Why are you doing what you do? Writing what you write? Creating what you create? Vicky asked herself this recently and realised she wasn’t enjoying herself. Tune in this week and listen to Vicky and Joe talk about creativity, different types of intelligence, the reasons we do the things we do, and why we should be feeding our souls as well as our bank accounts.
Key Takeaways:
[1:45] Vicky is feeling a bit flat lately.
[3:15] What’s the whole point?
[6:40] The online marketing space is very unoriginal. Everyone is just following the other person.
[10:00] As creators, business owners, writers, we’re sort of ‘forced’ to create content for lead generation purposes instead of fun purposes.
[17:20] Vicky has just been struggling with creativity lately.
[19:00] Write more fun stuff! Don’t worry about it being productive.
[20:55] Vicky is reading a mountain of books this week!
[23:15] Do something this week just because you want to! Just go and have fun!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Buy Karl’s book here: https://amzn.to/3Z3XLxz
Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett
This week, Vicky interviews dentist extraordinaire, Dr. Karl Walker-Finch, about his new book In the Loupe. Dr. Karl and Vicky worked together in the early stages of writing his book — and he released it into the wild this month! Listen in and find out about Dr. Karl’s writing process, how he approached the structure, what he enjoyed and what he found challenging, and why music features so heavily in a book about the world of dentistry.
A little bit about Dr. Karl:
Dr. Karl Walker-Finch is a dentist, mentor, lecturer, writer, father, personal development champion and mental wellbeing advocate.
He graduated from Liverpool Dental School in 2010 and after nearly five years working on the Wirral, he moved with his wife Marisa to West Yorkshire where they started a family. Together they now own Smiles in Tandem, Huddersfield, a clinic that provides care for patients’ dental and mental wellbeing in tandem.
Clinically, he spends the majority of his time providing dental implants and oral rehabilitation treatment on referral. Following his MSc in Dental Implantology with Distinction in 2017, he is now a senior mentor and lecturer on the master’s programme at the University of Salford in association with ICE.
Key Takeaways:
[2:05] Dr. Karl published his first book!
[5:15] How did Dr. Karl organized his writing time?
[10:15] Dr. Karl is happy that he wrote a book that represents himself at this point in time.
[16:15] How did Dr. Karl decide to structure his book?
[22:00] Dr. Karl had to do a lot of trial and error to find the right flow for him.
[24:45] What has Dr. Karl done to promote his book?
[31:00] Dr. Karl shares what he hopes people will get out of the book.
[38:20] Would Dr. Karl write another book? Yes he would!
[44:00] What are some of Dr. Karl’s favorite books?
[47:30] Want to know more? Follow Dr. Karl on social media!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Buy Karl’s book here: https://amzn.to/3Z3XLxz
Join Vicky and Joe as they talk about — well, frankly, it’s a bit of a shambles this week. But they do talk about finding joy in writing, how we get distracted by stuff we think we should be doing, and how to spark a little joy and write something wonderful. This episode contains nuts and also a story in which Vicky asks, “But why are we going shopping? Why is this fun?”
Key Takeaways:
[7:15] Vicky loves reading and helping people write books that break the traditional rules.
[8:55] Dingle update!
[11:30] Vicky has been feeling a bit burned out lately.
[12:40] Vicky has to turn in a writing assignment and she completely hates some of her writing lately.
[16:10] Do you compare yourself to other people?
[21:30] What does Vicky define as a professional?
[22:50] The things you want to write are not frivolous or silly. If it brings you joy, do it.
[25:15] Has Vicky been mispronouncing the word segue wrong this entire time?
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Join Vicky as she chats to her very very old mentor Jon McCulloch, aka the Evil Bald Genius, about how he’s actually a very kind fluffy bunny and not at all evil, and also about his books. We dig into why he wrote his books and, crucially, how’s he’s using them to grow his business. So if you’re writing a book you hope is going to help you grow your business, this is a must-listen episode. You’ll get everything you need inside. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[2:05] A little bit about Jon and his latest book!
