Sparkle on Substack

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 🐝 It was a delight to meet Amy I Beeson 🐝 and learn more about her work in the world. We’ve known each other for just over a year and it’s been so joyful to learn more about her story.She’s delivering a guest workshop at Sparkle on Substack for paid subs this autumn. Don’t miss it -it’s on brand story and not re-traumatising yourself sharing yours.You can subscribe to her lovely Substack publication and this weekend meet her and lots of other lovely writers in person at her crowd funded Write Up…As always we’d love to hear from you in the comments if this episode sparks anything for you. Video ChatWatch this podcast style chat on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe as I put all my interviews out plus bonus tutorial the same day they are recorded. Got to love that fresh energy. AI OVERVIEW 🌟 Podcast Overview: Sparkle on Substack with Claire Venus & Amy Beeson🎙️ Theme:Turning online Substack connections into real-life community. Amy and Claire reflect on the journey from digital friendship to powerful, in-person meet-ups that blend creativity, vulnerability, and joy.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The Guest: Amy Beeson* Author and co-creative branding consultant in West London.* Runs regular Substack writer meet-ups, sparked from a casual pre-event dinner Claire organised.* Passionate about creating safe spaces for writers to read their work aloud and grow their craft.💫 Key Topics Covered1. The Power of In-Person Substack Meet-ups* Amy organises gatherings (typically 12–16 people) where writers share drinks, stories, and read their work.* Emphasis on intimacy, trust, and mutual support — a contrast to competitive literary environments.* Readings help writers feel “seen,” build confidence, and overcome imposter syndrome.2. Craft as Connection* Claire and Amy discuss the transformational magic of reading words aloud — it strengthens writing, reveals emotional truth, and brings resonance.* Vulnerability becomes a strength when shared in a caring, creative circle.3. Building from Community: Amy’s New Project* Amy is crowdfunding an inclusive summer event called "Write-Up" — a celebration of Substack writers with live readings, a DJ, and community joy.* She’s navigating grassroots funding via Space Hive and learning to balance budget, ambition, and accessibility.* Venue ideas include a beautiful West London church where Bridgerton was filmed!4. Creativity After Grief and Change* Amy shares how lockdown, motherhood, and loss created a personal and creative rupture and how Substack has helped her reclaim her voice and purpose.* Claire relates, noting the challenge and opportunity of creative rebirth during and after the pandemic.5. Memoir, Branding & Blending Work and Self* Amy’s Substack blends memoir, event updates, and soon more branding insights (her professional work).* They discuss keeping the platform joyful and light — not a copy of client work, but an expression of personal voice and fun experimentation.6. Storytelling as a Skill* They explore the difference between therapeutic writing vs. storytelling for an audience.* Amy offers feedback, hosts writer circles, and is developing tutorials around:* Finding your protagonist's voice (even if it’s you!)* Crafting arcs and structure* Moving from draft to finished piece* Holding your story at a healthy distance7. Notes, Voice, and Publishing on Substack* Claire reflects on using Substack Notes as a quick publishing tool for longer reflections.* They agree: perfection isn’t necessary — connection is the goal.✨ Final Reflections* This episode beautifully weaves together themes of identity, voice, healing, and collective creativity.* It's a love letter to grassroots community, gentle growth, and the courage to show up — messy, real, and full of hope. 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 Janine De Tillio Cammarata 🖊️, Georgina Dean, Roja, Emily Forbes, and many others for tuning into my live video with Natalie Lue! Join me for my next live video in the app.It was so wonderful to connect with Natalie Lue in the midst of what has been a very turbulent year for her. Natalie speaks her truth like no one I’ve ever met I adore her and I’m delighted to be supporting her new book.https://www.poundproject.co.uk/shop/let-goGrab your copy by 7th Aug. https://www.instagram.com/natlue Pre-order/ support Let Go by purchasing here by 7th August. 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 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 🪩! So sorry my video wasn’t working! What a wonderful exploration and one I’ll treasure as a new creative practise in my tool box! ✨Special offer hereTapping Script Gifts from Evelien | Rainbow Black 🪩 EFT Tapping Scripts with Self Limiting Beliefs – It’s Too LateStart by tuning in to the feeling:When you think about what you’d like to do, but feel like it’s too late…what number would you give that feeling or tension, on a scale from 0 to 10?Side of hand:Even though I believe it’s too late for me…I accept how I feel, and I’m open to the possibilitythat this belief isn’t the whole truth.Even though I think I’ve missed my chance…I choose to be kind to myself anyway.Even though I feel too old, too late, or behind everyone else…I’m willing to gently release that belief.Eyebrow: I am too late.Side of the eye: I should’ve started earlier.Under the eye: Everyone else is further ahead.Under the nose: I feel like I’m falling behind.Chin: I keep comparing and it makes me feel small.Collarbone: What if it is really is too late?Under the arm: I believe I missed my moment.Top of the head:I feel frustrated, sad, and unsure.Second round – creating space for something