Cultivating Substack Community offline with Amy Beeson

from Sparkle on Substack · host Claire Venus ✨ and Amy I Beeson 🐝

“There’s so much to learn in the speaking out of words. You see where people laugh, where they feel things close. It’s affirming — especially for people who feel like they’re not ‘real’ writers yet.Everybody says, ‘I’m really scared before I read,’ but most people find it transformational.”Amy I Beeson 🐝 It was a delight to meet Amy I Beeson 🐝 and learn more about her work in the world. We’ve known each other for just over a year and it’s been so joyful to learn more about her story.She’s delivering a guest workshop at Sparkle on Substack for paid subs this autumn. Don’t miss it -it’s on brand story and not re-traumatising yourself sharing yours.You can subscribe to her lovely Substack publication and this weekend meet her and lots of other lovely writers in person at her crowd funded Write Up…As always we’d love to hear from you in the comments if this episode sparks anything for you. Video ChatWatch this podcast style chat on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe as I put all my interviews out plus bonus tutorial the same day they are recorded. Got to love that fresh energy. AI OVERVIEW 🌟 Podcast Overview: Sparkle on Substack with Claire Venus & Amy Beeson🎙️ Theme:Turning online Substack connections into real-life community. Amy and Claire reflect on the journey from digital friendship to powerful, in-person meet-ups that blend creativity, vulnerability, and joy.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The Guest: Amy Beeson* Author and co-creative branding consultant in West London.* Runs regular Substack writer meet-ups, sparked from a casual pre-event dinner Claire organised.* Passionate about creating safe spaces for writers to read their work aloud and grow their craft.💫 Key Topics Covered1. The Power of In-Person Substack Meet-ups* Amy organises gatherings (typically 12–16 people) where writers share drinks, stories, and read their work.* Emphasis on intimacy, trust, and mutual support — a contrast to competitive literary environments.* Readings help writers feel “seen,” build confidence, and overcome imposter syndrome.2. Craft as Connection* Claire and Amy discuss the transformational magic of reading words aloud — it strengthens writing, reveals emotional truth, and brings resonance.* Vulnerability becomes a strength when shared in a caring, creative circle.3. Building from Community: Amy’s New Project* Amy is crowdfunding an inclusive summer event called "Write-Up" — a celebration of Substack writers with live readings, a DJ, and community joy.* She’s navigating grassroots funding via Space Hive and learning to balance budget, ambition, and accessibility.* Venue ideas include a beautiful West London church where Bridgerton was filmed!4. Creativity After Grief and Change* Amy shares how lockdown, motherhood, and loss created a personal and creative rupture and how Substack has helped her reclaim her voice and purpose.* Claire relates, noting the challenge and opportunity of creative rebirth during and after the pandemic.5. Memoir, Branding & Blending Work and Self* Amy’s Substack blends memoir, event updates, and soon more branding insights (her professional work).* They discuss keeping the platform joyful and light — not a copy of client work, but an expression of personal voice and fun experimentation.6. Storytelling as a Skill* They explore the difference between therapeutic writing vs. storytelling for an audience.* Amy offers feedback, hosts writer circles, and is developing tutorials around:* Finding your protagonist's voice (even if it’s you!)* Crafting arcs and structure* Moving from draft to finished piece* Holding your story at a healthy distance7. Notes, Voice, and Publishing on Substack* Claire reflects on using Substack Notes as a quick publishing tool for longer reflections.* They agree: perfection isn’t necessary — connection is the goal.✨ Final Reflections* This episode beautifully weaves together themes of identity, voice, healing, and collective creativity.* It's a love letter to grassroots community, gentle growth, and the courage to show up — messy, real, and full of hope. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

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