[3:45] What is Jon’s book about?
[6:10] Why did Jon want to write his book?
[8:55] People who read your book tend to be better quality customers.
[14:55] How does Jon plan on doing with the book?
[19:55] Use your book as your business card.
[26:05] Pick your social media platform of choice and just announce that you’re giving away a free book!
[32:15] When should you just quit?
[36:10] Jon shares an inspirational story about his daughter.
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
We’re back for part 2 of the MicroBook Magic Author Showcase! Hurrah! Party! This week, we’ll hear from Sarah Milne, Yinka Ewuola, and Sharon Blue as they read from their upcoming MicroBooks. If you’d like to join us for Season 3 of MicroBook Magic and write your own book by May Day, check the link in the show notes!
Key Takeaways:
[1:20] A little bit about Sarah and her microbook!
[4:50] Sarah reads a bit of her microbook.
[12:15] A little bit about Yinka and why she decided to write this book.
[23:15] Remember to keep writing! The world needs your books.
[23:55] Sharon shares her story and why she wanted to write her book!
[30:30] Vicky loves Sharon’s book because we all think we know what self care is, but we actually don’t.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
This week, join us for a MicroBook special! To celebrate the end of MicroBook Magic Season 2, Vicky hosted an Author Showcase for MicroBook authors to read a snippet from their upcoming books. Join us for part 1 this week, as we hear all about what a MicroBook actually is, then listen to Hillary Weiss, Clara Callís Lewis, Sara Walka, and Sophie Blackmore entertain and delight us. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] Is a big book too daunting for you? That’s okay! Write a microbook.
[5:45] Hillary talks about the microbook that she created.
[8:15] Hillary reads a snippet from her book.
[13:30] Clara shares her story and why she wanted to write a microbook.
[20:25] Sara is next! She shares her story and why she wanted to write a book.
[27:10] Sophie shares why she wanted to write a book and why she struggled so hard to write one until now.
[33:55] What stops people from writing a book that's been ‘overdone’ in a particular industry?
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 welcome our robot overlords with open arms! If you can sit through the first 10 minutes of extremely low-quality discussion about what AI is, from two people who don’t really understand it, you’ll be rewarded with a useful second half. Your hosts share several ways writers can use AI to make their lives easier — and talk about why we won’t ever replace human art with AI art.
Key Takeaways:
[5:40] Is Quora worth it?
[6:30] Project Dingle update!
[8:10] Welcome to our robot overloads!
[12:10] AI doesn’t work for a lot of people.
[18:10] Will AI take over the purpose of writers?
[19:45] Ask unique and interesting questions to ChatGPT
[22:00] How has Vicky been using ChatGPT?
[25:45] Vicky uses ChatGPT as a good content prompt.
[29:50] Vicky is interested in seeing how people will use this to cheat the system (essay writing and other exams).
[33:10] Don’t be worried about the tools that are at your disposable.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole
This week, after waxing lyrical about septic tanks, and reading excerpts from a wonderful little MicroBook, Vicky and Joe dive into life and writing lessons learned over the past 11 years. Basically, some of the most important stuff Vicky could’ve done with knowing before she started. Here it is for you, so you don’t have to faff around before you write your book.
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] Always buy books!
[4:20] Joe read that some people felt relieved when they threw their books away. How dare they!
[7:30] Project Dingle update!
[12:20] What does Vicky wish she had learned sooner in her career?
[13:40] Just because something was published by a big house doesn’t mean it’s good, and just because something was self-published doesn’t mean it’s bad.
[14:20] The impact your book makes is more important than how many copies it sells.
[17:10] Vicky loves that her book has brought in quality customers that she wants to work with.
[17:40] Remember, the rules are all made up. You can break them!
[19:20] Don’t mislead the reader by turning your book into one big sales letter. Deliver value.
[21:20] Really write a book that respects the reader. They are taking the time to read it.
[21:40] Want to write a microbook? Vicky’s got another workshop happening in March!
[21:55] You do not need six months + isolation time to write a book.
[24:10] Don’t hang onto the outcome. Vicky explains why this was the most important thing she learned.
[26:20] Not everything you create will turn to gold. It’s okay to let it go and call it crap.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett
Come and get weird with Vicky and Joe! This week, your hosts investigate a few ways you can mix it up and get more creative. This episode contains: knitting, bad haikus, interpretative dance, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, magic magnets, cuttlefish, and cat sneezes. It’s better than it sounds, so listen up!
Key Takeaways:
[5:10] Project Dingle Update!
[7:30] How can you get weird?
[8:15] Eavesdrop in other people’s conversations.
[15:00] Find a creative hobby to boost and inspire your mind.
[20:15] Take a long train journey and explore!
[25:00] An author decided to run an experiment to live like a badger.
[29:45] Don’t feel like writing today? Draw or sing instead!
[31:25] You’re missing out on some really cool ideas and rules if you only read traditionally published books.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Around this time last year, Vicky and Joe talked about the power of What If? And also ludicrously expensive oak doors, poo disasters, and why shoes in the house are UNACCEPTABLE. This topic is just as relevant now, so we’ve put it out again. What if you tried this thing? What if... you wrote your book? Tune in and get the pep talk you’ve been waiting for.
Key Takeaways:
[6:40] Casa Dingle update! Lots of poo happening.
[9:40] What if you made your own door? What if you just….did?
[12:05] It can be so easy to compare yourself to what you can’t yet do, but look at the progress you’ve made thus far.
[17:50] Give yourself permission to do something badly!
[19:40] When was the last time you wrote without a purpose? Just for the fun of it?
[22:40] New year, new me. There’s a better way to go about it.
[22:50] What if you wrote your book…this year? What if?
[26:05] Don’t compare your insides to other people’s outsides.
[28:00] Need a community? Vicky’s got another writer’s round opening up for you!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Mistborn: The Final Empire, by Brandon Sanderson
Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes: Essays by Phoebe Robinson
Through the Language Glass by Guy Deutscher
This week, Vicky and Joe science the shit out of choosing your book topic! Vicky is doing a really cool programme called Ship 30 for 30, and realised it’s a fabulous way of deciding on your book topic. So tune in and find out why we should be publishing lots of stuff all the time, how to bypass perfectionism, and how Twitter can be a golden source of ideas.
Key Takeaways:
[4:00] Project Dingle update!
[5:25] Is my idea the right idea for a book?
[8:00] Some books just start off just from a simple tweet.
[13:15 ] Is it disingenuous to write a book that you don’t actually want to write?
[18:50] Vicky explains her process on how she creates a curated feed.
[19:40] Check the data. What are the trends happening right now?
[20:45] Start posting random topics in your niche now!
[21:50] Keep repeating the process!
[23:40] Remember, it’s okay to fail in public!
[25:35] Should you write about your feelings? Vicky’s got some thoughts. Tune in next week for it!
[25:35] Interested in writing your microbook? Now you can in March. Sign up!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
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
This week, amidst Covid and wedding anniversaries, Vicky runs out of time and reissues an old podcast episode about writing in community. It’s a good one, though. Listen in and discover why you don’t have to be a lonely odd sock, why writing in a group can be so powerful, and a few ways you might want to increase your writing buddies.
Key Takeaways:
[3:35] Are all writers tortured and alone?
[5:30] How do you go about writing in community?
[9:45] Vicky loves Sunday evenings because it gives her the opportunity to connect with her friends.
[15:10] Vicky has a writing power hour within her community and it’s been amazing on how much work you actually get done during that 60 minute session.
[15:55] Find yourself a writing buddy to help keep you accountable!
[19:00] The quickest way to get to your writing goal is by having a group of writers you can work with and that will cheer you on.
[21:35] Vicky shares some of her writers’ successes after joining the Moxie Power Hour group calls.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Stone Blind: Medusa's Story Book by Natalie Haynes
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
Join the plague house as Vicky and Joe discuss Covid (she has it), retelling the Greek myths from a woman’s point of view, and 10 wonderful pieces of writing advice from Vicky’s favourite ever author, Terry Pratchett. You’ll also get a short side-quest on whirlpools, near-death experiences, and George Orwell, which is relevant. Honest.
