Sparkle on Substack

“I am a person who believes really strongly that like there is no scarcity in creativity. The more I create the more I can create. The more I write the more I will write. So I’m not worried about like oh god I’m gonna run out of ideas. It’s never happened.” Alix Klingenberg Thank you Mary Beth Kaplan🪶, Laia Bové, Jazmon Bradley, Angela Limb, Nance Scott, and many others for tuning into my live video with Alix Klingenberg! Join me for my next live video in the app.Subscribe to Alix Klingenberg here…Buy her book - Quietly Wild - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Quietly-Wild/Alix-Klingenberg/9798887621531Ai Summary - thanks Claude Summary: Community Conversation with Claire Venus and Alix KlingenbergThis conversation features Claire Venus, an engagement consultant and Substack expert, in discussion with Alix Klingenberg, a poet, spiritual director, and author, about community building on Substack.Key Points About Alix:Background & Work:* Spiritual director who helps people find meaning through earth-based, science-driven spiritual practice* Writes on Substack about connecting with the land and recognizing ourselves as part of nature* Author of four poetry collections: Secrets and Stars, Bread, Sex, Trees, Hermit Season, and Quietly Wild* Quietly Wild features her film photography alongside seasonal poetry, published by Mandala Earth* Started on Substack in March 2024Creative Philosophy:* Believes in connecting with inner rhythms and seasonal cadences* Her poems represent her “neurotic self talking to her more calm, centered higher self”* Finds spring and fall most creative; struggles in November* Emphasizes that scarcity doesn’t exist in creativity—the more you create, the more you can createSubstack Approach:* Writes weekly free newsletters with creative prompts* Offers monthly live writing calls for paid subscribers (unrecorded to create safe space)* Runs seasonal programs like “Secrets and Stars” with creative prompts and writing sessions* Values organic, non-viral growth and building authentic community* Appreciates how Substack allows email list ownershipCommunity Building:* Trained as a community facilitator* Focuses on helping people see their innate gifts and become unafraid of showing up* Creates spaces for people to write and share half-baked ideas safely* Has written 100+ articles through consistent practiceThe conversation emphasizes sustainable creative practice, honoring natural rhythms, and building genuine community through thoughtful engagement rather than chasing viral growth. 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

“I’ve created a new email for myself - just for Substack - it’s a game changer.” Eleanor Tweddell 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.ukConnect 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. * Another Door Opens 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 ClaudePodcast Summary: Sparkle on Substack with Claire Venus & EleanorThis 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 transitionsWriting 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 spaceBooks & 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 booksAudience 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 contentReading & 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 nicheLooking 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 landscapeKey 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. 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 Swedish term lagom (pronounced roughly as 'lah-gom') is a word and cultural concept that roughly translates to "just the right amount" or "not too much, not too little". It has no single direct English translation but encapsulates the Swedish principle of balance, moderation, and sufficiency in all aspects of life.” “Those I’ve followed for 10 years are those that allowed themselves to evolve and experiment. People follow the energy and excitement, not the sameness.” Subscribe to Elin here… Ai summary - thanks ClaudeJoyful Growth: A Conversation with ElinOverviewClaire and Elin discuss maintaining joy and authenticity as creators across a decade of building online businesses, part of the January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and Claire Key ThemesThe Reality of Creative Work* Not always joyful: Elin emphasizes that building a creative business online hasn’t been joyful every single day* Cycles are natural: Both creators experience periods of high creative output followed by quieter, more difficult phases* Return to basics: When overwhelmed, the solution is always returning to the art itself—creating for the joy of itThe Journey* Elin started in 2016 on Instagram with hand embroidery, experiencing rapid viral growth* Built across multiple platforms gradually: Instagram first, then Pinterest, then YouTube* Started writing on Substack two years ago as a way to reconnect with creative joy* Has been running some form of subscription for eight yearsManaging Growth and Expectations* Cultural conditioning: Elin discusses Swedish “lagom” culture (don’t be too much, be steady) and how it influenced her approach* The hamster wheel trap: Easy to replicate the same patterns you’re trying to escape when monetizing passion* Outsourcing excellence: Never give control of your creative practice to external rules—whether business coaches, algorithms, or platform requirementsPivots and Transitions* Ellen launched a second Substack (art magazine) while guilt-ridden about leaving Instagram* Faced challenges when moving existing email subscribers to Substack* Currently in another transition phase, rebranding and moving away from subscriptions* Recognizes different business models serve different life seasonsKey InsightsOn Authenticity: “I deeply struggle with performance. The way I keep going is by committing to being transparent about it as a way to kill the shame.”On Starting: “Move your ass and your mind will follow” - you can’t think your way out of creative blocks; you must physically createOn Qualifications: “Nobody can target me for not being an expert at my own experience because literally that’s what I lived.”On Platform Relationships:* Think of platforms as marriages—there will be honeymoon periods and difficult seasons* Building on borrowed land has trade-offs, but can still be valuable* The key is maintaining your own creative center regardless of platform changesPractical Wisdom* Create one thing daily (stitch away keeps the doctor away)* Add platforms gradually, not all at once* Keep non-monetized creative practices alongside business* Self-care checklist: When wanting to quit, check—are you tired? Hungry? Need a walk?* Use triggers as mirrors: When feeling envious or frustrated online, examine what it reveals about your own needs* Create before you consume: Protect your creative energy from comparison and distraction* You only need one reason to start: “I want to” is enoughOn Subscriptions and Sustainability* Subscriptions can provide stability during intense life seasons (young children, house moves, life pivots)* They serve as an anchor to keep creating during difficult times* Different business models suit different life phases* It’s okay to pivot when something no longer serves youFinal Message* The only constant is change* Never outsource your excellence to external validation* Vulnerability is part of our humanity, not a weakness* Joy comes from the art itself, and growth follows as a byproduct* “Evolve or die”—not physical death, but the death of living asleep to your creative potential - Claire attributes to Ana Forest - her yoga teacher - the concept of evolving to stay awake. 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🪶, David Venus, Georgina Dean, Kyra Faison-Gardner, Amy Ray 🍃, and many others for tuning into my live video with Russell Nohelty! Come and join us inside of January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and 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

“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 🖊️, Thaddeus Howze, Katherine Baldwin, Louise Tilbrook and many others for tuning into my live video with Amy Suto! Amy’s online spaces…* https://www.amysuto.com/* https://www.instagram.com/sutoscience/* https://www.tiktok.com/@sutoscience?lang=en * https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-suto-46194842/* Pre-order Write for Money and Power worldwide - https://www.amysuto.com/write-for-money-and-power* If you’re in the UK, use this pre-order link Amy’s book - https://amzn.eu/d/eG26KV1 The transcript is included and I asked ai to summarise it for you…Podcast Summary: Amy Suto on Building a Seven-Figure Writing CareerIn this inspiring conversation, Claire Venus speaks with Amy Suto a seven-figure founder, bestselling author, and ghostwriter about building a sustainable creative career without chasing starving artist myths.Key Topics Covered:Building Multiple Income Streams Amy shares her philosophy of doing “epic things” then teaching others how to replicate that success. She runs multiple ventures including ghostwriting memoirs for high-paying clients, her Substack “Pseudoscience,” and Make Writing Your Job—a writing jobs board that added nearly $200,000 in annual recurring revenue in 12 months.Breaking the Starving Artist Myth Amy’s forthcoming book “Write for Money and Power” (January 2025) challenges the romanticized notion that writers must be broke. She outlines three essential income engines: self-publishing books, paid newsletters on Substack, and freelancing—all working together to create a sustainable creative career.Transparency and Community From her first $10,000 as a freelance writer to seven figures, Amy has openly shared her income journey, believing transparency helps others see what’s possible. She emphasizes returning to your “why” and building for community rather than getting caught in comparison traps.Practical Growth Strategies The conversation explores energy management over time management, setting boundaries with technology, and smart content distribution. Amy reveals that 30% of their paid traffic comes from LinkedIn and shares tactics for repurposing Substack content across platforms without triggering algorithm penalties.Protecting Creative Energy Both speakers discuss the importance of taking breaks, managing nervous system responses to online visibility, and creating systems that prevent burnout while maintaining profitable businesses.Other people we mention in the call.Katie Chappell at Illustrator Jobs Board.My Invite to you to join - 12 Chapters Club - join us! It’s my free book writing club for 2026 - we work on one chapter a month for 12 months - space holding, reminder emails and all the tea about my goal to write 10 books in 10 years.https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/12-chapters-club 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🪶, Julie Schmidt, Gabriela Blandy, Georgina Dean, Dianne, and many others for tuning into my live video with Jen Baxter ✒️! Join me for my next live video in the app.Jen supports authors to arrive to Substack and she’s BRILLIANT.Here’s the post I reference with my tips in there… 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 discussion dives into the challenges of subscription fatigue and the overwhelming expectations on both creators and subscribers. Java shares her bold choice to turn off paid subscriptions, emphasizing the need for personal permission in creating content. They explore the emotional toll of subscriber churn and the importance of fostering deeper connections over relentless growth. The conversation also touches on alternative revenue models like workshops and art sales that prioritize creator peace and well-being.

Thank you The Artist's Toolbox, Daria Diaz, Sarah Raad, Annelise Riles, Jo Thomas 🌿and many others for tuning into my live video! Add your favourite planners in the comments and I’ll do the same.Want to download the Substack Planner or other gifts - they are 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