new:Eyebrow: What if that’s not true?Side of the eye: What if I’m right on time?Under the eye: Maybe I started exactly when I was ready.Under the nose: I can trust my own timing.Chin: I choose compassion over judgment.Collarbone: I don’t need to compare myself to anyone else.Under the arm: Every day is a chance to begin.Top of the head: It’s not too late. I’m exactly where I need to be.Take a deep breath in… and out, and you can stop tappingCheck in again: what number would you give that feeling now?EFT Tapping Script – “They Can Write Better Than Me”Start by checking in:When you think the thought: ‘They can write better than me,’ how true does that feel right now?Give it a number from 0 to 10.Side of hand:Even though I believe others are better writers than me…I love and accept myself deeply and completelyEven though I feel like my writing isn’t good enough compared to theirs…I accept how I feel, and I’m open to the possibilitythat this belief isn’t truth.Even though I keep comparing my writing and it holds me back…I honour my creativity, even if it doesn’t look like theirs.Eyebrow: They write better than me.Side of the eye: Their words sound so perfect.Under the eye: They’re so much more talented then meUnder the nose: I feel like my voice doesn’t matter.Chin: I keep holding myself back.Collarbone: I second-guess everything I write.Under the arm: I think people think it’s not good enoughTop of the head: I’m scared of being rejected.Second round – shifting into self-worth and creative freedom:Eyebrow: What if there’s no one right way to write?Side of the eye: What if my voice is exactly what someone needs?Under the eye: I don’t need to sound like them to be powerful.Under the nose: My words don’t have to be perfect to have value.Chin: I give myself permission to learn and grow.Collarbone: I’m allowed to take up space with my story.Under the arm: I honour the way I express myself.Top of the head: I have my own voice and the is totally ok!Closing:Take a deep breath in… and out, and you can stop tappingCheck in again: how true does it feel now?EFT Tapping Script – “What if they find out I’m not good enough?”Start by tuning in:When you think: ‘What if they find out I’m not actually capable?’ – how true does that feel right now?Give it a number from 0 to 10.Side of hand:Even though I’m scared they’ll see right through me…I allow myself to feel safe being seen and heard.Even though part of me feels like I’m not enough,I choose to remember that I bring value, just as I am.Even though imposter thoughts pop up,I know I’m learning, growing, and showing up with heart.Eyebrow: What if they realize I’m not good enough?Side of the Eye: I’m scared i will disappoint themUnder the Eye: I keep feeling like I have to prove myself.Under the Nose: I belief I am not good enoughChin: I’m afraid of being exposed.Collarbone: What if I mess it up?Under the Arm: This fear is holding me back.Top of the Head: I feel like I’m pretending and that stresses me outSecond round – shifting into feeling good enough:Eyebrow: What if I don’t have to be perfect to be worthy?Side of the Eye: What if I’m doing better than I think?Under the Eye: I give myself permission to learn and grow.Under the Nose: I am allowed to make mistakesChin: It’s safe to be seen – even if it is not perfect.Collarbone: I am perfect with my imperfectionUnder the Arm: I choose to trust myself and what I am cable ofTop of the Head: I’m enough – and proud of myself.Closing:Take a deep breath in… and out, and you can stop tappingCheck in again: how true does it feel now?EFT Tapping Script – Positive Affirmations for Imposter SyndromeLet’s start directly at the eyebrow point.Eyebrow: I’m still worthy when I am imperfectSide of the Eye: I’m doing better than I give myself credit for.Under the Eye: I belong in this space.Under the Nose: I am capable. I am enough.Chin: I trust myself a little more every day.Collarbone: It’s safe for me to show up as I am.Under the Arm: I don’t have to know everything to be valuable.Top of the Head: I choose self-trust over self-doubt.Take a deep breathe in… and out…Eyebrow: I’m allowed to take up space.Side of the Eye: I’m building confidence one step at a time.Under the Eye: My voice matters to the right audienceUnder the Nose: My work makes a difference.Chin: I bring something unique.Collarbone: I release the need to compare myself.Under the Arm: I choose to believe in myself today.Top of the Head: I am becoming the version of me I’m meant to be. And I love it!Put your hands on your heart and take a deep breath in!Research shows that EFT:* Lowers cortisol (your main stress hormone)* Helps create new neural pathways, aka, new thought patterns* Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your rest & restore mode)* Leads to lasting shifts in beliefs and behaviourIn other words:You can think differently, feel differently, and respond differently, not just once, but for good.And yes, it’s evidence-based.There are now over 100 peer-reviewed studies supporting EFT’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and improving performance, focus, and overall well-being.One of the leading researchers in this field is Dr. Peta Stapleton, known for her work on the science behind EFT. Her studies show measurable changes in cortisol levels, brain activity, and emotional regulation after tapping.→ View her publication in Frontiers in Psychologyhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195286/full?lid=16z38ysw0550→ Visit Dr. Peta Stapleton’s website https://www.petastapleton.com/Have a nice day,Evelien Rainbow Black Academy - Tap into happiness! ♥www.rainbowblackacademy.com 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 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