You are a magnificent human being. Do you know that?
Do you know you can make your life exactly what you want it to be? That through changing the way you think, you can go from being broke and depressed and alone, to being full of joy, achieving lifelong ambitions, and living in an extraordinary house in your dream location, in a successful, loving relationship? That was my journey, and if you’re interested, I will share how it’s done.
At How to Evolve, I use words to blast a loving hole in your skull and make way for more air and light. Using memoir, I fuse trauma and humour into transformational tales of growth. I explore the deep magic of our metaphysical universe and all the ways you can beckon it to help you.
If you are looking for powerful, funny, illuminating essays, positive reframes for your own tough experiences, or just a way to be at peace with what’s happening in the world, How to Evolve is for you.
What you’ll get with a free subscription
A thought-provoking, uplifting personal essay in your inbox at least once a month
A community of thoughtful people in the comments
Updates on my writing projects
Paid subscribers get all of the above plus
An inspiring or thought-provoking post in your inbox every Friday
All the evidence for metaphysical magic you can handle, from a former scientist with her feet firmly on the ground
Practical tools and examples that will help you create a life you prefer
Full access to the archives and private chat
Three themed Writing Challenges per year
Why Subscribe?
Subscribe to feel hopeful, even when life seems hopeless. Nourish your mind and soul with honest, thought-provoking, and often funny, real-life stories straight into your inbox every Friday. Inspiring writing, plus opportunities to join the community that is here to heal, grow and find their joy.
About Me
I’m an award-winning writer and former Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths College, University of London. My novels (The Marlowe Papers, Devotion) are critically acclaimed and won prizes. My poetry is studied on the UK ‘A[dvanced] Level’ exam syllabus and has been published by Faber, Penguin, Carcanet, The Guardian, and Poetry Review.
I have kids, a beloved dog, and a PhD in English Literature. I have a background in science (biology) and computer programming. Most importantly, I have a passion for personal growth and expanding consciousness. My aim in writing this Substack is to share what I’ve learned along my personal evolutionary journey in ways that are both inspiring and practical.
What Readers Say
"Ros Barber's wildly skilled, category-of-one writing will make you think, make you laugh, make you gasp — and at some point, make you wish that you could write like that yourself. But you can't. Nobody but Ros Barber can. And that is why I love this Substack so much. " — Pilar Gerasimo, author of The Healthy Deviant Digest
“I could say so much. You touched me and showed me a better way to deal with my old pain.” — Martha D
“Thank you Ros. I appreciate you and this piece has made a difference to my day and perhaps my life.” — Kate M
“Grateful to you. I learn something about writing with each of your posts. I also have to learn to let go, over and over. This one will stay with me through the holiday.” — CGK
What Critics Said
“Barber's poetic prose is a sheer pleasure to read"
— Publisher's Weekly
“Terrifically accomplished and enjoyable… it restores one’s faith in English Fiction.” — Fay Weldon, author of The Life and Loves of a She-Devil
“Themes of identity and self-esteem, of truth and loyalty, give substance to Barber's enthralling plot in a work that combines historical erudition with a sharply satisfying read.” — The Independent
“The focus may be on the eternal questions but it is Barber’s ability to capture the small details of humanity that makes Devotion worth the read.” —The Financial Times
“Compelling... a novel so animated with fascinating, troubling ideas.”— The Guardian
What My Mother Said
“You’ll never be a really good writer, because the really good writers are Irish”
What I Said
“Hey! My boyfriend’s half-Irish! So every night, I have a little bit of Irish in me.”
