The hottest Writing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics
Pizza Party 56 implied HN points 14 Jan 26
  1. A practical guide breaks the craft of comics into concrete parts like structure, plot, scripting, and scene-specific pacing to help you plan and shape stories more effectively.
  2. A philosophical perspective shows that storytelling is many interlocking disciplines and that writing functions as a technology for preserving ideas, shaping consciousness, and informing creative choices.
  3. Even dense, idiosyncratic lessons contain useful pieces you can apply; mixing practical techniques with broader ideas will strengthen your creative process.
Austin Kleon 2677 implied HN points 11 Apr 23
  1. Using typewriters can make writing more fun and slower, helping you pay better attention to your words. They allow you to enjoy the writing process rather than rush through it.
  2. Typing out poems or favorite excerpts can be a great way to connect with the text. It feels like you're playing the words, which can deepen your understanding and appreciation.
  3. You can share your typed poems with friends in a fun way, similar to how restaurants use check pads. It’s a creative method of sharing and enjoying writing together.
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Austin Kleon 2977 implied HN points 10 Mar 23
  1. Good creativity comes from knowing when to take ideas and when to create something new. It's about making the right choices in what to borrow and what to invent.
  2. Getting to explore exciting events, like SXSW, can be a great way to find new ideas and inspirations. Even without a badge, you can enjoy the vibe and discover new experiences.
  3. Just like flowers, people thrive in different conditions. Some need more nurturing, while others can grow strong anywhere.
Inland Nobody 160 implied HN points 27 Nov 25
  1. Moving to a new city can lead to exciting and unexpected experiences, like finding love almost immediately.
  2. Having a good year can boost your mood and motivation, making you feel like things are going your way.
  3. It's important to take your time with creative projects to ensure they are the best they can be before sharing them with others.
Austin Kleon 3137 implied HN points 14 Feb 23
  1. Embrace what you have instead of wishing it were different. Focus on what's in front of you rather than dreaming about an imaginary version.
  2. When reading or writing, ask better questions like 'What is this?' instead of thinking about how to fix it. This helps you appreciate the work instead of getting distracted.
  3. Using old notebooks or diaries to inspire new ideas can be helpful. Often, there are gems in past writings that can spark fresh thoughts today.
So Here’s a Thing 1415 implied HN points 25 Feb 23
  1. The Substack will have a variety of content like writing thoughts, art, music, and recipes, making it an interesting mix for readers.
  2. The author promises not to spam your inbox with multiple emails and aims to be at least the second or fourth most interesting thing you read in a day.
  3. The first substantial post on the Substack is scheduled for tomorrow.
Technohumanism 79 implied HN points 28 Jul 24
  1. Even with new technology, old writing lessons are still important. It's key to understand the basics of humor for effective writing.
  2. Humor can be challenging, but learning from failed attempts can help improve skills. Just like understanding a joke, getting good at writing takes practice.
  3. Making connections between topics can inspire creativity. For example, thinking about whales and AI sparked a unique comedic idea.
Opaque Hourglass 259 implied HN points 19 May 24
  1. The post talks about a unique and interesting meet-cute scenario involving a dagger and a paintbrush.
  2. The story emphasizes the unexpected and oddly poetic nature of the encounter in the narrative.
  3. It highlights the idea of shared fate or destiny, where the protagonists unknowingly select a brush and blade attached to a single handle from a barrel.
Welcome to Garbagetown 991 implied HN points 04 Jan 24
  1. Twenty years ago today, the author's first chapbook was published.
  2. The author expresses gratitude for the support and belief of key people in her life.
  3. Reflecting on 20 years in publishing, the author acknowledges the transformative power of books on readers and the tumultuous journey of personal growth.
How to Glow in the Dark 839 implied HN points 30 Jan 24
  1. Success in book publishing is unique and can't be replicated by following the traditional path
  2. MFAs and writers' conferences have value, but they don't guarantee commercial success as an author
  3. Factors like platform, artistic skill, and personal artistic style are crucial for achieving a big book deal
Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky 46 implied HN points 29 Jan 26
  1. There’s a strong sense of questioning and standing at a confusing crossroads, with many zig-zagging paths and no clear next step.
  2. Career dreams shifted a lot over time—from childhood ideas like dentistry, to writing or law, to chasing big entrepreneurial goals—showing ongoing exploration.
  3. Big ambitions and others’ expectations shaped choices but often faded or didn’t pan out, prompting reflection and a need to rethink what to pursue next.
Why is this interesting? 723 implied HN points 30 Jun 25
  1. Reading physical newspapers and magazines provides a unique experience that's hard to replace with digital media. The tactile feel of paper and ink makes it more enjoyable for many readers.
  2. Hard Case Crime books are a thrilling dive into classic crime fiction that's not only fast-paced but also very entertaining. They bring old-school hardboiled stories back to life for modern readers.
  3. Conversations about film history can be incredibly engaging, and books like 'Pictures at a Revolution' show how pivotal moments in cinema reflect larger cultural changes. It's a great prompt to explore other recommended reads.
Sasha's 'Newsletter' 2302 implied HN points 03 Nov 24
  1. Many writers feel that their past work no longer reflects their current ideas. They might find their old writing overly simplistic or disagreeable.
  2. Personal growth and changing beliefs make it hard to reconcile old writing with new thoughts. It's challenging to explain complex ideas that now contradict previous statements.
  3. Instead of worrying about regrets or how future readers will judge them, writers find peace in seeing their work as an offering. They hope that readers will learn and grow from both the mistakes and successes in their writing.
Singal-Minded 623 implied HN points 18 Jul 25
  1. Social media can negatively affect mental health, making people more anxious and less focused. It's important to be aware of how it can influence daily life.
  2. Adverbs are often overused in writing, which can weaken the message. Effective writing should focus on strong nouns and verbs instead.
  3. Longform writing differs from social media posts because it requires more thought and pacing. Readers expect a gradual unfolding of ideas rather than quick, flashy statements.
Agents and Books 1297 implied HN points 08 Mar 23
  1. When asked to read someone's book, be kind but firm if it's not your genre
  2. If you have to read a book that's not your taste, be polite but honest in your feedback
  3. If you notice big issues in a book, provide constructive criticism tactfully
In the Flash 2038 implied HN points 20 Jul 23
  1. Photography can serve as a shield to hide personal fears and insecurities, but writing can bring out vulnerability more easily.
  2. Starting a newsletter allowed the author to express intimate thoughts and emotions that were hard to convey through photography.
  3. Transitioning from amateur to professional photography can lead to a loss of personal storytelling and a shift towards voyeuristic work.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 4886 implied HN points 15 Feb 24
  1. The key to writing is having a point of view and putting in the effort consistently, regardless of any specific method or process.
  2. Creativity involves both insight and persistence; don't underestimate the value of persistent effort in generating creative ideas.
  3. Writing regularly may involve accepting that initial drafts may not be perfect, embracing bad writing as part of the process, and persisting through writer's block.
Austin Kleon 2957 implied HN points 27 Jan 23
  1. Productive procrastination can help you get things done while also allowing you to avoid tasks you might not want to do right away. It's about using your distractions to make progress on other things.
  2. Book design is important and can greatly impact how people perceive a book. Great designs, like those of Carin Goldberg, can become iconic in the literary world.
  3. Enjoying the little moments, like sitting around a fire, can help you focus better and recharge creatively. It's okay to take time for yourself in a busy world.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends 658 implied HN points 30 Jan 24
  1. Forcing ourselves to be constantly engaged with podcasts and media might be hindering our ability to have independent thoughts.
  2. Our constant consumption of content may lead to a passive existence where we are not actively choosing what we listen to, limiting our experiences.
  3. Reflecting on the impact of modern technologies like QR codes in theaters can help us appreciate the changes in our daily interactions and the loss of physical records.
if not, Paris 1257 implied HN points 13 Jun 23
  1. Getting writers to attend events can be challenging due to their introverted nature.
  2. Sometimes, the hardest part of socializing is just getting out the door.
  3. Substack fosters a community where writers can connect without pressure to network or aim for fame.
The Stoic Journal 40 implied HN points 23 Jan 26
  1. Your best thinking happens when you stop performing and just relax into yourself.
  2. Writing for no one often reveals your most honest and important ideas.
  3. Everyday private moments — showers, walks, late nights — create the space where unguarded thoughts arise.
The Biblioracle Recommends 707 implied HN points 14 Jan 24
  1. Develop your own taste and don't be swayed by external opinions.
  2. Resist the influence of algorithms and prioritize trusting your own reactions.
  3. Exploring and articulating your taste is part of knowing yourself and resisting a culture of consumption.
Investment Talk 1198 implied HN points 30 Mar 23
  1. Consistent writing forces you to learn and create tangible output from your research.
  2. Network effects are powerful in growing audience; focus on maximizing them.
  3. Be genuine, give more than you expect back, and connect with readers authentically.
Agents and Books 668 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Focus on finishing your book before worrying about your query letter.
  2. You may change the beginning of your book several times during the drafting process.
  3. Don't stress about revealing too much in your query letter; keep an eye on publishing news instead.
Castalia 619 implied HN points 27 Jan 24
  1. Writing is about taking risks and pushing your limits. It's more meaningful when you explore ideas outside your comfort zone, even if it feels hard and messy.
  2. Every piece of writing starts with an initial idea or feeling. It's important to stay connected to that idea, as it shapes the entire work.
  3. Writing should come from intuition rather than overthinking. It helps to let your subconscious guide you, similar to how a performer relies on instinct during a show.
Opaque Hourglass 419 implied HN points 17 Mar 24
  1. Dreamt lines of poetry belonging to another poet in your dream are considered plagiarism.
  2. Dreaming of poetry is seen as a unique act of copyright infringement.
  3. Belief in the connection between dreams and copyright can lead to complex ethical dilemmas.