Sparkle on Substack

“If women remember that once upon a time we sang with the tongues of seals and flew with the wings of swans, that we forged our own paths through the dark forest while creating a community of its many inhabitants, then we will rise up rooted, like trees.”from IF WOMEN ROSE ROOTED, by Sharon Blackie (2016)Hi Folks,I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and today brings peace and relaxation. I am delighted to bring you a podcast episode with Dr Sharon Blackie.I met Sharon at Alnwick Story Fest (tickets for next year here) and it was a true delight to hear her speak on stage. Her work commands attention of women (and men) all over the world brings us home to story and the importance of archetypes in society.We talk about the writing life, Substack, Substack notes, managing a large community and boundaries. I hope you enjoy! “Stories are the stars we navigate by; their lessons are deep and rich. Anywhere, there may be a door to another world: learn to look for it. Always leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way out of the dark wood. Don't maim yourself trying to fit into the glass slipper which was made for someone else. Gold is never a good goal. Never take your skin off and leave it unattended.”✨Dr. Sharon Blackie is an award-winning and internationally bestselling author, a former neuroscientist and a psychologist with a background in mythology and folklore. Her highly acclaimed books, lectures and teaching programs are focused on the mythic imagination, and the relevance of myth and folklore to the personal, spiritual, cultural and environmental issues we face today.Sharon is best known for her groundbreaking work in reimagining women's stories. As well as writing seven books of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling classic If Women Rose Rooted, her writing has appeared in anthologies, collections and in several international media outlets – among them the Guardian, the Irish Times, the i and the Scotsman. Her books have been translated into several languages. She has featured in several programs from the BBC, US public radio and independent filmmakers. Her awards include the Society of Authors' Roger Deakin Award and a Creative Scotland Writer's Award. Her next book, Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now, will be published by September at Duckworth Books in May 2026.Sharon's books about women in British, Irish and European myth and folkloreIf Women Rose Rooted. September (2016)Foxfire, Wolfskin and other stories of shapeshifting women. September (2019)Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life. September (2022)Wise Women: Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond. Virago (2024)Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now. Forthcoming from September/ Duckworth in May 2026.If you're new to Sharon's work - this is a great place to start…https://sharonblackie.substack.com/p/reclaiming-womens-stories Ai SummaryPodcast Summary: Sharon Blackie on Writing and SubstackThis is a conversation between Claire Venus (host of “Sparkle on Substack”) and Sharon Blackie, a psychologist and writer who specializes in mythology, folklore, and women's stories.Key Points About Sharon's WorkBackground & Writing Focus:* Psychologist with academic background in folklore and mythology* Published first novel in 2008; seventh book “Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now” coming May 2026* Explores women's stories from British and Irish traditions, showing how ancient tales help navigate modern challenges* First in her family to attend university, from working-class background in HartlepoolJourney to Writing:* Didn't write her first novel until age 40* Transformative experience: learned to fly at late 30s to overcome fear, which gave her the story she needed to tell* Emphasizes writing must come from genuine necessity, not just wanting to be “a writer”Substack ExperiencePlatform Evolution (joined May 2022):* Migrated from blogging (which felt unrewarding) when Substack offered better discoverability* Brought 20,000-subscriber mailing list; now has 57,000+ free subscribers and 1,000+ paid* Initially loved Notes for connecting with other writers, but feels it's become too social-media-like* Values Substack primarily as a showcase for quality writing rather than community-buildingApproach & Boundaries:* Writes weekly for paid subscribers (£70/year)* Runs monthly Zoom gatherings to discuss stories* Doesn't use Chat feature—hasn't worked for her community* Has friend handle simple admin queries for protection* Clear boundaries: engages fully when invited (comments, Zooms) but doesn't respond to personal emails requesting adviceWriting Practice:* Wakes at 4:15 AM; only writes in mornings* Takes about a year to write a book, often cramming in final six months* Finds Substack articles easier than book-writing—2,000 coherent words vs. 80,000* Varies content: sometimes essays, sometimes just sharing thoughts and questionsAdvice for Writers* Build a body of work first before promoting heavily—have quality content ready when people discover you* Write from passion and necessity, not market trends* Listen to your body about boundaries—protect yourself from overwhelm* Focus on what you uniquely offer rather than finding completely new topics* Be proud of your background—Sharon now celebrates her working-class roots after years of masking themThe conversation emphasizes sustainable creative practice, the importance of boundaries, and writing from genuine passion rather than external pressure. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the podcast folks. I've got a new season of exciting episodes with wonderful guests to release next year but I thought I'd ping this one out in time for your ‘driving home for Christmas' listening. My goal was to hit 100k downloads this year on the podcast and I'm at 84k - I'm celebrating that and leaning into the reflections in my Goodbye 2025/ Hello 2026 journal from the wonderful Selina Barker I hope you have a GORGEOUS holiday whatever you are up to and there's a pressie for you under the tree. Sending all sparkles.Claire ✨LinksJoin Sparkle on Substack on a 14day free trialAudience Alchemy - Join us - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/audience-alchemy-the-live-courseDownload Invisible Trust - my new book - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/invisible-trustJoin 12 Chapters Club and write your book with us for free in 2026 - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/12-chapters-clubJoin my month long January Joyful Growth Challenge; co-hosted with Russell Nohelty - AI SummaryThis is Claire Venus's end-of-year reflection on her Substack journey in 2025 and running an online business. Key themes:Nervous system and safety: Claire discusses how her entire career was built on trauma responses from working in the unstable cultural/festival sector. She realized she was constantly in fight-or-flight mode, which carried into her online work. This year focused on understanding when she feels safe versus when she's pushing from fear.Stepping back from visibility: After launching her Substack book in summer 2024, Claire experienced negativity and didn't feel safe showing up. She intentionally made herself “smaller” - focusing on depth of connection with existing members rather than growth and visibility. When others became prominent Substack educators, she chose to work quietly with her membership community.Letting go of growth pressure: When her subscriber numbers started declining, instead of pushing harder, she asked “what if I just didn't do more?” This led to accepting she was enough without constant growth, posting less frequently (once weekly), and prioritizing genuine connection over metrics.Business maturation: She hit six figures, set up a proper limited company and business bank account, built a garden studio, and learned to hold larger amounts of money responsibly balancing business investments and ambition with passion for life.Future direction: 2026 will focus on collaboration and community. She's launching “Audience Alchemy” (about repurposing long-form content and building legacy) and continuing her commitment to write a book annually for 10 years (now in year 6).Her core message: Know what you're truly here to do before worrying about strategy, and build from a place of safety rather than fear. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Hi Sparklers!!This was such a fascinating chat. Amy went from LA based Yoga Teacher to a 7 Figure Founder / Writer with a journey of curiosity in-between. I asked her about her new book - Write for Money and Power and building a 6 figure Substack here on Substack. We dig into income streams and online happiness, diversity of work and fulfilling community work. Thank you Janine De Tillio Cammarata

Thank you Mary Beth Kaplan

So sorry we couldn't get Java's video to work - I think this was still a really great chat on permission and paywalls. Remember - you have permission to ‘do Substack' your way and lean in and listen to what you really want here. You can subscribe to Java and read her article here… Thank you Charles diététicien, Java Ceridwen Bere, Betina Cunado, Vicki Lesley, Amy I Beeson

Thank you The Artist's Toolbox, Daria Diaz, Sarah Raad, Annelise Riles, Jo Thomas

My annual gratitude sale is ON - you have until 1st December to check it out.If you missed my Soulful Sales Challenge you still have time…Check it out here…Thank you Jo Thomas

Hi folks,I'm excited to bring you this conversation with Destini Copp. Hasn't she got the most wonderful accent? Destini and I connected because she wrote a killer headline in her email newsletter. I reached out and asked if she fancied coming on my podcast. At the time of recording Destini was fairly new to Substack.She's an expert in newsletters and runs the Newsletter Profit Club which I've been in for a while. In her own words… Hi, I'm Destini - a certified business growth coach, marketing professor, and host of the Creator's MBA Podcast. I help digital product entrepreneurs go beyond funnels and build rinse-and-repeat growth flywheels (with a little AI magic) so sales feel consistent, not stressful.Over the years I've:* Taught 12,000+ students through online courses and programs* Built multiple digital product brands (including my B2C brand, HobbyScool)* Shared my expertise on 50+ top industry podcasts and eventsAt the heart of it all, my mission is simple: to help you scale a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and predictable revenue — without burning out.Connect on LinkedIn ». https://www.destinicopp.com https://www.instagram.com/destinicopp/Podcast - The Creator's MBA AI summaryClaire sits down with Destiny, an online educator and newsletter powerhouse who has just launched The $1 Million Hobby School Experiment — a bold public journey to grow and potentially sell her B2C brand, Hobby School, for £1M by 2027. Every twist and behind-the-scenes moment is being published inside her new paid Substack.Destiny brings serious depth to the conversation:* She's taught marketing online since 2005.* She runs Creators MBA, helping thousands build and sell digital products.* Her B2C brand Hobby School has 40,000+ subscribers — grown almost entirely through collaborations, not social media.* She operates complex email systems, funnels, and a weekly newsletter outside of Substack.She joined Substack for two reasons: her audience kept asking, and she needed the perfect home to document this high-stakes, build-and-sell experiment. Substack's long-form, story-driven nature made it the obvious choice.Claire lifts the curtain on how Substack really works — the mix of newsletters, social discovery, and Notes. Notes, she explains, rewards honesty, personality, and storytelling far more than promotional posts. The magic is that Notes activity naturally draws readers into the main publication, where the deeper connection happens.Claire offers Destiny practical, strategic pointers:* Use a clear publication name that situates the reader instantly.* Add pinned posts, helpful site navigation, and hero posts to welcome newcomers.* Keep everything under one publication for momentum and clarity.* Pair Substack with existing email systems — they strengthen each other.They dive into the power of discovery without traditional social media. Destiny has barely touched Instagram or TikTok, so Substack may become her first true social platform — one built for readers, community, and narrative rather than noise.Together they explore:* Storytelling as the engine of growth.* Why people connect more deeply to humans than faceless brands on Substack.* The pleasure of reading in the Substack app.* How Claire has grown her own thriving community through Notes, meetups, and thoughtful collaborations — not virality.* How even major brands are beginning to use Substack for storytelling.Claire finishes by screen-sharing Destiny's Substack, offering branding tweaks, and planning a future check-in as the experiment unfolds. Destiny also invites Claire to teach inside Creators MBA. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

It was wonderful to catch up with Selina Barker ahead of the arrival of my new journal which happened live on camera! Do connect in with her if you'd like to purchase them for you and/ or friends this winter.I have a list of freebies too including my Substack planner. You can download it here… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Milli Hill, Louise Tilbrook, Alyssa Polizzi, The Artist's Toolbox, Daria Diaz, and many others for tuning into my live video with Nirja Joshi! Here's the very last call for the course and programme I run for business owners who use Substack! Join us for The Business of your Substack. If you want to head into 2026 feeling more savvy about how Substack fits with a sustainable eco-system, this is the course you need. I bring my three years of experience here (successes and mistakes) and we work on the strategy that works for you for Substack WITH your business. Doors close 13th November. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Download my FREE Audience Alchemy class and kindle your understanding of your audience and your relationship to them. ⚡️Hi folks,I recorded this episode for you to bring you into my inner world when it comes to publishing here. You can listen or watch over on my YouTube channel.

Thank you Louise Tilbrook, Kathy Slack, Practical Astros ⚕️, Jennifer Zarin, LCAT, Nicole Clark, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Here's the challenge I reference which is live right now. All welcome and FREE to members. ✨ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Chitra

My FREE audience alchemy class that helps you discover your ideal reader and get more confident about where your writing meets them is here. Thank you Alyssa Polizzi, The Artist's Toolbox, Daria Diaz, daphne cohn, Liisa Kovala, and many others for tuning into my live video with Substack Strategist Sarah Fay, PhD.I hope you found it insightful.I love Sarah's frameworks and grounded advice. There's not one thing she doesn't know about how to get the most from this platform whilst keeping your integrity. If you have a specific question about your Substack publication in 2026, drop them below in the comments and we'll get to them next time.Claire (and Sarah) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Katie Chappell, Alyssa Polizzi, The Artist's Toolbox, Daria Diaz, New Harmony Homeopath, and many others for tuning into my live video with Russell Nohelty! If you want more of Russell Nohelty and I, you can buy our Secrets of Substack Bestseller's Masterclass. Two hours of the deep dive strategy that got us and our clients to be Substack bestsellers with 100s of paid subscribers.This class is free to my

Thank you Georgina Dean, Annette Skye, Angela Limb, Catherine Davison, Beth Bastow, and many others for tuning into my live video with Claire Tomkins! Join me for my next live video in the app.You can subscribe to Claire Tomkins here…My free Audience Alchemy class is here if you want to get to know your audience better. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

“Claire is the QUEEN of Substack” Selina Barker ☃️ Oooo while I'm here there are a few spots left to advertise with me in my two holiday editions of this newsletter this festive season (in December). If you have a product, a book or would like to advertise your newsletter, grab one for just £30.

Hi loves,Welcome back to another episode of Sparkle on Substack the podcast with me Claire Venus ✨ This episode is with artist and motorhome enthusiast Jo Scott who is a ‘graduate' of the Sparkle on Substack membership. Jo writes her ‘Travelling Artist' substack newsletter from all over the world on her travels with her husband. I hope you enjoy and do go and check out Jo's work and interviews with other artists - it's really fun and friendly over there!! I was really captivated by Jo's wisdom and holistic approach to ‘being' and earning online and think you will be too.https://www.instagram.com/joscottartist https://www.joscottart.com/pages/wwj This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Join us here if you haven't already - This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Mary Beth Kaplan

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Sparkle on Substack the podcast with me Claire Venus ✨ - I'm DELIGHTED you are here.You can listen to the back catalogue of episodes and join tens of thousands of listeners over on spotify or apple podcasts. Make sure to follow, subscribe and leave me a 5⭐️ review so others can find the podcast and meet all my beautiful guests. Creatives who like to write are my FAVOURITE people. If you'd like to join me on a future episode, you can pitch to do that in 2026 by becoming a paid member and filling in the google form. This episode is a fascinating listen with one of my members Vicki Lesley who spent 10 years making an epic documentary film. She loves Substack and I can't wait for you to hear her share more…Watch and comment over on my YouTube channel… Thanks for being here,Sending sparkles for your day ahead,Claire ✨ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome if you're new here. Hi. I'm Claire. I'm an Engagement Consultant, Mentor and Substack Expert. I'm on hols for August so this is a pre-recorded and scheduled post. Members - remember our chat is closed until 1st September. Hi loves,This is probably my most favourite spark I've recorded for you.Hope you love it. Let me know what it sparks for you? See you in the comments if you try it.Claire ✨P.S - Here's my other publication which is focussed on whole hearted living, creativity and self seeding our businesses to GROW if you want to check out the archives…And don't forget we are meeting for a visibility challenge in September over here… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you RAJ KAUR, Sara Stansberry, Annelise Riles, Kerry Graham, Nicole Clark, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you JP Clark, RAJ KAUR, Susan Telford, Dan Ehrenkrantz, The Bathrobe Guy

Thank you Suzy Walker, RAJ KAUR, Vicki Lesley, Louise Morris, Nicole Clark, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.More of this in my members live call and replay on Thurs… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Hey folks,It's been a beautiful couple of years of wild collabs with Russell and I wanted to re-connect as we celebrate the first anniversary of our Substack book.Thank you Louise Tilbrook ✨, Marie-Elizabeth Mali, Dan Ehrenkrantz, Betty Williams, Annette Gendler, and many others for tuning into my live video with Russell Nohelty! Do subscribe to Russell Nohelty over at The Author Stack and follow along with his amazing publishing and writerly support journey.REMINDER - you can still buy our book How to Build a World Class Substack in ebook or paperback where ever you buy your books.Here is a link for Blackwells. Join me for my next live video in the app and make sure you stay subscribed to my notified of all the good stuff. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

“There's so much to learn in the speaking out of words. You see where people laugh, where they feel things close. It's affirming — especially for people who feel like they're not ‘real' writers yet.Everybody says, ‘I'm really scared before I read,' but most people find it transformational.”Amy I Beeson

Thank you Janine De Tillio Cammarata

This week's spark is an invitation to share the impact water might have had on your creativity.I'd love to hear more from you in the comments?Claire This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Christina Patterson, Michelle Corbesier, Lulu Trevena, Amber Horrox, Louise Tilbrook ✨, and many others for tuning into our live video with Evelien | Rainbow Black

