Sparkle on Substack

Thank you Christina Bieber Lake, RAJ KAUR, mary beth kaplan🪶, Jennifer Zarin, LCAT, Margaret Williams, MS, ACC, and many others for tuning into my live video with Emilia Ferreira! Join me for my next live video in the app.“Biohacking is the art of controlling your biology — and you are the mastermind. You can control your environment from inside and outside, but that needs to be an individual journey. We have so much more control than we think we have. Right now I am 41, about to be 42, and my biological age is 25. The reason why I say that is because I don’t do too much and that still has a huge impact.” - Emilia, on the power of simple, consistent biohacking 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 Rebecca Mack ☕, Julie Schmidt, Abigail Thomas, and many others for tuning into my live video with Vicki Willden-Lebrecht! Join me for my next live video in the app.Ai Summary - thanks ClaudeHere’s a summary of the conversation, which is a Substack live chat between a host and Vicky Wilder-Librett, founder of the Bright Agency (founded 2003), a literary and illustration agency with offices in London and New York.Why Vicky joined SubstackVicky’s decision grew from a December reflection exercise she does annually — looking back at trends and forward to the year ahead. She posted on Instagram asking: if she were setting up Bright today, could she do it the same way? Her concern was that she built the agency entirely through in-person relationships — book fairs, conferences, launches — and wondered whether that was possible in an increasingly digital world.“If you had relationships, you could take a relationship online. Fine, no problem. If you didn’t have a relationship with someone, could you make a relationship online?”Substack felt like a natural answer — a place to recreate those conversations.“It’s almost like this is the conference, this is the party, this is where we need to go.”Who the Bright Substack is forVicky sees it as broader than just illustrators and authors — it’s for anyone wanting to understand or work in the creative industry.“I don’t think creativity is about drawing. I think creativity is about the way we think and the way we problem solve.”She’s keen for the content to be responsive rather than pre-planned, mirroring how she networked in person: “You wouldn’t trot in with your ‘I’m going to talk about these things to people’... I would just be talking to people about what they’re interested in.”The National Year of ReadingVicky welcomed the government’s backing but was candid that it’s both exciting and alarming that such a campaign is even necessary.“It’s a really scary time in publishing that the decline in reading, the fact that it is so needed.”She was dyslexic and had ADHD, and credits her mother’s advice — “if you’re interested in something, read around the subject” — as formative. She’s passionate about physical books specifically for brain development:“A book just allows the brain to rest, but still absorb... We are not robots yet. We have souls and heartbeats and brain rhythms.”On World Book Day, she was gently critical: “From working in publishing, I get slightly irritated that it becomes fancy dress day.”Bright’s approach to licensing and growthVicky was clear that licensing at Bright isn’t about merchandise — it’s about audience building and discoverability.“Licensing for us is not about putting it on a lunchbox and a tea towel. It’s really not what we’re about at all. What we’re about is growing the readership.”She explained that children now discover books through films, stage shows, and events rather than libraries or bookshops — and that licensing is how you meet them where they are. Even Netflix, she noted, wants pre-built audiences.Vicky’s personal Substack: Notes from a Creative FounderHer own Substack is about the messy reality of building a creative business — not a polished success story, but the journey, mistakes, and recovery.“It came from making loads of mistakes. And it was about how you bounce back from them and how you grew from them... accepting that no one’s life is perfectly going to plan.”She said she’s never felt ready to share her story before, but now feels the time is right:“I feel in a place where I’m happy to share my war wounds.”Her goal is to help others trust their instincts: “If they don’t believe in themselves, no one else is going to come knocking on their door and say, ‘Hey, you know that idea you’ve been thinking about — share it.’”Subscribe to Vicki Willden-Lebrecht hereand to The Bright Agency 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

💎 My Diamond Member Portal for business owners who want to use Substack as a key part of of their online home is re-open for a limited time. This isn’t just Substack - this is audience development, platform congruence and business alchemy. If you have a business and need to get right to the heart of how to utilise this wonderful platform my annual audit and monthly hot seat mentoring calls will give you clarity, community and momentum as you build. If you have questions reply to this email or shoot me a dm here or on IG. Hi folks,How are you? It was fool’s Spring yesterday so that was nice. Our heating system also broke down so we got our log burning stove going. 🔥 I finished work late last night and I’m still working out how much energy I have to do that at 44! Transitioning from that into my daughter’s wild full moon energy at bedtime. I feel fragile today. As I emerged from the tussle at 9.15pm, my son guided me into the kitchen;You’ve got to see this mum! It was Venus - the planet - it’s our planet mum look at it, it’s incredible. (Yes Venus is our real name) And it was, really really incredible, twinkly in the centre of a jet black sky - it made me feel really small and really powerful all at the same time. You and the beautiful network of STARS around you… I dug this class out of the archive because it’s SO important for you all to watch if you are building here on Substack, you’re semi confused about how Substack can plug into other places (email lists, social media, search engines) and you want to get unstuck on all of that. How your business and other online spaces fit with Substack can feel like a tricky conundrum. A puzzle to solve. - Why would people pay for a newsletter you’ve been sending for free- How can you move your community over from socials- What about if you already have an email list?