!NEW AND IMPORTANT! A SUBSTACK meet-up in real life!

AND CREATE before you Consume: Day 5

Nov 09, 2023

I’ve only gone and done it! I’ve put a date in my diary that says “Substack MEET UP IN REAL LIFE!”

I would love it if you would join me…(even if you’re not on Substack…yet…)

WHEN: MONDAY 4TH DECEMBER, 10:00am-2.00pm

WHERE: MORDEN HALL PARK, SM4 5JD (National Trust but you only have to pay for parking, or it’s a five minute walk from Morden on the Northern Line).

This is a truly magical, abundant place: I promise you it will inspire you!

WHO: You, and you’re of course welcome to bring your kids (and if you’re not on Substack you’re still totally welcome, you’re on my list and I want you to be a part of it! We might even persuade you to join…)

WHAT WILL WE DO? My vision is that we meet for a coffee in the cafe at 10.00am (or when you can get there), then we’ll go for a walk and let the kids and us burn off some energy, before returning to the cafe for a baked potato and a chat. Perhaps if the kids let us we can even set some intentions, reflect on the year we’ve had and organise some collaborations!

WHY: organising in-person meet-ups is my favourite thing to do. I host lots of workshops and other events, and would love to do something more formal in 2024, but for now simply wanted to get together. Morden Hall Park is an oasis on the edge of the city, with something for everyone (water, trees, a watermill, a second-hand book shop, a playground…)

HOW DO I SIGN UP!

FAQS:

I won’t know anyone and I’m nervous!
I won’t either, but I’m reaaaalllly good at making people feel welcome (I’m a teacher and a coach and it’s my thing) and I’ll make sure you’re always felt included and nourished
What is Morden Hall Park?
It’s this and it’s gorgeous: “a green oasis in the city at the heart of the community.”
I don’t drive!
Fine, it’s a 5 minute walk from Morden tube (Northern Line). Equally, you can park there.
I will have to bring my kids!
no worries, there’s loads of stuff for kids (and the garden centre will be full of treats by then so you could even do some Christmas shopping!)
What happens if it’s pouring with rain?
We’ll commandeer the cafe!
Will we get any work done?
I think this will be more of chatting and inspiration, but I’ll be holding formal, adult-only creation workshops in 2024.
How do I confirm I’m attending?
Just fill in this form!
How will I know who you are!
I’ll send you a picture of me and will wear something that makes me easily identifiable.

Please, please, please tag in the comments anyone you think might be able to attend. I love community and inclusivity: anyone is welcome who is able to attend.

Create before you consume: Day 5

OK, we’re nearly a week in, and how are you getting on?

For my own part, I now know when I want to show up on Substack, and have thought carefully about my relationship with Notes.

I’ve also spoken to my VA about the podcast, and we’re starting to cautiously work towards setting up a workflow for booking in guests etc. I’ve booked out two mornings between now and December dedicated to these two projects, I’ve actively sought opportunities for collaboration and I’ve organised this event!

I’m really proud of myself. And that’s what today’s about (well it’s two-fold):

How are you going to celebrate the progress you’ve made, and…
…How can you (cautiously and carefully) get feedback on your creation thus far?

On getting feedback

if the work is in very early stages, be very careful about who you choose to share it with. Some people just won’t get it, and that’s ok. Choose your cheerleaders and your critical friends with care;
keep the circle small. Only ask a trusted handful. Too much feedback leads to decision paralysis, and remember…
…their opinion isn’t fact: it’s just that, a fact…but…
it can be incredibly useful!

It might help you to ask for feedback by simply saying “what do you think?” Or you might want to be a lot more specific: “I’m trying to create this tone/ mood/ speak to this audience. Do you think that is happening here?”

OR “were there any specific areas that just didn’t make sense? Please highlight them.” OR “what story am I trying to tell?”

Who are your creative cheerleaders or critical friends? And if you don’t have any, comment here and ask for some! It’s safe to do so!

Don’t forget, I’ll see you on Monday for our co-creation and creative discussion session. Here’s the link to join:

──────────
Laura Oldfield is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7825041892

Meeting ID: 782 504 1892
Passcode: 8JPVMS

Laura x