Entrepreneurship Social media Personal Branding
  1. You need to promote yourself because no one will do it for you. Writing is just part of the job; marketing is also important.
  2. Many writers have talent but struggle to get noticed. Building a community and shouting about your successes can help attract readers.
  3. Don't be shy about sharing your achievements. Talking about your wins can inspire others and help you stand out in a crowded field.

Freedom to write, freedom to research, to do something together: An interview with Ruth Ben-Ghiat 

read • 10220 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🚌 Education Academia Research Writing Income Feedback
  1. Scholars on Substack are reaching new audiences and earning income for their research and writing.
  2. Substack provides academics like Ruth Ben-Ghiat with financial freedom to pursue public-interfacing research.
  3. Academic writers use Substack for engaging with readers, testing new ideas, and shaping their research through feedback.

Blogging sure has changed in its Silver Age

The Intrinsic Perspective • 4805 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Media Trends Digital Innovation
  1. Blogging today is producing a lot of high-quality content, similar to the Silver Age of comics. Many new writers are sharing well-crafted stories and essays online.
  2. While there's more professionalism in blogging, it's mostly about improving styles and strategies rather than creating new ideas. Writers know how to make their content appealing and consistent.
  3. Just like in comics, the lack of true innovation in blogging can be felt. We need fresh voices and unique stories to take blogging to the next level.

Open Thread Because Book

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 62 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books Writing Publishing Authors Reviews
  1. The author is working on a German translation of their book about pandemicism, which is overdue. They are trying to balance writing and keeping up with posting but have found it challenging.
  2. Maintaining a regular posting schedule while managing the translation work has proven to be too ambitious. The author recognizes this struggle and is aiming to finish the project soon.
  3. The text highlights the importance of managing expectations and deadlines when juggling multiple writing projects. It's okay to seek help or adjust plans when things get overwhelming.

Look Before You Leap

The Leap • 1738 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Psychology Communication Creativity
  1. Writing is a commitment to your readers. It's important to share your thoughts and connect with them, even if it feels like work sometimes.
  2. You shouldn't wait for the perfect moment to take risks. Embrace uncertainty and jump in, even if you feel scared or unsure.
  3. This newsletter will cover various topics and ideas. It's a space for exploration, so expect different subjects and personal insights.

what I learned this year about love and work

bookbear express • 588 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Personal Growth Relationships Creativity Writing Work-life balance
  1. Writing brings joy and a sense of fulfillment, and it's important to keep exploring what works best for you in this creative space.
  2. Building connections and helping others find love enriches life and can create a strong sense of community.
  3. Navigating conflicts in relationships gets easier with practice, and focusing on reducing tension can lead to more peaceful interactions.

When Writing Fantasy, Kill Your Darlings. Literally.

The Bottom Feeder • 703 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Fantasy Storytelling Character development
  1. Killing characters can add emotional weight to a story. When a character dies, it can make the readers feel more suspense and connect emotionally to the narrative.
  2. It's important to time character deaths well in a story. Too many deaths can numb the audience, while too few can make a story feel cluttered and lacking in stakes.
  3. Character deaths should serve a purpose. They should reflect the story's themes and impact the narrative, making the audience feel the reality of loss and its significance.

How To Actually Make Money Freelance Writing as Beginner in 2024

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 919 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Writing Marketing Entrepreneurship Content creation
  1. You can make good money as a freelance writer, even if you're just starting out. Many companies want real human writers because they bring creativity that AI can't.
  2. It's important to clearly define what services you offer and how you can help potential clients. This helps you stand out in a crowded market.
  3. Guest posting can still be a great way to showcase your writing and attract clients, so don't underestimate its value in building your portfolio.

Spend it all every time

Austin Kleon • 7593 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Media Creativity Community
  1. It's important to share all your good ideas right now and not hold back for later. You might find that more inspiration comes your way when you give your best work now.
  2. Writing should be approached with the mindset that each piece is your last chance. Don’t be afraid to put everything you have into it because new ideas will always come.
  3. Everything in life can inspire your work, so be open to stealing ideas from your experiences. This can lead to richer creativity and storytelling.

Hooked On A Feeling

Everything Is Amazing • 923 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Storytelling Literature Creativity Emotions
  1. Good writing should make readers feel something. When words connect with the senses, it creates a deeper experience, almost making them live the moment.
  2. Felt writing is more impactful because it uses vivid details to evoke memories and emotions. This helps the reader connect with the story and remember it better.
  3. Mastering felt writing can help you communicate more effectively. It's about picking the right details to engage readers quickly and make every word count.

How I Disintermediated My Writing Career

The Honest Broker • 20413 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Disintermediation is bypassing gatekeepers and middlemen to go straight to the audience.
  2. Building a direct relationship with your audience as a creative can lead to more autonomy and satisfaction.
  3. Utilizing online platforms and social media can help in self-publishing and reaching a wider audience, transforming the creative industry.

Describe a Mind, Running

Story Club with George Saunders • 72 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Writing Reading
  1. Tolstoy shows characters reacting to death in a cold way. This makes us think about how people can be selfish during tough times.
  2. Thought is complex and can show different levels at once. Writers often have to choose which thoughts to share.
  3. Tolstoy's choice to focus on the characters' selfish reactions serves a purpose. It makes us question why he chose to present them this way.

The Topography of Thought Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Learning Cognition Creativity
  1. Your writing style can show how you think and might predict your success. It's not just about the words you use, but how you organize your ideas.
  2. Some people can express a lot of different ideas briefly, while others might take longer to get through them. This can affect how effectively they communicate their thoughts.
  3. Understanding how successful people manage their ideas can help us improve our own writing and storytelling skills. It’s useful to have data to back up what we believe about writing.

Adjusting the Levels in Revision

Counter Craft • 717 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Revision Narrative Creativity
  1. Revision is a critical part of writing where your draft transforms into a book. It's exciting because you see your ideas take shape, but it can also feel tough as you have to make tough choices about what stays and what goes.
  2. Writers typically fall into two categories: cutters and expanders. Cutters like to trim down their drafts, while expanders focus on building up their stories with more detail.
  3. It's important to maintain a balanced narrative throughout your story. This means looking at how much dialogue, description, and action you have in each chapter to ensure the pacing and flow of the book feels consistent.

A Substack Sabbatical

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 746 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Creativity Lifestyle Education
  1. Taking a break, or a sabbatical, can help refresh your creativity. Just like nature needs rest, people often need time away from their usual work to recharge.
  2. Publishing consistently can be tough, and it's okay to change the schedule. Writing less often can lead to better quality pieces that you're prouder of.
  3. A sabbatical is a great time to explore new ideas and bring fresh energy to your projects. It can lead to exciting changes, like a new name or focus for your work.

Idea gardens

Austin Kleon • 3976 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Metaphor Gardening Writing
  1. Creative ideas grow like plants, and they take time to develop. Just like gardening, you need to nurture your ideas to see them flourish.
  2. Not every idea will succeed, and that's okay. Some ideas might not grow well or will need more attention as you work on them.
  3. It's important to revisit your ideas over time. By looking back at your creations, you can see what ideas are worth pursuing and what needs to be pruned away.

A Course To Make Them Care

Everything Is Amazing • 760 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Storytelling Writing Non-fiction Content creation Communication
  1. Storytelling is more than just good writing; it's its own skill that can be developed. You can tell a great story even if the writing isn’t perfect.
  2. Storytelling isn’t just something for kids; it’s used in many professions, like therapy, business, and even law. It’s a tool that's relevant everywhere in life.
  3. You can learn to tell stories effectively; it’s not just a natural talent. Everyone has the potential to become a better storyteller with practice.

Why don’t you try typing?

Austin Kleon • 4056 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Acting Creativity Books
  1. Writing can feel really difficult, and it often brings back memories of hard school assignments. It's important to remember that writing doesn't have to be a punishment; it can also be a creative and enjoyable process.
  2. Like the actors who approach their roles differently, we can also choose how we face challenges in our creative work. Sometimes, maybe we just need to jump in and start, rather than overthink it.
  3. Getting caught up in complicated planning can make us feel stuck. Instead, putting our fingers to the keyboard and just typing can help us make real progress on our ideas.

How to write

Striking 13 • 2475 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Journalism Non-fiction Curiosity Emotions
  1. Writing is about being in touch with your feelings and having confidence in sharing them.
  2. Good non-fiction writing starts with curiosity and understanding that everything can be interesting if approached correctly.
  3. Boredom and frustration when writing is a guide to improve the content for readers by finding ways to present information in engaging ways.

Every writing book is good

Austin Kleon • 3317 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Creativity
  1. Every writing book can help you start writing. Even if it feels hard, just getting words on a page is a big step.
  2. It's normal for your first drafts to be messy and not great. Writing is a process, and you can fix things up later.
  3. Writing can be tough for everyone, no matter how many books you've written. It's okay to feel challenged and scared about creating something new.

The Future of Reading

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📚 Literature Reading Writing Cultural critique Media theory Literary Trends
  1. Reading and writing are changing as new technologies emerge. The way people engage with texts is evolving, such as using visual signs and orality, like in Snapchat.
  2. Young people are still writing a lot, especially through fan fiction, even if it's different from traditional literature. This form of writing allows them to express their creativity.
  3. There are concerns that the current generation is losing interest in classic literature, but there are ideas on how to make these works more appealing to young readers. Solutions may include breaking up long books into smaller, more engaging editions.

Undead

ASK MOLLY • 6662 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Writing Expression Identity Opinion
  1. The author reflects on societal expectations and challenges faced by unfamous women writers
  2. Exploring the pressure to conform to traditional roles and the struggle to be authentic and outspoken
  3. Discussing the importance of speaking out and sharing experiences, despite societal expectations