- Are we blogging too? Digging it out from the archives was inspired by this Substack Note about online ecosystems If you’re new to Substack this class is great for beginners but I also made you a Quick Start Guide. All members get access to my four week long drip fed beginners course too. Other bits and bobs to tell you* I’ve just wrapped up my live Audience Alchemy programme where we’ve spent 8 weeks streamlining out audience development ecosystem… It’s been THE most fun - I have loved spending time with the wonderful women in the course and leaning into hear more of their true voices and what they are here to do. Some of them met up in real life too! 🌟 * If you missed it, I went live with Veronica Llorca-Smith to chat more about how we use Substack with other platforms and we both got super transparent about the subscriber plateaus and member churn. Listen in your pod app or here.* I’m mid way through my experiment using IG and Substack Notes in tandem with specific outcomes. I’ll share more on IG as I go and ultimately write an article on it. Follow me over there? * Last call to write a piece for International Women’s Day this weekend and have us share it. All the details are here.* Members out ‘Get it Done Week’ is focussed on our welcomes to new subscribers - we will spend the week doing simple tasks like tidying up our welcome email, re-writing an impactful hero post, making a video to help folks understand Substack and drafting drip funnel emails. What’s your flow for this wonderful platform with other online spaces you have? How does it sit with other email newsletter platforms, social media, search engines? Need some help in the comments?I also made a written summary of class here so you can read over it if you don’t have time to watch today. Claire ✨P.S - I’m speaking at the Soulful Sales Summit next week - my session is around using audio here on Substack to grow your ‘know, like and trust’ factor with your audience and ultimately convert more readers to paid subs. I know audio isn’t for everyone but along with the other 47 speakers there’s a tonne of great stuff to lean into and choose from. It’s hosted by Ruth Poundwhite who I really respect. Grab your free ticket here. P.P.S - LAST chance to join my LIVE class teaching you how to set up your own affiliate links for places like bookshop.org and other products and services you love. It’s live next week and the replay and accountability month is included. Affiliate links brought over £3000 into my business last year and I started when I had a very small audience - it compounds over time with many links bringing recurring income. 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 Sarah L Kent, Rachel Joy 💖, Ruth Dale, Natalia Papiol, Karen Oline, and many others for tuning into my live video with Veronica Llorca-Smith! Join me for my next live video in the app.AI Summary, thanks Claude. Here’s a summary of this ~42-minute conversation between Veronica (Hong Kong, The Lemon Tree Mindset) and Claire Venus (Northumberland, UK, Sparkle on Substack) — two creative entrepreneurs discussing building lifestyle-aligned businesses:Who they are Veronica is a triathlete, author, and public speaker with three business pillars: corporate keynotes/workshops, writing/digital business, and coaching. Claire is an audience development consultant and Substack expert with ~18,000 subscribers, focused on helping women align their voice with how they want to show up online.On building community Both emphasised that a newsletter should be treated as the start of a conversation, not just an email. Veronica uses group chats, open “collaboration days,” and a mastermind — the latter born directly from her community asking for a “sounding board.” Claire segmented her audience into three distinct groups (beginners, creative expressionists, creative entrepreneurs) and designed different touchpoints and offers for each.On growth not being linear Claire was honest about periods of slow growth and even losing paid subscribers. She did a deep data dive — exporting all unsubscribe emails — and found most people left on good terms, having simply moved on in their journey. Key takeaway: unsubscribes are usually about the reader’s path, not your quality.On the LinkedIn–Substack flywheel Veronica uses LinkedIn primarily for B2B/corporate leads and recommends it strongly for anyone wanting to sell to organisations. Practical tip: don’t put Substack links in LinkedIn post bodies (LinkedIn suppresses them) — put the link in the comments instead. Profile banners and CTAs are better long-term placements.On YouTube Claire has built a niche YouTube channel around beginner Substack content, with her top video getting 14,000 views. Veronica recently launched her own YouTube channel to repurpose existing live sessions — not to create new content, but to give existing content longevity and discoverability that Substack alone doesn’t offer.On motivation Claire’s advice: understand how your creative practice gets fuelled — whether that’s solitude, nature, or clearing out comparison triggers. Veronica’s framing: don’t tie motivation to outcomes (likes, subscriber counts). Find it in the act of showing up — like in training for a triathlon where a bad race time doesn’t diminish the effort.On going viral Both noted that the posts most likely to resonate are often the ones you hesitate most to publish — the vulnerable, personal ones. Veronica’s biggest LinkedIn post (40,000 views) was about starting to write at 41; she nearly didn’t post it.Closing advice Stay aligned with your purpose, know what to say no to, and celebrate incremental wins. Veronica recommends writing a monthly public review as a discipline to pause, reflect, and course-correct. 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

AI summary, thanks chat. Substack Live: External Links, Affiliate Income & Clean MonetisationIn this Substack Live, Claire explored the evolving question many writers and creators are asking:How should we monetise on Substack — and what actually feels aligned?She unpacked the rise of external links such as Buy Me a Coffee and Ko-fi, affiliate income, patron-style models, and paid subscriptions — not just from a tactical perspective, but from a values-led one.This wasn’t just about buttons and links.It was about power, positioning, nervous systems, and long-term sustainability.Key Themes Covered☕ Buy Me a Coffee & Donation LinksClaire discussed the growing popularity of “coffee economy” links and why, personally, she chooses not to use them.While acknowledging that these tools can feel like a softer step than paid subscriptions, she reflected on her own journey around being paid for creative work — and why she prefers cleaner, clearer value exchanges such as:* Paid subscriptions* Affiliate partnerships* Ebooks* Courses* Off-platform offersShe encouraged listeners to read Substack’s terms carefully and make informed, embodied decisions.