Connection Creativity Lab, Office Hours + Making Time Library

 

 

 

  

TUESDAY UPDATE ARCHIVE

Week of February 17, 2026

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab  will be on break this week. We will resume next Tuesday, February 24, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT with the Quiet Car and the Cabaret Car.
  • The Spark File ILLUME  will meet next Wednesday, February 25, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. We will conclude the second round of our Creativity Shares.
  • Our next Making Time will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11am - 12:30pm ET / 8 - 9:30am PT.
  • Following Making Time on February 28, we will be hosting a free workshop from 1 - 2:30pm ET / 10 - 11:30am PT. The topic will be Finding Your Creative Community. For more information and to register, please visit this link.
  • If you have not already sent a photo of yourself for the Illume invitation to Susan at susan@thesparkfile.com, please do so as soon as you are able!
  • Thanks to a suggestion from the great Lora Wilson, we have created a dedicated ‘Writers of The Spark File’ thread in the Creative Community. This thread is a place where you can exchange resources about writing, writing tools, publishing, etc., as well as your own experiences. If you are a writer or thinking about being a writer, and you’d like to be added to the thread please email teamcaptain@thesparkfile.com, or send Kevin a message through The Creative Community Connection. 
  • The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page. The Coaches Corner recording can be found in the ILLUME Toolbox in the portal, and by clicking “Coaches Corner.”
  • Important Dates and Deadlines for the May 18, 2026 ILLUME Showcase
    • ASAP - if you have not already sent a photo of yourself for the Illume invitation to Susan at susan@thesparkfile.com, please do so as soon as you can. 
    • March 31st - submission deadline for The Spark File ILLUME 2026 Creativity Showcase Intro + Tech Info form. ALSO on March 31st, we need your invitee’s names and emails organized in your dedicated spreadsheet.
    • April 7th - the first round invitations will be sent out.
    • April 15th, April 22nd, May 6th - ILLUME sessions will be dedicated to presenting and refining your showcase presentations. The presentations you share on those dates should be no more than 5 minutes in length.
    • May 11th - your swag needs to be in your possession, or in Kevin Winebold’s possession. Email him at teamcaptain@thesparkfile.com if you’d like his address.
    • We want you to begin thinking NOW about how you want to follow up with invitees who were, and were not, able to attend.
    • And remember: If any ILLUME- or Showcase-related things come up for you that give you feelings in your mind/body/heart/behaviors, please reach back to us–we are here for you.
  • On Saturday, you should have received a survey about your experience in The Spark File Creative Community. Your thoughtful feedback will help us understand what’s working, how you’re engaging with the community, and how we might improve the experience as we prepare to open our doors more widely. We appreciate you taking the time to respond to this brief survey.

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

Week of February 10, 2026

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet today, Tuesday, February 10, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Quiet Car and the Cabaret Car. (Pro-tip: if you and your Think Buddy are ever available during Lab, Kevin can open up a breakout room for you to have your Thinking Partnership, if you’d like.) 
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, February 11, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. We will begin the second round of our Creativity Shares.
  • Our monthly Coaches Corner will be this Thursday, February 12, from 12 - 1pm ET / 9 - 10am PT. You may submit your coaching questions in advance here.
  • We have created a dedicated ‘Writers of The Spark File’ thread in the Creative Community. This thread is a place where you can exchange resources about writing, writing tools, publishing, etc., as well as your own experiences. If you are a writer or thinking about being a writer, and you’d like to be added to the thread please email teamcaptain@thesparkfile.com, or send Kevin a message through The Creative Community Connection. 
  • If you would like to watch the replay of Office Hours from last week, you may do so in The Creative Community Center, by selecting Office Hours Replays from the resources tab.
  • Important Dates and Deadlines for the May 18, 2026 ILLUME Showcase
    • ASAP - if you have not already sent a photo of yourself for the Illume invitation to Susan at susan@thesparkfile.com, please do so as soon as you can. 
    • March 31st - submission deadline for The Spark File ILLUME 2026 Creativity Showcase Intro + Tech Info form. ALSO on March 31st, we need your invitee’s names and emails organized in your dedicated spreadsheet.
    • April 7th - the first round invitations will be sent out.
    • April 15th, April 22nd, May 6th - ILLUME sessions will be dedicated to presenting and refining your showcase presentations. The presentations you share on those dates should be no more than 5 minutes in length.
    • May 11th - your swag needs to be in your possession, or in Kevin Winebold’s possession. Email him at teamcaptain@thesparkfile.com if you’d like his address.
    • We want you to begin thinking NOW about how you want to follow up with invitees who were, and were not, able to attend.
    • And remember: If any ILLUME- or Showcase-related things come up for you that give you feelings in your mind/body/heart/behaviors, please reach back to us–we are here for you.
  • SAVE THE DATE! We will be hosting a FREE Workshop on Saturday, February 28, at 1pm ET / 10am PT (more details soon). If you attend Making Time that morning from 11am - 12:30pm ET / 8 - 9:30am PT, you’ll have 30 minutes in between, when you can enjoy a screen break, rest your eyes, and come back hydrated and ready to spark!
  • Keep an eye out for an important survey coming your way! As inaugural members of The Spark File Creative Community, your thoughtful feedback will help us understand what’s working, how you’re engaging with the community, and how we might improve the experience as we prepare to open our doors more widely.

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

Week of February 3, 2026

Happy February, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet today, Tuesday, February 3, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Quiet Car, the Cabaret Car, and Office Hours. If you would like to ask a coaching question in advance, please do so here. 
  • Our next round of Creativity Shares begin next week. If you have not yet done so, please sign up for a twenty-minute share below.
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet next Wednesday, February 11, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. We are looking forward to your Creativity Shares.
  • Your February Thinking Partnerships are here. The guidelines can be found in the Toolbox in the ILLUME portal. Please let Kevin know if you have any questions.
  • We shared a lot of information in our last session about our ILLUME Showcase on May 18, 2026. See below for important documents and dates.
  • Showcase Documents
  • Dates and Deadlines
    • ASAP - if you have not already sent a photo of yourself for the Illume invitation to Susan at susan@thesparkfile.com, please do so as soon as you can. 
    • March 31st - submission deadline for The Spark File ILLUME 2026 Creativity Showcase Intro + Tech Info form. ALSO on March 31st, we need your invitee’s names and emails organized in your dedicated spreadsheet.
    • April 7th - the first round invitations will be sent out.
    • April 15th, April 22nd, May 6th - ILLUME sessions will be dedicated to presenting and refining your showcase presentations. The presentations you share on those dates should be no more than 5 minutes in length.
    • May 11th - your swag needs to be in your possession, or in Kevin Winebold’s possession. Email him at teamcaptain@thesparkfile.com if you’d like his address.
    • We want you to begin thinking NOW about how you want to follow up with invitees who were, and were not, able to attend.
    • And remember: If any ILLUME- or Showcase-related things come up for you that give you feelings in your mind/body/heart/behaviors, please reach back to us–we are here for you.
  • SAVE THE DATE! We will be hosting a FREE Workshop on Saturday, February 28, at 1pm ET / 10am PT (more details soon). We also have Making Time that morning from 11am - 12:30pm ET / 8 - 9:30am PT, , so it’s going to be one heck of a #sparksaturday.
  • There are several new members of BLAZE and the Creative Community. Thanks in advance for welcoming them in!

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

 

TUESDAY UPDATE 

Week of January 27, 2026

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • SAVE THE DATE! With contracts signed, we are thrilled to confirm that our ILLUME Showcase will be Monday, May 18, 2026 at The Loft at Ars Nova! If you are planning on participating in the Showcase, please be sure to reserve the whole day (and, if possible, the following morning before noon). More info coming very soon!
  • Our next round of Creativity Shares are next month. Please sign up for one twenty-minute share below.
  • Creativity Lab will meet today, Tuesday, January 27, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Cabaret Car and the Quiet Car. Next week, February 3, we will be hosting Office Hours. If you would like to ask a coaching question in advance, please do so here. 
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. We will be sharing a LOT of information about the ILLUME Showcase–if you can’t be there, be sure to catch the video replay.
  • ICYMI: The doors are open for the next cohort of BLAZE, our flagship course in creativity launching this Thursday, January 29, 2026. If you know any awesome creatives who could benefit from BLAZE, please feel free to share this with them. Note that we are also introducing superBLAZE–two consecutive cohorts of BLAZE (January - May and September - December 2026), with full access to The Spark File Creative Community, Creativity Labs, and Making Time for the entire year. And superBLAZE participants enjoy the best available pricing. Check it out here!
  • There are several new members of BLAZE and the Creative Community. Thanks in advance for welcoming them in!

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

 
TUESDAY UPDATE 

Week of January 20, 2026

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • We are excited to announce that we have signed our venue agreement for the ILLUME Showcase. Barring any unforeseen issues, the Showcase will occur on Monday, May 18, 2026. If you are planning on participating in the Showcase, please be sure to reserve the whole day (and, if possible, the following morning before noon). More info coming soon!
  • Our next round of Creativity Shares are next month. Please sign up for one twenty-minute share below.
  • FREE WORKSHOP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!! If you have been yearning to determine how exactly you might use your creative superpowers to make a positive impact on the world right now, we will be hosting a free creativity workshop on Thursday, January 22, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. The topic is ‘BE THE CHANGE… BUT HOW?’ It’s free but you must register here.
  • Creativity Lab is on break this week. We will resume next Tuesday, January 27, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Cabaret Car and the Quiet Car.
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet next Wednesday, January 28, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT.
  • MAKING TIME is this happening this Saturday, January 24, 11am - 12:30pm ET / 8 - 9:30am PT. This is bonus time to move your BCG forward, or dust off a "just for fun" creative project you've been yearning to make. Bring any project you like, and we’ll have some fun making stuff!
  • The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page. The Coaches Corner recordings can be found in the ILLUME Toolbox, by clicking “Coaches Corner.”
  • ICYMI: The doors are open for the next cohort of BLAZE, our flagship course in creativity launching on Thursday, January 29, 2026. If you know awesome creatives who would benefit from BLAZE, please feel free to share this info with them. And note that we are also introducing superBLAZE–two consecutive cohorts of BLAZE (January - May and September - December 2026), with full access to The Spark File Creative Community, Creativity Labs, and Making Time for the entire year. And superBLAZE participants enjoy the best available pricing. Check it out here!
  • If you have not done so, this is your gentle reminder to schedule your two 1-hour coaching sessions. We still have a lot of spots available, but once they’re gone, they’re gone! Click here to schedule your coaching sessions. And thanks to those who have already scheduled!

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE

Week of January 13, 2026

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • ACTION REQUIRED: In our upcoming session of ILLUME, we will be stepping through the process of hosting a Community Dinner - this is a heart-centered tool you might decide you want to use in order to fundraise or “friend raise” for your project. You can also use Community Dinners to find champions of your work, like-minded partners or collaborators. It is an energizing approach we would like you to learn, in case it is useful to you. As shared in an email from Team Captain Kevin Winebold, we ask you to come to the “dinner” (aka our class on Wednesday) prepared to share a 1-2 minute short story about a moment you knew that your creativity needed to be a priority in your life. This might be a moment that led to you joining The Spark File, it might be a moment that led to you joining the local bake-a-thon, talent show, or speaker's bureau. Can you tell us a story about how you knew that being connected to your creativity and self-expression was essential to you?
  • We are excited to announce that we are close to signing our venue agreement for the ILLUME Showcase. Barring unforeseen issues, the Showcase will occur on Monday, May 18, 2026. If you are planning on participating in the Showcase, please be sure to reserve the whole day (and, if possible, the following morning before noon). More info coming soon!
  • ICYMI: The doors are open for the next cohort of BLAZE, our flagship course in creativity launching on Thursday, January 29, 2026. If you know awesome creatives who would benefit from BLAZE, please feel free to share this info with them. And note that we are also introducing superBLAZE–two consecutive cohorts of BLAZE (January - May and September - December 2026), with full access to The Spark File Creative Community, Creativity Labs, and Making Time for the entire year. And superBLAZE participants enjoy the best available pricing. Check it out here!
  • If you registered for the 2026 New Year Creativity Kickoff and want to catch the replay, it is available in your course library until midnight on January 19, 2026. 
  • Creativity Lab will meet today, Tuesday, January 13, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Cabaret Car, and the Quiet Car. 
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT.
  • Our monthly Coaches Corner will be this Thursday, January 15, from 12 - 1pm ET / 9 - 10am PT. You may submit your coaching questions in advance here.
  • MAKING TIME is happening Saturday, January 24, 11am - 12:30pm ET / 8 - 9:30am PT. This is bonus time to move your BCG forward, or dust off a "just for fun" creative project you've been yearning to make. Bring any project you like, and we’ll have some fun making stuff! 
  • Your January Thinking Partnerships are here. The guidelines can be found in the Toolbox in the ILLUME portal. Please let Kevin know if you have any questions.
  • FREE WORKSHOP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!! We will be hosting a free workshop on Thursday, January 22, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. The topic ‘BE THE CHANGE… BUT HOW?’ It’s free but you must register here. 
  • REMEMBER to schedule your two 1-hour coaching sessions at times that will best serve your creative process. Plenty of spots are still available, but once they’re gone, they’re gone! Click here to schedule your coaching sessions.

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE 

Week of January 6, 2025

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Thanks to all who attended the 2026 New Year Creativity Kickoff–your presence created such a warm, intelligent atmosphere. If you registered, you can find the replay in your course Library.
  • Creativity Lab will meet today, Tuesday, January 6, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting Office Hours, the Cabaret Car, and the Quiet Car. If you would like to submit a question for Office Hours, please do so here.
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet next Wednesday, January 14.
  • Our monthly Coaches Corner will be next Thursday, January 15, from 12 - 1pm ET / 9 - 10am PT. You may submit your coaching questions in advance here.
  • REMEMBER to schedule your two 1-hour coaching sessions at times that will best serve your creative process. Plenty of spots are still available, but once they’re gone, they’re gone! Click here to schedule your coaching sessions.

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE

Week of December 30, 2025

Happy New Year, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

    • Creativity Lab will resume next Tuesday, January 6, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting Office Hours, the Cabaret Car, and the Quiet Car. If you would like to submit a question for Office Hours, please do so here.
    • The Spark File ILLUME will meet on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
  • If you haven’t been tuning in to Season 7 of The Spark File podcast - take a listen! Episode 1 is all about how uncertainty can fuel our creativity, and Episode 2 is inspired by the book From Strength to Strength. Episode 3 is a Spoooooooky Winter Story you won’t want to miss! And so much more to come! Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, the Broadway Podcast Network or anywhere you get your quality podcasts!
  • The Spark File 2026 New Year Creativity Kickoff is this Saturday, January 3, at 11am ET / 8am PT. ILLUMINEERS can attend for free by heading to this link and using code 2026SPARKGIFT. And there’s still time to wrap up the NYCK gift certificate (available here) and give it to a fellow creative who could use the boost!
  • REMEMBER to schedule your two 1-hour coaching sessions at times that will best serve your creative process. Plenty of spots are still available, but once they’re gone, they’re gone!  Click here to schedule your coaching sessions.

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or check out your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE 
Week of December 23, 2025

Happy Holidays, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab is on break for the holidays and will resume on January 6 (featuring Office Hours).
  • The next meeting of The Spark File ILLUME will be Wednesday, January 14.
  • If you shared on December 17, remember to check your private thread with your spark file coaches to hear additional feedback from us!
  • The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page. The Coaches Corner recording can be found in the ILLUME Toolbox in the portal, and by clicking “Coaches Corner.”
  • REMEMBER to schedule your two 1-hour coaching sessions at times that will best serve your creative process. Plenty of spots are still available, but once they’re gone, they’re gone! Please click here to schedule your coaching sessions.

  • REGISTER NOW! The Spark File 2026 New Year Creativity Kickoff is happening on January 3, 2026 at 11am ET / 8pm PT. ILLUMINEERS can attend for free by heading to this link and using code 2026SPARKGIFT. And don’t forget to wrap up the New Year Kickoff gift certificate (available here) and give it to a fellow creative who could use the boost!

  • The doors are officially open for the upcoming cohort of BLAZE and our (NEW!) superBLAZE (for a 2026 full of creative activation and support at the lowest available pricing)! If there is a creative in your who would benefit from the support of The Spark File, please share this info page with them! We’d be so happy to meet with them, learn about their creativity, and determine if BLAZE might be a good fit for them.
  • ILLUME SCHEDULE UPDATE: Please note that we will be having ILLUME CLASS on April 22. This was not previously listed on your calendars, but it is there now! Also, please note that there is no class session on Monday May 20–that is a placeholder noting that the ILLUME Showcase will happen that week. More on that very soon!

If you haven’t been tuning in to Season 7 of The Spark File podcast - take a listen! Episode 1 is all about how uncertainty can fuel our creativity, and Episode 2 is inspired by the book From Strength to Strength. Tomorrow, stay tuned for Episode 3, a Spoooooooky Winter Story you won’t want to miss! Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, the Broadway Podcast Network or anywhere you get your quality podcasts!

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

 

TUESDAY UPDATE 
Week of December 16, 2025

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet today, December 16, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Cabaret Car, and the Quiet Car. Remember that you may see new but familiar faces in the Creativity Lab going forward, as our Spark File Alum have been invited to join the Creative Community!
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet tomorrow, December 17, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT for Day 2, Round 1 of our Creativity Shares!
  • If you shared on December 3, remember to check your private thread with your spark file coaches to hear additional feedback from us!
  • Your December Thinking Partnerships are here. The guidelines can be found in the Toolbox in the ILLUME portal. Please let Kevin know if you have any questions.
  • The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page. The Coaches Corner recording can be found in the ILLUME Toolbox in the portal, and by clicking “Coaches Corner.”
  • REMEMBER: As part of your participation in this ILLUME cohort,you are entitled to two 1-hour coaching sessions with Susan and/or Laura. You can schedule your coaching sessions when you need them the most.

    When booking, please consider the following things:
    • When will it serve you / your project best to meet with us? (eg: right before or after a share, at the beginning of the year, at the end of the program to discuss future plans, etc)
    • Do you prefer to spread them out, or get two quick shots of support back to back? Your choice! We just ask that you give it thoughtful contemplation.

    Please click here to schedule your coaching sessions.

  • REGISTER NOW! The Spark File 2026 New Year Creativity Kickoff is happening on January 3, 2026 at 11am ET / 8pm PT. ILLUMINEERS can attend for free by heading to this link and using code 2026SPARKGIFT. And don’t forget to wrap up the New Year Kickoff gift certificate (available here) and give it to a fellow creative who could use the boost!

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE

Week of December 9, 2025

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet today, December 9, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting Office Hours, the Cabaret Car, and the Quiet Car. If you would like to submit a question for Office Hours, please do so here.
  • Remember that you may see new but familiar faces in the Creativity Lab going forward, as our Spark File Alum have been invited to join!
  •  Our monthly Coaches Corner will be Thursday, December 11, from 12 - 1pm ET / 9 - 10am PT. You may submit your coaching questions in advance here.
  • Also this Thursday: FREE WORKSHOP! The Joy of Creative Gifting – Flowing Your Innate Creativity Into Truly Inspired Gifts is happening from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. To learn more and register for this free workshop, click here. If you are unable to attend but would like to watch the replay, please register, as we will be sending a link to the recording for everyone registered.
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet next Wednesday, December 17, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT for Day 2, Round 1 of our Creativity Shares!
  • If you shared on December 3, remember to check your private thread with your spark file coaches to hear additional feedback from us!
  • Your December Thinking Partnerships are here. The guidelines can be found in the Toolbox in the ILLUME portal. Please let Kevin know if you have any questions.
  • The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page.
  • REMEMBER: As part of your participation in this ILLUME cohort, you are entitled to two 1-hour coaching sessions with Susan or Laura. You can schedule your coaching sessions when you need them the most.

    When booking, please consider the following things:
    • When will it serve you / your project best to meet with us? (eg: right before or after a share, at the beginning of the year, at the end of the program to discuss future plans, etc)
    • Do you prefer to spread them out, or get two quick shots of support back to back? Your choice! We just ask that you give it thoughtful contemplation.

    Please click here to schedule your coaching sessions.

  • REGISTER NOW! The Spark File 2026 New Year Creativity Kickoff is happening on January 3, 2026 at 11am ET / 8pm PT. ILLUMINEERS can attend for free by heading to this link and using code 2026SPARKGIFT. And don’t forget to wrap up the New Year Kickoff gift certificate (available here) and give it to a fellow creative who could use the boost!

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE 
(👇SEE BELOW FOR UPDATED INFO ON PRIVATE COACHING SESSIONS AND FREE WORKSHOPS!)

Week of December 2, 2025

Happy December, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet today, Tuesday, December 2, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. Please join us as we host the Cabaret Car and the Quiet Car.
  • Know that we may have some new and familiar faces joining us! We have started to open The Spark File Creative Community to others, beginning with our alum, which means your creative network is about to grow! Please join us in welcoming these kind creatives into the space!
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT for Day 1, Round 1 of our Creativity Shares!
  • Your December Thinking Partnerships are here. The guidelines can be found in the Toolbox in the ILLUME portal, along with the Coaches Corner recording. Please let Kevin know if you have any questions.
  • The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page.
  • 👉👉UPDATED INFO for some great upcoming opportunities that will be free for ILLUMINEERS: 

    • As part of your participation in this ILLUME cohort, remember, you are entitled to two 1-hour coaching sessions with Susan and/or myself. You can schedule your coaching sessions when you need them the most.

      When booking, please consider the following things:

      • When will it serve you / your project best to meet with us? (right before or after a share, at the beginning of the year, at the end of the program to discuss future plans, etc, etc)t
      • Do you prefer to spread them out, or get two quick shots of support back to back? Your choice! We just ask that you give it thoughtful contemplation.

      Please click here to schedule your coaching sessions.

    • FREE WORKSHOP on Dec 11 from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET - The Joy of Creative Gifting! 

      Gift-giving season is upon us! At The Spark File, we see this as an opportunity to consume less and create more. Tap into your innate creativity to craft and source gifts that are a joy to give and receive. ​If you long to create gifts that:
      •  surprise and delight
      •  come from the heart
      •  feel like an expression of your care and creativity
      •  And honor the recipient​​

      Then join us as we explore The Joy of Creative Gifting. It’s FREE and open to the public, but you must RSVP.

      PLUS!

      THE SPARK FILE 2026 NEW YEAR CREATIVITY KICKOFF

      It’s time for The Spark File 2026 New Year Creativity KickOff, our 1-day virtual retreat that will help you clarify your goals and channel your creative energy. 

      2026 New Year Creativity Kickoff

      January 3 2026

      11am - 6:30pm ET

      Live on Zoom

      It’s a $99 value, and as members of The Spark File Creative Community you get to attend for FREE. All you need to do is register. 

      Click HERE, and use the Code 2026SPARKGIFT.

      PLUS, if you’d like to give the New Year Creativity Kickoff to a fellow creative who could use a boost, we’re attaching a gift certificate in the Creative Community Connection feed - you can print it, wrap it up, and gift it! 
       
      All of the info is now live at thesparkfile.com. And of course, you can always reach out to Team Captain Kevin Winebold if you have any questions. 

We are grateful to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE

Week of November 25, 2025

Happy (American) Thanksgiving, ILLUMINEERS!

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

Creativity Lab is on break today. We will resume next week, Tuesday, December 2, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT, when we will be hosting the Cabaret Car and the Quiet Car.


When the Creativity Lab resumes, please be aware that we may have some new and familiar faces joining us! We have slowly started to open The Spark File Creative Community to others, beginning with our alum. So know that your creative network is about to grow! Please join us in welcoming these kind creatives into the space!


The Spark File ILLUME will meet next Wednesday, December 3, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. We are looking forward to our first day of Creativity Shares.
If you have not yet signed up for your Round 1 Creativity Share, please find the signup links in the ILLUME Session 4 Resources tab, and here:


December 3, 2025
https://thesparkfile.as.me/Dec3CreativitySharesILLUME


December 17, 2025
https://thesparkfile.as.me/Dec17CreativitySharesILLUME


You can find the Coaches Corner recording in the ILLUME Toolbox in the portal, and clicking “Coaches Corner.”
The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page.
We are delighted to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE
Week of November 18, 2025

Happy November, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet today, Tuesday, November 18, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Cabaret Car and the Quiet Car.
  • The next meeting of The Spark File ILLUME will be Wednesday, December 3, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. This will be the start of our Creativity Shares.
  • If you have not yet signed up for your Round 1 Creativity Share, please find the signup links in the ILLUME Session 4 Resources tab, and here:
     
  • Our first COACHES CORNER is happening this Thursday, November 20, 12 - 1:00pm ET / 9 - 10am PT. This is another opportunity for some small group coaching with your Spark File coaching team, and Coaches Corner is special because it’s only for folks like you participating in a course. If you would like to submit a question in advance, you may do so here.
  • You can find the Office Hours recording by clicking “Creativity Labs, Office Hours and Making Time”.
  • The recording of our most recent class sessions are available on this page.

