The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Open Thread 363

Astral Codex Ten • 4542 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. You can share anything you'd like in the open thread. This is a space for questions and discussions about various topics.
  2. There's a survey available for feedback that closes soon, so make sure to participate if you want your voice heard.
  3. The blog recommendations have been updated for the New Year, focusing on new writers and changing recommendations yearly.

The meaning of discipline

Austin Kleon • 2437 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Discipline is about making a commitment over time. It's important to stick with something consistently, even when it's tough.
  2. Musicians must balance three types of discipline: hands, head, and heart. Being good at one area isn't enough; all three need to work together.
  3. To be disciplined, you need to show up and get the work done. Sometimes, that just means sitting down and starting the task at hand.

Breaking Up with Your Words

CRAFT TALK • 3144 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Editing ruthlessly is important in creating a concise and impactful story.
  2. Letting go of words during the editing process is necessary for the evolution of the story.
  3. Receiving praise for your work brings relief and joy, validating the effort put into crafting your story.

When the Musicians Spoke

CRAFT TALK • 1886 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Remaining open to feedback is important at all stages of your work.
  2. Recognize what you don't know and seek help from more knowledgeable individuals.
  3. Knowing when to ask the right questions is key to completing your creative project.

Start Fresh

CRAFT TALK • 3085 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Reflect on distractions and blocks in your creative process.
  2. Find what works for you and stick to it consistently.
  3. Start fresh, don't blame yourself for past struggles, and focus on a positive relationship with your creative work.
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Itches to Scratch

CRAFT TALK • 3007 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Starting out as a writer can be compelling and thrilling.
  2. As a writer, you can only write what you can write.
  3. Evolve constantly as a writer, it's healthy to scratch new itches.

How I Write Culture Study

Culture Study • 3885 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Organizing your week can help you manage different types of work like essays and Q&As. It’s about finding a balance and creating a routine.
  2. Creating interesting content often involves a bit of mystery or curiosity. This can lead people to appreciate and pay for the material you offer.
  3. Collaboration with others can enhance your work. Finding 'coworkers' or partners can support your creative process and make things more enjoyable.

Calling All Future Newsletter Superstars From Europe (Especially Germany)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 839 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. There are new features for Substack that help non-native writers, like setting a default language for their newsletters.
  2. German-speaking writers want to connect and collaborate more, and there's a new online space for this group to share and improve their skills together.
  3. It's important for writers to stay consistent and confident, even if they feel like no one is reading their work.

20 books I didn’t read this year

Austin Kleon • 1958 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. There's no shortage of books to read, so it's okay not to finish them all. It's a reminder that reading is a journey, not a race.
  2. Having a list of books you didn't read can reflect your interests and ongoing projects. It can actually tell you a lot about what you want to explore next.
  3. Taking breaks from reading or not finishing certain books doesn't mean you're not engaged. Sometimes, other things in life take priority.

Proof of Humanity

Working Theorys • 48 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. When a test or detector becomes the thing people try to hit, it stops being a reliable measure and creators start shaping work to pass the test instead of to be good.
  2. Readers care about effort because attention is a relationship, not a transaction, so suspicion grows when content feels unearned and conversation shifts from quality to proof.
  3. Most proofs and performed transparency are gameable, so the hardest-to-fake sign of authenticity is visible, sustained desire or obsession, and ultimately authenticity lives in the experience, not a score.

How Much Money Can You Make Writing on Medium in 2024?

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1099 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Writing
  1. You can make money writing on Medium, but it takes time, effort, and a good strategy. Many writers don't succeed because they rush or lack a clear plan.
  2. Medium has a large potential audience and a payment program that can benefit writers. However, most writers earn less than $100 a month because they don't utilize this platform effectively.
  3. Many new writers quit after a year due to slow growth and unrealistic expectations. It's important to stay committed and focus on improving your writing and promotion strategies.

Conversations with a Friend

CRAFT TALK • 2692 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Allow yourself to write without pressure or obligation, just letting your pen move freely.
  2. Approach writing by treating characters as friends, imagining interactions and feelings to enhance your work.
  3. Experiment with writing prompts that involve observing, listening, and feeling to create a more genuine and dynamic story.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

History, etc • 1788 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The writer expressed gratitude to the readers for their support throughout the year.
  2. The newsletter has grown to over 12,000 readers with various engaging content like Q&A, interviews, and history quizzes.
  3. Future plans for the newsletter include more content like monthly interviews, history quizzes, and maintaining subscription prices until 2025.

affinity

bookbear express • 1122 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. People often find it hard to determine what they truly like about something. It's easy to focus on the fun parts but miss the bigger picture.
  2. Having a genuine connection or affinity for someone isn't about liking every detail; it's about feeling drawn to them on a deeper level.
  3. It's important to trust your instincts when pursuing interests and relationships. Sometimes you just know what resonates with you, even if you can't explain it.

Blogging sure has changed in its Silver Age

The Intrinsic Perspective • 4805 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  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.

Happy Birthday, Machine Shop

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 2614 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. The author reflects on the one year anniversary of their newsletter/blogsite, celebrating the community and support they have received.
  2. Throughout the year, the author engaged with their audience through various creative endeavors like podcasting, sharing demos, writing a book, and giving insights into their musical process.
  3. The author expresses excitement for the future of their platform, emphasizing a shift away from mainstream social media to focus on creating a meaningful body of work on The Machine Shop.

I’m Moving To New York

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 5056 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  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.

#224: Aging out of precociousness

Maybe Baby • 1643 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Aging means letting go of being 'wise beyond your years' and feeling more at ease with your own growth. It's nice not to feel pressured to prove anything.
  2. Experiencing life teaches valuable lessons that can't be rushed. It’s better to learn things through real experiences rather than just trying to sound knowledgeable.
  3. Admiring younger people for their talent can be fulfilling, and it's refreshing to embrace being at a different life stage without competing against them.

My Thoughts on Getting Paid on Substack

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 2594 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Subscription models for writers can provide a way for readers to support them financially.
  2. Freelance writing often pays very little in relation to the amount of work that goes into it.
  3. Being supported by reader subscriptions can allow writers to focus more on their writing and less on social media and algorithms.

Remembering what you want out of books

Austin Kleon • 1918 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Different writers can evoke different feelings. Some are frustrating to read but still valuable, while others are delightful and can leave you feeling a bit lost.
  2. Knowing what you don't want to read is just as important as knowing what you do want to read. It helps you focus on the books that truly matter to you.
  3. Reading can be both a joy and a discipline. It's about finding the balance between what you think you should read and what you actually want to read.

Scenes from a life offline

Path Nine • 37 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Stepping away from constant online noise creates space to pay attention, be fully present with people, and notice quiet moments.
  2. Resisting the pull to check and perform online takes effort but builds mental strength. That resistance lets you replace empty scrolling with real connections and deeper focus.
  3. Protecting privacy and refusing to turn life into content frees creativity. Choosing to write and create for meaning, not metrics, preserves a quiet, valuable inner life.

Two Years of Writing Emails

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 2535 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Virginia Sole-Smith started Burnt Toast newsletter two years ago after leaving freelance writing for corporate media.
  2. Paid subscriptions from the community made it possible to sustain Burnt Toast, support marginalized voices, and fund various projects.
  3. The newsletter created a safe space for discussing body liberation, anti-fat bias, and building a supportive community.

The Scaffolding Came Down

CRAFT TALK • 2476 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Reflect on the structures you have in place that might be holding you back
  2. Consider breaking familiar patterns to bring new life to your work
  3. Embrace change and be open to new ideas even after a long period of work

Writing Controversy

New Means • 1218 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Writing controversial pieces can lead to deeper discussions and meaningful insights.
  2. Avoid feeding into echo chambers by challenging the status quo and presenting diverse perspectives.
  3. Engage in difficult conversations to address complex issues and work towards a better future.

