The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

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

The Shift With Sam Baker • 678 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  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.

Happy Sunday to You All

Story Club with George Saunders • 103 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. An interview ran in The New York Times and is available in written, video, and podcast formats.
  2. The post is behind a paywall and directs readers to subscribe or sign in to access the full content.
  3. The announcement greets readers and points them to the newly released interviews with links to each format.

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

Subtle Digressions • 299 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Writing
  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 Writing
  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.
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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 Writing
  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.

The Surf Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. A new piece was written for the Financial Times Weekend. It's exciting to share work in such a respected publication.
  2. You can find this issue at local newsstands, and subscribing supports good journalism.
  3. Look out for a roundup of links for subscribers coming on Saturday.

the full moon in leo for writers

astrology for writers • 982 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Writing
  1. The Full Moon in Leo is a time of completion and rebirth, bringing old things to an end to make way for new beginnings.
  2. Challenges and failures are opportunities for growth and learning, allowing us to reflect on what truly matters.
  3. Courage and creativity go hand in hand, requiring us to operate from a place of vulnerability and heart.

The Plagiarism Plague

Lit Mag News Roundup • 884 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Plagiarism in writing is deceitful and can harm an author's reputation.
  2. Being honest and true to your own words is crucial as a writer.
  3. Confronting plagiarism issues can be challenging but necessary for maintaining integrity in the writing community.

"Discipline is Destiny"

Range Widely • 1768 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Self-imposed limits can free rather than restrict us
  2. Proactively structuring our lives can enhance creativity
  3. Having discipline involves saying no to distractions to focus on the main thing

Flowerings and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1737 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  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.

Now More Than Ever

Animation Obsessive • 1973 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The newsletter started four years ago and marked its journey with a special post. It's been a significant milestone for the creators.
  2. Initially, there was uncertainty about the audience for longer stories on animation, but they were excited to take the chance.
  3. The newsletter has grown along with its followers, showing that there's a demand for deep discussions about animation.

A quieter issue | #319

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 95 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The newsletter is shifting to a shorter, less-frequent format so more time can be spent on book-length projects instead of trying to constantly produce new, novel pieces.
  2. There are curated reading and listening recommendations—books and essays about freelancing, change, habits, and experimental ways of living—plus a podcast aimed at creators balancing full-time work.
  3. Readers are asked to complete a short survey to help shape future content, and there’s an open invitation to join a global community along with a list of recommended tools and services for creators and travelers.

Rescuing the dash from large language models (short post)

Philosophy bear • 143 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The dash is a useful tool in modern writing because it lets authors shape syntax more freely and highlight meaning.
  2. Large language models tend to overuse the em dash, which can make that punctuation act as a tell for AI-written text.
  3. Deliberately using a hyphen (-) instead of an em dash (—) is a simple human counter-signal, since it is technically incorrect and less likely to be produced by default by LLMs.

Another Exercise

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. A book-promotion tour for Vigil is starting in New York, with many book signings planned and an irregular schedule over the next few weeks, but updates will be provided.
  2. An exercise is shared that focuses on choosing and preference as they relate to editing, and it was learned from artist Lou Stovall.
  3. The post is behind a paywall and intended for paid subscribers.

Historical Fiction: The Problem Genre

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Historical fiction can be tricky because it's hard to write about the past without getting it wrong. Authors need to balance modern ideas with how people thought back then.
  2. There are different paths writers can take in historical fiction, like blending their creativity with real history or using the past to imagine new outcomes, which can make stories exciting.
  3. Despite its challenges, historical fiction is important because it helps us connect with the past and understand our world better. It should not just be seen as romance or costume drama.

How to Write a Speech: Tips from MLK’s Notes

Noted • 904 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. There are formulas for writing speeches that have been used for centuries, but the key is adding your unique style to them.
  2. Martin Luther King Jr. mastered sermon delivery formulas and added his own unique style to them.
  3. Following MLK's speech templates is a good starting point for becoming a better public speaker.

Declaration of an Independent

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 963 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Benjamin Franklin was a self-taught writer who used creative exercises to improve his style and vocabulary.
  2. Franklin's independence and determination are evident in his self-made man mentality and unique approach to life.
  3. His commitment to self-improvement, public service, and scientific innovation showcase his individualism and contribution to society.

How I use AI for writing (part 1)

Technically • 25 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Writing
  1. Writing is central to a writer's identity and career, and the real skill is picking the right topics and structuring ideas rather than obsessing over individual word choices.
  2. Early AI felt wrong to many writers because its output was low-quality and it was trained on other people's work without consent, creating ethical and 'vibe' concerns.
  3. AI can be a useful tool for scaffolding — outlining, prompting, and following style guides — but you shouldn't outsource your creative process or your voice; for personal pieces it's often better to write them yourself.

Office Hours—join our January sessions!

The Novelleist • 76 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Office Hours are moving to Zoom on Fridays from 1–2pm Mountain Time as an experimental change.
  2. Drop in anytime during that hour to talk about projects, research, or whatever’s on your mind.
  3. There’s an in-person option in Salt Lake City if you message to arrange it, and registration/access to the session links is for paid subscribers.

How to beat the resistance (in our head)

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. Resistance is an internal voice that negotiates to delay work, disguising avoidance as preparation or realism.
  2. Showing up regularly beats waiting for inspiration; small, concrete starts (one paragraph, one prototype, one screen) break the barrier and create momentum.
  3. Keep it simple and habitual: set a time, act, and measure behaviour instead of identity so work becomes routine and momentum follows.

Sea Change

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1317 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The post is about early writing on place from 2008, dug up from the author's computer. They were living on a croft by Loch Broom at the time.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content on the topic.
  3. Readers can subscribe to get access to more of the author's content about 'Sea Change'.

So Here's a "thing"

So Here’s a Thing • 1592 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing
  1. Engagement in posts should be a pleasure and not a chore, focusing on quality over quantity to prevent overwhelming the audience.
  2. Consider offering a paid subscription for those who want to support content and provide exclusive features for those subscribers.
  3. Etymology reveals the evolution of words like 'thing' over time, showcasing how meanings shift and adapt in language.

To Whom It May Concern

Castalia • 1238 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. The recommendation letters highlight unusual and quirky characteristics of applicants, showing diverse and challenging backgrounds.
  2. Each candidate has distinct creative projects they are working on, ranging from deep personal struggles to dark humor.
  3. Despite their various issues, the letters suggest that these individuals could bring unique perspectives and contributions to a workshop setting.

The Grand Ballroom Theory of Literature

Counter Craft • 596 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Literature is like a big party where all authors, past and present, are having conversations. Each author adds their voice, creating a rich dialogue across time and genres.
  2. Genres in literature are just different groups within this conversation. They show how writers respond to each other and the traditions they follow, whether they are epic fantasy or Southern Gothic.
  3. To truly contribute to this literary party, writers should read widely. Understanding different voices helps them find their own and fill gaps in the ongoing conversation.

Conversations with women (over 40): Barbara Kingsolver

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1577 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The conversations with women over 40 cover a wide range of topics from personal experiences to professional achievements, offering insights and perspectives from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Barbara Kingsolver shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reflecting on overcoming challenges, finding courage to be authentic, and embracing wisdom that comes with age.
  3. Through her experiences with strong female role models like her literary agent and mother-in-law, Kingsolver highlights the importance of supportive relationships and the impact they can have on personal growth and success.

Why Boredom Can Be Good (At Least for Writers)

Counter Craft • 723 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Boredom can actually be good for creativity. Taking time to think without distractions helps ideas grow and develop better.
  2. Substack is helping fill the gap left by traditional media when it comes to book reviews and author interviews, providing a valuable space for deeper engagement with literature.
  3. To be more creative, it’s important to find moments of quiet where you can think freely, like during a walk or while waiting, instead of always being glued to screens.

New Year's Wishes for Substack

Castalia • 979 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Substack should focus on great writing. The platform needs more individual voices and unique styles, rather than just advice and shortcuts among writers.
  2. People need to realize that publishing isn't the only measure of quality. A lot of interesting writing is happening outside traditional outlets, and more folks should engage with that.
  3. It's important for Substack to keep supporting free speech. This allows for a more open and creative environment where writers can express themselves freely without unnecessary moderation.

A library of words

Austin Kleon • 3497 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing
  1. Roget's Thesaurus is more than a simple list of synonyms; it's organized by ideas. This unique layout helps you think about what you want to say instead of just finding a word.
  2. Roget's life was all about organizing information, which influenced how he created his thesaurus. He wanted it to be a tool that helps users explore language in a deeper way.
  3. Using Roget's Thesaurus can be really helpful before you write. It can inspire you and help you find the right words for your thoughts, rather than just swapping words around.

Making the Sausage

Freddie deBoer • 11633 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. The author received positive feedback for a piece about the 1990s and discusses the importance of conveying conflicting perspectives in writing.
  2. The author emphasizes the value of crafting well-written pieces that move and entertain readers.
  3. The author reflects on the challenges and rewards of maintaining individuality in writing while meeting reader expectations.

Platforms Redux

Agents and Books • 1533 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
💼 Business Writing
  1. A platform connects you to readers and can lead to sales.
  2. Platforms are not just limited to social media; spread your presence to reach readers better.
  3. Different authors need different platforms based on their genre and audience.

A chance to share writing

Philosophy bear • 92 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
📚 Literature Writing
  1. An offer to help writers promote their work by sharing notes, adding them to recommended lists, or reposting excerpts, while making no promises about results.
  2. A candid admission of sometimes feeling overlooked mixed with gratitude for past breaks and a commitment to pay those chances forward by giving others opportunities.
  3. A clear invitation for writers to post their work in the comments so it can get extra visibility and help make the talent market feel less lonely.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 767 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Writing
  1. It's okay to let go of things like old notes to stay focused on the present. Sometimes less is more when it comes to managing our thoughts.
  2. Human memory can be tricky, and relying too much on external tools might not always be the best idea. Trusting your mind can help you stay connected with what matters now.
  3. Reflecting on time can reveal surprising insights, like realizing just how close certain months are. It makes you think about how quickly time flies.