Vicky and Joe take a break from the usual format to discuss the frankly freaking weird and scary times we're living in – and decide Vicky's job is to bring a little levity to things (without making light of actual awfulness of course). Tune in and find out how working from home together is going, why they don't need to panic-buy toilet roll or vegan food, and how they're getting people together and making them uncomfortable using technology.
Key Takeaways:
[2:50] Vicky really likes to touch her face.
[3:50] A lot of businesses aren’t going to recover from this. That is absolutely terrible.
[5:00] It’s a zombie apocalypse. The stores are so barren.
[6:15] Check on your elderly neighbors.
[8:25] People in China can see the sky for the first time because there is less pollution.
[12:20] Do not stop marketing! There is going to be an end to this.
[14:55] So many new business services and models are going to be coming out of this.
[15:55] When you get scared, you get tunnel vision. Remember that there is a way out of this, and to focus on the bigger picture.
[17:20] Now is our time to help keep small businesses afloat.
[19:55] How has Joe enjoyed working from home so far?
[23:00] Vicky will be hosting a virtual get together.
[27:15] What’s the takeaway? Be kind to each other.
Mentioned in This Episode:
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The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
Surrounded by Idiots, by Thomas Erikson
Vicky's arms look like Popeye has had a fight with a bulldozer and once again, she's wearing an emergency hat. That takes longer than it should. When she and Joe finally get to the point, you'll discover how sloth can prevent you from writing your book, why it's not your fault, and 3 cool things you can do to make sure you get started. Note: if you're listening to this with your kids, you may end up explaining long words to them that make you feel uncomfortable. Blame Joe.
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] Vicky is in a lot of pain today because she was trying to do a new trapeze move.
[11:15] Let’s talk about sloth!
[12:45] What is the definition of sloth?
[14:05] Everything has survived and reproduced to produce us. That’s amazing!
[15:50] Vicky at one point thought she was having bouts of laziness, but it wasn’t. It was genuine depression.
[17:30] Joe has a system for dealing with things he doesn’t want to deal with.
[21:25] We plan to do good work, but for some reason ’emergencies’ crop up that make you not do the work.
[27:40] Why is everyone hoarding toilet paper?
[28:55] Vicky has three ways you can de-sloth yourself!
[31:20] When Vicky procrastinates, she gets really anxious.
[36:15] Schedule time in your calendar to do basic tasks like laundry.
[37:15] Next week’s sin is Lust!!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
Do You Talk Funny? 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker, by David Nihill
This week, we take a break from the 7 Deadly Sins and Vicky is joined by Julia Brown, fine artist and book cover designer extraordinaire. They get all excited about books in general and art and design and creativity – and share some top tips about how to make sure your book cover appeals to the right readers. Julia also hands out some tips on how to work with cover designers – including what drives them nuts about projects. Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
[1:30] How did Julia get into art?
[6:15] Why does Julia like designing book covers?
[8:40] What are some of the elements of a good non-fiction book cover?
[12:15] Julia explains the difference between a simple vs. minimal design.
[15:15] What makes a good vs. bad client?
[19:15] You need to have a basic idea of what size your book will be, what shape it will be, etc.
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Vicky and Joe huddle under a blanket at 7.30 am. If you listen carefully you'll even hear birds tweeting in the background. It's all very idyllic and kind of cold. In this episode, your hosts talk books – and specifically, how the deadly sin of gluttony can scupper your Big Book Adventure. It's not as tortured a metaphor as you might think, despite Joe's scepticism. Tune in for top book-writing tips and excitement about sloths.
Key Takeaways:
[4:45] How does gluttony relate to your book writing efforts?
[5:15] Too much talking and not enough doing!
[8:25] How much do you actually want to write a book? Is it just a fantasy or is it a goal of yours?
[9:25] Too much research and not enough action.
[12:30] Don’t let research be the reason why you haven’t gotten your first draft down.
[13:45] You’re too bloated in your message.
[14:45] People sometimes feel that in order for it to be a real book, it needs to be thick. It doesn’t!
[16:40] The key is to know when to stop! That’s easier said than done.
[18:55] Always wanted to write a book? Look for Vicky’s waiting list invite.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Long Walk, by Richard Bachman
Do You Talk Funny? 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker, by David Nihill