🔗 Affiliate Income (Aligned & Strategic)Claire shared how she has used affiliate income for over five years — not through random low-value links, but through partnerships fully aligned with her business.She spoke about affiliate income as:* A background drip income stream* A strategic layer inside a wider ecosystem* A way to compound income over timeShe also introduced her class:Anyone Can Be An Affiliate(Currently half price until Saturday.)💛 Patron Models & Paid SubscriptionsThe conversation moved into the patron-style model — where readers choose to support work even if everything remains open.Claire highlighted:* Patron models can work beautifully at scale* Clear boundaries and business acumen become important* Not all value must sit behind a paywallShe also shared why she personally loves the intimacy of paid subscriptions on Substack — describing it as stabilising and supportive for both creator and reader.🧠 The Attention Economy & Nervous SystemsA powerful thread throughout the Live was the impact of the attention economy on our nervous systems.Claire explored:* Why headlines now require more curiosity and precision* Why open rates respond to intrigue* How trial reels are helping her refine messaging* The difference between Instagram as a “shop window” and Substack as an intimate spaceShe described building a paid Substack as “self-development times a thousand” — a process that reveals how we relate to money, visibility, authority, and safety.📈 Multiple Income Streams & Long-Term StabilityClaire reflected on why she believes multiple income streams are essential in today’s economic climate — particularly in the UK.Rather than relying on one offer, she spoke about:* Compounding skills over time* Building assets that run quietly in the background* Designing a business that feels steady and sovereignMentioned in This Live* Anyone Can Be An Affiliate (class) - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/affiliate-income-for-writers-creatives-and-entrepreneurs * Membership (currently £20/month or £220/year — prices increasing at end of February)* Monetisation class inside membership* Substack calculator & quick start setup guide* Instagram: @creatively.consciousClosing ReflectionThis Live wasn’t about choosing the “right” monetisation model.It was about asking:* What feels clean?* What feels steady?* What feels respectful of your work?* What kind of ecosystem do you want to build long term? 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

"We need to hear different people's stories and see different people's perspectives — and that's very bad for a society that thrives on division." Allegra Chapman (she/her) Hi folks,It was a joy to chat with Allegra Chapman (she/her) at the end of last year. It’s taken me a little while to get this one out but it’s great timing as her new book is OPEN for pre-sale orders - yay!Ai Episode Summary – Sparkle on Substack feat. Allegra ChapmanIn this episode, host Claire Venus chats with Allegra Chapman — writer, neurodivergent advocate, and author of Creativity is Your Self-Care — about the intersection of creativity, wellbeing, and gentle activism.Allegra shares how her Substack, Your Creative Fix, was born from a deep belief that creativity is innate to all humans, but has been systematically squeezed out by a capitalist, productivity-obsessed society. She argues that making art — whether writing poems, knitting, or painting — is actually a radical act in a world that prefers passive consumers over active creators.As an autistic, ADHD, bisexual woman living with a disability, Allegra speaks passionately about the importance of amplifying silenced voices. She reflects on how storytelling builds empathy across divides, and why platforms like Substack are such a powerful tool for exactly that.The conversation also touches on how damaging early creative wounds can be — Allegra shares how a cruel art teacher at age eight shut her off from painting for 30 years — and how her membership space is deliberately designed to be low-demand, neurodivergent-friendly, and accessible for people with limited energy or time.Both Claire and Allegra close the episode with a hopeful note: that even small acts of creation ripple outward, and that in a noisy, overwhelming world, choosing to create rather than consume is one of the most powerful things any of us can 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

“The main work to do in life and in the online world is nervous system work.” Thank you Eva Lydon 🌿, RAJ KAUR, mary beth kaplan🪶, New Harmony Homeopath, Geetika, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Here are the resources and people I mentioned…thank you for coming to my impromptu Ted talk with over 850 PEOPLE - woah!! * Kendall Marie Platt 🌱 at The Seed * Keris Fox at The Ladybird Purse • Talk Money to Me * Amie McNee and The Pound Project - video here in my lives or listen in your podcast app. * Caro Giles at Open In The Middle * Audience Alchemy - my FREE audience development classes. * My wonderful mentor Leonie Dawson - sign up for her brilliant academy here.* Home page design video - AI Summary - thanks Claude. SummaryThis is a live session by Claire on her Substack Sparkle on Substack, covering joyful growth in 2026 — specifically how to grow a Substack publication in a way that feels sustainable, aligned, and community-rooted rather than hustle-driven.Core themes covered:Substack growth tools: Claire walks through the key in-platform tools for growth — the Recommendations feature (she credits it with 10,000+ subscribers), the welcome page with blurbs, and Substack Notes. She emphasises curating your Notes feed to protect your nervous system, using fresh (original) notes over restacking, and treating the whole thing like a networking event built on genuine reciprocity.Depth of connection: The central argument for 2026 is moving away from vanity metrics toward genuinely knowing your audience. She talks about the “magic trio” of likes, comments and shares for algorithmic reach; using the subscriber tab to send targeted emails; adding polls in posts; and understanding whether your readers engage passively or actively — and being okay with both.Audio and video: She cites a Substack stat that publications using audio grow 2.5x faster than those that don’t. Video, she says, is the “golden egg” — it breaks the parasocial wall instantly. She personally felt terrified of video for years and encourages self-compassion in learning it.Unsubscribes and churn: Handled with a healthy perspective — subscriptions are fluid, unsubscribes aren’t personal, and the pause button exists for a reason.Off-platform growth: For faster growth, especially toward Substack’s “Bestseller” tier (101 paid subscribers), you need to grow off-platform too — whether through Pinterest pins, SEO blog posts, or Meta ads (which she’s curious about but hasn’t used herself). Going viral is described as “a lottery.”Making time with a full life: For someone with a young child and full-time job, she recommends optimising your phone (delete other social apps, keep Substack and a notes app), capturing threads of ideas, and writing in small windows like nap times.Guest posts and collaboration: She did guest posts once a month to build confidence and visibility, and invited guests onto her Substack. She notes there are far fewer gatekeepers than people think.“Subscribing to someone’s life — it’s not natural to be subscribed to multiple people’s lives for the long term. We need to think about the power of REAL and power social relationships and the impact we want those to have on us and our work” 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 a brand new season of Sparkle on Substack the podcast. I am delighted to have another 12 BEAUTIFUL conversations on voice, community and Substack sparkle for you!This one is with my online pal Nicola Washington who is a BRILLIANT member of Sparkle on Substack - brand new Substack bestseller and IG expert for authors looking to connect rather than broadcast and shout. I hope you enjoy it and do feel free to leave a comment or even better a 5star review on Apple or Spotify. BioHi, I’m Nicola.I live in South London with my husband, two children and dog, although Stoke-on-Trent, where I grew up will always be ‘home’.I became a Social Media Manager in 2017 after a twelve-year-long career as a secondary-school English teacher. I retrained, set up shop, and started to work with small business clients, helping them get noticed online.After 7 years of working with small businesses, in 2023, I took the decision to start supporting writers, authors and other word-lovers with your use of Instagram to find more readers. By doing so, I get to combine my professional expertise and experience, with my first loves of books and writing.I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child and I’ve been working on my own fiction projects since 2020. I’m currently querying agents and ‘enjoying’ the roller-coaster of that experience.I know that for many writers, Instagram can sometimes feel ‘Too Much’. I’m making it my mission to tackle the overwhelm and anxiety many of you feel so you can make the most of the opportunities Instagram offers, without it feeling horrible or burning out.Nicola Online IG - https://www.instagram.com/toomuch_social Website - https://www.toomuchsocial.com/Substack AI Overview - Thanks Claude A podcast interview from “Sparkle on Substack” hosted by Claire Venus, featuring Nicola Washington, an Instagram educator and strategist who specializes in helping writers and authors build their presence on social media. The conversation explores how authors can navigate Instagram authentically, connect with readers, and market their books in ways that feel genuine rather than overwhelming.The discussion covers the challenges writers face with social media, particularly around authenticity and introversion, and offers practical strategies for building meaningful connections rather than chasing follower counts. Key QuotesOn the challenges of Instagram:“It is so noisy and so overwhelming now. And then on top of that, a lot of writers and authors are quite introverted people. So they’re sort of thinking, how can I do this?”On authenticity:“The work I do helps people overcome a lot of those obstacles and barriers in a way that feels authentic to them. That’s the fundamental that underpins basically everything I do is that it has to feel like you.”On the 🍄 mushrooms vs. 🪁 kites metaphor:“The way publishers treat social media is as if it’s about flying kites... getting your kite up as high in the sky so as many people see it as possible... The way I think of it... is to think of it much more like a mushroom, mushrooms... networks of fungi that go underground and then they pop up in other unexpected places.”On building true fans:“You use your Instagram account to gather around you a core group of people who are deeply invested in the work that you do. They like you. They bought into you and your story. They’re going to buy any book that you write just because they like you.”On traditional publishing realities:“Lots of authors report feeling abandoned by their publishers at the point at which their books are released... taking ownership and self-driving your marketing via social media, because it is one of the most accessible forms of marketing, is something that most authors can do.”On control in publishing:“When you want an author as a traditionally published author, one of the various parts... the smallest parts of the process that you actually can control is your marketing.” 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 to JP Watson at The Pound Project and to you all for coming along live to hear us chat. If you do have questions for the The Pound Project team, do post them in the comments and JP might get chance to answer a couple.Learn more - https://www.poundproject.co.uk/And MOST importantly - buy Amie McNee’s book for three weeks only!!LOOK at this beautiful graphic recording of our chat… thank you so so much Cara Holland ✨Ai Summary - thanks Claude… This is an interview between Claire Venus (engagement consultant and Substack expert) and JP, founder of Pound Project Publishing. JP shares the origin story and business model of his independent publishing house. Key Business Model:* Uses crowdfunding as the primary publishing mechanism* Creates affordable, small-format, beautifully designed books* Minimal upfront investment required from authors* Community-driven support systemOrigin Story: The Pound Project emerged from three motivations: disillusionment with traditional creative industries, the rise of crowdfunding as a viable business model, and a desire to create something sustainable and democratic. JP started by writing and self-publishing his own book, which became the template for the publishing house.Recent Development: JP discusses launching “Tear and Share” - a new initiative supporting artists through gift card-style prints, created in response to declining Instagram reach for visual artists.Key QuotesOn community support: “The creative community amongst writers and artists can be so supportive. If you’re willing to ask. And I think that intertwines with that point I’m saying about having a belief in yourself.”On business advice: “Make sure everything is really hot and professional and there’s a website and there’s a presence before you bring it to market.”On the payment model: “We’re giving 50% net profits on any sale post print to the person. So the person actually recoups what they’ve put in because they’re getting 50% of anything they sell.”On Instagram’s impact on artists: “I’m like apoplectic about what’s happened with social media reach and photography and illustration and art... I don’t think I can think of an example of a business biting the hand that has fed them more than what’s happened with Instagram.”On Amie McNee new book: “The first book is essentially a manifesto about believing in creativity... kicking off and railing about how we’ve all been brainwashed into believing that work is what it is. And then the second bit... is actually advice on how to have self-belief, how to build a sustainable community of people who want to support 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 loved chatting with Nikko Kennedy as part of the January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and Claire . You can go deeper on this topic with her inside our workshop and get the replay. Thurs 5 Feb at 4pm.Become a monthly or annual paid member to join us and get the replay.Ai summary, thanks ClaudeThis is a transcript of a live conversation between Claire Venus (an engagement consultant and Substack expert) and Nico from “Brighter Days, Darker Nights” about circadian rhythms and managing screen time for online entrepreneurs.Key topics discussed:* The challenges of balancing screen time with health when your income depends on being online* How modern work has shifted from occasional office computer use to constant digital engagement (phones, laptops, social media)* The biological impacts of light exposure on circadian rhythms and overall health* Practical strategies for maintaining healthy relationships with technology while building an online businessMain insights from Nikko:* Light exposure (both natural and artificial) significantly impacts our health and well-being* Working online creates unique challenges because screen time is tied to income, not just entertainment* The stress and biological impacts of constant digital work are real and need addressing* There are evidence-based strategies for getting vitamin D and managing light exposure without harm* Apps and tools can actually help track healthy sun exposureClaire’s perspective:* The overwhelm of sudden online success and the nervous system impact* The importance of finding your unique “audience alchemy” rather than chasing every trend* The need to tune out noise and focus on meaningful creative work* Balancing ambition with self-care and sustainable practicesThey announced an upcoming workshop on this topic through Sparkle on Substack, diving deeper into specific strategies for managing screen time and circadian health for online business owners. 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

AI Summary - thanks ClaudeThis is a live chat conversation between Claire Venus ✨ and Claire Powell as part of January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and Claire The conversation focuses on finding joy online, particularly on Substack while streaming live, and discusses personal and professional growth.Key Topics Discussed:* Finding joy in January’s gray weather through connection and conversation* The pressure and expectations that come with January as a “clean slate”* Challenges of self-employment (tax returns, financial pressures)* Claire’s (guest) car breaking down on the way to the call* Substack growth strategies and engagement* Illustration work and collaboration opportunities* Anti-AI art sentiment and the value of hand-drawn work* Product ideas including notebooks with illustrationsNotable QuotesOn finding joy:* “My style of joy is almost turning things that in the moment don’t feel very joyful into we just need to laugh at this.”On January’s challenges:* “I think January can be a bit of a an isolating time because everyone’s trying to get back into the rhythm of things um intentions are high expectations are high we’re all trying to be better people”On connection:* “I think it makes it feel slightly less bleep even if you just call someone up and i’m like this is rough and they’re like yeah tell me about it i instantly feel not alone”On the car incident:* “as I was thinking this, steam started rising from the bonnet of my car” ... “All we can do is laugh about that, really.”On Substack vs Instagram:* “It’s not as saturated as Instagram... Like Instagram has become a bit of an echo chamber... you look at one picture of a chicken and then all of a sudden all you’re seeing is chickens”On illustration quality:* “there is a quality to hand-drawn, hand-painted work, especially work that is commissioned specifically for somebody’s words” 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 Debbie Weil, Practical Astros ⚕️, Club Trader Joe's, Mary Beth Kaplan🪶, Dan Ehrenkrantz, Georgina Dean and many others for tuning into my live video with Erin Shetron! Join me for my next live video in the app.Join us for more FREE joyful growth advice, activity and tips over here - January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and Claire SummaryClaire Venus and Erin Shetron from FREQUENT CRIERS CLUB discuss the realities of building a sustainable newsletter practice on Substack, emphasizing depth over frequency, authentic audience connection, and giving creative work space to breathe. The conversation covers;* practical growth strategies* monetization approaches* SEO optimization* and the importance of honoring your own creative energy cycles rather than following prescribed publishing schedules.Key QuotesOn Publishing Frequency:“I really feel like it’s okay to slow down your publishing cadence if you are going deeper... your relationship with your audience is all that matters. And they don’t really mind too much how often it’s not about the frequency I don’t think it’s much more about the depth.”On Growth as a Process:“It feels like literally building an igloo to like live inside and you like got your torch... it’s all exactly the same. And then all of a sudden you’re nearly there. And then once you get there, it’s like, woohoo, we’re down slopes, we’re skiing.”On Creative Energy:“I don’t worry about running out of ideas. I worry about energy dips... I’ve run out of the aligned energy to deliver them.”On Platform Evolution:“I cannot be so enmeshed and entangled with a platform because I don’t work for the platform and the platform is going to platform.”On Authenticity in 2026:“With how unstable everything feels and how fake everything feels... it could really come down to the voice. If we all did our voice memos for each newsletter... it really gives it that human quality.”On Monetization Strategy:“When you start paywalling things or start offering discounts... it’s a no-brainer to do them together. So say you run a three-day flash sale... At the end of that sale day, on the last day, you want to run a really valuable, high-value, juicy, paywalled piece.”On AI-Generated Content:“People don’t use chat GPT to write your Substack notes... We can tell. We can tell when your notes are written by chat.”On Creative Practice:“The people who block out [external input] the best, write the best newsletters... their voices aren’t weighed down by everything else that they’re reading. They don’t feel that they’re in competition with people.” 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 am a person who believes really strongly that like there is no scarcity in creativity. The more I create the more I can create. The more I write the more I will write. So I’m not worried about like oh god I’m gonna run out of ideas. It’s never happened.” Alix Klingenberg Thank you Mary Beth Kaplan🪶, Laia Bové, Jazmon Bradley, Angela Limb, Nance Scott, and many others for tuning into my live video with Alix Klingenberg! Join me for my next live video in the app.Subscribe to Alix Klingenberg here…Buy her book - Quietly Wild - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Quietly-Wild/Alix-Klingenberg/9798887621531Ai Summary - thanks Claude Summary: Community Conversation with Claire Venus and Alix KlingenbergThis conversation features Claire Venus, an engagement consultant and Substack expert, in discussion with Alix Klingenberg, a poet, spiritual director, and author, about community building on Substack.Key Points About Alix:Background & Work:* Spiritual director who helps people find meaning through earth-based, science-driven spiritual practice* Writes on Substack about connecting with the land and recognizing ourselves as part of nature* Author of four poetry collections: Secrets and Stars, Bread, Sex, Trees, Hermit Season, and Quietly Wild* Quietly Wild features her film photography alongside seasonal poetry, published by Mandala Earth* Started on Substack in March 2024Creative Philosophy:* Believes in connecting with inner rhythms and seasonal cadences* Her poems represent her “neurotic self talking to her more calm, centered higher self”* Finds spring and fall most creative; struggles in November* Emphasizes that scarcity doesn’t exist in creativity—the more you create, the more you can createSubstack Approach:* Writes weekly free newsletters with creative prompts* Offers monthly live writing calls for paid subscribers (unrecorded to create safe space)* Runs seasonal programs like “Secrets and Stars” with creative prompts and writing sessions* Values organic, non-viral growth and building authentic community* Appreciates how Substack allows email list ownershipCommunity Building:* Trained as a community facilitator* Focuses on helping people see their innate gifts and become unafraid of showing up* Creates spaces for people to write and share half-baked ideas safely* Has written 100+ articles through consistent practiceThe conversation emphasizes sustainable creative practice, honoring natural rhythms, and building genuine community through thoughtful engagement rather than chasing viral growth. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

“I’ve created a new email for myself - just for Substack - it’s a game changer.” Eleanor Tweddell Hi folks,Welcome to another brilliant episode of Sparkle on Substack. This week I’m chatting with Eleanor Tweddell about being on Substack long term, balancing online work, writing books and a corporate career. Eleanor describes herself as a coach and cheerleader when you are starting something new.About Eleanor Corporate escapee – After 23 years working for brilliant brands including Costa Coffee, Whitbread, RAC, Virgin Atlantic and Vodafone I now enjoy my portfolio career. I still love working with corporate clients, and enjoy the challenge of how organisations evolve and transform.Founder – Another Door supports people in the space in-between a door closing and the next door opening, so that you know how to own what happens next. We also support businesses to handle redundancy well with mindset centred outplacement programmes.Author –Why losing your job… started as scribbles in a notebook, then a blog, then a podcast then a book. I got a book deal with Penguin in 2019, so now I spread the message to everyone who needs it! Next book coming out in September 2025 - Another Door opens.www.eleanortweddell.comwww.anotherdoor.co.ukConnect with Eleanor Tweddell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/ Eleanor’s books * Why Loosing your Job could be the best thing that ever happens to you. * Another Door Opens Other things we mention…* My 2025 book - Invisible Trust - the hidden rules of influence and reciprocity online. * The Sparkle Summit - now called January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and Claire * Lily Allen - West End Girl - Ai Summary - thanks ClaudePodcast Summary: Sparkle on Substack with Claire Venus & EleanorThis episode features a conversation between Claire Venus and Eleanor, both writers who started their Substack journeys in 2022.Key Discussion Points:Background & Platform Evolution* Both transitioned from WordPress (dealing with broken sites, unwanted ads, technical issues) to Substack’s simpler, more spacious platform* Eleanor runs multiple Substacks but focuses mainly on “Another Door,” which explores navigating change and life transitionsWriting Practice & Balance* Eleanor balances corporate communications work by day with creative writing by night* Both speakers emphasize the importance of boundaries and knowing when to step back from publishing* Eleanor stopped writing on Substack while working on her book to create necessary spaceBooks & Publishing* Eleanor’s first book focused specifically on redundancy: “Why Losing Your Job Could Be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You”* Her second book, “Another Door Opens” (published September), takes a broader approach to navigating change with five steps* She used Substack to test concepts, gauge reader interest, and refine ideas before finalizing booksAudience Insights* Eleanor noticed her redundancy-focused audience was highly engaged but transient—people joined intensely during their job loss period, then left once they moved on* She shifted to writing about broader change topics to build a more stable, long-term readership* Reader feedback on Substack (like comments about “pause being a privilege”) directly shaped her book contentReading & Consumption Habits* Both hosts discussed feeling overwhelmed by subscriptions and the need for intentional curation* Claire deletes the Substack app on weekends and now primarily wants to read books rather than newsletters* Eleanor created a separate email specifically for Substack/blog subscriptions to avoid overwhelm* They emphasized seeking diverse perspectives rather than only reading within their own nicheLooking Ahead to 2026* Eleanor plans an “experimental year” rather than rigid goals* Focus on energy, curiosity, and creative exploration* Possible self-publishing for future books* Emphasis on flexibility given rapid changes (especially AI) in the landscapeKey Philosophy Both writers stress the importance of creative practice over obligation, giving yourself permission to pause, and remembering that readers understand when life happens. The conversation champions authenticity over consistency for its own sake. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

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

Thank you Mary Beth Kaplan🪶, David Venus, Georgina Dean, Kyra Faison-Gardner, Amy Ray 🍃, and many others for tuning into my live video with Russell Nohelty! Come and join us inside of January Joy(ful) Growth Club with Russell and Claire This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

“If women remember that once upon a time we sang with the tongues of seals and flew with the wings of swans, that we forged our own paths through the dark forest while creating a community of its many inhabitants, then we will rise up rooted, like trees.”from IF WOMEN ROSE ROOTED, by Sharon Blackie (2016)Hi Folks,I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and today brings peace and relaxation. I am delighted to bring you a podcast episode with Dr Sharon Blackie.I met Sharon at Alnwick Story Fest (tickets for next year here) and it was a true delight to hear her speak on stage. Her work commands attention of women (and men) all over the world brings us home to story and the importance of archetypes in society.We talk about the writing life, Substack, Substack notes, managing a large community and boundaries. I hope you enjoy! “Stories are the stars we navigate by; their lessons are deep and rich. Anywhere, there may be a door to another world: learn to look for it. Always leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way out of the dark wood. Don’t maim yourself trying to fit into the glass slipper which was made for someone else. Gold is never a good goal. Never take your skin off and leave it unattended.”✨Dr. Sharon Blackie is an award-winning and internationally bestselling author, a former neuroscientist and a psychologist with a background in mythology and folklore. Her highly acclaimed books, lectures and teaching programs are focused on the mythic imagination, and the relevance of myth and folklore to the personal, spiritual, cultural and environmental issues we face today.Sharon is best known for her groundbreaking work in reimagining women’s stories. As well as writing seven books of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling classic If Women Rose Rooted, her writing has appeared in anthologies, collections and in several international media outlets – among them the Guardian, the Irish Times, the i and the Scotsman. Her books have been translated into several languages. She has featured in several programs from the BBC, US public radio and independent filmmakers. Her awards include the Society of Authors’ Roger Deakin Award and a Creative Scotland Writer’s Award. Her next book, Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now, will be published by September at Duckworth Books in May 2026.Sharon’s books about women in British, Irish and European myth and folkloreIf Women Rose Rooted. September (2016)Foxfire, Wolfskin and other stories of shapeshifting women. September (2019)Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life. September (2022)Wise Women: Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond. Virago (2024)Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now. Forthcoming from September/ Duckworth in May 2026.If you’re new to Sharon’s work - this is a great place to start…https://sharonblackie.substack.com/p/reclaiming-womens-stories Ai SummaryPodcast Summary: Sharon Blackie on Writing and SubstackThis is a conversation between Claire Venus (host of “Sparkle on Substack”) and Sharon Blackie, a psychologist and writer who specializes in mythology, folklore, and women’s stories.Key Points About Sharon’s WorkBackground & Writing Focus:* Psychologist with academic background in folklore and mythology* Published first novel in 2008; seventh book “Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now” coming May 2026* Explores women’s stories from British and Irish traditions, showing how ancient tales help navigate modern challenges* First in her family to attend university, from working-class background in HartlepoolJourney to Writing:* Didn’t write her first novel until age 40* Transformative experience: learned to fly at late 30s to overcome fear, which gave her the story she needed to tell* Emphasizes writing must come from genuine necessity, not just wanting to be “a writer”Substack ExperiencePlatform Evolution (joined May 2022):* Migrated from blogging (which felt unrewarding) when Substack offered better discoverability* Brought 20,000-subscriber mailing list; now has 57,000+ free subscribers and 1,000+ paid* Initially loved Notes for connecting with other writers, but feels it’s become too social-media-like* Values Substack primarily as a showcase for quality writing rather than community-buildingApproach & Boundaries:* Writes weekly for paid subscribers (£70/year)* Runs monthly Zoom gatherings to discuss stories* Doesn’t use Chat feature—hasn’t worked for her community* Has friend handle simple admin queries for protection* Clear boundaries: engages fully when invited (comments, Zooms) but doesn’t respond to personal emails requesting adviceWriting Practice:* Wakes at 4:15 AM; only writes in mornings* Takes about a year to write a book, often cramming in final six months* Finds Substack articles easier than book-writing—2,000 coherent words vs. 80,000* Varies content: sometimes essays, sometimes just sharing thoughts and questionsAdvice for Writers* Build a body of work first before promoting heavily—have quality content ready when people discover you* Write from passion and necessity, not market trends* Listen to your body about boundaries—protect yourself from overwhelm* Focus on what you uniquely offer rather than finding completely new topics* Be proud of your background—Sharon now celebrates her working-class roots after years of masking themThe conversation emphasizes sustainable creative practice, the importance of boundaries, and writing from genuine passion rather than external pressure. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the podcast folks. I’ve got a new season of exciting episodes with wonderful guests to release next year but I thought I’d ping this one out in time for your ‘driving home for Christmas' listening. My goal was to hit 100k downloads this year on the podcast and I’m at 84k - I’m celebrating that and leaning into the reflections in my Goodbye 2025/ Hello 2026 journal from the wonderful Selina Barker I hope you have a GORGEOUS holiday whatever you are up to and there’s a pressie for you under the tree. Sending all sparkles.Claire ✨LinksJoin Sparkle on Substack on a 14day free trialAudience Alchemy - Join us - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/audience-alchemy-the-live-courseDownload Invisible Trust - my new book - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/invisible-trustJoin 12 Chapters Club and write your book with us for free in 2026 - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/12-chapters-clubJoin my month long January Joyful Growth Challenge; co-hosted with Russell Nohelty - AI SummaryThis is Claire Venus’s end-of-year reflection on her Substack journey in 2025 and running an online business. Key themes:Nervous system and safety: Claire discusses how her entire career was built on trauma responses from working in the unstable cultural/festival sector. She realized she was constantly in fight-or-flight mode, which carried into her online work. This year focused on understanding when she feels safe versus when she’s pushing from fear.Stepping back from visibility: After launching her Substack book in summer 2024, Claire experienced negativity and didn’t feel safe showing up. She intentionally made herself “smaller” - focusing on depth of connection with existing members rather than growth and visibility. When others became prominent Substack educators, she chose to work quietly with her membership community.Letting go of growth pressure: When her subscriber numbers started declining, instead of pushing harder, she asked “what if I just didn’t do more?” This led to accepting she was enough without constant growth, posting less frequently (once weekly), and prioritizing genuine connection over metrics.Business maturation: She hit six figures, set up a proper limited company and business bank account, built a garden studio, and learned to hold larger amounts of money responsibly balancing business investments and ambition with passion for life.Future direction: 2026 will focus on collaboration and community. She’s launching “Audience Alchemy” (about repurposing long-form content and building legacy) and continuing her commitment to write a book annually for 10 years (now in year 6).Her core message: Know what you’re truly here to do before worrying about strategy, and build from a place of safety rather than fear. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Hi Sparklers!!This was such a fascinating chat. Amy went from LA based Yoga Teacher to a 7 Figure Founder / Writer with a journey of curiosity in-between. I asked her about her new book - Write for Money and Power and building a 6 figure Substack here on Substack. We dig into income streams and online happiness, diversity of work and fulfilling community work. Thank you Janine De Tillio Cammarata 🖊️, Thaddeus Howze, Katherine Baldwin, Louise Tilbrook and many others for tuning into my live video with Amy Suto! Amy’s online spaces…* https://www.amysuto.com/* https://www.instagram.com/sutoscience/* https://www.tiktok.com/@sutoscience?lang=en * https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-suto-46194842/* Pre-order Write for Money and Power worldwide - https://www.amysuto.com/write-for-money-and-power* If you’re in the UK, use this pre-order link Amy’s book - https://amzn.eu/d/eG26KV1 The transcript is included and I asked ai to summarise it for you…Podcast Summary: Amy Suto on Building a Seven-Figure Writing CareerIn this inspiring conversation, Claire Venus speaks with Amy Suto a seven-figure founder, bestselling author, and ghostwriter about building a sustainable creative career without chasing starving artist myths.Key Topics Covered:Building Multiple Income Streams Amy shares her philosophy of doing “epic things” then teaching others how to replicate that success. She runs multiple ventures including ghostwriting memoirs for high-paying clients, her Substack “Pseudoscience,” and Make Writing Your Job—a writing jobs board that added nearly $200,000 in annual recurring revenue in 12 months.Breaking the Starving Artist Myth Amy’s forthcoming book “Write for Money and Power” (January 2025) challenges the romanticized notion that writers must be broke. She outlines three essential income engines: self-publishing books, paid newsletters on Substack, and freelancing—all working together to create a sustainable creative career.Transparency and Community From her first $10,000 as a freelance writer to seven figures, Amy has openly shared her income journey, believing transparency helps others see what’s possible. She emphasizes returning to your “why” and building for community rather than getting caught in comparison traps.Practical Growth Strategies The conversation explores energy management over time management, setting boundaries with technology, and smart content distribution. Amy reveals that 30% of their paid traffic comes from LinkedIn and shares tactics for repurposing Substack content across platforms without triggering algorithm penalties.Protecting Creative Energy Both speakers discuss the importance of taking breaks, managing nervous system responses to online visibility, and creating systems that prevent burnout while maintaining profitable businesses.Other people we mention in the call.Katie Chappell at Illustrator Jobs Board.My Invite to you to join - 12 Chapters Club - join us! It’s my free book writing club for 2026 - we work on one chapter a month for 12 months - space holding, reminder emails and all the tea about my goal to write 10 books in 10 years.https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/12-chapters-club This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Mary Beth Kaplan🪶, Julie Schmidt, Gabriela Blandy, Georgina Dean, Dianne, and many others for tuning into my live video with Jen Baxter ✒️! Join me for my next live video in the app.Jen supports authors to arrive to Substack and she’s BRILLIANT.Here’s the post I reference with my tips in there… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe