Friend of the podcast, Sharon Hurley Hall, is back to talk about her new book I’m Tired of Racism: True Stories of Existing While Black — and we had a blast! Come and join us and hear us go on a safari about how awesome How to Get Away with Murder is, and what it’s like living in a bunch of different white majority countries when you’re not white, and what we can all do, collectively, to the make the world a better place for everyone.
Sharon Hurley Hall is an anti-racism activist, educator, and in-demand speaker. Firmly committed to doing her part to eliminate racism, she is the Founder and Curator-in-Chief of Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter. Sharon is also a Co-Founder of Mission Equality and the author of I'm Tired of Racism and Exploring Shadeism.
In her newsletter, Sharon writes about existing while Black in majority-white spaces, and amplifies the voices of other anti-racism activists. Sharon is also an in-demand speaker about equality, anti-racism, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] A little bit about Sharon and why she wanted to write a book about racism.
[5:50] What is Sharon’s hope for the book?
[6:40] One of Vicky’s favorite chapters was, ‘Not All Black People’.
[9:50] How can people widen their reading beyond non-fiction books?
[11:00] Black authors and in the various genres are everywhere if you choose to look for it.
[13:10] What is the biggest misconception people have about racism?
[17:00] Sharon details some of her more ‘nuanced’ experiences with how people have treated her. It doesn't have to be so blatant, but the subtle message is often loud and clear.
[21:15] What can you do to make it better for others of a different race?
[24:40] There is so much power in having conversations and allowing other people to be heard.
[29:00] There are always two sides of the story. We only hear from the victors. It’s time to hear from those who were marginalized and brutalized, too.
[31:55] Why do so many black people have such unique names?
[35:25] All of our names mean something, it’s just that we’ve forgotten the history behind it.
[38:00] Want more of Sharon? She has a premium newsletter for you to subscribe to!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
This week, Vicky and Joe talk mojo, the struggle to find people who can think, and breaking the rules. Finding yourself feeling a bit flat about your writing, your hobby, or life in general? That’s okay, it happens. But how do we yank ourselves out of it? Dunno — but maybe this podcast episode will help. In it you’ll find understanding, a random dog interlude, and a few strategies you could try to dig your mojo out of whatever hole it’s crawled into.
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] Vicky is so close to having a proper bath in her home!
[7:50] What is mojo?
[9:20] Vicky has gotten herself into a funk.
[13:00] The moment Vicky let go of all the pressure she was putting on herself, life got better.
[19:00] Are you just bored? It’s okay to walk away from it temporarily.
[19:55] There’s not a lot of light out these days. Maybe that’s why you’re feeling a bit meh?
[22:30] NASA are finding it hard to find out-of-the-box thinkers.
[26:25] It’s okay to play and break the rules. Get your creative juices flowing!
[28:55] Hope you enjoy your holiday weekend!!!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin
Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes by Elizabeth Lesser
Join us for a pre-festive Repod in which Vicky and Joe discuss: how long will it take? (To write a book, of course.) The short answer: that depends on you, your time, the type of book you’re writing, and a bunch of other stuff. In other words: dunno. The long answer: well, listen in and find out!
Key Takeaways:
[6:25] Joe fell through the ceiling at the Dingle! Ouch!
[10:50] How long will it take to write a nonfiction book?
[13:00] If you write every day…well Vicky did some math calculations for you!
[17:15] Where do you start when it comes to writing your book?
[19:00] If you want to write the best possible book in the world, you need to be able to know what the opposition’s points are.
[21:50] Sometimes writing involves just starting out at a window.
[23:40] Your book is now ready for editing! In an ideal world, it’ll take about four months to get to this point.
[26:05] Remember to grab yourself a set of beta readers to help you refine your book!
[28:00] Vicky estimates it’ll take about 29 weeks to get yourself your very own book!
[29:15] Grab Vicky’s free advent calendar! Link in the show notes.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Thud! Novel by Terry Pratchett
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
Annals of the Western Shore by Ursula K. Le Guin
This week you’re in for a treat — I invited my MicroBook Magic authors to come and join me live and read from the MicroBooks they’ve been writing during November. And now you can hear their creations on today’s podcast! So grab a cuppa, settle in, and listen — and perhaps you’ll be inspired to write your own MicroBook. Starting January 10, maybe? Maybe? Gwan!
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] Vicky created a program where you write a micro book in four weeks!
[2:00] Vicky is hosting another one on January the 10th!
[4:15] You hear from one of Vicky’s attendees as she reads from the book she’s just written!
[10:00] Vicky’s next student is up next as she reads from her newly written microbook!
[19:10] You hear from Vicky’s next student who procrastinated on her book all year. She finally got it finished!
[25:10] Vicky’s next student wrote a memoir about letting go of dreams.
[30:55] Vicky gives a shoutout to hear students that weren’t able to attend live. They worked so hard on their own books!
[31:10] Vicky gives a quick intro on some of the books that were written.
[35:10] Need an editor? Vicky’s got you covered with Hannah!
[38:45] Design your writing space to be a place of joy.
[41:25] Are you excited to write your book? Vicky’s got one for January the 10th! Go sign up!!
[44:10] Congrats on writing your book everybody! Vicky is so proud.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Join Vicky and Joe for a little rant about bad advice — and some profound deep thoughts about socks from Joe. In this episode, Vicky and Joe share three pieces of writing advice Vicky hates, and Joe shares a piece of general advice he hates, and they talk about how to make things simpler. And also profound socks. Don’t miss it!
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] Joe is calling in from an undisclosed underpass!
[7:50] What advice has Joe received that he’s absolutely hated?
[9:50] Should you write like you speak?
[13:00] It takes a lot of practice to ‘write like you speak’.
[15:00] Would you like to read a 900 page technical manual?
[15:40] It’s not a sin to use filler words! Just place them strategically.
[18:30] Should you eat the frog first?
[20:10] Do a fun thing first before you the hard thing.
[23:00] What’s some common writing advice that you hate?
[23:50] Joe doesn’t like the pomodoro technique. It doesn’t work for him!
[27:45] DOn’t believe every piece of advice that you read is for you!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky