Sparkle Like You Mean It
Parents that Write #41 Q&A with Claire Venus
Welcome to Parents That Write.
Parent writers, artists, and creators are more than just their ‘chaos’. We’re publishing books, dropping albums, optioning screenplays, and making magic every day.
HOW DO THEY DO IT? That's what we're here to find out. Each week, my guests tackle eight quick-fire questions, plus a few wildcards. But first, a peek into my own creative life:
No-Fluff Notes from my Writing Life
Why I Don’t Work Like Others (And You Possibly Don’t Either)
Here’s something I haven’t said in this column yet: I use Human Design in my creative work. And in my boardroom consulting. And in mentoring Founders and creatives. (And basically anywhere someone is trying to make genius shit without frying their nervous system.)
I’m a Projector1 which means I am not built for hustle. I’m also not built to show up daily on ten platforms. I’m not here for five-year content calendars or waking up at 5am to meditate with Gwyneth2.
I am built to see patterns that others miss. To guide, edit, and create deeply, BUT to rest often, and only move when invitations are real3.
Which is why I no longer judge myself when I need a 90-minute lie-down after writing 900 words.
Or why I leave my calendar full of air gaps and slink into creative flow like it’s a secret underground club.
This week’s guest, Claire Venus, is also a Projector. So yes, this week is a double-dose of “do less, but do it better” energy.
We talk about her creative life but if you know the system, you’ll spot it immediately: her laser insight, divine timing, and queen-level power of invitation over hustle.
So tell me, have you peeked at your Human Design yet? Did it explain your creative quirks energy, or blow the lid off how you’re actually wired?
Not sure of your type? That’s okay. Take a stab. I’m here for the guesses and the charts. Let’s swap notes.
Meanwhile, MEET who doesn’t just talk and teach about sustainable creativity, she builds the systems that make it possible. With deep roots in the arts, heritage, and writing worlds, her Substack and strategic work have become a lifeline for those craving rhythm over hustle, clarity over overwhelm. This is what it looks like when brilliance is both tender and tactical.
Share a broad snapshot of your life. Who are you parent to and/or have caring responsibilities for?
I'm wife to Dave and mum to two incredible children. L is almost 11 and LJ is 4.5. She's a pandemic baby and knew what she was coming here to do. At 10lb 3oz born to show us all a new way. Parenting her has taught me everything I didn't know I needed to know about the balance of fierce and soft.
I started my business (Creatively Conscious Ltd) on a hope and prayer in 2017 and in 2020 the full vision of how to deliver it dropped in. I'm home a lot. We live on the Northumberland Coast in the UK with our pet puppy Stella.
Where can we find you?
Everything is here - I write on Substack and host a membership there too, and you can find me on insta
Can you share favourite praise for your writing?
I love it when people call me The Queen of Substack - it never gets old. I think was the last person to tag me and reference me as that. Who doesn't want to play Queen energy in their biz!
Why do you write?
To connect, to communicate and to unearth a legacy my kids and ancestors will be proud of.
What does the inside of your writing mind look like?
Calm like a gentle candle with an edge of occasional pyromania I'd say.
How is your ability to write affected by being a parent and your ability to parent affected by your writing?
Writing saved my life through parenting. I didn't know I was a writer until my kids were born. Sure I could write (funding bids and marketing copy) but no I didn't know I was inherently a writer.
How often do you write with your child around or not, and what kind of writing do you get done when they are nearby?
The odd line will drop when I'm driving with them in the car. I write every morning before they get up next to fairy lights or in my current favourite sunny spot outside. We've had the best summer!!
What is your best writing habit, and how did you discover it?
Head emptying. I discovered it through Mothership Writers sessions - it's incredible. I also love writing to music - the same song on repeat please.
What are the three most important characteristics of being a writer who is a parent?
Hmm tenacity... observation, love?
What or who is your secret writing weapon?
Anger and also frustration.
What or who has been the most significant creative influence in your life?
I love that question. I feel so inspired by so many people. Mostly women but some men. My husband greatly inspires me. He's an incredible writer. My main inspo is probably the women who balance softness and strength. I don't think it's one person - it's a thousand and one vignettes of witnessing women being in their sacred feminine in the here and now I think.
What are your coping tactics for being (constantly) interrupted in your thought process?
Solo time. I have spa membership. Walk alone everyday. I'm a 2.4 in Human Design - being alone is like oxygen.
What’s your best writing time?
Early mornings.
What motivates you to write amongst the flurry of family life?
Legacy and caring about inspiring other people's creative spark.
If your writing discipline was a food, what would it be?
A bountiful breakfast buffet or a single but delightful green coconut delivered unexpectedly.
Which three (parent) writers make you think, “Damn, I wish I could write like this”.
You! . .
What unfinished writing projects do you have lying about?
Haha - I'm a 'completer/ finisher' I finish everything.
What is the favourite sentence you’ve ever written, and why?
I wrote about threading the needle and the school run for a friend's anthology - I sobbed as I was writing that poem - I think it's the best I've ever written. My friends tell me to write more poetry....
What music do you listen to while writing?
Oh fun... it depends... I listen to alot of Sia. I've written this to this song actually - I discovered it on IG.
What’s your favourite quote from a writer?
I love everything Bréne Brown has taught us... “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
― Brene Brown
That’s it for now. Thank you, as ever, for being here.
Human Design is a serious framework for understanding how you’re built to make decisions, influence others, and create momentum without burnout. It goes far beyond personality, it’s a practical tool for alignment and leadership. The five types are Manifestor, Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, and Reflector.
Want to listen to a beautiful conversation about Human Design? Click here to listen to and talk about the nuances and impact of HD in their lives.
I work such early hours that more than one Brit’s asked if I’ve relocated to LA. But I’m not with Gwynnie, much.
In Human Design, Projectors are designed to wait for real invitations meaning recognition that feels genuine, timely, and aligned. It’s less about passivity and more about discernment: the right people invite you when they truly see your value.
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Aw thank you for inviting me to guest. This was a beautiful reminder after a bit of a writing break that there are always things to say. I don't think I knew you were a Projector too - makes SO much sense. Lauren did a HD class for Substack writers - if anyone would like to access it I can gift that, just drop me a message. ✨
Yes! You ARE queen of Substack. And I am HERE for playing that queen energy in your biz. Ooh yes ✨