
Spellnotes
Spellnotes explores the work we read, the craft of writing, and the culture that shapes us. From reflections on poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama to reading recommendations, writing resources, and essays on art, politics, and the strange things we take for granted, there’s always more to look at closely.
Read the latest articles on Substack.
Our Categories
Editor’s Picks showcases standout works from past issues, with thoughtful commentary, quick reviews, top reading lists, in-depth critiques, and discussions of trends shaping literature and the arts.
Readers can gain a sense of the work we publish and the quality of our contributors’ writing. Our accompanying reviews offer insight into our perspectives, and we hope these extracts are as inspiring and memorable to read as they were for us.
Tips & Resources serves up practical advice, craft tricks, and useful tools for writers. From sharpening your sentences to navigating the writing life, these short reads offer ideas you can actually use—no magic formulas, just good advice for getting better at what you do.
The Aperture takes a closer look at the culture we create and the world that creates us. From art and politics to language, media, and algorithms, these essays ask who’s holding the lens, what’s left out of frame, and why the things we take for granted are often the strangest of all.
Curiosity encouraged. We like things a little exposed.
