1. A unique Spotify playlist to go with the theme of your book or listen to while you're writing.
2. I can offer 3 people free spots in the Heartbeats Community Bulletin Board throughout September to promote your work or offerings. Fill out this link for more info (ignore the paid sub part, happy to offer this without upgrading your subscription). 😊https://forms.gle/9RvsEos5CrEM1ZJR6
3. A curated Pinterest board on one specific topic: Maybe it's family meals, a new hairstyle, or a vibe you'd like help visualizing. I'd love to put one together for you!
RESOURCES NEEDED:
1. Help sharing THE PATTERN SHOP (coming in early December!) I'll be doing a soft launch before the holidays, then doing more outreach starting in January--if you have podcasts, guest posts, indie book store/book club connections, or creative ideas for marketing, I'd love to hear 'em!
2. Snail mail. It really makes my whole week to get real letters in the mail. DM me for my address and I'll be happy to send something back.
3. Substack recommendations--if you enjoy this newsletter, it really makes a difference for you to add it to your "recommended" lists and add a little blurb about it!
Hi I am Catriona. Currently in Aix en Provence, but from next week will be on the West coast of Scotland.
What I need
1. Beta readers and reviewers for a poetry book I am creating for paid subscribers. It’s my first time doing a whole book in Canva and would love a couple of external eyes/ feedback on the design.
2. A buddy who is also at the early stages of testing out paid offers on their Substack and would like to exchange ideas and motivation.
3. Any good links or advice about the 101 of self publishing.
What I can offer
1. A collaboration buddy if you are working on or testing new concepts on your Substack.
2. A 30 min chat to help design/ build confidence for an event, podcast, workshop or Substack live.
3. If you are in Scotland: I can do a creative author photoshoot and capture headshots, your story.
1) a personalised poem sent through to your inbox based on anything you like or your personal situation
2) a thought partnership hour on anything personal or professional challenge you’re experiencing
3) an intuitive writing hour with me
RESOURCES NEEDED:
1) I’m looking for someone good with legal contracts for solo entrepreneurs / small businesses. I need my 13 page one reviewed with my new client
2) thought partnership / support in deciding where to set up my tax residency (I’m going through a transition, so someone to talk this through with and advise would be great!)
Hi Emma, I think we briefly connected before but never properly met. I might be able to offer some of my experiences in different tax residencies as I have looked into it a lot. Would love to explore a partnership hour to talk about some of my professional challenges rn,
Beautiful quotes and great idea Mariah, thank you . I am in CHAGFORD UK, I can offer a Book Club, a walk on the moors and a cup of tea to anyone who is passing .
Mine is a local book club of friends , started 12 years ago . Let me know when your book is published and I will suggest it to my BC. Good Luck with your endeavours ,
I know this is last month's thread but I'm seeking people to spread the word if at all possible ...
It is really tough finding a job in your 40s when you’ve got a wealth of experiences that don’t fit neatly into a resume. So I have written a post about what I am looking for and what I can offer. <3 <3
Hi Kathryn! I’m so glad you posted this here. I was already thinking of opening this thread up through December (instead of making a new one) and you just confirmed that decision! I’m on my phone but when I get back to my computer I’ll edit this post and re-share your comment. Sending you love and luck and fortitude in searching for the perfect fit for your next job! 💗☺️
Hi Kathryn, I am in the same experience. Getting to close to one year of unemployment. 40+ , so much career experience. This year I have been hired twice n both offers fell through. I will check out your post now but would also love to chat more about this if ur interested?
Thanks for reaching out. It also helps to know that I'm not alone in this. It's frustrating but it's not a "me" problem - it's a system problem.
I run my own business and also do a variety of freelance and contract work but none of it has paid enough this year so I've been applying to more traditional jobs ... and mostly I hear nothing but sometimes I get to an interview stage and then it doesn't happen. There has to be a better way!
I hear you Kathryn. I was a freelancer previously and also tried to get some of those short term projects off the ground while looking for a longer term thing and they just haven’t landed this year, it is a strange market at the moment and quite hard to work how to position and sell expertise - because I do think a lot of companies prefer hiring more junior profiles at the moment, for a number of reasons, not just cost. I have been (weirdly) hired twice in long term roles over the past year, but then let go again as both those companies faced an unexpected financial issue just after I had signed the contract and all new hires were let go. In 20 years of work I have never faced so many odd hiring dynamics and I used to work on really complex projects in post conflict areas where things changed quickly, but not like this! Def let’s chat more.
