Ooooh there are OPINIONS in this week’s podcast. Opinions on idleness, the Protestant work ethic, capitalism, and the state of the world in general. There are a few facts, too. And possibly we’ve got some stuff wrong, but that’s what having time to think and learn and listen is all about. Which was the point of this episode: the virtue of idleness and time to THINK and write. Enjoy—and remember to write in and let us know what your thoughts are!
Key Takeaways:
[0:55] Vicky and Joe talk about their tiny sheep and the gusts of wind that are about to come.
[04:10] Vicky disagrees that you have to finish reading a book once you’ve committed to it.
[05:40] Vicky also shares that she got 79% on her poetry assignment!
[07:00] Vicky introduces today’s topic. She got this idea from listening to The Slightly Foxed podcast.
[07:50] Did you know where the five hour work week originated?
[09:55] Joe talks about the comment he made on reddit saying, “Do you think people who work hard make more money?”
[12:20] Henry Ford did not introduce the 5-hour work week in any sense for niceness. Vicky shares what the motivation behind it was.
[14:55] There are elements of socialism, capitalism, and all those other things that we can use to build a better economic system.
[16:05] The world is changing and we now need people who are thinking and innovating. That’s not going to come if everybody is too busy.
[16:20] Idleness is not the same as being lazy. Vicky explains why.
[17:30] In 1675, King Charles II banned coffee in England. Why?
[20:30] Vicky likes stuff. But she doesn’t want to buy things that she doesn’t want, need or like.
[21:10] Vicky also shares that she feels guilty doing nothing but being productive doesn’t just mean doing some work.
[22:40] Joe also talks about the things that attack our idle time nowadays with the internet and smartphones.
[23:20] Newer generations have a real discomfort with sitting with their feelings and thoughts and Vicky wonders how much mental health issues come up from it.
[25:30] Not all writing is physical writing. Vicky shares how this relates to your idle time.
[26:25] Joe shares about his thinking time and compares it with Vicky’s.
[27:00] The world does not need robots. It needs thinkers, innovators, weirdos and change makers.
[28:05] Rest is legitimately okay! Vicky has that written down.
[28:45] Vicky shares quotes from Victor Wild who was a big fan of idleness.
[30:10] Laziness is only a misconception from different cultures.
[31:20] Vicky shares the teaser for next week’s episode and her next Write Night!
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook
Join Vicky's Weird and Wonderful Writing Society
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Come Join Vicky’s Writing Challenge
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Mistborn: The Final Empire (Book No. 1) by Brandon Sanderson
This week, we’re flashing back to when Vicky and Joe had a conversation about doing Hard Things, and why it’s valuable. They rambled their way around writing books, running businesses, winning competitions, and how getting to the top of your tree can often be boring and unpleasant—so we need to suck it up and do it—but also make it as much fun as possible. Do a hard thing today!
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] Why should you write a book?
[6:00] What types of hard things has Joe had to face recently?
[7:45] Vicky explains what Trad Rock Climbing is. You will probably die.
[11:45] Vicky made it to the top of the mountain and cried.
[13:15] You should write a book because it’s hard and it will make you realize you are completely capable!
[16:10] The important things in life are difficult. Renovating The Dingle is really hard work, but so rewarding.
[20:00] If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!
[21:50] Want to write a book? Join Vicky’s Write Night!
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook
Join Vicky's Weird and Wonderful Writing Society
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Come Join Vicky’s Writing Challenge
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
This week Vicky and fellow book coach Emma Dhesi talk novels, time, and our reluctance to put ourselves first when it comes to writing our books. Tune in and hear Emma’s strategy for making time to write—and her proven framework for creating scenes that work. Emma is a fiction coach but even if you’re non-fiction only, you’ll enjoy this episode!
Key Takeaways:
[2:00] A little bit about Emma and the kind of coaching work she does with authors.
[5:00] Emma always wanted to be a writer, but life kept getting in the way.
[7:40] How does Emma and her clients find the time to write a book?
[12:50] Emma offers tips on how to set boundaries with your little children at home.
[15:35] 100% of your book is not just about writing it. There are other parts to consider like research and character development.
[19:00] How do you set a scene in a fictional story?
[23:25] Be open to completely taking out a scene you’ve written if it’s not working.
[25:00] Interested in hiring Emma for your fiction book? Reach out!
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook
Join Vicky's Weird and Wonderful Writing Society
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Come Join Vicky’s Writing Challenge
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Emma’s summit recordings: Emmadhesi.teachable.com/p/be-a-bestseller-structure-your-story-for-success1
This week we’re giving you the second half of Vicky’s Weird + Wonderful Author Showcase, in which you’ll hear Melanie Osborne talking about her love for trees and nature, and Hillary Weiss reading from her manuscript about BIGNESS. Seriously, if you’re exhausted, Mel’s excerpt will be a balm for your soul. And if anyone’s ever made you feel like you’re too much, you need Hillary’s book. Listen, enjoy, and remember: you can do this too! You can write your book.
Key Takeaways:
[2:05] Vicky welcomes Melanie to the podcast! What’s her book all about?
[5:25] Melaine reads an excerpt from her book.
[13:25] You don’t have to be a writer to tap into your passion and share it with others!
[14:35] Vicky introduces Hillary and tells the audience a little bit about her book.
[18:05] Hillary reads a little bit from her upcoming book!
[24:50] So many of Vicky’s students are writing on a wide variety of topics. She hopes it inspires you, too, that you can write that ‘odd’ book!
[26:40] Not everyone who came into this writing group were self-proclaimed writers.
[28:55] Are you interested in writing your book? Vicky’s got a write night event happening on Feb 24!
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook
Join Vicky's Weird and Wonderful Writing Society
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Hillary Weiss Presswood on Instagram