Sparkle on Substack

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

"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

"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. 🤣FOR EVERYONE… ✨ Upcoming Events:Mark your calendars! I'll be speaking at Alnwick Story Fest on March 3rd and the Writer MBA Conference in New Orleans later in March. In May I have a day long creative retreat in partnership with Tanya Lynch at Ease Retreats. Shoutouts and GratitudeA big thank you to Russell Nohelty for our incredible collaboration on "How to Build a World Class Substack" and to Beth Kempton for her inspiring mentorship. And, of course, endless gratitude to my husband for being my constant source of support—and tea. ☕️To our wonderful Sparkle on Substack community, thank you for your unwavering enthusiasm and dedication. You are the heartbeat of this journey.So, let’s step gently onto the Yellow Brick Road of 2025 with a heart full of dreams, a vision clear and expansive, and a community ready to sparkle brighter than ever.📅 Event Recap:Online* Goal Setting Session:Monday, 9:30 AM UK time* Five-Year Visioning Plan:In Person events this year… Alnwick Story Fest , Northumberland, UK:* Sunday 3rd March Tickets - https://alnwickstoryfest.com/. You can also catch Emma Simpson and Juliet Thomas there. Should I organise an official Substack meet up again or does someone else want to? You get a mention from Substack if you do! Writer MBA Conference, New Orleans, USA:* 19-22 March. Tickets here. https://writermba.com/Substack with EASE Retreat * Friday 9 MayMore here https://www.easeretreats.com/retreats Download the digital Sparkle on Substack Planner here and print your copy. Here's to a year of joyful, sustainable growth and creativity. Let’s make 2025 our most magical year yet!With love and sparkles,Claire P.S. - There’ll be less threads this year but feel free to reach out in the Substack chat with any questions, requests, or just to say hello. We're all here for you! 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

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🐥 EARLY BIRD price until 31st December 2024. The wonderful Tanya’s Substack publication and community where you can get more intel about her author/ creativity retreats then meet other’s who search for ease and become entwined with it too;Listen to Tanya Lynch and Toni Jones podcast - these ladies met here at Sparkle on Substack which blows my mind and fills me with gratitude for their beautiful work.https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/podcast ✨Members - you can pop the 2025 dates in your calendar and the LUMA links are live for our January goal setting and visioning classes. Here’s everything you need to SPARKLE on Substack in 2025 Right back to beach walks and box sets. Go well this season and see you all soon,Claire ✨PS - there won’t be a January sale here but I am re-opening the monthly payment subscription option for 3 days starting tomorrow. Access the A-Z library of tutorials, join our January goal setting classes and join our members chat. PPS - The Business of your Substack - my 3 month long mastermind is open for enrolments. If you have a creative business and love Substack it’s for you. 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 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/📖 Buy Beth’s books. Connect on Instagram Beth’s courses over at Do what you Love 🌀Timestamped overview (ai) 00:00 Entrepreneurial mother inspired by her two daughters.08:52 Grief and solace through a comforting book.13:46 Sharing stories helps others feel less alone.16:30 Proud of impactful art, mixed reception, self-acceptance.23:31 Creating a supportive, judgment-free writing community.26:15 Magical decision-making, writing, and community on Substack.32:31 Soul Circle: Private writing community on Substack.37:19 Clarifying resources and support for overwhelmed newcomers.47:55 Struggling to promote Substack due to Instagram blocks.51:22 Invest early in professional design for branding materials.57:53 Christmas: Magic, overwhelm, exhaustion, financial frustration, opportunity.01:01:48 Excited about managing multiple Substack energies properly.01:04:07 Annual preparation, separate free substack, potential fundraising.🎥 Watch our chat on YouTube… Other mentions* The essay I wrote about Lee’s passing, we reference;* Laura Pashby’s book - Chasing Fog. * Calm Christmas 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 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