The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

The Answer to Editing

Agents and Books • 2712 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Write a reverse outline after finishing the first draft of your book to help with editing.
  2. What works for one book may not work for another, so be open to trying different techniques.
  3. Continuously learn and adapt your writing process to find what works best for each project.

The Universal Mirror

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 501 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The Hinternet is becoming a paid subscription service starting January 1, and there are discounts available until the end of the year. It's a good opportunity to join the community while saving money.
  2. Writing and friendship are important themes, as they can lead to personal growth and happiness. Having supportive friends makes a significant difference in overcoming struggles.
  3. The goal of The Hinternet is to explore and reflect on everything in the universe, aiming to cover a vast range of topics and ideas, both real and imaginary.

How Are You Shaped By How You Write?

Castalia • 559 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The tools you use for writing affect how you express your thoughts. Each medium, like paper or a typewriter, has its own energy and style.
  2. Writing by hand can feel personal and intimate, while typing might allow for faster expression but can also lead to distractions.
  3. The place you write also matters. Using a smart phone means you can jot down ideas anywhere, but it might make your writing less focused.

Book Review Contest 2024 Winners

Astral Codex Ten • 8947 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The winners of the 2024 Book Review Contest have been announced, with AmandaFromBethlehem taking first place. She received $2,500 for her review of 'Two Arms And A Head'.
  2. A variety of interesting books were reviewed by participants, showcasing unique perspectives and diverse interests. Some other notable reviews included titles like 'Nine Lives' by David Matolcsi and 'How The War Was Won' by Jack Thorlin.
  3. All winners and finalists earn a free subscription and the chance to pitch essay ideas for potential publication. There are suggestions for future contests to change the format or even skip a year to allow participants more reading time.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Yes

ASK MOLLY • 4441 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Birds communicate in their own way
  2. Building consensus is important in decision-making
  3. Taking time to appreciate the moment and connect with others is valuable

What questions should writers ask?

The Common Reader • 2764 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Writers today should focus on asking deeper questions instead of just discussing surface-level political issues. This can help bring more relevance back to literature.
  2. There is an ongoing debate about how different forms of writing can be explored beyond novels and personal essays. Writers should think about how new platforms like Substack can influence this.
  3. The literary community should work on encouraging and promoting new talent, especially those who can connect with modern themes and technologies like AI.

Ancient Wisdom: My Second Act Gave Me a Second Life

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1901 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Switching careers can bring new purpose and joy to life. Finding something you love, like teaching or writing, can really change your outlook.
  2. Great experiences, like working for a top magazine, come from both luck and hard work. It's important to take chances and be open to new opportunities.
  3. Aging doesn't mean you stop growing. Staying curious and trying new things can help you continue to learn and feel fulfilled.

On Literary Sidepieces

CRAFT TALK • 2338 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Having side projects can help keep momentum if feeling frustrated with the main project.
  2. Sometimes working on a lighter side project can provide a break from emotionally heavy writing.
  3. Sidepiece projects can evolve into something more significant and meaningful.

Why it’s so hard for writers to ask for money for their work

Subtle Maneuvers • 4206 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Asking for money for writing can be challenging for writers due to internal conflicts and complexities.
  2. Writers may struggle to ask readers for payment because of feelings of guilt and the fear of burdening others.
  3. One possible explanation for the difficulty in asking for money is the internal conflict arising from seeking compensation for creative work.

A Few Good Questions

CRAFT TALK • 2358 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Consider the value of your time and energy when starting a project.
  2. Ask yourself why you're working on a project and understand its importance.
  3. Embrace the process of creating art, even if it means facing failure before success.

life is like an enormous pavlova

sweater weather • 4107 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author reflects on the release of their new book and shares personal insights about the writing process.
  2. The author talks about learning to disconnect their self-worth from how their work is perceived by others.
  3. The author describes a joyful celebration of their book release, overcoming past feelings of unworthiness and enjoying the moment.

Dostoevsky as lover

Escaping Flatland • 4088 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The essay discusses the concept of open dialogue influenced by Dostoevsky.
  2. Love is portrayed as creating an environment where the loved one can reveal themselves.
  3. The author shares personal experiences about communicating deeply with his now-wife.

List of things the book has outlasted

rachaelmeager • 575 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Books have a lasting power that outlasts many forms of technology and trends. They continue to be a significant part of our culture despite the rise of digital media.
  2. Loneliness is a shared experience across different genders and backgrounds. Books can provide comfort, but they don't fully replace the need for human connection.
  3. Life is full of uncertainties, and it's essential to dig deep into our experiences to find meaning. Our pasts shape us but can be complex and challenging to fully understand.

How I Take Notes

The Honest Broker • 22840 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Good note-taking can lead to unexpected wins, like winning a wine-tasting contest.
  2. There are three levels of note-taking: marking up the book, summarizing the book, and writing your own ideas.
  3. Note-taking is a valuable tool for personal growth and development, applicable to various careers and fields.

Write a Newsletter 52 Weeks in a Row and Watch It Change Your Life

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 2118 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Writing a newsletter weekly for a year can build consistency and discipline. It's about showing up even when things aren't perfect.
  2. Doing this helps improve your writing skills. After a year, you'll have a lot of content and feel more confident in your writing.
  3. You might discover new interests by writing regularly. It allows you to explore what topics truly excite you as you go.

Foxes or Red Foxes

Nice Try • 339 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. A new short story titled 'Foxes or Red Foxes' has been published and can be read online.
  2. The story is paired with a beautiful painting by artist Scott Michael Ackerman.
  3. The author is currently working on a novel and finds inspiration while relaxing and daydreaming.

How to Become a Professional Writer

Shades of Greaves • 1946 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. There are various paths to becoming a professional writer, such as pursuing a career in novel writing, freelancing, television writing, or teaching writing.
  2. Writing professionally requires patience and perseverance; it is a challenging, unpredictable, but rewarding journey.
  3. To excel as a writer, you need to master the craft, be willing to break and rewrite rules, and navigate the complexities of the modern publishing landscape.

Free Friday: Filling the Void

JoeBlogs • 2299 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Writing
  1. Nick Saban and Bill Belichick are two legendary football coaches facing retirement and the question of finding happiness in the future.
  2. Coaching greats like Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno faced the difficulty of retiring from their passion.
  3. The writer discusses the disappearance of old writings and the upcoming decision about staying on Substack.

For the Strikers

CRAFT TALK • 3871 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Encouragement to continue writing for oneself, even in difficult times.
  2. Reflection on finding joy in writing through personal experiences and storytelling.
  3. Affirmation of the value in writing and importance of maintaining a love for the craft.

A love of life (or lack thereof)

Subtle Digressions • 599 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. As we grow older, we often lose the excitement and dreams we had when we were younger. Life becomes more practical and less about following our passions.
  2. It's important to give ourselves permission to be creative and to fail. We often hold back because we worry about how our work will be judged.
  3. Being honest with ourselves and others is key to finding joy and meaning in life. When we stop pretending and show our true selves, we can reconnect with what we love.

What Is Substack For?

Castalia • 3017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Substack can help writers make money from their work, encouraging them to think like entrepreneurs and market their writing effectively.
  2. Some argue that Substack is more about building a community of writers, emphasizing creativity and support over money.
  3. Another view is to see Substack as a base for writing, where authors can share their voice while also engaging with wider audiences through different platforms.

Books are made out of books

Austin Kleon • 5335 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Books are often inspired by other books and authors, creating a blend of ideas. For example, Cormac McCarthy's work is a mix of classic literary influences.
  2. Good editors are essential for great writing, as they guide authors and improve stories. A famous editor once advised a writer to make readers 'turn the page' to keep them engaged.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can be fun and brings stories to life in new ways. For instance, an audiobook version of 'Don Quixote' can be really enjoyable, especially with a great narrator.

What Valentin Bunea Learned Writing Every Day for the Last 10 Years

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 559 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Waking up early can boost creativity. Many people, like Valentin, find that they think better in the morning, so he wakes up at 5 AM to write.
  2. You can't please everyone with your writing. It's essential to stay true to your voice, even if some people disagree with your ideas.
  3. Daily practice in writing leads to improvement. Valentin learned that writing regularly helped him overcome his fears and build a strong love for writing.

How Does This Idea Sound To You?

Agents and Books • 2240 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. When pitching a book idea, it's more than just a quick question or statement. Take the time to fully develop and flesh out your idea.
  2. Don't solely rely on others for validation or success of your idea. Invest time and effort to explore its potential on your own.
  3. Excitement and personal investment in an idea matter more than getting a quick answer or guarantee from someone else.

The Arc of it All

CRAFT TALK • 3636 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey and the unexpected evolution of their career.
  2. Writing novels is challenging but familiar, while exploring self-help books presented a new set of difficulties.
  3. The upcoming book focuses on creativity and writing, drawing inspiration from various voices to guide aspiring writers.

The Mysterious Case of the Adverbs

CRAFT TALK • 1788 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Editing a novel involves multiple rounds of edits to catch mistakes and make improvements.
  2. Debating the use of adverbs in writing can be both challenging and enjoyable.
  3. Seeking feedback on writing choices can help ensure clarity and impact in the final piece.

A Perfect Ending

JoeBlogs • 3419 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Writing
  1. The author writes the ending of their essays first and then works backward to build up to it
  2. Great endings should make the reader feel the emotions and journey that led to that point
  3. The World Baseball Classic had an unforgettable ending that was emotionally overwhelming

The Best Medium Publications of 2024 (to Quadruple Your Followers and Earnings)🤑

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 639 implied HN points • 18 May 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. Medium has a unique publications system that helps writers reach more readers. Getting published in the right ones can boost your visibility and earnings significantly.
  2. There are thousands of publications on Medium covering a wide range of topics. With so many options, it's important to find the top ones that align with your interests and goals.
  3. Recent changes in Medium's programs allow editors to support writers more effectively. This means writers can earn more and gain better access to their target audience.

Proud Flesh

The Audacity. • 3380 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The post is about an essay titled "Proud Flesh" by Catherine Gray, an emerging writer from Mississippi.
  2. Catherine Gray's work explores themes of motherhood, loverhood, and healing from sexual trauma.
  3. The essay "Proud Flesh" was published on audacity.substack.com for paid subscribers.

Today I Wrote Nothing

Public Universal Friend • 59 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing on Substack feels better than other social media. It encourages creativity and connection with people you know.
  2. The platform's design helps with writing, making it easy and rewarding to create. Watching your own writing grow is satisfying.
  3. A regular writing practice helps maintain a sense of community and keeps you engaged in your thoughts rather than being a passive consumer.

Fall Vibes

CRAFT TALK • 3321 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Fall is a good time to reflect on accomplishments and creative projects.
  2. Identify blind spots in your work and seek feedback to improve.
  3. Take a gentle and nourishing approach to self-care and writing in the final season of the year.

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.

Giving it all away

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3215 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Growing up in a working-class family, Dr. Sharon Blackie defied societal expectations to become a writer.
  2. Writing formula fiction wasn't for Dr. Blackie, who found her authentic voice in crafting scenes with compelling imagery.
  3. Through mentorship, Dr. Sharon Blackie learned the importance of the craft of writing, emphasizing the beauty of language and evoked images.