The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

You're not Simon Sarris.

Castles in the Sky • 98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Philosophy Writing Personal Growth Technology
  1. Trying to copy someone else's lifestyle, like Simon Sarris's, might actually take you further away from the unique life you want. It's better to reflect on your own values and create a life that feels true to you.
  2. Success comes from understanding the process behind someone's choices rather than just imitating their outcomes. True fulfillment happens when you take deliberate actions based on your own beliefs and desires.
  3. Looking up to someone can be inspiring, but it's important to realize that you are not them. Being aware of who you truly are can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

"DIY"

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Essays Memoir Cultural critique Writing
  1. The essay discusses the myths about doing things on your own, known as 'DIY'.
  2. It emphasizes that being self-taught or an 'autodidact' isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
  3. A key point is knowing how to find information is more important than memorizing everything.
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Arguing with bots

Austin Kleon • 2118 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Writing Literature Online Discourse Public Opinion
  1. People often get upset about things online that aren't true. In one case, people thought they were angry at a famous author but were really just mad at a fake account.
  2. It's easy to fall for misleading quotes. Even I made that mistake without checking the original context first.
  3. Social media can often showcase poor writing. It might be better to focus on reading good stuff instead of engaging with low-quality content.

Beginnings and enchantments

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2116 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Nature Writing
  1. Moving into a new house can be disruptive but redecorating and making it your own can be joyful and rewarding.
  2. Returning to a place where you feel a sense of belonging can bring a profound feeling of being at home, even after many years.
  3. Exploring familiar landscapes and being close to family can bring a sense of ancestral connection and understanding of oneself.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 11/11/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 194 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books History Culture Writing Publishing
  1. Horses have played a huge role in human history, helping with farming and trade. They allowed people to transport more goods and develop agriculture more efficiently.
  2. Dogs and cats have different roles in our lives. While dogs have been our working partners for thousands of years, cats are more companions that bring us joy.
  3. Many of today's educated elites don't understand the views of the majority. This disconnect can lead to problems in a democratic society, as it might affect how political systems work.

30-day challenge

Austin Kleon • 5875 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Personal Development Writing Motivation
  1. Doing something small every day can lead to big changes over time. Just like writing a page a day can add up to a whole chapter or even a novel.
  2. Focusing on daily progress is easier than thinking about long-term goals. Trying to do a little each day keeps you grounded and motivated.
  3. Don't be afraid to start small and accept that being bad at something is part of getting better. The key is to practice regularly and enjoy the process.

‘It’s like getting a raise every single day’

Substack • 733 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Media Journalism Writing Community Personal Growth
  1. Moving to Substack helped Bob earn more money than he did at his old newspaper job. He feels like he's getting a raise every day.
  2. Bob enjoys a closer connection with his audience now. Readers reach out to him with messages and comments, making it more personal.
  3. He believes that Substack is a great place for writers who want to share their honest opinions without the constraints of traditional media.

How my son got in to Duke

Penelope Trunk's Substack • 599 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🚌 Education Homeschooling Writing AI writing
  1. Focus on self-directed learning and unique experiences rather than typical benchmarks like SAT scores.
  2. When writing, be specific and share personal experiences to create content that AI cannot replicate.
  3. Homeschooling can give students the opportunity to stand out in college applications by being remarkable and avoiding common educational norms.

Time is not a butler

Austin Kleon • 3517 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Writing Creativity
  1. Don't stress about finding your own style; focus on creating instead. It's okay if your style evolves over time.
  2. Learning from others doesn't mean copying them; it’s about using reference images to grow as an artist.
  3. Meeting new experiences, like seeing a screech owl or watching unique movies, can inspire your creativity and add joy to your life.

Medium School Will Officially Open Its Doors and 30-Day Writing Challenge in April

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 579 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🚌 Education Writing Online Learning Community Challenges Personal Development
  1. Medium School is opening soon, offering a chance for people to improve their writing skills. It's a great opportunity for anyone looking to get started with their writing journey.
  2. There's a 30-day writing challenge to encourage participation and help boost your writing practice. Even if you're late to join, it's never too late to start.
  3. The school will provide resources and support to help writers earn from their work. The aim is to help participants progress from making little money to achieving their goals.

Conversations with women (over 40): no longer Accidental Icon, Lyn Slater

The Shift With Sam Baker • 678 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Identity Aging Writing Podcasts
  1. Lyn Slater discusses the importance of aging and embracing identity in her new book 'How to be Old'. It's about being comfortable in your own skin at any age.
  2. There is a shift in society where young women are interested in truthful conversations about aging and challenges that come with it. They want honesty and realism rather than idealized versions of aging.
  3. As older women, there is a responsibility to speak truthfully about the positives and challenges of getting older. It's about remaining optimistic while acknowledging the serious aspects of aging and life changes.

On Running, Writing, and Life: Some Advice from Haruki Murakami

Subtle Digressions • 299 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Writing Authors Memoir
  1. Running, writing, and life are all about pushing your personal limits. It's not about competing with others, but about improving yourself each day.
  2. Focus and endurance are important skills you can develop. Unlike talent, which you can't control, these skills come from practice and patience.
  3. Being different and unique is a strength. Embrace your individuality to create stories and experiences that only you can share.

Things Are Getting Heated

Holodoxa • 199 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
📚 Literature Reading Writing Podcasts Recommendations Family
  1. The author recaps their activities during the second quarter of 2024, including reading, writing, and podcast launch plans.
  2. The author set a reading goal of 75 books for 2024 and shared top book recommendations from Q2, such as 'How the World Became Rich' and 'Everything is Predictable'.
  3. The author shared a list of written content produced in Q2, highlighting posts on topics like narcissism, genetics, and cancer, along with a reiteration of consistently reviewing completed reads on Goodreads.

You Can Meet 6-Figure Fiverr Writer Maya Sayvanova Who Got Featured in Business Insider LIVE

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
💼 Business Freelancing Writing Marketing Entrepreneurship Content creation
  1. Maya Sayvanova is a successful freelancer on Fiverr who has earned over $200,000. She went from making just $5 to becoming a top-rated writer, showing how hard work pays off.
  2. Despite her success, she faced challenges and failures along the way. It's important to keep pushing through tough times and not let setbacks define you.
  3. There's a live event where you can learn from Maya's experience and ask her questions. It's a great chance to get inspired and improve your writing skills.

An Atmospheric River of Links and Recs

Culture Study • 2051 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts Shopping Community Writing
  1. The author shares about fulfilling Trans Santa gifts with donations and the impact it had, showcasing the power of community support.
  2. The post discusses upcoming content on resistance to the Airbnb Space decorating style and invites readers to share their experiences with alternative rental aesthetics.
  3. The author mentions enjoying reading a fantasy series and gathering various links and recommendations to share with paid subscribers.

Words about Words

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 157 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature Language Writing Metaphor Communication
  1. Language is always changing, and it's normal for older generations to feel a bit disconnected from younger people's way of speaking. It's important for culture to evolve, and that includes how we communicate.
  2. When people say 'that's just semantics,' they might underestimate how important the right words are for clear communication. Taking time to choose the right words can really help us understand each other better.
  3. Metaphors can create deeper understanding by connecting new ideas with familiar ones. Mixing metaphors can be tricky, but when done well, it can lead to powerful imagery and insights.

Castles in the Sky's Seven Most Underrated Essays

Castles in the Sky • 10 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Essays Parenting Writing Review Creativity
  1. Reflecting on past essays can be a valuable exercise for writers and bloggers. It helps them see how their style has changed and what topics resonate with their audience.
  2. Understanding fatherhood often teaches important lessons about self-care and responsibility. Writers can convey deep emotions through relatable experiences with family.
  3. Exploring complex ideas in a simple way can lead to misunderstandings, so it's essential to keep an open mind. Just because something is hard to explain doesn't mean it's wrong or unworthy.

What have I been up to lately? Recent essays and plans

Tracing Woodgrains • 884 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Social Commentary
  1. The author experienced a sudden surge in attention and opportunities after posting on Twitter.
  2. There is a struggle to balance writing between Substack and Twitter due to differences in reach and community building.
  3. The author values deep investigative writing but finds it challenging to dedicate time to it alongside other commitments.

Revisiting 2024: Favorite Posts and Quotes

Neckar’s Notes • 48 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Philosophy Personal Growth History
  1. Reflecting on past experiences helps us see how much we've accomplished, even when we feel lost. It's important to keep moving forward despite challenges.
  2. Money is more than just currency; it influences our lives in deep ways. Understanding our feelings about money can lead to meaningful insights.
  3. Mentorship plays a key role in personal growth. Being open to learning and seeking guidance can help us achieve our goals.

Flowerings and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1737 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Memoir Mythology Reading Poetry
  1. The author reflects on finding enchantment and solace in the summer despite not being a summer person, attributing it to their new stone house and connection to nature.
  2. They share their experience of making improvements to their new house during the summer months and express gratitude for living the life they've always dreamed of.
  3. The author announces new projects, such as a self-study version of their online course and monthly membership program, as well as upcoming lecture series and gatherings focused on mythic stories.

🎛️ Kernel 5 Pitches Now Open!

Reboot • 26 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Technology Writing Media
  1. Kernel Magazine is looking for creative and nonfiction pitches for Issue 5. You can share your ideas by February 1.
  2. The theme for this issue is about 'rules'—how they shape our lives and can both help and restrict us.
  3. They're interested in unique formats and styles, like experiments in form or creative interpretations of modern issues.