What do you do when you’ve emptied your brain onto paper and you’re wading around in 50,000 words and you have to make them GOOD words? Walk away, that’s what. Then come back and get to work. BUT WHERE DO YOU START? In this episode, Joe and I talk about developmental or structural editing: what it is, why we do it, and how to get started. This is your tiny crash course in taking your weird word mush and making it magnificent.
Key Takeaways:
[5:15] Project Dingle update!
[7:50] Never written a book before? Here’s how a professional can help.
[11:15] What is developmental editing?
[18:45] A proof reader is different from a developmental editor.
[20:25] Want to work with Vicky? She has an opening in September and October!
[20:50] Let’s talk about why beta readers are so important.
[24:25] Tip: Revisit your outline and see how it’s changed.
[26:55] Got any questions? Let Vicky know!
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: Vicky@vickyfraser.com
A Wizard of Earthsea Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth
This week, Vicky and Joe abandon the planned podcast and talk about something else instead: the stories we tell ourselves. Why we think and believe what we do, why we make snap judgements that we’re not proud of, how to stay up to date with what’s going on in the world, and how we try to be better people than we were yesterday. There’s a little bit of talk-therapy going on, and a special appearance by Whiskey the little grey cat. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] Vicky and Joe talk about their impression of Nassim Necolas Taleb, the author of the book Antifragile.
[5:15] Vicky sees her parents getting older and having difficulty moving, which makes her strive to get a healthy body.
[7:00] Small businesses individually are fragile, because most of them fail. However, the whole small business community is very antifragile because they learn from each other's mistakes.
[9:15] Joe talks about her parents being left behind by technology and wonders how difficult it would be for him and his wife Vicky after 40 years.
[13:00] Vicky shares the reason why she didn’t have a scale in her house.
[14:15] We need to examine how we react to things and the judgments we make.
[15:00] Why is diversity training not useful in many cases?
[16:00] Vicky is frustrated with how people do not seem to be kind enough to others.
[17:30] Misunderstanding feminism prevents us from showing what we really feel. It’s hurting not just one person, but everybody.
[19:00] Vicky’s perception of how much a person should weigh is due to how she was raised by her mother.
[21:15] It is so hard for people to change their minds in terms of religion or vaccination, because they don’t base it on facts but on beliefs.
[23:50] You’ll never achieve your goal by putting limits on yourself to do things subconsciously, and not do the things that need you to get there.
[27:40] Always try to be a better human being and be kind.
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser
Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: vicky@vickyfraser.com
Warm Bodies A Novel by Isaac Marion
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Vicky sits down with coach Christine Meyer and talks about how writing books is a MESSY process. Tune in and listen up as they natter about book covers, breaking rules, embracing emotions, and why our stories matter.
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] A little bit about Christine and what she does.
[5:35] It’s so important to embrace and use your emotions as a tool.
[7:20] So many people ‘don’t’ do something or don’t feel something. We are told we should only embrace the positive emotions, but that’s denying a large portion of life.
[9:55] Why did Christine decide to write her book?
[14:15] What was Christine’s book writing process?
[16:10] Once Christine got all the elements needed together, writing the book became easy!
[16:25] What were some of the challenges Christine faced when writing her book?
[19:00] Don’t write your book on your own! It’s way more fun when you bring in outside help.
[20:55] What’s Christine’s book about, and how did she come up with the title?
[23:45] Christine is so glad she’s written a book, she’s been able to help people and that experience has been really rewarding.
[27:15] Christine didn’t want to put extra pressure on herself to write everyday on her book, even if she wasn’t feeling it. She wanted her book to be fun and enjoyable, so she wrote when she was inspired to write.
[27:55] Christine shares her top tip for writing your next book! Set yourself up to be inspired.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: vicky@vickyfraser.com
An Audience of One: Reclaiming Creativity for Its Own Sake, by Srinivas Rao and Robin Dellabough
Keep It Simple, Smartypants!, by Christine Meyer
In this week’s episode, Vicky and Joe ruin stories for you forever. Just kidding. But they do utterly spoil The Martian, so if you haven’t read or seen it yet, go and do that now, and then come back. Okay. Are you back? GREAT. Now listen in and find out what’s the difference between a story and an anecdote, why boring stories are boring, and how you can make all the stories you tell great. Oh, and why you don’t have to be a great writer to be a great storyteller. There’s gold in this one. GOLD.
Key Takeaways:
[0:45] Vicky made a cake! It was so good!
[4:55] Lots of fun updates about what’s happening at the Dingle!
[7:00] What makes a good story?
[8:15] How the story is written doesn’t matter as much as the structure does!
[11:40] Story is also not the same as the plot.
[13:50] Vicky shares what a good story structure looks like.
[15:15] Let’s deconstruct the book ‘The Martian’ and how the story is structured.
[21:00] Vicky is always working on her storytelling skills!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: vicky@vickyfraser.com
This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, by Ann Patchett
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Okay everyone—huge treat for you this week because Vicky is talking to her beautiful assistant Harriet! And it’s about time too. Tune in to hear them go on a podcast safari from why VAs are awesome, through to creativity, support and loneliness, burlesque and boobs, smashing the patriarchy, and finishing on body image. There’s something for everyone here. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[1:55] A little bit about Harriet!
[5:40] Vicky couldn’t do what she does without Harriet. She is the backbone of everything!
[7:20] What was it like getting started as a VA?
[10:30] Vicky and Harriet knew each other as friends first before working together!
[12:45] It can be really lonely running a business and it’s just nice to get a second brain.
[14:45] Do you need a Facebook ad done? Get in touch with Harriet!
[16:35] Harriet decided to open a burlesque school...and then the world ended.
[22:20] Women want to dance as a form of expression!
[27:00] Harriet loves watching a variety of different women be able to do the same dance move! It’s challenging but so rewarding!
[31:00] Let’s talk about unattainable bodies.
[35:20] Should you have two Instagrams?
[38:20] You wanna get fit, dance, and be sexy? Harriet’s got some moves to show you.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: vicky@vickyfraser.com
Glitter Girls - Barcelona Burlesque Academy
Email Harriet: Harriet.l.Randall@gmail.com
Vicky sits down with Kathy Scott and talks about massage, being quietly rebellious, and writing an award-winning book. Tune in and hear us chat about chipping away at the patriarchy, just getting it done, and what matters to all of us.
Key Takeaways:
[1:35] A little bit about Kathy and what she does!
[3:55] Why did Kathy decide to write a book?
[6:35] You don’t need a rags to riches story to get people interested.
[7:35] Sick of it all, Kathy left her career and took on a dead-end job.
[12:10] What was Kathy’s writing process like?
[15:15] What challenges did Kathy run into as a first time book-writer?
[18:25] What’s Kathy’s book all about?
[21:55] Kathy published her book in December last year!
[24:45] What advice does Kathy have for someone writing a book?
[28:25] Want to know more? Connect with Kathy! Links in the show notes!
[29:40] Remember: No matter what, your story matters!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: vicky@vickyfraser.com
Rubbingshoulderswiththebest.co.uk
Moxiebooks.co.uk/29-day-writing-challenge
Vicky sits down with Jocelyn Brady, Brain Coach and extremely funny wise owl, and asks: why are our brains such magical things? And also assholes? Tune in to find out how our brains lie to us, live action shots of our two brains getting distracted mid-sentence, and why you need to do the things before you die.
Key Takeaways:
[2:10] What is a brain coach?
[4:50] Our brains are filled with lies.
[5:30] Why do our brains create so much resistance when we are starting something new?
[7:40] How did Jocelyn first get into brain science?
[10:25] Diversity of thought is critical to growth, understanding, and compassion.
[12:20] It’s all about getting better at embracing uncertainty.
[14:30] How do you get out of your own way? It starts with asking questions, and you have to keep digging.
[17:25] What we tell ourselves shapes how we show up in the world.
[20:25] You are capable of immense change. We’re very adaptable creatures!
[25:00] Get yourself out there. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations. You will get better!
[25:55] Want to get better at writing? Sign up for a stand up comedy class.
[29:45] How do you find and tap into joy?
[35:20] What is Jocelyn currently writing about at the moment?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: vicky@vickyfraser.com
Connect with Jocelyn:
www.jocelynbrady.com
Youtube.com/channel/UCGQAm7AlSKTAyZI83f5XxaQ
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
Vicky and Joe talk about tiny tales, things that make Vicky cry, and why Joe ruins stories. Vicky has a rant about big dramatic Hollywood blockbuster-style rags to riches stories (especially the ones exaggerated by the bro marketers of the world) and explains why boring stories are not in fact boring at all, and why they’re the only ones that’ll really change the world. Tune in and find out how you can never run out of stories to tell again.
Key Takeaways:
[6:40] Vicky and Joe have a very nice patio at Project Dingle!
[9:45] We don’t need to go looking for big dramatic Hollywood films to find a good story.
[11:40] What makes a good story?
[13:10] The media tends to focus on the big rags to riches stories, but you can have a ‘little’ story to share and it’ll still make a big impact.
[13:45] Do you think your story isn’t interesting enough?
[15:00] You don’t have to suffer dramatically to create amazing stories.
[17:10] Vicky shares examples of what makes a good story.
[20:35] It’s difficult to change people. Instead, find out who they want to be.
[22:45] How does Vicky find her stories?
[26:20] Don’t be afraid to write what you feel.
[28:25] Vicky has an audiobook! Go get it!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky: vicky@vickyfraser.com
Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir
That’s What She Said, by Vicky Fraser
Going Postal, by Terry Pratchett
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
For entirely selfish reasons, Vicky interviews the thoroughly lovely Kristin Quiroz Bayona of Explorer In You—and they talk about the absolute joy of podcasting, storytelling, and diversifying the voices we hear. Tune in to find out all about how starting a podcast can help you get more out of your book—and how to get the most out of any interview appearances you might have. Plus a couple of fab book recommendations!
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] Who is Kristin and what does she do?
[6:30] Why does Kristin love podcasting?
[10:50] How can writers use their podcasts to increase their visibility?
[11:50] Your podcast could actually be an extension of your book.
[16:15] Kristin shares an author/podcast example.
[18:35] After completing a podcast interview, how can you make the most out of that interaction, and promote it to your following?
[21:55] Why is visibility so important for women and POC?
[23:40] Own your own story and don’t let someone else shape that narrative on your behalf.
[26:00] People are bored of having the same archetype talking to us. We need diversity.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Girl with the Louding Voice: A Novel Book by Abi Daré
The Shadow of the Wind Novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Kristin Quiroz Bayona, Explorer In You
Vicky explains why you don’t need a flea-ridden blanket to write your book, and nor do you need to go to Turkey. Joe looks on in bewilderment and then makes a really good point about decision fatigue and friction. And there’s a brief rant about lying on the internet. This episode also contains baby goats. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[5:45] Vicky has been busy playing with baby goats.
[7:00] Let’s talk about Victor Hugo and his fleas.
[9:25] He was supposed to deliver the book, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, but was too busy partying it up like it was 1830.
[9:40] Vicky shares her experiences of procrastination and how she forced herself to finally ‘write the book’.
[12:35] The brain always wants to do something dramatic and fun, but ultimately, we just need to get the work done.
[15:00] If you don’t have a habit, then every time you do that -thing- you’re just making a decision to do it….which can backfire on you.
[15:50] Many successful people choose to wear the same thing every day. They need their brain to focus on other decisions.
[16:30] You want to 10x your business tomorrow? It’s not shiny, it’s not glamorous, it’s just sitting down and doing the work.
[18:25] If you want to see real change, it takes small habitual changes everyday.
[20:00] Create a time and space for you to write everyday. Even if it’s for an hour!
[21:55] Want to write your book? Reach out to Vicky!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Wilderness Tips, by Margaret Atwood
The Book of Lost Things, by John Connolly
Vicky and Joe are back after a week off the podcast—and they have plenty to say. Much of it about why Joe has been striding manfully around the estate with a saw. But really, it’s all about the writing: and this week they want to know, which type of writer are you? With a big caveat and a little rant about people on the internet who try to fit you in boxes and tell you that you’re wrong if their stuff doesn’t work. So… which type of writer are you? Just kidding. A bit. Tune in and find out why it doesn’t really matter…
Key Takeaways:
[5:30] Casa Dingle update!
[6:40] Vicky just got her first COVID vaccine. Yay!
[8:10] What kind of writer are you?
[11:00] After listening to the internet about what you ‘should be’ doing, Vicky realized it never really worked for her.
[13:00] Are you the type of writer that needs to plan everything first before you can get started?
[15:30] Not a planner? Don’t worry. You can still make it work.
[16:15] Are you a bit of a rambler when it comes to your writing?
[18:45] It can be easy to lose focus on what your book is about.
[21:10] What is Vicky’s writing and editing process?
[25:15] Do you have more of a collaborative personality?
[29:10] Do you like to work on more than one book at a time?
[31:00] What kind of writer personality do you have? Do you fall into more than one category?
[32:25] Vicky successfully hosted another write night event! It was a lot of fun. Come join her for the next one.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles
Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles
Conjure Women, by Afia Atakora
Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language, by Amanda Montell
Are you a structure or a disco person? Rules or anarchy, maaaaaaaan? And what’s all this got to do with outlines anyway? Some say you HAVE to do an outline or what are you even doing? Others say BALLS to outlines, they’re for boring bores. Vicky and Joe? They’d like to share the 9 biggest outline myths—and give you a super-simple, delightfully smart way to structure your writing, even if the idea of structure turns you right off. Sit back and enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[4:10] What’s happening in the Dingle?
[7:45] What are some of the myths about outlines?
[9:35] Outlines do help you with the blank page syndrome.
[11:00] Outlines can change! It doesn’t have to be so ‘written in stone’.
[11:25] Do outlines strife creativity?
[14:50] Do you have to have an outline?
[17:25] You don’t always need to know what you are writing about when you start.
[20:05] Publishers and publishing houses do want to see an outline.
[23:15] Approach your book from a ‘reader’s journey’.
[27:35] Vicky is hosting another Write Night! Link below!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles
Night Watch, by Terry Pratchett
The Last House on Needless Street, by Catriona Ward
Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language, by Amanda Montell
This week on the podcast, Vicky gets “vulgar” with Yinka: they talk MONEY MONEY MONEY! You know, that thing you’re not supposed to mention in polite society. Amidst much chortling, they open the doors into money mindset, why “charge your worth” is dangerous advice, and how much damage not talking about money does to women. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] Women and their prices, what’s the problem?
[5:35] When it comes to empowerment, how much of it is your actual choice vs. what you’re perceived/expected to do?
[6:45] How free are your choices?
[7:55] What does it mean to have a good money mindset?
[10:45] Building wealth is seen as shady business, especially for women.
[12:00] Money brings protection, money brings security.
[18:10] What is the difference between western vs. non-western feminism? In Africa, it’s seen completely differently.
[23:15] We have to separate our own worth vs. money.
[28:30] How do we have a healthy relationship with money?
[33:00] How did Yinka get into this line of work?
[36:40] Trading time for money? It’s just a stage.
[39:10] What happens if someone can’t afford to pay you?
[42:40] It all boils down to value and your own self worth.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Ever wondered why Vicky bangs on about the importance of storytelling? Well, pull up a chair and open your ears and listen: this week, she interviews Black British narrative storyteller and humorist James Pogson. James is known informally as LinkedIn’s poet laureate and this week he spills an entire teapot about why it’s so important we get to hear individual stories and voices, especially from Black people and especially marginalised voices. It might get uncomfortable: that’s cool. Sit with it. Absorb it. Listen.
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] This podcast might make you uncomfortable, but it’s an important topic about how Black people are treated in Britain and in society!
[3:00] Why is it so important that people tell their stories?
[4:30] James shares his experiences as a man ‘writing while Black’.
[5:45] Black people are still fighting for their humanity.
[9:40] How do we express our true selves at work and not suppress it?
[11:40] What does James do and how does he help people tell their stories?
[14:00] People just don’t know how to tell their stories.
[17:35] James shares some of the common misconceptions people have about him ‘because he’s Black’.
[22:20] When James had to put on a mask for Covid, he had a lot of internal conflict. Should he take it off to show he’s not a threat? Leave it on? Dilemma.
[25:35] There are countless stories of white people telling stories that Black people were animals and savages.
[29:00] James is in the process of writing a series of books! Stay tuned for more!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Bad Friday, by Norman Samuda Smith
Vicky sits down with the One Woman SNL of Biz Comedy, and real-live rainbow, Rachael Kay Albers to talk about everything that’s wrong with the business world, burning it all down, and how we can each start to build a better world and a better way—one tiny beetle step at a time. Tune in for monetising your pain, writing books for good reasons, and what the pandemic has done for creative types (which is all of us).
Key Takeaways:
[2:25] Who is Rachael and what does she do?
[5:25] After 12 years of working weekends, even working when her child was born, Rachael found herself burned out and unable to do ‘this’ anymore.
[7:15] Rachael decided to write her Me Too letter to her family, detailing the abuse she had experienced by them. She lost friends.
[10:25] Rachael is a business comedian, so it made sense that her book would also be a joke.
[12:40] “You need to calm down. You’re being too loud.”
[15:15] Having bad things happen to you is a gift.
[18:35] Even the super elite ‘rich people’ aren’t happy. They’re prisoners.
[20:15] Every creative Rachael knows is going through a huge renaissance right now.
[23:00] Rachael is upset that people with less privilege than her are struggling. She is standing up and fighting against this.
[25:00] You can’t change the world overnight, but you can take tiny steps towards making the world a better place.
[27:25] Once you know about the injustices in the world, it’s very hard to ‘go back to sleep’.
[30:25] The 9-5 doesn’t need to exist anymore.
[33:00] Don’t forget to pre-order Rachael’s book!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Rachael Kay Albers on Instagram
Oh HAI a well-thought-out podcast episode is waiting for you RIGHT HERE (I know, that's unusual). But first you have to wade through Joe’s new haircut (courtesy of Vicky), vegetable gardens, and pond-water tea. After that, it’s all good stuff: your hosts are talking about why “just be yourself” is the WORST advice masquerading as profundity, and why originality is wildly misunderstood. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[1:50] Just be yourself! What does that even mean?
[5:25] Vicky cut Joe’s hair. He looks like a fancy Sideshow Bob.
[5:55] Why is originality wildly misunderstood?
[7:35] How do you be yourself, like really?
[8:35] Do any of us truly know who we are?
[9:55] Do you compare yourself to others? Well, stop it!
[13:25] What is originality? Vicky shares her definition.
[16:00] Plagiarism is not cool.
[17:35] There are so many people who want to write a book, but they don’t read! What!
[18:55] How do you define and write in your own voice?
[20:55] Take a step back and ask yourself ‘why’ you might agree or disagree with someone’s body of work.
[22:55] Like this podcast? Let Vicky know and email her!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Bastard of Istanbul Novel by Elif Shafak
The Magician's Assistant Book by Ann Patchett
Prisoners of Geography, by Tim Marshall
After a (very) brief rant about the state of the British gutter press—more to come on THAT front—Vicky and Joe open up Vicky’s toolbox and have a rummage around. If you’re after a magic button that’ll write your book for you, you’re shit out of luck. But if you want an insight into the stuff a writer uses to make it all a little easier, grab a cuppa and tune in. And click those affiliate links, mama needs new houseplants!
Key Takeaways:
[5:45] What’s going on at Casa Dingle?
[8:00] Looking for a hack to write your book?
[9:35] Why does Vicky like the app Scrivener?
[11:00] Vicky shares some of her favorite writing tools.
[16:10] What are some of Vicky’s favorite productivity tools?
[21:00] What tools does Vicky like to publish?
[23:15] Nothing replaces hard work, but you can get organized with it!
[23:25] What are your favorite tools? Let Vicky know!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Thief of Time, by Terry Pratchett
Prisoners of Geography, by Tim Marshall
Join Vicky, Joe, and Joe's hair as they talk about why we lie to ourselves when we say we don't have time. No shade: tune in and find out what's really going on, and how to dig into the reasons that lie beneath that excuse. Also featured in this podcast: angry women, the status quo, and smashing the patriarchy. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[4:30] Update on the dingle!
[7:00] Why do writers don’t write? The biggest excuse is they don’t have time!
[9:00] Everyone is busy but there is a deeper excuse underneath that.
[9:55] Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start?
[11:35] Action causes motivation which causes inspiration and that causes more action and the cycle repeats in a good way!
[13:40] Just start by writing 200 crappy words a day! Anyone can do that!
[14:25] Vicky can’t wait to run a writing retreat...in person!
[15:35] The world needs to be open and honest. The world needs to talk more about politics, religion, and money without having the family throw food at each other!
[17:15] The ‘angry black woman’ stereotype is horrible and disgusting.
[19:25] Why are Russians so blunt?
[23:25] Have you used any of those excuses before? Well, maybe it’s time to start writing your book. Vicky gives you permission!
[25:40] More people spend time planning their holidays than they do their life! their life!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
Vicky sits down with Jill Robinson of Organic Pilates and talks orgasms, incontinence, and testicles to spectacles. We wanted to find out all about Jill’s new book -- why she wrote it, who it’s for, and why this whole conversation is absolutely bloody crucial. We also say the word “vagina”. (Get over it.)
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] Who is Jill and what does she do?
[7:00] Just because you’re getting older, doesn’t mean you have to have an old body or old mind.
[7:40] Why does Jill like to work with perimenopausal or menopausal women?
[10:00] Vicky was around 40 when she could finally comfortably say the word, ‘period’ out loud.
[11:10] Women should work in line with their cycles, and not feel guilty on the days where their bodies just feel ‘meh’.
[13:25] Birth control pills were never actually tested on women.
[17:00] Jill shares why she felt it was time to write a book.
[18:45] How do you find your pelvic floor?
[24:10] There is a very strong connection between feet and the pelvic floor. Jill explains why.
[26:50] What are some easy ways you can get started on your health today?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Vicky and Joe settle down to talk about plumbing, Joe’s magnificently bouffant lockdown hair, and the bullshit of rugged individualism. Yep: we’re talking about why you need to stop trying to be unique, and instead be uniquely valuable. It’s not as naff as it sounds: tune in to find out why this idea of “uniqueness” may be holding you back from writing your book, and what you want to focus on instead.
Key Takeaways:
[5:45] Vicky and Joe have no hot water!
[8:45] Vicky hears a lot of excuses as to why people haven’t written their book yet!
[12:20] There are very few idees out there that are truly ‘unique’. What makes it unique is you!
[16:45] You don’t have to be the best in order to write about your expertise.
[17:00] You also don’t have to go about this journey alone!
[21:10] The bar to doing good work is so low because very few people actually do what they say they’re going to do.
[23:05] When you bring value that makes you unique.
[24:15] Vicky shares some examples of how you can stand out.
[29:10] What should Vicky call her new coaching program? Send her a message!
Mentioned in This Episode:
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson
Vicky sits down with Nick Smith, the Financial Navigator, and talks helicopters, backwards cats called Clive, and why he wrote a book about wealth and financial sovereignty. In which we ask: what does financial sovereignty even MEAN? What is wealth, really? And what was it like to write a whole book?
Key Takeaways:
[1:45] A little bit about Nick and what he does.
[3:45] We have to overcome a lot of misconceptions about money.
[4:40] Why did Nick write his book?
[5:15] We are all facing information overload.
[6:55] What does your rich life look like?
[8:55] What did Nick used to do before he became a financial navigator?
[13:10] Why did Nick want to write a book?
[14:45] Nick shares his book writing experience and some of the challenges he faced.
[16:45] What has Nick learned about himself during this time?
[18:25] The hardest part in the writing process was trying to find a structure.
[20:10] Nick needed a second voice in his ear to encourage him and keep him going.
[22:15] How long did it take Nick to write his book?
[24:20] Nick shares his writing process.
[28:10] Nick talks about his cat, Clyde.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Banish the Blank Page of Doom-Fast: Why Writer's Block is a Myth, and Other Stories by Vicky Fraser
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Get Vicky’s latest audio book: That’s What She Said
Vicky and Joe talk lime plaster, wet TinySheep, and the joys of working with a book coach. Joe wonders what Vicky's coaching process looks like, and is surprised to learn that a finished draft is just one of the fantastic outcomes of working with a coach. Tune in to find out why book coaching is about so much more than the book, and how THIS book coach's process works.
Key Takeaways:
[2:25] Joe talks about punctuation and his thoughts on the book, Girl, Woman, Other.
[9:00] Vicky’s write night went really well! Stay tuned for the next one.
[10:35] How does book coaching work?
[12:10] A book coach commitment can be around 6-9 months.
[13:35] Book writing gives you confidence!
[16:55] Vicky breaks down what to expect if you were to work with her.
[20:05] Who does Vicky like to work with?
[21:30] Your book coach should be as excited about your idea as you are!
[22:15] It’s incredibly stressful to put a hard deadline on people.
[25:40] A book is hard work, but it should also be fun.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Banish the Blank Page of Doom-Fast: Why Writer's Block is a Myth, and Other Stories by Vicky Fraser
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Get Vicky’s latest audio book: That’s What She Said
The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Out on the Wire, by Jessica Abel
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
Behold the application of the word "divot" as insult! Joe, with exciting hair, talks to Vicky about book coaches. Specifically, why you might want to work with a book coach -- and if you do, how to choose one. Tune in for snow updates, real-life coaching stories, and some truths about writing a book.
Key Takeaways:
[1:50] Vicky is a book coach, but she can’t coach everyone in the world and wants you to find someone who can help you.
[3:45] Vicky loves Girl, Woman, Other!
[6:15] Why does someone need a book coach?
[7:15] Good book coaches are not cheap!
[8:25] It’s a scary process writing your book alone!
[9:40] Find a book coach in your genre.
[10:40] Look for a book coach that’s flexible and can coach you through the process.
[13:25] Does it seem too good to be true?
[15:05] A book coach needs to be honest and should be able to set the right expectations.
[18:00] Vicky offers suggestions on how to best vet your book coach and see if they’re the real deal.
[20:40] Vicky likes to ask her clients a series of questions like what have been some of their challenges thus far.
[21:30] Is your coach excited about your book idea?
[23:35] Get recommendations from your book coach.
[25:30] Stay tuned to next week to find out Vicky’s coaching process!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Banish the Blank Page of Doom-Fast: Why Writer's Block is a Myth, and Other Stories by Vicky Fraser
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Get Vicky’s latest audio book: That’s What She Said
The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Out on the Wire, by Jessica Abel
Tardigrades, fleas, and ants -- oh my! This week, tune in to hear Vicky and Joe discussing the power of tiny things. And marvel at the silky smooth segue into how you ACTUALLY get amazing results (hint: it's not by following those bloody 10X your business overnight bro-hustle-marketer-twats). In this episode, you'll get a simple formula for reaching the end of a year (or even a month) having made more gains than you ever thought possible on your book. Enjoy!
Key Takeaways:
[0:50] Project Dingle update!
[5:05] Vicky got trolled by a Trump supporter!
[7:35] Let’s talk about the power of timing.
[10:50] Just like ants and fleas, habits are tiny, they’re powerful, and they’re consistent.
[12:55] Vicky can’t wait to host another writing retreat.
[14:15] Vicky and Joe try to (badly!) explain compounding interest.
[18:40] You don’t notice the little differences you make everyday, but if you go back on your progress a year ago, you’ll be surprised by how much you’ve done.
[21:45] Part of being a writer is that you write really bad stuff.
[22:45] What are Vicky’s goals and how does she work on them?
[25:15] Keep planting seeds every day.
[25:55] Vicky is hosting a write night! Join her this Tuesday the 26th!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Banish the Blank Page of Doom-Fast: Why Writer's Block is a Myth, and Other Stories by Vicky Fraser
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Get Vicky’s latest audio book: That’s What She Said
The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss
The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss
Out on the Wire, by Jessica Abel
Vicky and Joe open with a serious message about the absolute shit-show that 2021 week 1 has been so far: learn to spot how the media reports certain things. Listen for it. Look for it. And call it out. Then crack on with writing your truth. In this episode, you'll hear all about inertia and how to defeat it, the power of habits and momentum, and the wonders of a group of people who help you grow.
Key Takeaways:
[5:10] Vicky and Joe give you a project Dingle update!
[6:50] Happy 2021! Welcome to the third lockdown! And the collapse of America....?
[10:55] Vicky is frustrated by how Black Lives Matter protestors were treated (shoot at) vs. what happened on Capitol Hill.
[12:15] Inertia is a powerful thing. You can capitalize on this power.
[15:55] It's really overwhelming if you have to take on a big goal. This is why you have to break it down into smaller pieces.
[18:20] Remember. We are the sum of the people we spend the most time with.
[20:00] Vicky has a writing event going on! Save the date Tuesday the 26th!
[23:25] Vicky does an author shoutout!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Banish the Blank Page of Doom-Fast: Why Writer's Block is a Myth, and Other Stories by Vicky Fraser
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Get Vicky’s latest audio book: That’s What She Said
The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss
The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss
Out on the Wire, by Jessica Abel