Hitting Reset

CRAFT TALK • 2437 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The process of writing can involve hitting reset on a project, revising and starting over.
  2. Feedback from others, like editors, is crucial in shaping and improving a book.
  3. Writing is a journey where initial ideas may evolve through revisions and feedback.

Another Boringly Obvious Observation

Chuck Palahniuk's Plot Spoiler • 2437 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Recall incidents like the Ross Steering Gear crisis can have broader impact on industries and supply chains.
  2. Combining personal experience with technical skills is crucial for writers to create meaningful work.
  3. According to one study, people tend to create their masterpiece around the age of thirty-one by combining formal education with life experiences.

Quick Advice on Writing Essays

Niko McCarty • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🚌 Education Writing
  1. Start your essay with a focused idea. Make sure it's specific enough to explore and not too broad.
  2. Outline your essay and list the questions you want to answer. This helps you stay organized and focused on what you need to research.
  3. Research answers to your questions one at a time, then compile your findings into a structured essay. This makes writing easier and clearer.

On Franz Kafka and Escaping into Literature

Vremya • 159 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Franz Kafka had a tough relationship with his dad, which influenced his writing. He often used literature to express feelings he couldn't say in person.
  2. Writing and reading can both serve as escapes from reality, but they have different effects. Writing is more about creation, while reading can feel more passive.
  3. Even though literature can help us face our fears and express hopes, we can't truly escape our lives. Writing helps us process experiences rather than run from them.

Hitting Reset Part 2

CRAFT TALK • 2358 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Rejection is a common part of a writer's career, but it's important to bounce back and find the right fit.
  2. Finding the right publisher/editor is crucial for an author's success and growth.
  3. Building a supportive community and staying focused on writing are key to navigating the ups and downs of the publishing world.

Pointless Pace Killers

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3200 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. People often compare their boring everyday lives to the exciting highlights they see in stories or on social media, which can make them feel inadequate. It's important to remember that everyone has regular parts of their life that aren't shown.
  2. When writing, it's crucial to focus on the most interesting and meaningful parts of a story instead of trying to capture every detail. The first draft should be for yourself without outside feedback, then later you can edit for the audience.
  3. Stories are designed to be engaging, which means they often skip over mundane details. The best stories focus on conflict and emotion, highlighting only the moments that resonate with the reader.

Old notes to myself

Austin Kleon • 2358 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Don't get too caught up in your own ideas. It's important to think about the bigger world outside of your thoughts and not just what you've read.
  2. Creating art is like sharing energy. The connection between the artist and the audience brings the work to life.
  3. Inspiration comes from what's around you, not just from within. Pay attention to the world and gather ideas from your surroundings.

Breaking some huge personal news

Cloud Irregular • 2809 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The author has sold their first novel called THE BLEB PROJECT, which is a big dream come true for them.
  2. The book mixes satire with science fiction and is about what happens when Silicon Valley invents time travel.
  3. It will likely take a while for the book to be published, possibly not until 2026, but the author is excited about working with a major publisher.

The Goal Versus the Mission

CRAFT TALK • 2220 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. It's okay to take a break from writing during times of stress.
  2. Striving for perfection is a goal, but not the ultimate mission. Embrace imperfections.
  3. Reading your book out loud can help you notice quirks and improve your writing.

Aviation Report: An Example of Honesty, and One of Deceit.

Breaking the News • 1346 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📰 News Writing
  1. William Langewiesche was a well-respected figure in aviation and writing, known for his unique storytelling style. His work changed how many people view aviation and its complexities.
  2. He wrote a famous book called 'Stick and Rudder,' which is essential reading for pilots. His father's influence helped him become a skilled pilot from a young age.
  3. The FAA keeps public records of pilots, showing transparency about who has trained to fly. This information includes many famous personalities, highlighting the wide interest in aviation.