Key Takeaways:
[1:30] Vicky has COVID and it’s a lot of frowny faces in the Dingle right now.
[3:15] Vicky is a terrible sick person. She hates just loafing about on the couch.
[10:15] It’s so important to read diverse books because you get a better understanding of your fellow humans.
[12:00] Terry Pratchett is one of Vicky’s favorite authors.
[15:45] It might be difficult, but there are a lot of benefits to listening to someone who has an opposing opinion than you.
[19:45] Read everything that you think is going to be interesting.
[22:10] Don’t be afraid to submit your writing online!
[25:00] Stand for something and do it out loud.
[29:20] Debate is a very important part of learning about the other person’s side.
[32:45] You should definitely go off and read some Terry Pratchett books!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
How often do you think about what your body’s doing while you write? Do you find yourself twisted up like a shrimp (prawn for brits) by the end of the day? Writing space not inspiring you to greatness? Then listen up because Hannah de Keijzer is an ex professional dancer and she is a magician when it comes to writing spaces that make you feel good, as well as boost creativity. Come and join us as we talk about shrimps and trolls, little touches that can make all the difference, and Cilantro Pig. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[2:50] A little bit about Hannah and the work that she does.
[4:30] Why are you feeling stuck? Why are you feeling uninspired?
[7:30] Hannah worked with someone recently who was feeling really uncomfortable in her space.
[9:40] There’s a hidden cost to not working with your body.
[12:00] Hannah shares an example of how you can be inspired in your workplace. For her, she loves her cilantro pig.
[15:40] Vicky shares what she loves about her mini work space.
[17:50] Hannah has a special offer for Vicky’s listeners!
[20:20] By the way, Vicky has an opening for her micro book writing session!
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 as they discuss: does size matter? Joe is zooming in from a glamorous Tesco car park, but that doesn’t hamper their efforts at talking about how long books should be. Who decides what size they should be? And does it even matter anyway? Tune in and find out — and discover how you can write a legit, fantastic book before Christmas (no BS promises here).
Key Takeaways:
[1:20] Joe and Vicky had to stop some major leaks at the Dingle.
[4:10] Did you know there are micro books out there?
[6:00] Why do certain books have a certain word count?
[8:50] If your book is going to be in a book shop, you want to be able to read the spine.
[11:20] Vicky wishes certain business books were microbooks.
[14:35] Want to write and publish your book before Christmas? Vicky’s got a writing session for you!
[18:45] Have something written and in your hands by Christmas! Don’t wait till next year!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
We Are All Weird by Seth Godin
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur by Derek Sivers
Politics and the English Language by George Orwell
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johns
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
This week, Vicky and Joe about retelling the Greek myths from a female point of view, before moving onto the main event: should you imitate your favourite writers? The short answer: yes. The longer answer: listen to this episode to find out why, and how, and how imitating your favourite writers can help you to sound more like YOU.
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] Joe almost cut off his finger.
[7:15] Dingle update!
[8:30] Should you write like other writers?
[14:40] If someone’s making a ton of money as a self-published author, would you really care if you’re not traditionally published?
[18:55] Study what you like intentionally and be introspective about that writing style instead of copy or steal it.
[21:30] Pick a couple of different writing styles and see how difficult/easy it might be for you.
[23:15] Have you ever put a book on pause? Vicky understands your pain.
[24:00] Vicky has VIP day for all of your half written books.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Stone Blind: Medusa's Story Book by Natalie Haynes
Song of Solomon Novel by Toni Morrison
This week, Vicky and Joe consider what would happen if Vicky had got eaten by a bear in Canada, then wander onto the subject of how mean Joe is. Eventually, they get to the heart of things and dig into a really useful episode. If you’ve ever thought “I hate my book!” or “I hate my writing!” this is for you, because while all feelings are valid, they’re not always useful if left at that. So listen in and find out how to dig into those feelings and turn them into something useful so you can get back to that book you want to write.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] Joe’s been mean to Vicky lately :(.
[12:00] Is it ethical to buy a human skull?
[16:25] Hate is a strong word, but it’s sometimes a very necessary word.
[18:45] Why do some people just hate their book?
[22:45] If you really hate your book, then why do you want to write it? Why not just stop?
[25:00] if you don’t want to do this anymore, then don’t, but really walk away from that book for good. Don’t leave it up to ‘sometime later’.
[30:00] Writing a book is hard.
[34:45] Want to work with Vicky? She’s got only two slots left.
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Kindle Edition by Richard Osman
Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us by Will Storr
When's the last time you played? When were you last really silly? This week, Vicky and Joe are back and they're talking about nerding out with their mates: find out what they get up to every Sunday afternoon and why it's keeping them in tip top condition and ready for action. Plus get a bunch of ideas for how to incorporate play into your days (and nights).
Key Takeaways:
[1:40] A few minutes of play time can make a world difference.
[3:15] Joe has the flu. Oh no!
[10:15] Vicky is really enjoying the book The Elements of Eloquence right now!
[11:00] Today’s topic is about playing games! When was the last time you played a game?
[13:15] How do you play Dungeons and Dragons (D&D)?
[15:30] We’re taught that once we get older we have to get ‘serious’ about life. Boo! That’s not true.
[17:25] You can’t bore people into learning something new. It needs to be fun!
[21:15] Vicky has created some templates so you can write your book easily, and she’s included some fun games in these templates!
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Me Talk Pretty One Day, by David Sedaris
His Only Wife, by Peace Adzo Medie
The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood
Grab a cuppa and settle in while Vicky holds her very own TED Talk on why snobbery about self-publishing can get in the bin. Yep: riffing off an article in which someone wrote “self-publishing is an insult to the written word”, Vicky and Joe present their case for why actually self-publishing is a shining beacon of awesomeness. Tune in for that, and the pros and cons of traditional publishing and self-publishing, so you can make an informed decision. Ciao!
Key Takeaways:
[1:15] Vicky and Joe are going to Canada! And they haven’t packed.
[5:35] Project Dingle update!
[8:25] Let’s talk about self-publishing and their snobbery.
[10:35] Traditional publishing is more exclusive, but it also excludes a wide range of diverse authors.
[11:00] Only traditionally published authors are good writers?
[12:10] Let’s talk about Virginia Woolf; the self-published author.
[16:10] People of color are constantly being censored in the traditional publishing world.
[18:20] What are the pros of traditional publishing?
[20:45] What are the cons of traditional publishing?
[23:45] What are the pros of indie publishing?
[25:25] What are the cons of indie publishing?
[27:45] You have options!
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie
The Strange Adventures of H by Sarah Burton
The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Kindle Edition by Richard Osman
Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us by Will Storr
After approximately 27 seconds of giggling, Vicky and Joe tell you all about their holiday to Barcelona, Harriet’s beautiful wedding, and then finally launch into a quick “how to” to help you make your book look just as professional and wonderful as one that’s come out of Penguin or another big publishing house. Check it out for the 5 most common layout mistakes and how to avoid them—and a few tips about covers and paper.
Key Takeaways:
[5:45] Vicky has no problem abandoning books she doesn’t enjoy.
[9:15] Vicky and Joe just got back from Barcelona!
[13:15] Just because you’re independent, doesn’t mean your book needs to look like it too.
[13:50] A book, on the shelf, should look like it came from a traditional publishing house!
[14:25] The layout of the book.
[17:55] Huge layout mistake!!! Odd and even pages.
[21:25] Page numbers help readers navigate, but they don’t need to be on every page.
[22:45] Let’s talk about book covers.
[25:20] Book paper? Use the best paper stock you can afford.
[27:35] Fonts! What fonts should you use?
[29:45] Vicky has a checklist for clients to help them through this process.
[31:45] Pay attention to the details!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk