Sparkle on Substack

Just a reminder, it’s the last month to jump in as a monthly paid member to Sparkle on Substack. It’s currently £11 a month or £95 for the year. On 1st November, I am TAKING OUT the monthly option and the annual price will be £145. That’s a jump from USD $124 to $189 or you can lock in monthly at USD$14. If your a current member your price will always stay the same. ✨Help Lucy Werner meet her goal of reaching 500 paid members and upgrade to her membership with this special 30 day free trial. "And even before I turned on Substack, I'd written about 100 articles on medium just to practice. So I kind of had the, you can actually, if you scroll back to my early medium articles, the headlines and the content are horrendous because I kind of just use that as my public draft notebook. We didn't have an audience there, so it didn't matter."Lucy Werner Want audio only? It’s here;AI Timestamped Overview 00:00 Transitioned from agency owner to teaching DIY PR.03:54 Starting paid subscriptions is challenging but essential.08:17 Needed time to join membership; later invested.11:06 Unusual growth pattern influenced by pricing adjustments.14:24 Volume strategy balances lower price with higher subscribers.19:31 Adjusted pricing due to audience preferences and data.21:07 Incredible story shared, emphasizes audience value clarity.23:35 Lucy's genuine journey is highly relatable and human.26:57 Networking in community fosters diverse support and learning.33:34 Reached over 40,000 people, enjoyed the process.35:35 Substack endorsement could've boosted book's popularity.37:08 Always carry and promote your book creatively.40:44 Contemplating final project launch before year's end.44:25 Improving base tier to spur organic growth.48:17 Expert: B2B data analysis and editorial skills combined.49:56 We're all in service, evolving together constantly.54:13 Never drastically reduce prices; honour initial supporters.57:44 Join workshops to learn and grow your business.How Data Analysis with Amanda B. Hinton Altered My Subscription Pricing: "The data audit was super, super clear that there was a sweet spot where my audience were coming in and the pricing of 20 pounds a month and 150 was way outside of that. So I decided to bring it down."Lucy Werner Watch on YouTube Find and follow Lucy onlinehttps://www.instagram.com/lucywernerpr 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

“One of the things that I like to do with my book is I try and take it everywhere. Because you never know who you're going to meet. And actually, that having a copy on me landed me my biggest ever podcast with the biggest ever, like somebody who had millions of followers on YouTube. I also quite like to stash them places."The video version is here - https://sparkleon.substack.com/p/subscriber-retention-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

"Sometimes I would go into such a flow when I'm in conversation for the podcast that when I listen back, I'm like, wow, I can't believe that I'm that smart."Hannah Harvey Afternoon sparklers, how are you?1001 ways you say - what a gift… let’s chat about the ways you could use audio in the comments!BEFORE I get into it - I wanted to remind you that it’s the VERY last day to grab the early bird price on my NEW audio/ video podcasting course. Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting is the course to kick start your idea into a tangible podcast / audio/ video/ audio plan for your Substack. I’ll support you every step of the way. Join me for four weeks with tutorials to take in your own time, one live group mentoring call and 24/7 chat. Get your podcast planned out, named, branded, learn the tech, set up your flows and get ready to launch right here on Substack. We start with mindset work and finish with a plan/ launch.I’ve got you! We start Friday 1st November. (I am not planning on running another live round but the course will be available to my Diamond Members in January). ✨ 🎙️ ✨I have a BONUS mini video podcast episode for you today with my friend and fellow podcast host Hannah Harvey celebrating her podcast process and leaning into the power of speaking your truth. I invited Hannah over to chat with me because I’ve been absolutely fascinated with her bravery and style when it came to showing up to share her voice. I think you’ll adore her as much as I do, her work is a true gift to women. Hannah has been podcasting for two years and so I jumped in and got her to explain some of her potted reflections for those of you who are curious about starting. "Yes I booked a studio for the day for my first 8 episodes but there were plenty of times when (my co-host and producer) Katie and I were literally sat in my wardrobe just for sound dampening and producing it ourselves." Hannah Harvey Connect with Hannah Harvey https://www.hannahharvey.uk Hannah’s just getting started on Substack so give her a follow/ subscribe? While I’m here, there are lots of audio and video resources in the membership. Head over to the A-Z to find something to unlock the next stage of your 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

🎙️💫"Just because I think it's so interesting through your life how your relationship to money changes and how your experience with money changes and how already there's been kind of patterns of women not being taken seriously around this topic."Keris Fox Ah guys I know I say this every time but it was a DELIGHT to meet Keris. Keris was one of the first people I met here on Substack through my pal Suzy Walker and we reached Substack bestseller (101 paid subs) at the same time back in October 2023. It was in the heady days of growth where I thought everyone was my colleague and friend online - oh wait… Anyway, Keris Fox is a gem and on a one woman missing to spread more joy about lots of things including money, chocolate moose bears and Harry Styles. We don’t shy away from the money chat in this episode and we hope our way of speaking transparently is helpful. “Most books don’t earn out their advance, that’s the reality.” AUTHOR BIO - Keris Fox is the bestselling author of fourteen novels, including adult and YA romcoms and one Christmas novel for younger readers that is not a romance, but does star a talking pug. Her first non-fiction title, The Harry Styles Effect, both a fandom memoir and celebration of Styles, will be published in March 2025. Keris writes two Substacks: her author newsletter, Happy Endings, and The Ladybird Purse, where she interviews women about money and shares her own money misadventures. Keris and her two sons recently moved back to the seaside town she grew up in. She'll never say no to fish and chips on the beach."The biggest advance I got a few years ago was £9000 for one book and I was delighted! Then publication was another year after that so it worked out at more like two and a half grand a year over three years. You celebrate the advance, you forget that you've still got to write the bloody book as well."Shop all the books over at Keris website. Timestamped overview00:00 UK book publishing industry busy with timelines.07:16 Low advances, high royalties, successful book sales.15:24 Marriage, financial independence, and the challenges.16:23 Interviewing women across decades about money, experiences.21:50 Challenges of managing finances with limited income.29:34 Author reflects on book advances and upbringing.35:52 Industry workers navigating economic decisions and emotions.41:20 Free content, follow-ups, and expert interviews.45:14 Link to Keris, compile articles, talk money.51:04 Value proposition for paid content is crucial.55:27 Author documents writing process and personal memories.01:02:58 Building connections, feeling less alone in navigating.Other links we mentionedhttps://bookouture.com/The chocolate bear… We hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear from you in the comments.Claire and Keris!Thank you to my WONDERFUL 💎 Diamond Members for sponsoring season 2 of the 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

Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting on Substack I have had SOOOO many questions about starting and committing to a podcast recently, I decided to make a month long LIVE course to support you. We start November 1st. (If you’re in the membership here at Sparkle on Substack, you can access some light touch resources to help you use audio here on Substack, just head to the a-z and you’ll find everything there).Podcasting starts with having something to say, something you care about… And we don’t have to say it ‘perfectly’. In-fact, in our podcast Linda at Substack shared that people like to see the real human here - those are the people who are growing well here. The people who show up in a way that’s relatable, as themselves not as a perfectly polished performance version of themselves. Thank goodness hey? The course is wholehearted, it’s holistic. It can be scary to sit and record audio home alone, should you go to a studio? What should you call your podcast? Do you want guests? What if they don’t reply to your invite. So many questions! 🎙️ Perfectly, imperfect Podcasting 💫 zooms out to look at where video/ audio podcast content could sit within your content eco system here and across the global air waves.It looks at our barriers and blocks to using our voice, being on video, tracks through planning, design, branding, naming, all the tech you need. Oh and a launch strategy that feels good to you. I’ll also pop your podcast on a stand alone post and tell everyone about it when you launch. A podcast doesn’t actually have to be a podcast. Short on time, how about a themed voice note - that’s where I started and one of the things I attribute to the growth I saw in my first year. Any questions on producing audio here, just ask, it would be a honour to support your audio/ video journey. 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

"When I set up the Heiter Society, I wanted something for myself where I felt less alone, also in my business."Kiki "Yes, to some extent, Heiter is definitely slow living, but it is still beautiful."Kiki I’m thrilled to bring you another exciting episode of Sparkle on Substack the podcast. Kiki and I dive deep into creative processes, the importance of branding, and all things related to building joyful, engaging communities online. 🎧 **Episode Highlights:**1. **Mailing List Moves:** Claire Venus shares her experience of moving her extensive Mailchimp list to her Podia course platform and how she manages to keep her community informed and engaged across multiple platforms. If you're juggling different mailing lists, this segment is a goldmine of practical tips!2. **Flow desk Insights:** Get inspired by her rundown of the platform's features.3. **Formatting Magic on Substack:** For all you content creators out there, Claire provides a detailed demonstration of formatting options on Substack—think centralised quotes, headers, images, and seamless video embeds.4. **Branding Brilliance:** The dynamics of maintaining a consistent brand presence are thoroughly explored. Claire highlights the significance of colours, logos, and pinned posts in creating a cohesive aesthetic.5. **Editorial Shifts:** Claire discusses her decision to shift from heavy topics to lighter content and seeks input on this editorial journey. What are your thoughts on this shift? Let us know!6. **Kiki’s Strengths and Collaborations:** Kiki talks about her passion for fashion, storytelling, and her partnerships with design agencies to craft a sustainable magazine. Plus, discover how she’s integrated support roles like sub-editors and virtual assistants to elevate her projects.7. **Community and Support:** The episode sheds light on various community-building strategies, including Kiki’s use of holistic life coaches and therapists for meditation sessions and book clubs. Claire also shares details of her upcoming masterclass on transitioning Instagram content to Substack.8. **Navigating Substack:** Together, Kiki and Claire explore the ins and outs of Substack, demonstrating its social media integration, writer profiles, and publication features. Get insights on how you can optimise the platform for your creative ventures.🌟 **Exclusive Sneak Peek:** Claire reveals some exciting news about upcoming targeted guest posts on joyful growth and monetisation on Substack. Plus, Kiki gives a shout-out to pre-orders for Heiter’s print issue two, "Homecoming," with a deadline at the end of June. Don’t miss your chance to get this beautiful issue!📌 **Community Engagement:** Concerned about relying too heavily on Substack? Claire reassures with insights on data ownership and maintaining control over your email list. Also, discover different ways to engage your community, both on and off Substack.💬 Join the Conversation We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this episode! How do you manage your editorial decisions and branding across platforms? What are your tips for maintaining consistency and engagement with your community? Kiki/ Heiter onlinehttps://www.heitermagazine.com Sparkle on Substack, the podcast is supported by my Diamond Members. You can find out more about them and support their work 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

"How Paywalls Protect Personal Stories: "People pay, not because it's clickbait, because that's just not for everybody. That part of what they're saying, they only want to share it intimately with people who are part of their inner circle and bought in."Linda @ Substack I was delighted to meet with Linda @ Substack this week to chat all things Substack.Linda is a dedicated member of the writer partnerships team at Substack and has been on the staff team since 2021. Widely recognised for her active presence on Substack Notes, Linda's primary role involves engaging with potential new Substack users in the finance category. 🤓 💰I was SO excited to speak with her for sooo many reasons. The main one? Because she works and supports folks outside of my eco chamber and that’s where as an avid reader and an observer of Substack, I learn the most.She focuses on attracting individuals who can bring unique content and an audience to the platform and has a genuine passion (like me) for Substack's capabilities. Linda strongly believes in Substack's potential for individuals starting from scratch, as she's witnessed many success stories firsthand. Alongside her team, she is committed to fostering open dialogues and providing valuable insights to help new users thrive. She’s eager to share her knowledge and experiences with the community, contributing to the growth and success of Substack as a whole.✨If you’re short on time, I asked cast magic to summarise the lessons, thanks to Adam Ming for the suggestion of adding take aways for those who need them. Here are 10 Substack lessons from Linda1. **Jump Right In**Over-preparation can hinder starting. Embrace imperfection and create now.2. **Embrace the Blank Page**Substack’s design simplicity encourages unique and personal approach. You don’t have to look for a cookie cut out. 3. **From Twitter to Substack**Move from fleeting social media content to permanent, engaging Substack archives and bring your audience.4. **Video Strengths**Utilise video content for deeper, more personal connections with your audience.5. **Community Support**Engage and uplift fellow Substack users through workshops and subscriber chats. 6. **Utilise Headers and Footers**Customise email headers and footers to consistently communicate and engage with readers. Lean into thinking about the messages you want to set for free and paid subs… 7. **Consider Pricing Wisely**To avoid over thinking, start with common pricing models ($5/month, $50/year), and be prepared to adjust based on value.8. **Leverage Recommendations**Substack's recommendation tool helps expand reach and break reader echo chambers.9. **Exploit Machine Learning**Discoverability on Substack enhanced through advanced content recommendations over fixed categories.10. **Sustainable Growth**Avoid burnout with sustainable posting schedules and clear, value-driven pricing strategies for the long term.Sparkle on Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Timestamped Overview00:00 Writer recruiter for Substack, sharing insights today.09:15 Substack only profits if writers profit first.13:12 Substack empowers creators with innovative, user-friendly tools.16:11 Just start creating content on Substack now.23:12 Unsubscribes are inevitable in email marketing efforts.31:04 Team created categories; now observe user behaviour.32:06 Modernly categorising using machine learning, not drop downs.39:16 Balancing day job and monetising creative efforts on Substack.45:27 Sustainable writing schedules can improve long-term success.52:00 Excited, committed to diamond membership's annual model.56:52 Paywall restricts access to intimate, personal content.01:00:34 Nudge yourself out of your echo chamber.✨📙 Book RecommendationsStruggling with public speaking in your videos or podcasts? Check out "How to Own the Room" by Viv Groskop — a fantastic resource for overcoming those jitters and enhancing your communication skills.Seth Godin - all his books! Kevin Kelly - 1000 True Fans 🟧 Other Substacks mentioned… See you in the comments? I’d LOVE to know what you think of this one.Claire 💫Thank you to my WONDERFUL 💎 Diamond Members for sponsoring season 2 of the 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

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”Arthur Ashe It was an absolute JOY to connect with David Speed for my podcast a couple of months back. David and I were at the podcast recording of Creative Coffee by Emma Gannon when she interviewed Farrah @Substack in London and I know both of them will be delighted we made this connection if they see this post. Connection - now there’s a word I overuse but honestly it makes everything possible. When we met he was pretty new to Substack and enjoying bedding in. Just after I spoke with David, he put out this piece which I loved. Well to be honest I love all of his writing; it’s sophisticated, honest and there’s NO snake oil;Speaker BioDavid Speed is a multi-disciplinary artist whose current focus is neon painting.The artist is fascinated by light and shadow and creates work that plays with that drama. David enjoys painting huge murals but is equally happy painting canvas. He relishes the challenge of painting on a small scale using spray paint and pushing the limitations of what is achievable in that medium.In the early 2000’s David was training to be a primary school teacher while balancing a mostly illegal graffiti career. Frustrated at the school system, he realised that by creating art, mentoring artists and now; podcasting, he could help many more people get in touch with their creativity."If you are an artist, or a creative, or a writer or a dancer, and you read, this is marketing, there's so many, your brain will kick ideas in a totally different way than if you're in the marketing space."David Speed Timestamped Overview00:00 From street art to renowned collaborative success.10:24 Started podcast with no experience; everyone agreed.15:48 Be mindful of influences and digital noise.20:14 Building career through influential conversations and a podcast.26:23 Art-infused Liverpool city tour and Instagram insights31:32 Artists explore voice and space in new ways.36:28 1000 true fans theory vital for creatives.40:54 Passionate about creating and supporting art transparently.42:58 Real art impacts people beyond social media.52:53 Encouraging people to make the most of life.56:34 Paints strangers from submitted photos for street art.59:05 Innovations happen when humans have creative freedom.Find David Speed online🌍 https://www.davidspeed.uk/about On instagram;On tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@davidspeeduk Creative Rebels (the podcast on You Tube) - https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRebels "I didn't really want to celebrate people that have already been celebrated. So I started this project called be Neon, where there's a form on my website where you can upload an image, and I will paint you in the street."David Speed Other links/ ideas we mentioned;“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. You've got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing. One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Arthur Ashe 🥰 1000 True Fans - https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/📖 Seth Godin - This is Marketing - https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/This-Is-Marketing-by-Seth-Godin/9780241370148 ✨Your take on this conversation… 💬 We’d love to chat to you more in the comments about the important topics we brought to light in the podcast. There is so much in here about success and commitment and everything we do to make our creative careers work. Sparkle on Substack is sponsored by my Diamond Members. Thanks to them for supporting me so I can make time to have these conversations and bring them to life in the world. You can read more about them and their work 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

“This idea that we are playing a game that we never really know the rules for, and I think that's a feeling that many people have, like thinking about the algorithm and how often should you post and should you do reels and should you do whatever. That feeling made me feel really bad, and I'm just happy that I don't have to deal with that anymore."— Astrid Bracke This episode is supported by my Diamond Members here on Substack. You’ll find links to their publications at the end. It’s the VERY last day to upgrade if you want 1-2-1 support from me for a whole year. 💎 My Sparkle on Substack Diamond Membership is closing until January 2025 and I won’t be offering the 1-2-1 dm perk in the same way again. It will also go up in price. Here are the benefits you unlock immediately including two courses and complimentary podcast sponsorship to help grow your Substack. 💎WELCOME BACK TO Sparkle on Substack the podcast! Conversations with creatives who use Substack and make it make sense for them. Astrid Bracke is a dedicated mentor for small business owners, freelancers, and creatives, championing a slower, gentler approach to business that remains financially rewarding. She aims to help professionals break away from the constant hustle and productivity hacks, nurturing their emotional and mental well-being while ensuring profitability. Astrid supports her clients through personalised one-to-one mentoring and innovative group programs like "Marketing Without Social Media and “Substack for Small Businesses”Additionally, she offers a mini-course on Substack tailored for small business owners and curates a Substack newsletter, which includes a paid segment, providing continuous support and insights for those aspiring to create a balanced and successful business.“And then in October 2021, I fell ill with severe clinical depression. And at that point, I'd actually just decided to take a three week break from Instagram because I just launched a digital product. But with the depression, that break just extended itself for, I think, about five or six months before I started thinking again about, oh, right, there's this thing called Instagram."— Astrid Bracke🌐 Episode Highlights:1. Journey to Selling Products and Services: Claire opened up about her experience transitioning from word-of-mouth promotions to actively selling her offerings. She addresses the common challenge many face – the difficulty of promoting paid services and the risk of giving away too much value for free.2. Clarity in Communication: Both Claire and Astrid emphasise the importance of clear communication. With readers often missing key messages due to short attention spans, it's crucial to consistently remind your audience about what you offer.3. The Power of Connection: Astrid highlights how she nurtures a sense of community through her Substack, "female owned," and her website astridbracke.com. Monthly discussion threads, accountability clubs, and new features for collaboration are just a few of the ways she fosters connections.4. Managing Notifications and Boundaries: Substack is a fantastic creative outlet, but managing notifications can be overwhelming. Claire and Astrid share their strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between personal and business use of the platform.5. Doing Business Differently: Astrid's approach to business – slow, gentle, and profitable – resonates deeply. Her one-on-one mentoring and group programs, like the marketing without social media initiative, offer a refreshing alternative to traditional business strategies.6. Overcoming Social Media Challenges: After experiencing clinical depression, Astrid took a hiatus from Instagram and discovered other effective marketing avenues. Her journey inspires many who feel pressured by the constant presence required on social media platforms.7. Free Resources and Upcoming Courses: Astrid's plan to create more free resources for her subscribers in the coming year is something to look forward to. Plus, don't miss the upcoming relaunch of her self-paced mini course for small business owners, freelancers, and creatives, focusing on using Substack for business growth.✨"If we have a scale on which one to one mentoring is, the most intense way in which I can support people or intensive rather then the newsletter here is at the other end of the scale."— Astrid BrackeTimestamped Overview 00:00 Balancing work, motherhood, and self-care.05:15 Challenges of social media and online focus.09:51 Feeling relieved to leave social media challenges.12:58 Questioning value of social media; prioritizing happiness.15:05 Newsletter supports small business owners and freelancers.18:26 Substack takes time, learning, and patience.21:33 Using Substack for business and marketing strategies.24:33 Thinking creatively about creative outlets on Substack.26:49 Using Substack blurs personal and business boundaries.32:41 Focusing on nurturing community, fostering growth.33:35 Community building, mini podcasts, and new features.38:45 Encouraging sharing and selling to make money.40:57 Balancing self-employment and selling products.44:03 Expressing appreciation for connection and collaboration.Thank you to my Diamond Members who make my work on the podcast possible and help pay for my time and professional edits by Kerry Hinns.✨ Diamond Sponsors 💎Alice Kuipers from Confessions & Coffee Amanda B. Hinton from The Editing Spectrum Amy Ray from The Meandering MuseCaroline Donahue from Book Alchemy | WebsiteCatherine Rayner from Catherine Rayner Studio - behind the scenes... | WebsiteCatherine Wilde - SoulCareMom from Soul Care Mom with Catherine Wilde | WebsiteDanusia Malina-Derben from Parents Who Think | WebsiteGray Jordan from Gray Jordan: Spellbound by Colour | WebsiteGill Moakes from It's a People Thing | WebsiteJan Fortune from Alchemical wonderings with Jan Elisabeth | WebsiteJennifer Murphy from The Celtic Creatives | WebsiteJo Taylor from Seeds, Weeds and Wildflowers Layla O'Mara from beauty & bone | InstagramLouise Edington from Cosmic Owl | WebsiteLouise Tilbrook from Everyday Knitter | WebsiteNicole Lawrence from Re:birth with Nicole Lawrence | WebsiteRuth Cooper-Dickson from Coffee with Coops | InstagramSteph Wright from in the arena | InstagramTuğba Avci from as slow as possibleZoe Gardiner from Postpartum Matters CIC | Website 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

It was a JOY to meet my pal Suzy Walker for the Sparkle on Substack podcast. Suzy talks to us about ‘starting from scratch’, making the most of our presence online and following your heart even when it tells you to leap!Suzy is a coach (once named one of the top ten in the UK) and former Editor-in-Chief of Psychologies magazine.She’s been privileged to have interviewed some of the best self-development greats in the world, from Oprah to Brené Brown, and loves finding tools, books, and experts that support us in making our own leaps in life.When I met Suzy, my entire life and the way I was building it felt more possible. She told me; “Claire look at this, you are living it.” And I felt that. Those moments where friends, colleagues, new pals really see you - it’s like a lightening bolt. Suzy is my lightening bolt of confirmation often. At the time, two things were true; I was living it and my husband was very sick and I was very scared. Later in our friendship, we met for coffee and I was telling her my goals for Sparkle on Substack and my hope for replacing income from a tricky commissioned project. She looked at me again and said - £350 a month? You can do that. And again I realised yes, yes I can. The income arrived in a flash and I let go of that tricky comissioner. “You can build your own creative universe on Substack. It’s like heaven and you can also earn money. I can’t believe it.” Suzy Walker Here’s Suzy Walker in her own words;The Heart Leap newsletter is about tools, ideas, and people who help us make a leap in thinking so we feel inspired and uplifted rather than trapped, stuck, and downhearted.It’s for writers who want to write and get their books out into the world but who find writing a hard slog but don’t want to give up the dream. Think of Heart Leap as your very own cosy writing nook.Heart Leap is also for people starting again, literally or metaphorically. I’ve just left a big job and my life in London to start again in the wilds of Northumberland, so I’m right here beside you.For paid subscribers, we have the Heart Leap Club, which has monthly self-development workshops with brilliant experts and weekly writing hours where you get to hang out with writers for two hours a week and get your books and blogs finished.(Here’s me by my magic tree on a hill, which overlooks a fairy tale castle and whispers ideas and grants wishes.)“Live a life that makes your heart leap”Suzy Walker Timeline00:00 Loving work, overwhelmed but in growth phase.04:06 Transitioned from busy London to peaceful Northumberland.08:23 Substack offers new freedom for creators.12:41 Substack fosters creativity and kindness in business.14:32 Sustainable, joyful approach to consumer education.17:09 Excited to collaborate on self development portal.20:30 Substack offers collaboration and networking opportunities.25:35 Honing in on sophisticated editing process.26:56 Finding audience interest through experimentation and response.30:14 You are kind, reassuring, and trustworthy.34:22 Prioritising safety and giving oneself grace.38:05 Podcasting allows for diverse and engaging content.39:21 Juliet Thomas turns play into successful novel.44:19 Positive impact of memoir serializations on sales.48:16 Embracing neurodiversity, simplicity, and pursuing dreams.49:45 Balancing digital consumption for a clearer mind.52:35 Finding a space for uplift and joy.More connects * Weekly writing sessions - https://heartleap.substack.com/p/room-to-write* Suzy on Instagram * Buy the Heart Leap necklace!! * Join the Heart Leap community. * Juliet Thomas at Under the Trees * Alnwick Story Fest website - 28 Feb - 2 March 2025 - see you there!! Also in this episode* The Rejection Palace - Open Call We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments!Claire and Suzy Walker 💕Thank you to my WONDERFUL 💎 Diamond Members for sponsoring season 2 of the 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