Sparkle 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

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

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

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

Discover the journey of launching a Substack in 2025, emphasizing mindset and creativity. The speaker discusses the power of personal storytelling and the importance of vulnerability in writing. Learn how emotional experiences shape artistic expression, along with strategies to tackle imposter syndrome. Insights on authenticity in branding are shared, encouraging listeners to trust their intuition while building their unique presence. This episode is all about fostering growth and connection through genuine content.

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

Russell Nohelty, a writer and publishing expert, dives into the intricacies of building a successful Substack. He shares his journey from a sole trader to team leader and the emotional struggles that accompany that shift. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic audience engagement and explores new strategies for retaining subscribers amidst community changes. Russell also discusses leveraging AI in writing without losing emotional authenticity, providing insight into the evolving landscape of content creation.

“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