We are delighted to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE
November 4, 2025

Happy November, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet tonight, Tuesday, November 4, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Quiet Car, the Cabaret Car, and Office Hours. You can find the Zoom link located on this page. If you would like to ask a question in advance of Office Hours, you can find and populate the form here – by dropping your questions in advance, we can be prepared to provide you with stronger coaching. You do not need to attend to pose a question; all sessions are recorded and posted in the portal.
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet next Wednesday, November 12, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. You can also find that Zoom link located on this page.
  • Your November Thinking Partnerships are here. The guidelines can be found in the Toolbox in the ILLUME portal.

The recording of our most recent sessions are available on this page (Class Sessions 1-3 linked below). If you were not able to join us for Session 3 on Wednesday, please note there is homework which you will need to complete in advance of next week’s ILLUME class. More information can be found under Session 3 resources.

We are delighted to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

TUESDAY UPDATE

October 28 2025

Happy Tuesday, ILLUMINEERS! 

Here are the current happenings in The Spark File Multiverse:

  • Creativity Lab will meet tonight, Tuesday October 27, from 5 - 6:30pm ET / 2 - 3:30pm PT. We will be hosting the Quiet Car and the Cabaret Car. You can find the Zoom link located on this page.
  • The Spark File ILLUME will meet tomorrow, Wednesday October 29, from 6:30 - 8:30pm ET / 3:30 - 5:30pm PT. You can also find that Zoom link located on this page.
  • Next week in Creativity Lab, on Tuesday November 4, we will be hosting the Quiet Car, the Cabaret Car, and Office Hours. If you would like to ask a question in advance of Office Hours, you can find and populate the form here–by dropping your questions in advance, we can be prepared to provide you with stronger coaching. You do not need to attend to pose a question; all sessions are recorded and posted in the portal.

The recording of our most recent sessions are available on this page (Class Sessions 1 and 2, linked below). If you were not able to join us for Session 2 on Saturday, please note there is homework you can find at the end of the Session 2 recording which you will need to complete in advance of tomorrow’s (Wednesday’s) ILLUME class.

Additionally, if you have not shared your bio in the ILLUME Community thread, we invite you to do so.

We are delighted to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File

PS: To read prior messages and Tuesday Updates, please visit this link (or look in your ILLUME Toolbox).

WELCOME MESSAGE - OCTOBER 2025

Hello Gentle Sparkler–

Welcome to The Spark File ILLUME - we are so excited you are here!

You have come to a warm and welcoming place where creative risk-taking is supported, celebrated, and encouraged. Here at The Spark File, you are in the right place and you are right on time!

WATCH THIS SPACE! This page will feature a comprehensive WEEKLY UPDATE, including everything you need to know about your ILLUME experience. Each Tuesday, you can expect an email from our Team Captain directing your eyes to this space, and these important updates.

Know that the ILLUME classes that happen throughout your 9 month journey are the center of your ILLUME experience. They are the meat and potatoes of the work we do to give you the accountability, support and inspiration to complete your creative work. We encourage you to attend and participate whenever you are able, but know that if you need to miss a class, you can find the replay in this portal.

There are many other elements that we consider part of a big, beautiful buffet you get to choose from. We provide you with a variety of support tools, which you can find in the Toolbox below. Please take a deep dive in the Toolbox as this is where you will find important calendars, links and resources that will help you along this adventure. 

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that during your time in ILLUME, you'll have access to The (NEW!) Spark File Creative Community. Part social media platform, part live-on-Zoom drop-in creative 'rec center', the Creative Community is a great place to connect with all the excellent humans in The Spark File multiverse! We encourage you to:

  1. Visit The Spark File Creative Community CENTER (👈linked here), then...
  2. Watch the Welcome Video so we can personally welcome you into The Spark File Creative Community, then...
  3. Join the Welcome Challenge (👈linked here) to learn the ropes and introduce yourself, then...
  4. Participate in the Community Connection Feed (👈linked here) for discussion, activities and engagement! 

If you do not engage 100% in all of the elements (Creativity Labs, Thinking Partnerships, etc), please do not worry. You are meant to use the tools that work for you, and bless and release any that are not the right fit.

This page is your home base for the next 9 months. Following each class, all recordings, handouts and resources will be posted in the corresponding module. Please come on in, make yourself at home, and know that you are in great company with your fellow sparklers. If you have any logistical questions, please email Kevin at teamcaptain@thesparkfile.com.

We are delighted to have each of you as a part of The Spark File ILLUME. Now let's take it and MAKE IT!

Susan + Laura

Co-Founders

The Spark File