Sparkle on Substack

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

Don't forget Sparkle on Substack the membership is having a price rise to reflect the value of the archive and take into account new fees I have to pay. To get in at the current pricing and stay there for as long as you stay hit upgrade before 3rd April. Do it now if you've been thinking about it? I promise you will ADORE it here. Hi Sparklers,I wanted to record a little something to address two new Substack features that have been rolled out… Enjoy my eight minute take from my cottage office here on the Northumberland coast on… * The Rising Star Leaderboards * The new writer bio layout…If you'd prefer to watch you can do that here… Two beautiful opportunities for you in May … * (ONLINE) Join our Growth to Bestseller Challenge… b. (IRL) - I'd also love for you to join us for Substack for Ease Day Retreat with Tanya Lynch on 9 May 2025 in Oxfordshire. Here's more info on that. If you'd like to meet on zoom this Friday to learn more, hit reply to this email and I'll send you the linkLet me know any questions you have or thoughts on the new Substack features in the comments below…Sending sparkles and a HUGE permission slip for you to ignore leaderboards if you like and do your best work in connection to your readers. Claire ✨PS - Go deeper - explore Substack's article on leaderboards - https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/5999320475412-What-are-Substack-leaderboards and mine and Russell Nohelty hugely popular post and take on them too - 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/subscribeThanks for joining us this morning. It was BEAUTIFUL to see you.You can check and sign up for more calls here.Reminder - Diamond Membership closes temporarily to new members TODAY! Here are your benefits…

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

"Your publication is its own beautiful little garden, a little terrarium that you can keep safe and you can nurture your audience and connect to your subscribers and readers."Sparklers!You can build and grow joyfully and sustainably without burn out here.Fancy a little creative boost as to how you show up? Need some insight into how to refresh your joyful growth strategy for Substack and beyond?Join us for my 7 Day Joyful Growth (on Substack) challenge next week!?Subscribe here - (it's a whole separate Substack) to make sure you are clear on where to find everything. We run for 7 days.This is for you if… you already understand Substack and have yours set up with under 3000 readers. It will be expansive in the best most considered way. You don't have to attend anything live. You can come to the posts when it feels right for you. There'll be chat support too. It's perfect timing if you are craving; A Clear(er) Path – Instead of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you'll get a step-by-step process to follow that becomes a holistic and person centred creative practise that sticks.Fresh Inspiration – Looking for prompts, ideas, and strategies that make writing, showing up and growing feel exciting again? I've got you. Gentle Accountability blended with community and connection – Knowing others are on the same journey makes you more likely to show up and take action. There's a lovely gang gathering with 250 signed up so far. This won't be a big noisy, busy challenge. Results to celebrate Without Burnout – Always and forever. Watch the video above or listen in your podcast app to see/ hear more and a quick joyful growth tip. This tip will help you connect with what your readers LOVE, how your work can drives new readers. You'll also see me share openly how I did a dance with my own scheduling to grow my newsletter giving my readers something that I knew that they'd be excited about. Questions? I'm all ears. It's not about ticking off a list of “to-dos” or hammering yourself with extra things - it's more about how joyful growth can and should feel as you build your publication (almost) effortlessly. If you're short on time don't worry - the challenge is meant to be experienced AND implemented in less than 20 minutes each day. Come to it in your own time. New daily posts delivered each day right to your inbox/ app. Yay! Sign up here ⬇️Let's work out what joyful growth really means to you long term.See you there folks,Claire ✨PS - the challenge is totally free but will close and go behind a paywall at the end of Feb. PPS - if you want to share use this referral link because there are some FANTASTIC prizes up for grabs if you do. 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. You can listen to this wherever on Substack or wherever you get your podcasts.My second guest for Season 3 is the wonderful Emma Simpson. We recorded this episode back in September and I can hardly believe it's been four months. I first met the delightful Emma Simpson at Alnwick Story Fest this time last year actually. Since then, we have stayed in touch, met in London and cheer-leaded each other's work from a far. If you want to join us for tea and cake at this year's Alnwick Story Fest, drop me an email. I'm excited to be meeting up with some fellow writers. Tickets are here. Emma and I are both speaking at the festival which takes place 2/3 March. One of the things I love about Emma's Substack publication is that it's eclectic. It's refreshing, unpredictable and she writes longer stories I want to snuggle up with.Emma is headed towards 1000 readers and I'd love to help her get there ahead of her book publication date in March. Subscribe below for the good stuff! Emma in her own wordsI am a wild swimmer and life-long hobbyist writer specialising in narrative non-fiction. Having spent a couple of decades being distracted by a career as an air traffic controller and experiencing two life-wrenching events, I rediscovered my pen and my passion for storytelling at the same time as discovering how transformational cold-water swimming was for my health, wellbeing, and sense of connection with the world. Trained in coaching psychology, I have combined my years as an observer of human behaviour in high stress environments with my love for listening to people's tales around the shores of a lake; mug of steaming hot tea in hand. I hold these stories with great care and trust as I reflect on the great oral storytelling traditions of our past.My current book is an exploration into the primal powers of femininity and water; with stories gathered from around the world that demonstrate the power of connection and humanity in an increasingly crazy society. Future offerings include tales from Ireland, the land of my ancestry, and a collection of soul stories showcasing the astonishing beauty and simplicity of people's actions in the everyday.* Pre-Order Breaking Waves on Amazon* Pre-Order Breaking Waves at Waterstones * Emma's website * You might also enjoy these articles on lifting the lid on the book publication process. It's truly fascinating!! Watch on YouTube Timestamped overview00:00 From Air Traffic Control to Writing06:12 Extraordinary Marathon Swimmer's Profound Moments15:01 Wild Swimming: Community and Connection17:39 The Great Unplugging24:57 Social Media's Impact on Behaviour30:20 Writing to Connect and Heal35:08 Community Connections and Unexpected Success39:23 "Embracing PR and Book Festivals"48:25 Agent Feedback on Book Proposal49:53 Agent Decision and Personal Connection57:29 "Creative Influence and Recognition"01:00:54 "Connecting with Creative Muses"01:05:26 Emma Simpson's Literary Journey 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

Happy Friday all, I was so excited to connect with fellow creative mum Charlie Swift who I met (I think) on instagram some years back… This was an impromptu live as Charlie shared with me she'd like to try a Substack Live in our members call and her word/ phrase of the year is ‘Show Up' so here we are… Beautiful things happen online every single day. Here's you invite to see more of them and less of the things that fry your nervous system. In our Substack live, Charlie shared more about her creative process, her work, self expression, expression. We also delve into her ‘viral moment' on IG and our relationships with platforms (IG and Substack plus the others that ‘work' for us). We go deep into online literacy including ‘being' online, present, authentic, editing or curating ourselves and leaning into our feelings on that. We also share more on how we make our unique creative and business eco systems work. You might like to connect and listen to Charlie's podcast over here too;Other things/ links/ classes we mentioned;* Abstain or Moderate? with Gretchen Reuben * Substack with Ease retreat* Laura Pashby and her retreat here* Your Creative and Content Eco-System class - it's free join us live or catch the replay in a couple of weeks. * Write your Book with us this year in 12 Chapters Club* The reel with the hair. * Sign up for visioning class next week (Sparkle members) - * Charlie's website to book mentoring with her. We'd love to continue this conversation in the comments if you fancy it over the weekend and into next week,Claire and Charlie ✨ 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.comSparklers!S beautiful to spend some time with you all this morning.When you have your goal/s for 2025 set, pop it in the comments?Over 130 of you have downloaded the planner. Yay - let's make plans (and magic)If you missed it grab yours for free here. See you all for visioning in next week!! Claire PS - I am looking forward to connecting with some of …

"I'm going to stay plugged into the Internet at large for a longer time, then I am going to have to be mindful of when the Orcs want to pop up, when I can have a cup of tea with the Dwarves and when I can just sit and chill and watch Wicked with my little selection box."Hi Sparklers,I hope 2024 wrapped up beautifully for you and you have some notes next to your reflections and thoughts about your directions? As we usher in 2025, I'm thrilled to share some reflections, exciting plans, and a sprinkle of gratitude with you. Reflecting on a Transformative 20242024 was a year packed with expansion, turbulence, and profound lessons. I felt like I was living in dual realities at times. Whether it was supporting our vibrant Substack community, receiving heartwarming feedback, or navigating the nuances of online presence, the year was richly complex.One invaluable lesson from 2024 for us all is the importance of protecting our peace amidst the fast-paced digital world. Let's carry this wisdom forward, ensuring our creative journeys are both fulfilling and balanced? What's Sparkling for members in 2025?✨ Goal Setting Session:Members - we're kickstarting the year with our goal-setting session on Monday at 9:30 AM UK time. If you haven't yet downloaded the free Substack Planner here you go.Print it out and bring it along—or simply grab some big pieces of paper. Excited to dive into my brilliant systems with you!✨ Five-Year Visioning Plan:Also in January - we'll embark on crafting our five-year vision, with Substack being a key component for many of us. Whether your Substack is a major part of your plan or a smaller element, all are welcome. Let's dream big together? ✨ Practical Workshops:In February, we'll focus on deepening connections with our readers and building a robust community around our publication. We also have the brilliant Amanda B. Hinton popping in to talk with Diamond Members on data and how to use it to help inform our curation. ✨ Personalised Guidance:The window is open in chat to submit your specific tutorial requests! Substack can change quickly, and I aim to stay responsive to your needs throughout the year.✨ Community Hot Seats:We'll be integrating more hot seat sessions during our calls, giving you the stage and fostering collaboration among our Sparklers. The Friday Writers' Room on Slack will continue to be your imaginative sanctuary and space to chat about lunch.

You are welcome to join us here at Sparkle on Substack on a 14 day free trial over the holidays. Expires 31st December. Did you open your Christmas gift yet? There's a FREE planner inside.Take time to create a Substack Publication with EaseI'm so excited to co host an IN PERSON this retreat with Tanya Lynch next year (2025) in Oxfordshire. There are still spots available but we do expect it to sell out.It was lush to re-connect with Tanya on a Substack Live a couple of weeks back. I'm sharing the recording for those of you who missed it. We chatted about mini writers retreats in our homes and the Substack rollercoaster, the importance of connection with like minded people and taking the time to power down to power back up. Come retreat with us, connect to your creative essence, re-centre your goals for Substack for the year and paint the picture of your vision.Vouchers are available for loved ones AND you have the opportunity to snag early bird pricing until 31st December. Payments Plans available too. More details - https://www.easeretreats.com/retreats

“I wanted to create a space that was there for people all year round. Substack gave me the platform for Soul Circle to land.” Beth Kempton WELCOME back to the Sparkle on Substack podcast everyone. Thank you for being here.This is the space for in depth conversation about how creatives are bringing themselves and their beautiful work to this platform. I am wrapping up the second season of this podcast which is sponsored by the first wave of my Diamond Members. Thank you to everyone who listens and comments. It means the world to me to know these stories are reaching you across the globe. ⭐️ If you are able to leave me a 5 star rating and review, I'd be OVER the moon. This simple act of a few clicks will help more people find my work and make space for me to commit time to make more podcasts. ✨Today's guest is the wonderful Beth Kempton who is a best selling author and fellow Substack writer. Beth's work has been instrumental to my journey of self and creative expression as you'll hear. I'm delighted to share these words with you. "I'm going to write essays about things I want to write and to people who want to read them, and I'm not going to charge for them because as soon as I charge, I will feel I have a commitment to writing an essay however many times a month." Beth Kempton ✨Beth Kempton is the bestselling author of six non-fiction books including Wabi Sabi, The Way of the Fearless Writer and Kokoro. Her books have been recommended by the likes of TIME Magazine, Psychologies and Vogue, and translated into nearly 30 languages. Beth is one of the most popular British authors on Substack, where she has more than 30,000 subscribers and hosts a beautiful community of writers from around the world, called SoulCircle.https://bethkempton.com/

Thank you Christopher Pepper, Allegra Chapman, Katie Andraski, Susan Kuenzi, Amber Horrox, and many others for tuning into my live video with Russell Nohelty! Join me for my next live video in the app.If you have questions on anything we talk about in our publication celebration, drop them below and we'll circle back after the holidays.Claire and Russell 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

Well this was an ABSOLUTE treat. Seth and I have clocked each other's Notes for a little while and I was delighted he was up for a chat about socials/ social media on Substack and all the rest.My top tip for you is to understand what you do in service to your readers by emailing them from Substack. Then the rest of the strategy of ‘being online' for growth, personal development and fun can follow. Thank you Andy Adams, Jo Hutton, Diamond-Michael Scott, marine eyes, Cruda, and many others for tuning into my live video with Seth Werkheiser! Join me for my next live video in the app.If this video sparks anything for you then we'd love to hear from you in the comments.Let's Sparkle on Substack! Claire and Seth ✨PS - Members, we met this morning and spent an hour looking at deepening connection with your readers through Substack Chat - here's your replay and the post is open for further creative thought and chat. 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

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.Thank you Caroline Ferguson, Alexa Juanita Jordan, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Here's an example of what I mean where you have to select all emails filtered. Mine says 680 because I added everyone who is free and clicked more than one link in the last 30 days. 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, Robin Harford, cara alwill, Emma Simpson, Vicki Lesley, and many others for tuning into my live video with Caroline Donahue! Join me for my next live video in the app next week.It's been a joy to support Caroline Donahue on her journey to Substack Bestseller.✨If you want my bespoke support, Diamond Membership opens to my paid members and customers this weekend for a limited number of people. Here are the perks… Let me know if you have questions,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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sparkleon.substack.comWith a Sparkle on Substack membership you join a hub of over 400 people joyfully growing their Substack publication. You get two calls a month with me, weekly ask-me-anythings and competitions. When you join you get access to my four week course ‘Stay Creative on Substack' to set your Substack up congruently embodying your own unique creative practise.If you're happy here as a reader or if you need a gift subscription here you are welcome to ask. If you'd like to recommend Sparkle on Substack to your friends and help teach the Substack algorithm what you like, you can do that here.

Hi all,This morning I popped LIVE on the Substack app to chat a little more about the current situ with Notes and how we're all feeling. Over on Notes, it's less of a water cooler moment with our colleagues and more of noisy airport where most of the flights are delayed and everyone has their phone on LOUD these days… This is my third Substack LIVE and the only one I felt happy to share… Thank you Susannah Conway ,Jo Hutton, Ingrid Fernandez, and many others for tuning into my live video! Substack are quite keen on us testing lives and I think we all know that it will make this space busier and noisier. That being said, I felt I had something of comfort and value to say in the here and now and this was how I chose to share it…We always have a choice… ✨Here are my points summarised for you. I'd love to invite more comments and questions. It's a fascinating topic… You can join my private chat space to share or if you're not a member or leave a comment below… 1. Purpose of Substack Notes: I reflected on how Substack Notes has shifted from a cosy, conversation-based space to feeling more like traditional social media. This change has impacted how we experience it, often pulling us into comparison and distraction.2. Coping with Overwhelm: I shared strategies to help avoid the overwhelm of the Notes feed. For example, I suggested setting the Substack app to open on the newsletter "inbox" rather than Notes so that we're not bombarded with content that might disrupt our calm and pull us out of being creative. 3. Intentional Content Consumption: I talked about how important it is to consume content mindfully. Personally, I only follow people whose content aligns with my interests, like travel and self-care, to create a calmer online experience and steer clear of stressful topics.4. Engagement Alternatives: Instead of relying heavily on Notes, I suggested engaging through thoughtful comments on articles/ posts and using recommendations to build connections and grow on Substack—these feel more intentional and less overwhelming. There's MORE reciprocity and a deeper human-human connection. 5. Organic Growth Tips: A lot of my growth on Substack has come from organic ‘recommendations', and I really encourage others to leverage this too. Collaborating with other writers you connect with is also a great way to reach new and ‘good fit' audiences.6. Depth over Virality: I value “depth of connection” over trying to go viral. While virality can bring a quick influx of subscribers, it's not as meaningful to me as creating joy and building real connections with my community. I've never gone viral anywhere online although I have supported clients to. When we see a feed full of viral notes it's just what Substack has chosen to show us not what is ‘actually' happening… 7. Empathy and User Experience: I encouraged everyone to take a mindful approach when using Notes. We can all adjust our engagement based on personal boundaries and content preferences, making our Substack experience more fulfilling and positive. For more joyful growth join our community and connect to like minded folks who share your passion for creativity and a life without burn out. Thanks for tuning in and let me know if you'd like me to do more lives nature!Any questions? Thoughts, comments on Notes and how you using showing up to connect without feeling flat? Claire ✨PS - Here's some more on recommendations and how to use them here on Substack… ✨ 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.comHi all,We're meeting this morning! 9.30am (UK time) to discuss increasing your income on Substack through Founding Memberships.Register here. Replay will be posted after the call. In response to a reader question, I recorded you this video/ audio so you can better understand the strategy behind my recent decisions here at Sparkle on Substack.Members - I'll be away this w…

The Power of Community on Substack: "I had no idea that it was going to become this massive community that I was going to want to live in."Lindsay Johnstone From the archives and in celebration of Lindsay completing an incredible memoir serialisation project here on Substack, here is a wonderful episode on the POWER of audio on Substack. Lindsay is running a flash sale where you can access her serialised memoir ‘Held in Mind' for the price of a hard back book. GO see!Lindsay Johnstone has been here in my membership here at Sparkle on Substack from the very beginning and it's been an ABSOLUTE joy to celebrate her triumphs and see her express herself so creatively on this platform. I believe audio is the most under utilised resource here. The transcription tools are insanely good, the hosting is COMPLETELY free and we can record with the technology we already have.

Just a reminder, it's the last month to jump in as a monthly paid member to Sparkle on Substack. It's currently £11 a month or £95 for the year. On 1st November, I am TAKING OUT the monthly option and the annual price will be £145. That's a jump from USD $124 to $189 or you can lock in monthly at USD$14. If your a current member your price will always stay the same. ✨Help Lucy Werner meet her goal of reaching 500 paid members and upgrade to her membership with this special 30 day free trial. "And even before I turned on Substack, I'd written about 100 articles on medium just to practice. So I kind of had the, you can actually, if you scroll back to my early medium articles, the headlines and the content are horrendous because I kind of just use that as my public draft notebook. We didn't have an audience there, so it didn't matter."Lucy Werner Want audio only? It's here;AI Timestamped Overview 00:00 Transitioned from agency owner to teaching DIY PR.03:54 Starting paid subscriptions is challenging but essential.08:17 Needed time to join membership; later invested.11:06 Unusual growth pattern influenced by pricing adjustments.14:24 Volume strategy balances lower price with higher subscribers.19:31 Adjusted pricing due to audience preferences and data.21:07 Incredible story shared, emphasizes audience value clarity.23:35 Lucy's genuine journey is highly relatable and human.26:57 Networking in community fosters diverse support and learning.33:34 Reached over 40,000 people, enjoyed the process.35:35 Substack endorsement could've boosted book's popularity.37:08 Always carry and promote your book creatively.40:44 Contemplating final project launch before year's end.44:25 Improving base tier to spur organic growth.48:17 Expert: B2B data analysis and editorial skills combined.49:56 We're all in service, evolving together constantly.54:13 Never drastically reduce prices; honour initial supporters.57:44 Join workshops to learn and grow your business.How Data Analysis with Amanda B. Hinton Altered My Subscription Pricing: "The data audit was super, super clear that there was a sweet spot where my audience were coming in and the pricing of 20 pounds a month and 150 was way outside of that. So I decided to bring it down."Lucy Werner Watch on YouTube Find and follow Lucy onlinehttps://www.instagram.com/lucywernerpr 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

“One of the things that I like to do with my book is I try and take it everywhere. Because you never know who you're going to meet. And actually, that having a copy on me landed me my biggest ever podcast with the biggest ever, like somebody who had millions of followers on YouTube. I also quite like to stash them places."The video version is here - https://sparkleon.substack.com/p/subscriber-retention-on-substack 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

"Sometimes I would go into such a flow when I'm in conversation for the podcast that when I listen back, I'm like, wow, I can't believe that I'm that smart."Hannah Harvey Afternoon sparklers, how are you?1001 ways you say - what a gift… let's chat about the ways you could use audio in the comments!BEFORE I get into it - I wanted to remind you that it's the VERY last day to grab the early bird price on my NEW audio/ video podcasting course. Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting is the course to kick start your idea into a tangible podcast / audio/ video/ audio plan for your Substack. I'll support you every step of the way. Join me for four weeks with tutorials to take in your own time, one live group mentoring call and 24/7 chat. Get your podcast planned out, named, branded, learn the tech, set up your flows and get ready to launch right here on Substack. We start with mindset work and finish with a plan/ launch.I've got you! We start Friday 1st November. (I am not planning on running another live round but the course will be available to my Diamond Members in January). ✨

Just to steal in quickly before the show and tell you my BRAND new podcasting course is on EARLY BIRD sale until Wednesday. Join in in Perfectly, Imperfect Podcasting and make your podcasting dreams come true! More here. It's £220 right now or x2 payments of £110. (That's USD $288 approx)

Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting on Substack I have had SOOOO many questions about starting and committing to a podcast recently, I decided to make a month long LIVE course to support you. We start November 1st. (If you're in the membership here at Sparkle on Substack, you can access some light touch resources to help you use audio here on Substack, just head to the a-z and you'll find everything there).Podcasting starts with having something to say, something you care about… And we don't have to say it ‘perfectly'. In-fact, in our podcast Linda at Substack shared that people like to see the real human here - those are the people who are growing well here. The people who show up in a way that's relatable, as themselves not as a perfectly polished performance version of themselves. Thank goodness hey? The course is wholehearted, it's holistic. It can be scary to sit and record audio home alone, should you go to a studio? What should you call your podcast? Do you want guests? What if they don't reply to your invite. So many questions!

"When I set up the Heiter Society, I wanted something for myself where I felt less alone, also in my business."Kiki "Yes, to some extent, Heiter is definitely slow living, but it is still beautiful."Kiki I'm thrilled to bring you another exciting episode of Sparkle on Substack the podcast. Kiki and I dive deep into creative processes, the importance of branding, and all things related to building joyful, engaging communities online.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sparkleon.substack.com"How Paywalls Protect Personal Stories: "People pay, not because it's clickbait, because that's just not for everybody. That part of what they're saying, they only want to share it intimately with people who are part of their inner circle and bought in."Linda @ Substack I was delighted to meet with Linda @ Substack this week to chat all things Substack.Linda is a dedicated member of t…

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”Arthur Ashe It was an absolute JOY to connect with David Speed for my podcast a couple of months back. David and I were at the podcast recording of Creative Coffee by Emma Gannon when she interviewed Farrah @Substack in London and I know both of them will be delighted we made this connection if they see this post. Connection - now there's a word I overuse but honestly it makes everything possible. When we met he was pretty new to Substack and enjoying bedding in. Just after I spoke with David, he put out this piece which I loved. Well to be honest I love all of his writing; it's sophisticated, honest and there's NO snake oil;Speaker BioDavid Speed is a multi-disciplinary artist whose current focus is neon painting.The artist is fascinated by light and shadow and creates work that plays with that drama. David enjoys painting huge murals but is equally happy painting canvas. He relishes the challenge of painting on a small scale using spray paint and pushing the limitations of what is achievable in that medium.In the early 2000's David was training to be a primary school teacher while balancing a mostly illegal graffiti career. Frustrated at the school system, he realised that by creating art, mentoring artists and now; podcasting, he could help many more people get in touch with their creativity."If you are an artist, or a creative, or a writer or a dancer, and you read, this is marketing, there's so many, your brain will kick ideas in a totally different way than if you're in the marketing space."David Speed Timestamped Overview00:00 From street art to renowned collaborative success.10:24 Started podcast with no experience; everyone agreed.15:48 Be mindful of influences and digital noise.20:14 Building career through influential conversations and a podcast.26:23 Art-infused Liverpool city tour and Instagram insights31:32 Artists explore voice and space in new ways.36:28 1000 true fans theory vital for creatives.40:54 Passionate about creating and supporting art transparently.42:58 Real art impacts people beyond social media.52:53 Encouraging people to make the most of life.56:34 Paints strangers from submitted photos for street art.59:05 Innovations happen when humans have creative freedom.Find David Speed online

“This idea that we are playing a game that we never really know the rules for, and I think that's a feeling that many people have, like thinking about the algorithm and how often should you post and should you do reels and should you do whatever. That feeling made me feel really bad, and I'm just happy that I don't have to deal with that anymore."— Astrid Bracke This episode is supported by my Diamond Members here on Substack. You'll find links to their publications at the end. It's the VERY last day to upgrade if you want 1-2-1 support from me for a whole year.

It was a JOY to meet my pal for the Sparkle on Substack podcast. Suzy talks to us about ‘starting from scratch', making the most of our presence online and following your heart even when it tells you to leap!Suzy is a coach (once named one of the top ten in the UK) and former Editor-in-Chief of Psychologies magazine.She's been privileged to have interviewed some of the best self-development greats in the world, from Oprah to Brené Brown, and loves finding tools, books, and experts that support us in making our own leaps in life.When I met Suzy, my entire life and the way I was building it felt more possible. She told me; “Claire look at this, you are living it.” And I felt that. Those moments where friends, colleagues, new pals really see you - it's like a lightening bolt. Suzy is my lightening bolt of confirmation often. At the time, two things were true; I was living it and my husband was very sick and I was very scared. Later in our friendship, we met for coffee and I was telling her my goals for Sparkle on Substack and my hope for replacing income from a tricky commissioned project. She looked at me again and said - £350 a month? You can do that. And again I realised yes, yes I can. The income arrived in a flash and I let go of that tricky comissioner. “You can build your own creative universe on Substack. It's like heaven and you can also earn money. I can't believe it.” Suzy Walker Here's in her own words;The newsletter is about tools, ideas, and people who help us make a leap in thinking so we feel inspired and uplifted rather than trapped, stuck, and downhearted.It's for writers who want to write and get their books out into the world but who find writing a hard slog but don't want to give up the dream. Think of Heart Leap as your very own cosy writing nook.Heart Leap is also for people starting again, literally or metaphorically. I've just left a big job and my life in London to start again in the wilds of Northumberland, so I'm right here beside you.For paid subscribers, we have the Heart Leap Club, which has monthly self-development workshops with brilliant experts and weekly writing hours where you get to hang out with writers for two hours a week and get your books and blogs finished.(Here's me by my magic tree on a hill, which overlooks a fairy tale castle and whispers ideas and grants wishes.)“Live a life that makes your heart leap” Timeline00:00 Loving work, overwhelmed but in growth phase.04:06 Transitioned from busy London to peaceful Northumberland.08:23 Substack offers new freedom for creators.12:41 Substack fosters creativity and kindness in business.14:32 Sustainable, joyful approach to consumer education.17:09 Excited to collaborate on self development portal.20:30 Substack offers collaboration and networking opportunities.25:35 Honing in on sophisticated editing process.26:56 Finding audience interest through experimentation and response.30:14 You are kind, reassuring, and trustworthy.34:22 Prioritising safety and giving oneself grace.38:05 Podcasting allows for diverse and engaging content.39:21 Juliet Thomas turns play into successful novel.44:19 Positive impact of memoir serializations on sales.48:16 Embracing neurodiversity, simplicity, and pursuing dreams.49:45 Balancing digital consumption for a clearer mind.52:35 Finding a space for uplift and joy.More connects * Weekly writing sessions - https://heartleap.substack.com/p/room-to-write* Suzy on Instagram * Buy the Heart Leap necklace!! * Join the Heart Leap community. * at Under the Trees * Alnwick Story Fest website - 28 Feb - 2 March 2025 - see you there!! Also in this episode* The Rejection Palace - Open Call We'd LOVE to hear from you in the comments!Claire and

Popping in to tell you more about the BRAND NEW course I'm SO excited to deliver!This course combined two years of my creative expertise distilled down for you into a series of 10 minute tutorial drops.Live calls optional, replays available. Let's elevate our Substacks into BEAUTIFUL digital magazines we are proud of? Join us?Grab your early bird spot here. Course replay will be available to

“I am earth meets sky... soul meets strategy.”Lauren Barber Hi allWelcome back to another episode of Sparkle on Substack, the podcast! It's a delight to be here and to tell you my humble little podcast just hit 20k downloads here on Substack. They are an excellent host by the way!!

"I like to have a plan, but remaining flexible to respond to what my audience is enjoying,"— Earlier this year I caught up with the wonderful over at Slow Scottish Stories. I connected with Molly early on my Substack journey and have read her pieces almost every week. She has a weekly posting schedule where she explores themes of slow, frugal living, Scottish highland life and reading for pleasure. She has a wonderful tone of invitation to her readers and it's been a joy to watch her stick to her boundaries and grow joyfully here. Molly has an audience of over 50k on her YouTube channel and if you pop over there you'll soon see why. Molly's content and videos give you the permission to exhale, to slow down, to know you will be held by her words, stories and visuals. In her own words; “Slow Scottish Stories is a publication designed to help you slow down and celebrate everything that make's you YOU”.Molly is a full time content creator, living in a Tiny Home, nestled in the Scottish Highlands.A slow living fanatic and proof that, if you really want to, you can reject the hustle culture and live the life YOU desire.Molly's Substack is a breath of fresh air in a noisy world. I love her take on slow living, especially living in her tiny home in the Scottish Highlands!

"The more personal I am, the more specific I am about my life, the more other people can see aspects of their own life reflected there.” I was delighted to grab an hour this week with best selling memoir author Clover Stroud in the midst of her fourth book launch. I wanted to talk with Clover about her writing craft, her recent wildly successful Substack launch and her upcoming book. I ADORE Clover's writing and I know lots of you will already be connected. Her books and words are life affirming and show me the thread of fragility that runs through us all. Storytelling that unites us, feelings that ground us.Clover's words show us what's real in our hearts. She gives us a zoom out button to press. We can feel impossibly small and also see the enormity of everything we adore in full technicolour all at once. When I read her work, gentle reassurance runs through my cells. It's everything I need. Clover's 4th memoir, The Giant on the Skyline is about home, where we find it and how we connect to it within ourselves. The book is out on 8th May (next week)!! “Home is a concept that has obsessed me since I was very small and homesickness is one of the emotions I can identify earliest as a child.” Do pop over and subscribe to Clover's incredible writing here on Substack and consider being a paid subscriber to receive her weekly essays;There are 2 more days to save 35% on an annual subscription here at

"We're in this really fast paced environment now where we're multitasking x100. When I look back to what my mum and my grandmother had on their shoulders and I look at the role that we have today I think it's because we know no different. We've got these go faster stripes going, more, more, more. More input from the moment we wake up to the moment we're going to bed and I just worry about the state of our mental health moving forward.”Tanya LynchTanya and I met at the very start of both of our journeys on Substack in Spring 2022. I remember her original publication so well and the warmth of her connection.I leant into her storytelling and we've stayed connected. I was fascinated to learn more about Tanya's Rage on a Page journalling work and retreats. We also talked about her process with Substack and I know you are all going to connect deeply with this episode. While I'm here please do consider leaving me a 5⭐️ review on Apple Podcasts - it means the world to me and will mean that more folks can find the podcast off Substack. As you know this podcast is a passion project and I'm sharing everything I learn with you along the way. There are limited spaces for Tanya's popular Ease Retreats in 2024. Work with authors such as , Stacey Heale and in intimate rural settings capturing life affirming pockets of stolen time and tranforming your connection to creativity. Writers retreats with brilliant authors in the tranquility of the UK Countryside: "I do try and get as many people to Wales, to Cardiff or Pembrokeshire, because it is so beautiful."— Tanya LynchPlaces to connect with Tanya online;* https://www.easeretreats.com/about* https://www.instagram.com/easeretreats/* Contact Tanya for retreat details - hello@easeretreats.comIf you'd like to watch our conversation from my coat cupboard (!) with captions feel free to do that here and subscribe to my YouTube channel while you're there?"I think the difference between Instagram and Substack is … we're all in cars on the motorway. With Instagram, traffic is always flowing. If there's a queue, you may see, oh, there's a familiar face, or you'll go through a town and you'll see someone familiar. But with Substack, it's almost like you've gone to a drive through movie and everybody's there to watch and participate in the same event. And you can see each other and there's a big warm glow and you maybe get out and have a chat and have a drink. There's time." Timestamped overview00:00 Organising writing retreats with well-known authors.03:48 Discussing goal setting, writing, and inspiration through Substack.08:14 Empower women through 30-day word journaling.11:54 Women find warmth and joy in play.13:07 Space for self-expression, connection, and community.18:34 Struggling with puppy challenges, seeking advice and understanding.20:03 Memoir about raising dogs, finding companionship, business.25:48 Retreats and big achievements can feel anticlimactic.26:46 Embracing change and self-care brings peace.30:44 Retreats focus on intimacy, rest, and fine-tuning.35:26 Gorgeous content, challenging for writers on Substack.38:54 Networking challenges in rural living, seeking support.41:31 Creating mental images to explain malapropisms. Instagram vs Substack traffic metaphor.43:22 Promoting travel to Wales and Oxfordshire countryside.✨I'll leave you with a quote from Tanya; "I've got 100,000 tales to tell, and it's all beautiful things to talk about." Get full access to Sparkle on Substack at sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

I'm not thinking about my neighbour down the street, but here on Substack, because of how it's designed, you do think about those type of things. And at the moment, I think that the balance has maybe tipped because Substack has obviously got to sell itself and what's ‘working'. But it's like, ok let's figure out, how I can be here and make this work for me? Natalie LueIt was a joy to reconnect with for the podcast. Natalie is a BRILLIANT writer and writes here on Substack. Natalie and I met in 2019 at a brilliant event called Make and Mend Festival. I'm linking here and the lovely has a hand in organising if you want to connect in with their work. Natalie's career has been one of dedication and determination. She's not afraid to tackle the tough stuff. A ‘blogger' for over 20 years and has gone down research rabbit holes many of us would be scared to even peek down. Natalie has brought new and important light to the tougher subjects. She's a published author, artist and podcaster and an all round amazing human. I'm honoured she made the time to impart some of her wisdom here… I'm really looking forward to your thoughts on our chat. Her podcast The Baggage Reclaim Sessions saw Natalie record 278 podcasts. Listening to her depth of understanding of how the online world ‘works' brought deep comfort to me. "I'll be frank and I'll be honest, but I do it with compassion and with boundaries in the sense of I'm not going to tell a story and make myself out to be the hero, certainly not intentionally."Natalie Lue Places to connect with Natalie online;* https://natalielue.com/* https://www.instagram.com/natlue/* https://www.baggagereclaim.co.uk/the-baggage-reclaim-sessions-podcast/If you'd like to watch our conversation with captions feel free to do that here;00:00 Helping people reclaim themselves from emotional baggage.09:30 Pride in past work and personal growth.12:31 Revelations about personal life and boundaries.18:06 Acknowledging vulnerability, shame, and overcoming judgment.23:14 Acknowledge natural storytelling, intention, and resonance online.28:50 Excitement about writing platform and valuing creativity.37:32 Challenges with paid subscriptions, improved discoverability.38:38 Substack community shift leads to online work.43:49 Scheduling content to reduce mental strain.54:02 Substack's design may not suit everyone.58:16 Self-published author found success but wanted more.01:04:03 Navigating creativity, self-expression, and publishing challenges.01:11:09 Recognize the value in sharing creative work.01:12:33 Substack encourages paywalls, sparks creative reflections.✨I'll leave you with a quote Natalie opened with; “Who are the people you are seeking to serve and what is the change you're seeking to make?” Seth Goodin Get full access to Sparkle on Substack at sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Hi allI'm delighted to drop in two BRAND new PODCAST episodes… This is my brief intro to the season celebrating two years on Substack and 7k subscribers.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt.Hi all,WELCOME if you're new here. I'm Claire and I write , co-host the community and teach Substack here at . I live on the Northumberland Coast with my husband, two children and 5 pet chickens. As the ground is warming up outside, I'm planting new seeds and observing those that have self seeded from our work over the past eight years here. A reminder that our creative projects can take time and that in other cases, some colourful bursts are gone as quickly as they arrived.

"If you take off 8 hours for the recommended amount of sleep we're supposed to have, 1% of your waking day is ten minutes. And so the book is filled with experiments of ideas of how you can take care of your well being and your mental and emotional well being in just ten minutes a day to make it as doable as possible."Morning Everyone!I'm back with episode 12 of the podcast. I can't quite believe I've recorded 12 episodes in 6 months but here we are. I have two more to share and the season is complete. This whole podcast season has been an experiment. Originally, I wanted to record 12 episodes, I wanted to learn about the whole process of podcasting, dance with it's needs and wants, I wanted to model it for you. If you are considering using audio on Substack, this one's for you. I'd also really recommend tuning into 's work she's the podcast QUEEN!✨Leaning into wellness… A few week back, I spoke with who has a BEAUTIFUL book out in the world. Gabrielle's book is called ‘The 1% Wellness Experiment' and it published just before Christmas here in the UK. It's on pre-order in the US and and Canada and will be out end of Feb ‘24. Gabrielle has shown up on Substack for a whole month in Substack Notes to promote her book. I was super keen to find out from her how it's all felt and is feeling heading towards the USA launch. I loved re-connecting with Gabrielle and I got all the juice on HOW she got her book deal. I know this topic crops up a lot and so I'll give you a sneak that for those of you convincing yourself it's to do with huge online followings you'll be pleasantly surprised. ✨Sharing generosity in it all is so important to me. Please know if you are in financial hardship and need a subscription to it's yours - no questions asked. The exchange; belief that my work can hold you to make a change for yourself and impact others positively in the world and a promise to pay it forward when you can. Meet Gabrielle Gabrielle says;I help overthinking, overdoing women who always put everyone else first and themselves last. They've had enough of feeling stressed, exhausted, unappreciated, resentful and guilty for feeling that way.I help you feel like you can breathe again, to get back your spark, to have time and space, healthier relationships and more fun. I create a compassionate, non-judgemental space (as described by my clients) to gently explore what's keeping you stuck in this place and how to move forward, along with practical tools and actions to live the calmer, happier, more peaceful life you dream of.Here's your timestamped podcast overview;00:00 Claire Venus welcomes Gabrielle to talk about books.03:33 Internet empowerment, new creativity and well-being.07:33 Book: "The 1% Wellness Experiment" - 10-minute daily well-being practices.11:55 Excitement for book release and individual wellness.15:15 Embrace ten minutes of mind wandering freely.19:56 Fear of unknown thoughts, but embrace them.24:03 Repetitive crafting soothes mind, brings peace.26:12 Embracing daily walks for mental well-being.32:35 Joined Substack, a compelling platform for writing.33:15 Substack: Hosting newsletters and reaching new audience.37:34 Book published, daily posts on Instagram notes.42:43 Wellness is crucial for creatives and life.44:07 Contacted by editors on Instagram, offered book deal.48:33 Embracing new experiences for personal and creative growth.52:14 Balancing commitment to Substack with current capacity.56:18 Well-researched, sophisticated content that promotes calm.58:42 Creating a haven for people is important."So a few years ago, I was contacted by two different commissioning editors around the same time on Instagram, through Instagram, in that that's where they had found me, first of all."Other links* Make and Mend Festival * Watch our convo on Youtube (with captions).* Read the transcript. * Follow Gabrielle on instagram. * Buy her book I'd love you to pop back and let and I know what this conversation sparked for you. We'll meet you in the comments? Thanks as always for being here and supporting my work here at Sparkle on Substack. Claire ✨ Get full access to Sparkle on Substack at sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

"I would like to say that like if you were to imagine social media being completely neutral, it's not good, it's not bad, it's not right, it's not wrong, it's not overwhelming, it's not draining, it's not super exciting, it's nothing right, it's just completely neutral." Hi all,How's your day going? ✨I'm so delighted I've found a new podcast editor - yay!! I want to model what is going on for me in real time in throwing perfectionism out of the window and bringing a podcast to life. It's our conversation live and the way it was and I'm SO cool with it. I have two more episodes coming to wrap up Season One of Sparkle on Substack! Do other people do 14 episode seasons? I'm not sure but that's what's felt GOOD and right for me!

"And now I realise that that was the best education I ever could have got in how to write and how to be a writer."Tamzin Merivale Morning Everyone!Oh wow you guys are in for SUCH a treat with this podcast.

"Substack is such an incredible model for writers. I started putting out my Wednesday personal essay on here as well as a Monday kind of business coachy email. And then I launched a podcast called Home..."Annie RidoutHi all,Good morning! ✨I'm back with another jam packed episode of Sparkle on Substack and I will be straight up with you that I'm between podcast editors and I can't get to grips with the hyper focus I need for garage band so I'm just putting this one out and revisiting all that editing space with a fresh take in Spring.

WELCOME back to Sparkle on Substack. After a slight hiatus, I'm bring some more episodes of the podcast back. These episodes aren't edited - they are a more casual affair. Hope you enjoy! I've got a couple of episodes planned but let me know who you'd like to hear from on the pod this year? I'd love to know - I love chatting with folks about their Substack journey.✨In episode 9, I'm joined for an epic chat by Russell Nohelty. I am a HUGE fan of Russell's work. I met him on Substack notes and I joked (but it's true) I need to print his writing out and grab my pink highlighter to digest all the good stuff.He's truly a wizard when it comes to the business of being an author and is doing great things here on Substack. There are 40 ish hours to go to back his latest kickstarter campaign…

"My Substack; The Unraveled Heart is not a standalone business. This is an extra piece of my entire ecosystem. My main job is teaching creative courses online. That's my number one job. So my Substack at the moment is supporting that a little bit, but I almost want to nurture that as an integral piece of the ecosystem."Hi all,How's your Saturday going? ✨I'm back with another jam packed episode of Sparkle on Substack and I will be straight up with you that I have run out of time and patience scheduling space for edits and I just needed this one out in the world!!

Hi all,I'm bringing you another ‘Stay Creative on Substack' post. There are a couple of others here in my Substack Growth Tips tag if you fancy a read. I ran out of head space to write them because Substack moves SO quickly so there'll be more seasonal now I think. I'm testing the inbuilt video feature today. There's also a transcript for this video if you'd prefer to read?I've had the video function for a while but didn't use it as it was too tricky to set previews. I currently don't share any video in-front of the paywall. I set that creative boundary for myself so I could feel more relaxed here. Make of that what you will…

"I actually want this (Substack) to be something that other people truly do see themselves in. Like, it's outside of me. Yes, I'm managing it, and I'll still write stories, including personal stories, but it's not just about me. It's more about topics that I have personal experience with."Cait Flanders✨Welcome back to the Sparkle on Substack podcast where we explore what it means to be creatives who also write. In this episode, I'm joined by , a super talented writer, author and editor behind the newly renamed Substack publication Cait takes us on a journey through the evolution of her publication here on Substack (and what came before) and shares incredibly generous insight along the way. It was a JOY to spend time with her at the end of summer… I feel like I also got a beautiful mentoring session as part of the pod recording too. I adore her approach as you can tell and I think you will too!In this episode... We dive into Cait's decision to change the name of Substack from Hi Friend to Explore Within, and the profound implications it has on the content she creates and the community she fosters. As Cait explores the direction of her publication, she reflects on a previous job as a managing editor and how it influenced her approach to working with writers. I loved hearing Cait share her vision of creating a publication that resonates with others, encouraging them to see themselves reflected within its pages.Cait also delves into the challenges of managing contact methods and cutting off social media platforms to alleviate burnout and focus on her writing projects. We chat about our (sometimes complex) relationship with ‘ Notes' too. I loved hearing more about Cait's past experiences, including the release of her first book, "The Year of Less," and the impact it had on managing ‘presence' online. I quiz Cait on online boundaries, managing viral energy and “versions” of ourselves online. You can buy Cait's BRILLIANT books wherever you are in the world via her website. Timestamped Podcast Overview Thanks a.i

“Choose Substack, make it your Creative Home”Sarah Fay