Hi folks,Happy Monday. This short message comes from the part of me that wants us all to take MORE permission on the pauses, the retreats, to gift ourselves the POWER of downtime.Hope you enjoy.Find resources on burn out over at Selina Barker and Anna Rose substack publications.Last chance to grab the VERY last seat on my mini mind.Here are the details,Sending sparkles,Claire This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Hey folks, Welcome back! I'm super excited to share this episode with you today! I'm going to keep this short and sweet and let Anna's words speak for themselves.Hope you enjoy!Claire Thanks so much to Anna for guesting with me and for taking my course - Adventures in Audio and Video on Substack - Perfectly, Imperfect Podcasting. It's a lovely one to take as a self guided course over summer if you fancy? Anna's podcasthttps://theburnoutrebellion.substack.com/t/the-burnout-rebellion-podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you The Artist's Toolbox, Jennifer Ann Blair, Kathryn Koromilas, Emily Wingert, Emma Warren, and many others for tuning into my live video with Megan Moran! Join me for my next live video in the app.Head over to Megan Moran to read more about her wonderful process. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Popping this here for those of you who are curious of my opinion on the ‘buy me a coffee' buttons here on Substack.Is it a trend? A bridge to confidence as a paid writer or a long term strategy to diversify writing income?Seth Werkheiser and I talk it out..Also cute abundance story… When I was in New Orleans a lady wrote me a poem on a typewriter for $11. It cost $11 because that's all I had in my purse. If I'd had $100 she could have had that. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Jo Hutton, Sarah Sadie, Seth Werkheiser, Laura Zug, Mika ,David Venus, Katie Kastner, Megan Auman, and many others for tuning into my live video inspired by this note.Join my month long mini-mind to get crystal clear on how your Substack fits with your business and content eco-system, your long term goals and your vision once and for all. More here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sparkleon.substack.comMy month long small group mini mind for business owners is on early bird sale until 1st June. I'd LOVE for you to join us. Here's the link to read more with £60 off early bird discount applied. Find out why matches are so important in the analogy of us being business owners who also write on Substack and why I don't shoot for 1001 paid subs here but still run a thriving business. Hi Sparklers,Something a little different for you today. An invitation in two halves to spend some time exploring the themes of self worth, creativity and scarcity and how they show up in our work.I invited mindset coach Sarah Raad to join me to host and the previously advertised live Sparkle call has moved to July. You can find the list of our live calls inside of the live calls tab and sign up for reminders and the links for the ones that take your fancy.Here are the accompanying PDF for part one/ two of journalling prompts inside of class. Would love for you to take the class and feed back any ‘aha' moments or sparkles that come your way.Sending sparkles to you for your wonderful work in the world,Claire ✨ P.S - if you don't have time for a class this week, bookmark for later or when you're feeling imposter syndrome and/ or a bit stuck. Need something lighter? Come chat in our Notes engagement chat thread instead?

Hi folks, WOW - that was a big ole melting pot of ai infused chaos, shame, vulnerability and beauty.‼️ NB - there is no sound for the first 16 minutes - so skip that.Or watch the YouTube version which cuts straight to it…I repeat myself… so don't worry! Husband's headphones have seen better days. Let's get out of the shame caveThe topic of ai is nuanced and layered. Here are the articles I've found helpful recently in better understanding my own feelings with ai and our artistic integrity.* Scamming Substack by Will Storr * The invisible co-parent by Danusia Malina-Derben * Andy Masley has written this piece and a follow up As mentioned;* Find your own integrity and discernment meter with your use of ai.* Have fun with what you want to do with your new assistant. * Don't steal, be honest, keep communications open with each other. * Don't use it to write your Substack posts - we can tell! Here's the waitlist link for my mini mind if you want to join us and better understand how to master Substack within your business and content creation systems.https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/june-mastermind-bundle See you on the next live?They are all saved here if you ever want to revisit any,Claire PS - ai wrote this… Thank you Louise Edington, Natalie Lue, Scott Moon, Lizzie Gray, Vicki Lesley, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Hi Sparklers,I'd love to hear from you in the comments if this week's spark resonates… While I'm here, three quick sparkly things* I have a Free Class happening tomorrow… Launch/ re-launch class is tomorrow at 3pm (UK time). Come join us? Replay available to members… https://lu.ma/u3nnair6* Other female business owners mentioned in this episode who hold us in the energetics of our work and business - Lauren Barber, Kat River

“Everything difficult and everything beautiful all at once.” Amie McNee It was an absolute highlight to speak with Amie McNee fresh from her book tour for We Need Your Art. This chat will stay with me forever, it was a real honour to connect with Amie and bring this conversation to you. We touch on…* resistence * the creative process* shifting platforms * the perfect essay and the ‘messy' creative process* impact * moving readers with our words * feeling good in your creative projects* Sharing your ‘world changing' ideas * The journey of self expression through writing and speaking* failure… * Amie and James' move to the UK and the impact on their creative practise. * Freedom in our living environment * Being paid and being transparent in that… * Pledges, the patron model and paid subscriptions… * Feeling supported… * Being a magpie “Substack has been delicious to me.”"I feel like I have relationships with these people (readers), and I feel like I'm surrounded by family."Timestamped overview00:00 Reluctant App Adoption Journey05:59 "Substack: Embrace Casual Writing Culture"07:58 Embrace Writing Without Fear10:25 Exploring Different Art Forms15:09 "Stop Over-Policing Creative Processes"16:21 "Creativity Unleashed by UK Relocation"22:15 "Book with Diverse Reader Experiences"24:04 Transparent Creative Journey Insights27:24 "Community Art Income Strategies"29:34 Exploring Substack for Writer Support33:22 Evolving Creative Viability Models36:03 "Feeling Supported Is Overwhelmingly Beautiful"39:22 Aurora Obsession: "Through the Eyes"Amie online* https://www.amiemcnee.com * https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/amie-mcnee/* Amie on Instagram * James on Substack Amie's faves*

Where momentum meets magic. The Embodied Spark is a weekly pep talk with me Claire Venus ✨ to explore a single idea than impacts our creative practise positively. These pep talks help us to make sense of where we might be holding ourselves back and need a further invitation to feel held and kindle our creative voice.This is the last weekly pep-talk in front of the paywall - I'm going DEEP for my members - you are welcome to join us, unlock the archive, twice monthly live mentoring calls and a daily chat to super-charge your clarity and creativity on Substack.It's a joy to do this work.Claire ✨In the talk I reference this live chat with my friend and mindset coach Sarah Raad This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Jude Lally, Amy Brown, Alexander Verbeek, Mel Parks, Mary Beth Kaplan✨, and many others for tuning into my live video with Sarah Raad! You can connect with Sarah Raad's work right here on Substack. I'm lucky enough to call her a friend.We met because she was my coach back in 2020/21. I recommend her mindset programmes to everyone especially woman who feel the call of something bigger and are struggling with the how and the why in their mindset.I could never not be friends with Sarah, she knows too much about me

Thank you Clover Stroud, Laura Fenton, Alyssa Polizzi, Kristin Tweedale, Kristi Keller

Hi FolksWelcome back to another Embodied Spark pep talk and invitation for your creative practise.Get these direct to your inbox each week… ✨This week I'm inviting you into to consider what putting one foot in-front of the other means to you when you ‘have to' show up for your creative practise and work.I also wanted to link to 3 things I'm excited about…* Next week's retreat (Fri 9 May) with Tanya Lynch at Ease Retreats - last couple of spots - come! I'd love to meet you and hold space for your big beautiful dreams in Oxfordshire. Here's the link. Contact Tan to book. * The podcast I just recorded with Amie McNee * My Joyful Growth to Bestseller Mini-Course - 1st - 5th May 2025 - come join us? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

The word Intention in Latin means purpose. WELCOME to another day in the Substack universe. I hope you had a nice weekend? Thanks SO much for your warm reception on last week's note. You are all so lush and I cannot believe of 1000 of you listened… it's a joy to do this work… This one ended a little abruptly as I could hear my daughter coming up the stairs to the studio… So it's about creative practise and making friends with ours.It's really comes down to walking the sands of two paths…* Following the nudges and understanding what the container you are being called to show up inside of.* Being in direct comms with your most embodied vision.Both paths are the right path, one is more expansive and easier than the other…Let me know where you think you are in the comments? Have a GREAT week on Substack folks,Claire ✨Early bird closes TOMORROW on my signature course. This one is such a beautiful way to spend time, get organised and create an irresistible online home on Substack. PS - Listen to this if you fancy a Monday morning BOOST!! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Eeeeeeek I made a NEW thing. I hope you like it.This first pep talk is free and inspired by two brilliant women and congruently authentic voices; Selina Barker who does a regular BRILLIANT pep talk for her members over at Another Way with Selina Barker and Caroline Donahue who drops into her membership this way and shares her truth. This pep talk is free to all and the rest of these regular calls to action will be paywalled for members.I'd love to know what it sparks for you as we head deep into Spring and all her colours. Sending SO many sparkles for your week ahead,Claire✨PS - Ooo members can catch the replay and better understand how to stack your value here on Substack in our hour long class. Don't forget you can also meet your fellow sparklers anytime in chat or over in our topical chat threads. My Growth to Bestseller Challenge is coming 1-5 May, join us here. Grab your ticket today for just £101 and join 130 others building towards their ‘bestselling' Substack vision in joyful, sustainable ways. I can't wait to support you to set the strategy to magnestise the Substack and audience of your dreams. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Connecting on on the display changes to our bios and what we should do about it. Thanks for coming along to my live. It was lovely to see some of you!!Cx This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe