Sparkle on Substack

"And now I realise that that was the best education I ever could have got in how to write and how to be a writer."Tamzin Merivale Morning Everyone!Oh wow you guys are in for SUCH a treat with this podcast. 🍬I’ve had a go another go at editing and decided it’s not for me - it’s fine but I’d rather not do it so although a good experiment, I’m so relieved to have found someone who loves the work I do here and can edit podcasts - yay! ✨ This whole podcast has been an experiment; I wanted to record 12 episodes, I wanted to learn about the whole process of podcasting, dance with it’s needs and wants, I wanted to model it for you. If you are considering using audio on Substack, this one’s for you;✨Onwards… Back in November ‘23, I spoke with Tamzin about art, taking our time and intuitive writing and art work… We chatted about the new dimension Substack has enabled in her work, visuals that stop us in our tracks, monetising and hosting membership here. We talk about giving our work space and time to thrive and how deflating that has felt over on IG. Creative breath and our life forceI realised as I recorded with Tamzin that I felt tired. Not tired of conversations like this one, no this was wholly energising. No - I’m tired of plugging into a sector that asks us to burn ourselves out in the name of art and participatory delivery. That’s why I pivoted my work from real life to online.Sitting with Tamsin gave me so much insight into the world of her gentle and soulful creativity it felt like sweet medicine to me. Re-listening to this conversation 8 weeks later has spurred me on to keep doing the work to support as many creatives as I can through this platform. It’s my driver but in that I need more down time because the online world is WILD. Just yesterday someone sent me a ridiculous email I deleted after wondering if I should reply… guys I’m not used to it! 😳 To diversify our income using Substack as perhaps our first step (?) into entrepreneurial work is a bold choice. One we’re all at the vanguard of and modelling to each other generously in real time. Sharing generosity in it all is so important to me. Please know if you are in financial hardship and need a subscription to Sparkle on Substack it’s yours - no questions asked. The exchange; belief that my work can hold you to make a change for yourself and impact others positively in the world and a promise to pay it forward when you can. Meet TamzinTamzin Merivale is an intuitive artist, writer and creative mentor. In creating her unique Soul Sign Energy Portraits, Tamzin guides her clients through an immersive experience to unearth their powerful selves, their incomparable light, their impact and their strength. Her writing gives readers tools and insights to release their struggles and live a life that feels expansive, free and aligned. Tamzin's mission is to hold space for greater empathy and understanding, as these are the true enemies of prejudice, judgment and discrimination.Follow Tamzin on instagram. Read more about her soul portraits Transitioning from the squares of instagram to the expansive canvas of Substack"And that can feel really awkward that we have to keep repeating it and say it again and say, this is who I am. This is what I offer, this is what I do. But I think that's one trap I see with people on Substack is that they're just writing and writing and writing and writing and writing, and that's great, go for it. But I think publishing, especially if you don't have a huge following anyway, publishing 20 to 30 minutes reads, people aren't going to engage with that."Here’s your timestamped overview;00:00 Unique portrait work captures women's inner power.03:27 Cherishing personal stories, especially from resilient women.07:08 Excitement for Instagram faded, switched to Substack.10:14 Substack community fosters collaboration and appreciation.13:15 Substack offers freedom for authentic expression, creatively.16:17 Artists struggle with defining success on social media.20:08 Disappointed by losing swipe up feature.25:26 Substack writing on well-being and psychology exploration.28:14 Substack writing process leads to creative growth.31:56 Letting go of weights and floating up.35:15 Discovering passion through soul portraits and sales.37:43 Finding inspiration, exploring shadows, staying connected.41:32 Emotionally moving digital capture project about friendship.45:43 Embracing energy, simplicity, and client focus.46:55 Offering workshops, free posts, and paid content.51:10 Continuous journey of growth and self-awareness.53:17 Embrace refining work and avoiding overwriting.* Read the transcript (except I’m sorry about the Welsh) 👀* Watch our convo on YoutubeI’d love you to pop back and let Tamzin and I know what this conversation sparked for you. We’ll meet you in the comments. Thanks as always for being here and supporting my work here at Sparkle on Substack. 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

"Substack is such an incredible model for writers. I started putting out my Wednesday personal essay on here as well as a Monday kind of business coachy email. And then I launched a podcast called Home..."Annie RidoutHi all,Good morning! ✨I’m back with another jam packed episode of Sparkle on Substack and I will be straight up with you that I’m between podcast editors and I can’t get to grips with the hyper focus I need for garage band so I’m just putting this one out and revisiting all that editing space with a fresh take in Spring.🍯 💖Introducing ✨ Annie Ridout. Annie is a London based author of three books, journalist, ghostwriter, poet, life coach. She’s passionate about Substack and work/ life balance. She’s ambitious and grounded. I know you are going to be super interested in her journey. Annie holds space for people to gather. Forced out of work in early motherhood, she set up a wildly successful platform for parents called ‘The Early Hour’I adored the conversation with Annie and I was delighted she made the time to speak with me. We explored managing energy online, boundaries, opportunities, the evolving publishing landscape and balancing free/ paid for content here.As authors and writers, it can be challenging to navigate the industry and find opportunities and it was brilliant to hear Annie share her experience of securing a book deal and the unique journeys to get there with each book.You can read and subscribe to Annie’s Substack here;* The Freelance Mum* Shy* Raise your SQSubstack offers immediate publishing opportunities and there’s magic in that and so so much opportunity for us, for all of us no matter where we are in our journey.https://annieridout.substack.com/https://annieridout.com/https://www.instagram.com/annieridout/Ready to get your sparkle on?Let's go! Come back and chat here when you’ve listened? I’d love to know what you think and what chimes for you in service, opportunity and creativity?ClairePS - If you enjoy the episode please leave me a 5star review on Apple Podcasts so others can find my podcast there 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

WELCOME back to Sparkle on Substack. After a slight hiatus, I’m bring some more episodes of the podcast back. These episodes aren’t edited - they are a more casual affair. Hope you enjoy! I’ve got a couple of episodes planned but let me know who you’d like to hear from on the pod this year? I’d love to know - I love chatting with folks about their Substack journey.✨In episode 9, I’m joined for an epic chat by Russell Nohelty. I am a HUGE fan of Russell’s work. I met him on Substack notes and I joked (but it’s true) I need to print his writing out and grab my pink highlighter to digest all the good stuff.He’s truly a wizard when it comes to the business of being an author and is doing great things here on Substack. There are 40 ish hours to go to back his latest kickstarter campaign… 💨Russell Nohelty is a seasoned creative entrepreneur His work has continuously evolved to help authors not just thrive financially but also fortify their careers on rock-solid foundations. His journey in nurturing creative talent began in earnest with the launch of his project, The Complete Creative, which ran from 2016 to 2020. Featuring a 200-episode podcast, this venture offered insights and resources for burgeoning creatives.Russell carried forward the wisdom garnered from the Complete Creative into his subsequent endeavour; The Author Stack. Here, he meticulously curated his extensive knowledge on author growth, aiming to provide a structured blueprint for success in the literary world.Central to Russell's philosophy are the five pillars of building a creative career: * crafting exceptional work* mastering sales techniques* growing a dedicated audience* excelling at live events* and launching products with efficacy. He believes these pillars are indispensable for any author wishing to leave a lasting imprint in the industry.In collaboration with Monica Leonelle, his business partner and a fellow advocate for author empowerment, they have crafted 'Direct Sales Mastery for Authors,' a comprehensive guide now premiering on Kickstarter (2 days left to support), encapsulating proven strategies and actionable advice for authors eager to take control of their sales and elevate their careers. This initiative is yet another testament to Russell Nohelty's unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant, self-sustaining community of successful authors.You can find Russell Nohelty right here on Substack! ✨ Russell's Top Tips for Creators:* The art of branding: Learn to attract and grow your audience with intentional branding decisions.* The significance of being "recommendable" - understand the pivotal role of share-ability in your work's success.* Finding balance with paywalls: Insider advice on what content stays free and what goes behind a paywall.🧙‍♀️Have a question about how we use Substack?We’l love to know what you thought of this episode; let me know in the comments?Do hop over to our shared FAQ on Substack post which is the partner post for this episode. The comments are still open and there’s a wealth of information there. If you’d like to watch the video of this recording it’s here.Sending sparkles for your day ahead and thanks for listening!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

"My Substack; The Unraveled Heart is not a standalone business. This is an extra piece of my entire ecosystem. My main job is teaching creative courses online. That’s my number one job. So my Substack at the moment is supporting that a little bit, but I almost want to nurture that as an integral piece of the ecosystem."Hi all,How’s your Saturday going? ✨I’m back with another jam packed episode of Sparkle on Substack and I will be straight up with you that I have run out of time and patience scheduling space for edits and I just needed this one out in the world!! 🍯 💖Podcasting ProcessI want to model what is going on for me in real time in bringing a podcast to life.I can’t dance with perfectionism when it comes to creativity. Well I could, but he’s a mesmerising type and I’m not hear for Greek Mythology.I’m here to be of service SO this episode is without music and an intro/ out-tro. It’s our conversation as it was and I’m SO cool with it. Some of my YouTube subs got a sneak peak this week and of course my members here on Sparkle get everything first but I don’t want to hide anything away for too long. It’s all about balance and this one is such a CRACKER! I adored the conversation with Susannah and I was delighted she booked herself into my calendar for this chat. I was nervous to meet her (hello online biz newbie)! but I needn’t have been, she instantly put me at ease and I just adored getting to know her more. Introducing SusannahSusannah Conway – author, business owner, teacher, writer, Substacker, and an all-around creative powerhouse turning the internet into her canvas since 2006. You can read and subscribe to her Substack here;Susannah has just launched her Unravel your Year journalling workbook. She’s been making these and putting them out in the world for over a decade. I wanted to give you guys the head’s up because it’s SUCH a powerful and beautiful end of year practise. I just got mine printed with doxdirect. You can also join her in two end of the year workshops. Susannah joined me to spill the tea on why she didn't move her HUGE 30k+ email family over to Substack, preferring instead to cultivate a fresh and intimate circle of (4,592) subscribers and counting. 🫖🎙️"If I say, right, every month, I'm going to make you a podcast, and then that next month, I don't want to do it for whatever reason that traps me. And then I either can't do it, won't do it, feel resentful about it, all these feelings that I shouldn't have about making a quick audio."She's fiercely open-hearted about her work. We'll get the lowdown on her love for photography, the ins and outs of navigating the perimenopause galaxy, and how sprinkling a little design magic can totally transform your work and hold your readers here on Substack. It’s such a vibrant world of creative living, getting bold and raw about midlife adventures, and diving deep into the twists and turns of neurodivergence.Susannah Conway, my online muse who is reshaping how we think about creative work, connection, and well, just doing you in an expansive online world we’re all invited to share in.Ready to get your sparkle on? Let's go! Come back and chat here when you’ve listened? Claire xPS - If you enjoy the episode please leave me a 5star review on Apple Podcasts so others can find my podcast there 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

Hi all,I’m bringing you another ‘Stay Creative on Substack’ post. There are a couple of others here in my Substack Growth Tips tag if you fancy a read. I ran out of head space to write them because Substack moves SO quickly so there’ll be more seasonal now I think. I’m testing the inbuilt video feature today. There’s also a transcript for this video if you’d prefer to read?I’ve had the video function for a while but didn’t use it as it was too tricky to set previews. I currently don’t share any video in-front of the paywall. I set that creative boundary for myself so I could feel more relaxed here. Make of that what you will… 🙉This video was recorded on zoom because I trust it 98% and when you run your business in school hours trust on tech is important. So many times I’ve been wrapping up a video when my husband David Venus is headed back from the school run. Little footsteps skip up the stairs, I press upload to youtube and we’re done! Once I have my videos saved in zoom I pop them into YouTube as unlisted links so I can share with my guests more easily. YouTube also plugs in captions. Substack does not. If you want to watch this video with captions, email me and I’ll send you the link. Today, I also uploaded my zoom video into the Substack video player/ editor as a test for you! The video uploaded FAST and I also switched on the transcript button so you can read our chat if you prefer. Video - it’s not new, what’s the fuss?There have been some fair and tricky chats in Notes about video and how we all feel regarding Substack’s announcement of video. Some conversations about why we feel the way we do, our nervous systems and permission. Some conversations about the broader intention of Substack… growth and style. I’m going to link a couple here if you want to join in… the concern is (mainly) about autoplay. And one lovely one for balance from the lovely guys at Feasts and Fables My thoughts are nuanced. I will say; I do not do well with autoplay and it is BAD for the environment, it’s bad for our nervous systems and it changes our user experience. Long term, we’ve gone from being able to sit with words in our own space and at our own pace to being utterly bombarded with video across multiple platforms. Remember we are still inherently tribal, we just want to connect.Here on Substack we got chance to remember what it was like to be able to sit with words again. Have thoughts, join gentle conversations round the camp fire.The choice we make to use Substack is one of our own and I hope you will make space to consider what’s right for you when it comes to video and not be influenced by what others are doing.So to our video test!I recorded with my friend and podcast host over at Company of Two Laura. You can head to Laura’s Substack over at Destination: Balance? We delve into Laura’s decision to rebrand and re-title her Substack, her content overview, ideas for going paid and providing paid for content and her new podcast. It’s very exciting. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Here are the options the video editor gave me.NB you can opt out of pulling your video through your RSS podcast feed. Thanks Sarah Fay for confirming how; it’s just before you hit post! I can’t remember who was asking but there you go… ✨✨✨So video, what do you think? Will you use it? Do you think it will bring more creators over?I’d love to chat to you about it.Claire x ✨ 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 actually want this (Substack) to be something that other people truly do see themselves in. Like, it's outside of me. Yes, I'm managing it, and I'll still write stories, including personal stories, but it's not just about me. It's more about topics that I have personal experience with."Cait Flanders✨Welcome back to the Sparkle on Substack podcast where we explore what it means to be creatives who also write. In this episode, I’m joined by Cait Flanders , a super talented writer, author and editor behind the newly renamed Substack publication Explore Within by Cait FlandersCait takes us on a journey through the evolution of her publication here on Substack (and what came before) and shares incredibly generous insight along the way. It was a JOY to spend time with her at the end of summer… I feel like I also got a beautiful mentoring session as part of the pod recording too. I adore her approach as you can tell and I think you will too!In this episode... We dive into Cait’s decision to change the name of Substack from Hi Friend to Explore Within, and the profound implications it has on the content she creates and the community she fosters. As Cait explores the direction of her publication, she reflects on a previous job as a managing editor and how it influenced her approach to working with writers. I loved hearing Cait share her vision of creating a publication that resonates with others, encouraging them to see themselves reflected within its pages.Cait also delves into the challenges of managing contact methods and cutting off social media platforms to alleviate burnout and focus on her writing projects. We chat about our (sometimes complex) relationship with ‘Substack Notes’ too. I loved hearing more about Cait's past experiences, including the release of her first book, "The Year of Less," and the impact it had on managing ‘presence’ online. I quiz Cait on online boundaries, managing viral energy and “versions” of ourselves online. You can buy Cait’s BRILLIANT books wherever you are in the world via her website. Timestamped Podcast Overview Thanks a.i 😉00:01:06 Author Cait Flanders, known for "The Year of Less," shares her journey of minimalism and personal finance through books and blogs.00:03:08 Stopped blogging, felt burnt out, missed writing. Substack fit the bill.00:10:22 SUPER Proud of my old blog and book.00:14:00 Book launch was intense, felt vulnerable.00:18:31 Trying to find the right balance and frequency for journaling sessions.00:21:08 Shifting focus to community on Substack.00:27:37 Embrace personal creative process, speak out.00:30:29 Title changed from Hi Friend to Explore Within. Expand focus beyond personal blog. Prompt for writers to share their explorations.00:35:00 Nuanced invite to be present and authentic.00:40:59 Writing blog, had guest writers, busy life, growth, collaborative experience, managing editor, handling pitches.00:46:42 Reduced contact options, improved focus on writing.00:49:52 People had mixed feelings about Notes. There's filtering and notifications, unlike social media. Some left the platform due to difficulty.00:54:00 Having no plans, but enjoying the journey.00:56:11 Seeking a proper business that fulfils creatively.Watch our chat over on my YouTube channel Subscribe to my youtube to receive podcast and free video tutorial content before anyone else. Would love to hear what you think of our chat and what it sparks for you?Claire (and Cait)xxPS - The piece I mention that woke me up demanding to be written at 3.30am one morning… 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

In this episode, Sarah Fay, an expert on Substack, discusses the unique voice of work on Substack. She highlights the importance of community-building, self-publicity, and the integration of commercial offerings. The chapter also explores the benefits of Substack for writers and the power of memoirs and addressing mental health. Craft advice, content preferences, and reflections on Substack and future goals are also discussed.

Welcome back to another episode of Sparkle on Substack, hosted by Claire Venus! FIRSTLY - thank-you SO much for supporting my work and being part of the community here on Sparkle.In today's episode titled "The Growth Episode,"we go on a journey of my recent “successes” and deep into some personal reflections on the platform. I’m sharing the joy and excitement of reaching 1000 subscribers on Sparkle on Substack and how it felt WILDLY different from my previous experience to hitting the same milestone on my first publication Creatively Conscious. I also discuss the hybrid nature of Substack, where readers engage both through email and the Substack app and the power of social media in celebrating success and milestones.There’s a TOP TIP at the end of this episode and the video with screen share and captions is here. You can view the transcript on Substack desktop. Listen to the other episodes of Sparkle on Substack in the collection here. ✨Thank-you all so much for being here and supporting my work! Let’s sparkle on Substack!Claire x 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

“Substack has brought back a feeling of possibility. There are so many like minded, lovely people out there that I've never, ever come across on a single other platform in all the years of being on them. And suddenly I've come on Substack and they're all here, and it's like, wow, this is really nice." Sarah Raad🎙✨Sarah Raad is a creative coach and mentor who specialises in working with creative women in small businesses. As a coach, she focuses on both the mindset and strategic aspects of their businesses. Sarah's clients include a wide range of creative professionals such as illustrators, jewellery designers, garden designers, branding experts, and fellow coaches. She helps them explore their potential, redefine what is possible for their businesses, and guides them in areas such as pricing, products, marketing, visibility, and income generation. Sarah also conducts group coaching sessions in addition to individual coaching.I am proud to call Sarah Raad a friend. Sarah took my Substack masterclass back in March and we voice noted endlessly about how to make Substack work as part of our business eco-systems. It’s not easy but it is possible for service providers - we are right to ask questions first before getting starry eyed over the lovli-ness of Substack. We both worked in the cultural sector in the same city; Sarah in marketing and me in festivals and events and yet we never met in person until earlier this year! Sarah has a no nonsense approach to Substack, to marketing and to business - I’ve learnt so much from her. Podcast overview…Here is the timestamped overview to give you an indication of the content in our podcast call/ interview together;[00:00:40] Coaching creative women, focusing on mindset.[00:04:07] Cultural organisations need transparent spending. Marketing obstacles are often self-imposed.[00:08:05] Social media gives us a platform. Important to know audience; build networks. Marketing is essential for small businesses.[00:11:06] Focus, consistency, and co-creation on social media.[00:15:26] Social media noise deafening, moved to Substack.[00:18:08] Substack is interesting, unlike social media.[00:22:13] Lost in Instagram echo chamber, limited reach. Substack offers deeper connection, talent showcase.[00:29:16] Self-expression and the impact of likes. Supportive community on Substack. Spaciousness and generosity in sharing content.[00:33:19] Substack Notes fosters thoughtful and interesting content.[00:35:53] Stay true to your community, embrace Substack.[00:40:38] Platforms like Substack allow users to build a mailing list, unlike Instagram or Twitter where followers have little value. It's important to focus on building a list for monetisation.[00:44:30] Substack offers diverse platforms without algorithmic issues.[00:49:16] Membership growth plans, evergreen content creation. Nice community.[00:51:39] Substack: A beacon of inspiration and generosity[00:54:51] Substack needs balance in user strategy, encourage readers.If you’d like to read our transcript it’s here or if you’re reading on desktop you’ll see a tab to open it. If you’d like to watch our video recording, it’s here. Hope you enjoy this episode and it give you lots of space to own your unique creative path and sparkle up your Substack!Find Sarah online. She currently has ONE space in her group coaching programme if you jump in now.  Here’s the scoop; Believe & Achieve is a group programme which combines weekly group coaching, 1:1 Voxer coaching, co working and quarterly goal setting sessions to keep you on track with achieving your goals and also supporting your mindset to believe that you can! www.sarahraad.com/believe-achieveFind Claire online. 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 can’t tell you what an honour it was to interview online creative entrepreneur Leonie Dawson. They are quite simply the most congruent person I’ve ever met and I don’t say that lightly - the internet can be a confusing place! We chat here for 50 minutes (Australia to UK) about Leonie’s incredible journey with creativity and her online business, creative flow, personal practise, showing up online and so so much more. Leonie doesn’t have Substack but you can head to their website for ALL the gifts and to learn more about them. In a nutshell, the reason I was so so happy that timing worked out for them to be my first guest was for a few reasons;* They have a mailing list of over 50k and have been blogging and loving the internet since 2004!* I’ve been learning with Leonie for 3 years now and they have propelled my confidence in my creativity, helped me with money stories see my business to a new way - I’m forever grateful. * Leonie is VERY unique in her approach to showing up and sharing online and that’s why I’ve chosen to share this episode with you here. She doesn’t have Substack but that’s kind of the point. * They work 10 hours a week and in our recent coaching call together they reminded me that working part time isn’t an excuse not to grow your business. I’m working on that! There’s a 20 year history of blogging, direct source to the universe, creative flow and a ridiculously generous sharing of her gifts. The reason I wanted to share this interview with you here and right now is because I think Leonie is to creative businesses what Substack is to us writers and creatives - generous beyond limit! It’s a rare and beautiful thing! Here is the timestamped overview to give you an indication of the content in our podcast call/ interview together;[00:01:48] Talking sh*t on the Internet, goal workbooks, courses.[00:05:51] Started first blog in 2004, obsessed with writing.[00:08:10] Art journaling in school and the permission slip that led to blogging.[00:11:35] Permission to create, escaping social media “rules”.[00:15:17] Beautiful journaling during pandemic brought so much joy and insight.[00:21:14] The How to - scheduled time, prioritise tasks, and recycle content.[00:24:01] Fuelling business and enjoying life.[00:28:47] Being enchanted by early message boards, blogging success.[00:34:09] Finding ease in authenticity, online struggles. Gratitude.[00:37:16] Boundaries online - keeping family private and no sharing personal struggles.[00:38:51] Being open about therapy and personal struggles.[00:42:57] Podcast: No editing, jingle, preparation, topic. Just me.[00:48:57] Grateful for insight, magic, beautiful conversation and community.If you’d like to read our transcript it’s here or if you’re reading on desktop you’ll see a tab to open it. If you’d like to watch our video on youtube it’s here. Hope you enjoy this episode and it give you lots of space to own your unique creative path and sparkle up your Substack!Find Leonie online.Find Claire online. 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