The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Come Talk to Some Lifestyle Editors!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 20
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. There's a workshop on lifestyle writing happening soon on Zoom. It's a great chance to learn from experienced editors.
  2. The community is looking for volunteers with skills in graphic design, social media, and fundraising. If you can help, reach out to them!
  3. A weekly newsletter is coming back with writing tips, success stories, and more fun activities for everyone interested in writing.

September Writing Session + Workshop Preview!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 16 Sep 20
🚌 Education Writing
  1. There are several upcoming writing workshops, including a Lifestyle Editor Panel and a workshop on adapting books into screenwriting.
  2. A monthly writing session is being held for community support and accountability, where writers can focus and then share their progress.
  3. If you're interested, you can register for the writing session and get more details from the coordinators via email.

Writing session this weekend!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There is a weekend writing session happening Saturday at 2pm ET / 11am PT for anyone who wants to write with others. It's a great way to stay motivated and focused.
  2. Participants can do different types of work, like proofreading or typing, and then share what they accomplished at the end. This helps build a sense of community among writers.
  3. There is also a reading event happening on September 10, and people are encouraged to register early so they won't forget to attend.

Another writing session tomorrow!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jul 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There will be a Zoom writing session tomorrow for those looking to write with a group. It's a great chance to be more focused and share what you've worked on.
  2. The writer is also participating in a reading series at the same time as the writing session. It's a fun opportunity for fans to listen to them read their work.
  3. The writer is enjoying a book about narrative patterns, which is inspiring new ideas for their own writing. They believe exploring different structures can help readers connect with themselves more deeply.

In the meantime, a Zoom Writing Session!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jul 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There are Zoom writing sessions available for people looking to write together. These sessions help you stay motivated and connect with others.
  2. The first writing session is on July 14th at 5 PM Pacific time. It will start with introductions and then allow 30-40 minutes of focused writing time.
  3. At the end of the hour, everyone will share what they worked on. It's a great way to get feedback and encourage each other.
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Ask My Agent Anything + Events!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jun 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There will be a workshop about finding the right literary agent, making it easier for writers to navigate publishing.
  2. The writer community is going on a short break from workshops to plan for the fall, but they will continue to connect through Facebook and Slack.
  3. Free copies of the book _Fairest_ are being offered to QTPOC people who can't afford it, promoting inclusivity in literature.

Just a few reminders...

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There's a Zoom workshop called 'How to Pitch as a Minority' happening tonight. It's a good chance for people from marginalized groups to learn about pitching ideas.
  2. Next week, there will be a discussion on finding the right literary agent. It's important for writers to choose an agent that fits their needs.
  3. Support Black authors by buying their books. It's a great way to show appreciation for diverse voices in literature.

Things That Matter

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jun 20
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing workshops can help writers, especially those from marginalized groups, improve their skills and find support.
  2. Helping others matters; sharing resources like books can make a big difference for those in need, especially during tough times.
  3. It's crucial to remember and support Black trans lives, acknowledging the struggles and injustices they face in society.

No Words, Just Space

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 20
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Sometimes, it's better to listen than to talk. Creating space for others to share their thoughts can be more valuable than trying to analyze everything.
  2. It's important to acknowledge that we may not fully understand the experiences of others, especially in matters of deep injustice.
  3. Joining together in discussion can help us learn and grow. Talking with others can give us perspective and support during difficult times.

It's Pub Day, Pub Day!

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. It's a big day for the author as their book is published, and they're excited to share it with everyone. They hope people will support their work by buying or sharing it.
  2. The author reflects on their journey as a writer and finds joy in the pure love for reading and writing that inspired them in the first place.
  3. They emphasize the importance of promotion and press in a writer's life to help sustain their career, while also expressing a love for helping other writers succeed.

Just in case you're checking email...

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 24 May 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. A plan for writer workshops is in place, aiming to address community needs and offer support. Feedback is being gathered through a survey to make sure everyone benefits.
  2. Freelancers can improve their writing careers by changing their mindset about editing and deadlines. It's helpful to view editors as collaborators and to negotiate rates when necessary.
  3. Sharing success stories, like a writer coming out of retirement, shows the positive impact of workshops on individuals. It encourages others to pursue their writing dreams despite challenges.

The Wonder of Writer Friends

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Making friends with other writers is really important. They can help you grow and stay motivated in your writing journey.
  2. It's easy to feel competitive with fellow writers, but it's better to see them as a supportive community. Letting go of jealousy allows for stronger friendships.
  3. Having a group of writer friends can provide emotional support during tough times. They help remind you of your worth, no matter your achievements.

Why Writing a Book Is Like Falling in Love

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Loving the writing process is more important than just wanting a book published. When you focus on writing for yourself, it makes your work better.
  2. Using personal experiences in your writing can help clarify complex feelings. It’s about expressing your truth rather than trying to fit into someone else's expectations.
  3. If you truly care about your book and enjoy the writing, chances are others will appreciate it too. Writing from the heart helps connect with readers.

Welcome to the Fairest Newsletter

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 20
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The newsletter provides free writing advice and updates about the author's work. It's a helpful resource for writers to improve their skills.
  2. It's a way to connect with the author and stay informed about their thoughts on writing.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe and share the newsletter with friends to help grow the community.

In the beginning...

filterwizard • 0 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Starting something new is important, so take your time to set it up right. A solid beginning helps everything else fall into place.
  2. This platform is for writing about electronics, but there's an interest in also sharing fiction and screenwriting later.
  3. Engaging with your audience from the start is key. Inviting requests can help you understand what readers want.

Can AI Edit As Well as a Traditional Publisher?

72 Degrees North • 0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. AI struggles to match the detailed editing and personal attention that a traditional publisher provides. While it can help with grammar, it often misses the deeper nuances that a skilled human editor would catch.
  2. Using AI for writing can result in bland and subpar text. It can be useful for some editing tasks but should not be relied upon for creating quality literature.
  3. Finding reliable human editors is challenging, especially for self-publishing authors. Many editors are overworked, and having trusted beta readers can sometimes be more effective than hiring a freelance editor.

The reading apocalypse, protocol fiction, etc.

Data People Etc. • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Many kids today are missing out on classic books, which is worrying. Reading habits are changing, and it's important to encourage children to engage with literature.
  2. Protocol fiction can explore themes of technology and creativity, like in the story about an artist and her AI assistant. It raises questions about how technology influences our work and connections.
  3. Balancing personal life, work, and friendships is tough. It’s often a choice between two out of three, and it's good to be okay with that limitation.

Dystopian visions index

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Dystopian stories often explore future worlds filled with danger and uncertainty. They make us think about the consequences of our actions today.
  2. These narratives can reflect our fears about technology and society. They help us understand what could go wrong if we're not careful.
  3. Reading dystopian fiction can encourage us to discuss important issues. It prompts us to think critically about our own world and the changes we want to make.

Bodies Bodies [4]

The Author Is Dumb • 0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. A new technology called Pythia has the potential to analyze a huge amount of data to make predictions about various events. This could include things like changes in markets or climate.
  2. The story explores uncertainty and confusion among characters as they deal with an unexpected phenomenon called The Body in the sky, leading to discussions about its meaning and implications.
  3. The characters are juggling personal challenges while trying to navigate their professional lives, showing the tension between work stress and their personal relationships.

Thank you for supporting The Rotten Apple

The Rotten Apple • 0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Support from subscribers is really appreciated and important for this newsletter's success. It shows that people value the content.
  2. A 7-day free trial is available for new subscribers, letting them explore past articles with no commitment.
  3. Being part of this community means sharing in the journey of the newsletter and enjoying the insights it offers.

🐿️ The Underground Grammarian - The IPT Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Clarity in language leads to better understanding. When people use simple and clear words, everyone can see what's really going on.
  2. Avoiding the passive voice helps identify who is responsible. If we don't name who is responsible for actions, it can create confusion and misunderstandings.
  3. Being direct and open in conversations can bring out more ideas and honest discussions. When people feel free to speak openly, it leads to better problem-solving.

Bodies Bodies [11]

The Author Is Dumb • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. David is feeling stressed about a student's complaint regarding his teaching approach. He believes the complaint is more about the student’s expectations than his teaching style.
  2. Dr. Meriweather is concerned about David's well-being and thinks he might be losing passion for his work. He suggests that David should take time off to recharge and focus on his family.
  3. David acknowledges he has been drifting and may need to reflect on his teaching and personal life. He recognizes that he needs to reconnect with what he is teaching.

Claudia Hunter Johnson's Le Menu

Pizza Party • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Claudia Hunter Johnson created a method called 'Le Menu' to help writers develop realistic characters. This method uses a series of questions to reveal different layers of a character's personality.
  2. The questions focus on beliefs, values, fears, and key life experiences. Answering them can make the character feel more real and relatable.
  3. Writers can answer these questions in any order, which allows for flexibility in character development. It's an interesting way to create a well-rounded persona.

Kitty's Bordello

Pizza Party • 0 implied HN points • 21 May 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The main character of the story is Madame Kitty. She seems to have an interesting and engaging personality.
  2. This piece is the opening scene of the first book in a series. It sets up the story and invites readers to share their thoughts on it.
  3. Readers can subscribe for free to get updates on new posts and support the author's work. It's a way to stay connected with the ongoing story.

The bursting of a little dam

Devansh’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writing without filters is freeing and can help express feelings. It's easy to get caught up in structured work, but sometimes you just need to let creativity flow.
  2. Physical activity like working out or playing golf can bring a sense of accomplishment and balance to life outside of work. It's important to explore interests that make you feel good.
  3. There's a desire to share personal insights through a book, but fear and impatience can hold you back. Writing can be a way to leave a lasting impact, so focusing on it might be the right move.

Recipient-First: Principles for Clear, Effective Communication

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Start with the main point to make your message clear. This way, busy readers can quickly get to the most important information without getting lost in details.
  2. Use simple language and avoid jargon to make your communication accessible. It helps everyone understand, whether they are experts or beginners.
  3. Be clear and organized in your writing. Tell people what you're going to say, say it, and then summarize it so they remember the key points.

The Utilization of Tabs

Pizza Party • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Everyone has their own way of being creative, and what's good for one person might not work for another. It's okay to explore different methods to find what fits you best.
  2. Starting with writing on paper can make brainstorming feel more free and less pressured. Allowing yourself to jump around ideas helps in the creative process.
  3. Using tabs or colored stickers can help organize thoughts and make writing more efficient. It saves time searching for ideas and keeps everything clear and connected.

An Invitation to Unsubscribe

Strange Stories by Shantnu • 0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author hasn't posted in over a year and invites anyone who wants to leave to unsubscribe without hard feelings.
  2. They used to write stories but stopped, but now they feel encouraged to write again and are bringing their blog back to life.
  3. The author is currently working on a detective story featuring a client who is dead, and they plan to share this and other writings for free with subscribers.

What's the point of words?

Numb at the Lodge • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Writing
  1. Philosophical writing can often be confusing and dull, making it hard for people to connect with the ideas being presented. Good writing should engage and inspire readers, not just fill pages with complicated jargon.
  2. Language is more than just a tool for describing reality; it can shape how we understand and experience the world. Philosophers should explore the creative potential of language instead of just trying to pin down clear definitions.
  3. Critics often misunderstand the purpose of 'continental philosophy,' which aims to challenge traditional ways of thinking. It's important to recognize that all kinds of philosophy can contribute valuable perspectives, even if they seem disorganized or abstract at first.

Happy New Year! Plus my plans for 2026

Strange Stories by Shantnu • 0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
⚔ Fiction Writing
  1. Writing has restarted after a long break, with a plan to write shorter linked novellas called The Ghost Casefiles to avoid burning out on long novels.
  2. Two casefiles are already published on a blog and two more finished novellas will be released weekly across the first four months of 2026, while future plans after that are still undecided.
  3. Readers are invited to say if they want the two finished novellas as a PDF or epub by replying or commenting, and the message closes with friendly New Year wishes.

I've been substacking all wrong

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
💼 Business Writing
  1. Admit when your approach isn’t working and look for multiple layers of problems instead of blaming a single cause.
  2. The method being used was too small, too hard, and too slow.
  3. Thinking in tweets — favoring short, bite-sized ideas — makes it hard to produce the longer, deeper work that’s needed.

2024 Update - Part 3

Devansh’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Accepting that you can't do everything led to narrowing focus to training and education, which stopped the habit of juggling many projects and made it possible to face the hard parts.
  2. Building routines and embracing imperfect conditions — even working from a construction-site apartment — boosted productivity and let a 200-page manuscript get finished alongside a silent meditation retreat.
  3. Personal milestones like renovating a home, hosting friends, and adopting a maternal family name brought a stronger sense of identity, closure, and joy amid chaotic moments.

I Quit Treating My AI Like a Magic Button

On Engineering • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Add deliberate friction: require a clear objective, a bit of context, and at least one constraint, and have the AI ask a clarifying question before it answers so outputs are aligned and not generic.
  2. Make yourself accountable by explaining your choices instead of answering with terse yes/no replies, which trains the AI to learn your preferences and produce better future results.
  3. Use clear operational rules that distinguish utility tasks from substantive work and include an emergency !SOS! override for fast, technically accurate responses when time is critical.