Thank you for sharing that experience. I had a great gig start earlier this year and come to a quick close because of their financial challenges. It’s a weird, weird time!
1. A recipe for a banana granola crunch- yummy, easy and healthy!
2. A List of Everyday moments I love, that may inspire you to look for magic in the mundane ✨️
3. A list of books I recommend for mindset for Artists!
Resources Needed:
1. Your favorite nature books recommendations- old, new and anywhere in between! 🍂
2. Share/Recommend my Substack Newsletter, I am finding wonderful connections here on Substack and would love to keep sharing my love for art, nature and magic with other kindred spirits!
3. Sharing my self-published book- The Book of Flowers with readers. My book releases in April 2026, it's my first book and the more lovely people know about her release, the merrier 🌸
Hi Maria, congrats on publishing your book! It's quite the journey, isn't it? Happy to support you in whatever way I can, please do keep me updated!
For Nature books, I love "The Curious Nature Guide" by Clare Walker Leslie. It has great nature journaling prompts and is simply a gorgeous book. I also really love the illustrated books by Julia Rothman...she has a collection of Nature Anatomy, Farm Anatomy, Ocean Anatomy, and more that are delightful and informative!
Thank you so much! It has been, and at times, I question if I should keep going on it, lol, the imposter syndrome creeps in! I am still creating the art and words, but I love it! The part that scares me is the publishing part! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Thank you for the book recommendations! Lovely! I will be adding those beauties to my list!
My most life changing nature-adjacent book is Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes by Alastair Humphreys. An amazing resource to find magic in the mundane & connect with nature in whole new ways.
Hi Kailin! Absolutely! I can DM you the recipe- super easy and super delish!
Oh, that sounds wonderful! I am always looking for resources to inspire me and connect me further with nature. I will add that book to my list! Thank you so much!
Hi Maria! Yes, I will go through your notes and posts and I can certainly add engagement there! I would be happy to add some hype about your book! I'm writing a memoir (started draft 2 from scratch this fall), and so I am all-ears when someone says they're getting ready for a book launch! I know my day will come too!
1. An online yoga class. Tell me what you need, I'll send you a link to a class from my extensive library.
2. Editing. I can edit an upcoming Substack post for you.
3. Promotion. Tell me what you need me to share and I'll restack for you!
RESOURCES NEEDED:
1. Promo. I'm doing a re-launch soon and would love some help spreading the word of my Substack to build my subscriber list. Restacks and comments on posts and notes are a huge help.
2. An objective third-party voice/partner to talk through my re-launch idea and gain clarity on best next-steps.
I'd be happy to chat with you about the re-launch as well, whether you want to do that 1:1 or maybe put together a small group chat with those interested. Let me know how I can help.
I would love to learn more about your relaunch! (also, your publication title makes me think we would write an amazing post together!!!) send me a DM about your re-launch ideas or what you want to talk through 🥰 Also, I'm slowly building my audience for a one-day book launch of a memoir I'm writing. I'll tag you in a recent note. If you could restack to your followers, I would greatly appreciate it!
Hi! I'm Mariah, currently living in CHATTANOOGA.
RESOURCES OFFERED:
1. A unique Spotify playlist to go with the theme of your book or listen to while you're writing.
2. I can offer 3 people free spots in the Heartbeats Community Bulletin Board throughout September to promote your work or offerings. Fill out this link for more info (ignore the paid sub part, happy to offer this without upgrading your subscription). 😊https://forms.gle/9RvsEos5CrEM1ZJR6
3. A curated Pinterest board on one specific topic: Maybe it's family meals, a new hairstyle, or a vibe you'd like help visualizing. I'd love to put one together for you!
RESOURCES NEEDED:
1. Help sharing THE PATTERN SHOP (coming in early December!) I'll be doing a soft launch before the holidays, then doing more outreach starting in January--if you have podcasts, guest posts, indie book store/book club connections, or creative ideas for marketing, I'd love to hear 'em!
2. Snail mail. It really makes my whole week to get real letters in the mail. DM me for my address and I'll be happy to send something back.
3. Substack recommendations--if you enjoy this newsletter, it really makes a difference for you to add it to your "recommended" lists and add a little blurb about it!
Hi I am Catriona. Currently in Aix en Provence, but from next week will be on the West coast of Scotland.
What I need
1. Beta readers and reviewers for a poetry book I am creating for paid subscribers. It’s my first time doing a whole book in Canva and would love a couple of external eyes/ feedback on the design.
2. A buddy who is also at the early stages of testing out paid offers on their Substack and would like to exchange ideas and motivation.
3. Any good links or advice about the 101 of self publishing.
What I can offer
1. A collaboration buddy if you are working on or testing new concepts on your Substack.
2. A 30 min chat to help design/ build confidence for an event, podcast, workshop or Substack live.
3. If you are in Scotland: I can do a creative author photoshoot and capture headshots, your story.
RESOURCES OFFERED:
1) a personalised poem sent through to your inbox based on anything you like or your personal situation
2) a thought partnership hour on anything personal or professional challenge you’re experiencing
3) an intuitive writing hour with me
RESOURCES NEEDED:
1) I’m looking for someone good with legal contracts for solo entrepreneurs / small businesses. I need my 13 page one reviewed with my new client
2) thought partnership / support in deciding where to set up my tax residency (I’m going through a transition, so someone to talk this through with and advise would be great!)
Hi Emma, I think we briefly connected before but never properly met. I might be able to offer some of my experiences in different tax residencies as I have looked into it a lot. Would love to explore a partnership hour to talk about some of my professional challenges rn,
Amazing! Yes would love to set this up. My email is emma@emmaevelyncampbell.com if you want to drop me a message and we can schedule in some calls :)
Amazing. Will msge soon!
Hi Mariah! Im happy to send you snail mail, I'm sending out holiday cards to patrons in December! I'd also love to share/recommend your Substack!
That sounds lovely, Maria. I love your art and how it's inspired by nature :) Send me a DM with your address and we can plan a little exchange!
Thank you so much, I just love nature so much, it (and art) has helped so much with my mentality! I will DM you, yay!
I am happy to recommend you Mariah!
Thank you, Catriona! And same!
Beautiful quotes and great idea Mariah, thank you . I am in CHAGFORD UK, I can offer a Book Club, a walk on the moors and a cup of tea to anyone who is passing .
This sounds so lovely! There are so many great folks in the UK on Substack, I'd love to visit sometime!
What kind of book clubs do you host? My upcoming novel is in the book club genre, I'd love to introduce it to some book clubs in the UK!
Mine is a local book club of friends , started 12 years ago . Let me know when your book is published and I will suggest it to my BC. Good Luck with your endeavours ,
That sounds so lovely. Keeping anything going for 12 years is quite an accomplishment! And thank you, I definitely will. 😊
RESOURCE NEEDED
I know this is last month's thread but I'm seeking people to spread the word if at all possible ...
It is really tough finding a job in your 40s when you’ve got a wealth of experiences that don’t fit neatly into a resume. So I have written a post about what I am looking for and what I can offer. <3 <3
https://createmefree.substack.com/p/multi-disciplinary-writer-researcher
Hi Kathryn! I’m so glad you posted this here. I was already thinking of opening this thread up through December (instead of making a new one) and you just confirmed that decision! I’m on my phone but when I get back to my computer I’ll edit this post and re-share your comment. Sending you love and luck and fortitude in searching for the perfect fit for your next job! 💗☺️
Wonderful synchronicity.
Thank you as always for your support. <3 <3
Hi Kathryn, I am in the same experience. Getting to close to one year of unemployment. 40+ , so much career experience. This year I have been hired twice n both offers fell through. I will check out your post now but would also love to chat more about this if ur interested?
Hi Catriona,
Thanks for reaching out. It also helps to know that I'm not alone in this. It's frustrating but it's not a "me" problem - it's a system problem.
I run my own business and also do a variety of freelance and contract work but none of it has paid enough this year so I've been applying to more traditional jobs ... and mostly I hear nothing but sometimes I get to an interview stage and then it doesn't happen. There has to be a better way!
Let's chat. <3
I hear you Kathryn. I was a freelancer previously and also tried to get some of those short term projects off the ground while looking for a longer term thing and they just haven’t landed this year, it is a strange market at the moment and quite hard to work how to position and sell expertise - because I do think a lot of companies prefer hiring more junior profiles at the moment, for a number of reasons, not just cost. I have been (weirdly) hired twice in long term roles over the past year, but then let go again as both those companies faced an unexpected financial issue just after I had signed the contract and all new hires were let go. In 20 years of work I have never faced so many odd hiring dynamics and I used to work on really complex projects in post conflict areas where things changed quickly, but not like this! Def let’s chat more.
Thank you for sharing that experience. I had a great gig start earlier this year and come to a quick close because of their financial challenges. It’s a weird, weird time!
Hi Kathryn
I'll go over to read your post - I'm not sure you're aware, but I have a small mentoring business, so I hope I can offer you some tips or ideas.
Hi, I'm Maria I live in VALPARAISO indiana.
Resources Offered:
1. A recipe for a banana granola crunch- yummy, easy and healthy!
2. A List of Everyday moments I love, that may inspire you to look for magic in the mundane ✨️
3. A list of books I recommend for mindset for Artists!
Resources Needed:
1. Your favorite nature books recommendations- old, new and anywhere in between! 🍂
2. Share/Recommend my Substack Newsletter, I am finding wonderful connections here on Substack and would love to keep sharing my love for art, nature and magic with other kindred spirits!
3. Sharing my self-published book- The Book of Flowers with readers. My book releases in April 2026, it's my first book and the more lovely people know about her release, the merrier 🌸
Thank you!
Hi Maria, congrats on publishing your book! It's quite the journey, isn't it? Happy to support you in whatever way I can, please do keep me updated!
For Nature books, I love "The Curious Nature Guide" by Clare Walker Leslie. It has great nature journaling prompts and is simply a gorgeous book. I also really love the illustrated books by Julia Rothman...she has a collection of Nature Anatomy, Farm Anatomy, Ocean Anatomy, and more that are delightful and informative!
Thank you so much! It has been, and at times, I question if I should keep going on it, lol, the imposter syndrome creeps in! I am still creating the art and words, but I love it! The part that scares me is the publishing part! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Thank you for the book recommendations! Lovely! I will be adding those beauties to my list!
omg can I have the recipe PLEASE???
My most life changing nature-adjacent book is Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes by Alastair Humphreys. An amazing resource to find magic in the mundane & connect with nature in whole new ways.
Hi Kailin! Absolutely! I can DM you the recipe- super easy and super delish!
Oh, that sounds wonderful! I am always looking for resources to inspire me and connect me further with nature. I will add that book to my list! Thank you so much!
Hi Maria! Yes, I will go through your notes and posts and I can certainly add engagement there! I would be happy to add some hype about your book! I'm writing a memoir (started draft 2 from scratch this fall), and so I am all-ears when someone says they're getting ready for a book launch! I know my day will come too!
Hi Amanda! Thank you so much, I appreciate the support! Please keep me updated on your memoir! How exciting! 💕❤️
Not sure if these are quite considered "nature" books but they're in the realm and ones I love:
Wanderlust by Rebecca Solicit
Archipelago of Hope by Gleb Raygorodetsky
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Sy Montgomery's books ... she's known best probably for Soul of an Octopus but I actually like her short books like The Hawk's Way
Also happy to spread the word about your book when it's time. I've done a Substack virtual tour for one of my books that went well: https://createmefree.substack.com/p/how-to-do-a-virtual-book-tour-on
Hello! I'm Ashley, in ALEXANDRIA, VA.
RESOURCES OFFERED:
1. An online yoga class. Tell me what you need, I'll send you a link to a class from my extensive library.
2. Editing. I can edit an upcoming Substack post for you.
3. Promotion. Tell me what you need me to share and I'll restack for you!
RESOURCES NEEDED:
1. Promo. I'm doing a re-launch soon and would love some help spreading the word of my Substack to build my subscriber list. Restacks and comments on posts and notes are a huge help.
2. An objective third-party voice/partner to talk through my re-launch idea and gain clarity on best next-steps.
I'd be happy to chat with you about the re-launch as well, whether you want to do that 1:1 or maybe put together a small group chat with those interested. Let me know how I can help.
I would love to learn more about your relaunch! (also, your publication title makes me think we would write an amazing post together!!!) send me a DM about your re-launch ideas or what you want to talk through 🥰 Also, I'm slowly building my audience for a one-day book launch of a memoir I'm writing. I'll tag you in a recent note. If you could restack to your followers, I would greatly appreciate it!
I would be happy to be a buddy about relaunch ideas. I am experimenting on new paid ideas so happy to be a sounding board.
Thank you Catriona! A small group might be fun 🤩. I’ll get us all connected!
Hi Ashley! Can you send me a message when you're re-launching as a reminder? I'd love to help you promote when it comes time!
I'd also love something similar for THE PATTERN SHOP. Is it ok if I reach out to you in January when I'm going to start doing more promo?
absolutely! Would love to help you promote. I’ll let you know when I’ve firmed up my re-launch dates!