Sparkle on Substack From blogger to published author - being clear and proud of your intention for Substack
“I’ve created a new email for myself - just for Substack - it’s a game changer.”
Hi folks,
Welcome to another brilliant episode of Sparkle on Substack. This week I’m chatting with Eleanor Tweddell about being on Substack long term, balancing online work, writing books and a corporate career.
Eleanor describes herself as a coach and cheerleader when you are starting something new.
About Eleanor
Corporate escapee – After 23 years working for brilliant brands including Costa Coffee, Whitbread, RAC, Virgin Atlantic and Vodafone I now enjoy my portfolio career. I still love working with corporate clients, and enjoy the challenge of how organisations evolve and transform.Founder – Another Door supports people in the space in-between a door closing and the next door opening, so that you know how to own what happens next. We also support businesses to handle redundancy well with mindset centred outplacement programmes.Author –Why losing your job… started as scribbles in a notebook, then a blog, then a podcast then a book. I got a book deal with Penguin in 2019, so now I spread the message to everyone who needs it! Next book coming out in September 2025 - Another Door opens.www.eleanortweddell.comwww.anotherdoor.co.uk
Connect with Eleanor Tweddell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/
Eleanor’s books
* Why Loosing your Job could be the best thing that ever happens to you.
Other things we mention…
* My 2025 book - Invisible Trust - the hidden rules of influence and reciprocity online.
* The Sparkle Summit - now called January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and Claire
* Lily Allen - West End Girl -
Ai Summary - thanks Claude
Podcast Summary: Sparkle on Substack with Claire Venus & Eleanor
This episode features a conversation between Claire Venus and Eleanor, both writers who started their Substack journeys in 2022.
Key Discussion Points:
Background & Platform Evolution
* Both transitioned from WordPress (dealing with broken sites, unwanted ads, technical issues) to Substack’s simpler, more spacious platform
* Eleanor runs multiple Substacks but focuses mainly on “Another Door,” which explores navigating change and life transitions
Writing Practice & Balance
* Eleanor balances corporate communications work by day with creative writing by night
* Both speakers emphasize the importance of boundaries and knowing when to step back from publishing
* Eleanor stopped writing on Substack while working on her book to create necessary space
Books & Publishing
* Eleanor’s first book focused specifically on redundancy: “Why Losing Your Job Could Be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You”
* Her second book, “Another Door Opens” (published September), takes a broader approach to navigating change with five steps
* She used Substack to test concepts, gauge reader interest, and refine ideas before finalizing books
Audience Insights
* Eleanor noticed her redundancy-focused audience was highly engaged but transient—people joined intensely during their job loss period, then left once they moved on
* She shifted to writing about broader change topics to build a more stable, long-term readership
* Reader feedback on Substack (like comments about “pause being a privilege”) directly shaped her book content
Reading & Consumption Habits
* Both hosts discussed feeling overwhelmed by subscriptions and the need for intentional curation
* Claire deletes the Substack app on weekends and now primarily wants to read books rather than newsletters
* Eleanor created a separate email specifically for Substack/blog subscriptions to avoid overwhelm
* They emphasized seeking diverse perspectives rather than only reading within their own niche
Looking Ahead to 2026
* Eleanor plans an “experimental year” rather than rigid goals
* Focus on energy, curiosity, and creative exploration
* Possible self-publishing for future books
* Emphasis on flexibility given rapid changes (especially AI) in the landscape
Key Philosophy Both writers stress the importance of creative practice over obligation, giving yourself permission to pause, and remembering that readers understand when life happens. The conversation champions authenticity over consistency for its own sake.
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