Vicky sits down with systems expert Ashlee Berghoff and finds out what the real experts do to get more shit done. They chat about all sorts, including how to get more organised and stop flailing around like a drunken octopus - and talk about which thing to do first. Because isn't that often the biggest problem?
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] How did Ashley get into helping entrepreneurs get organized?
[4:45] Ashley has been so stressed and so overwhelmed that she would dream of getting hit by a car so she could be organized.
[8:20] It’s perfectly normal to have ups and downs when it comes to your productivity.
[8:55] Instead of feeling guilty, find a rhythm that you can sustain.
[13:25] When you commit to the work that you want to do, realize that it will mean you have to say no to some other things.
[15:45] How has Ashley been managing her time while writing a book?
[17:20] What is Ashley’s book going to be about?
[19:50] What are some of the best ways to delegate tasks?
[24:05] Get clear on what you want to share, learn how to lead, and start small!
Mentioned in This Episode:
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White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi
In shock news, Joe is reading a different book this week! Vicky has a fight with her TinySheep and loses. And the ring light makes another (possibly ill-advised) appearance. This week, your intrepid hosts get their nerd on and talk about how to research efficiently, effectively, and without disappearing down an internet wormhole of fascinating but ultimately useless information. Tune in to find out how to cut your research (and writing) time dramatically without doing a half-arsed job of it.
Key Takeaways:
[4:05] Vicky and Joe have a bad sheep.
[7:20] How do you avoid going down a research blackhole?
[7:55] Get your big idea down on paper first.
[9:55] Make a note to yourself on things you need to research further.
[11:25] Use your books before you use Google.
[14:15] Joe offers Google tips and tricks to help you find what you want!
[17:45] Use your browser in offline mode!
[18:15] Give yourself a time limit for your research.
[21:05] Please leave a review - Vicky and Joe would love to read it out loud on the show!
Mentioned in This Episode:
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The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler
False Value, by Ben Aaronovitch
I Will Teach You to Be Rich, by Ramit Sethi
Vicky and Joe storm into this episode powered by Sacred Rage at the injustices of the world. Then they veer off sharply into the world of monster vegetables, and swerve back to writing a book—this time talking about what to do if you’re worried people will make fun of your book. Tune in for some splendid advice.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] It is currently hotter than the surface of the sun. Vicky and Joe are dying!
[2:15] Joe is still reading….The Wheel of Time!
[8:50] Vicky and Joe are tackling their garden. They’ve grown too much food!
[10:45] What happens if someone makes fun of the book you’ve written?
[11:20] There are only two people in your circle that matter: Potential customers & Your customers.
[15:15] Write a list of people whose opinions matter to you.
[19:30] Ask the right people for feedback.
[19:55] Remember to ask your beta readers the right questions!
[23:15] Use the advice you receive to be better. Don’t take it personally.
[24:15] Focus on what you can control.
[26:15] Please leave Vicky and Joe a review on iTunes!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado-Perez
Join Vicky as she interviews BAFTA-award winning screenwriter and publisher Helen Blakeman of Heroic Books! Yes – an honest-to-murgatroyd actual BAFTA winner on the show, which is super-exciting. If you've been wondering how the traditional publishing industry works and if trad publishing is something you could consider, this is the episode for you. I delve deep into Helen's brain and get her to spill the beans about the Heroic Books process, how she works with authors, and why she set up her publishing company. And we nerd out a little about sci-fi and fantasy because that's how we roll.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] Who is Helen and what is Heroic Books about?
[6:10] How did Helen get started with Heroic Books?
[8:50] Often when an author submits a manuscript, they’re not ready to market the book.
[11:00] Helen prides herself on giving her writers feedback.
[13:45] How does Helen work with authors?
[19:30] Want to get your book started? Reach out to Helen.
[20:00] Helen wants her writers to cross over to TV and games.
[26:25] One piece of advice for aspiring authors? Read!
Mentioned in This Episode:
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