This week, Vicky cuts her own fringe. Spoiler alert: it did not go well. Then Vicky and Joe talk a little about the antiracist books they're reading, before going on to explain why you do, in fact, probably know enough to write a book. This episode includes top tips about what you can write about if your confidence is a little low. Listen, then go forth and write!
Key Takeaways:
[0:40] Vicky is unhappy with her hair and Joe’s hair.
[5:25] Dingle update!
[7:35] You forget how little people know about your topic of expertise.
[9:30] Vicky is never going to stop learning about how to write and publish books. You always have to keep learning!
[11:50] You don’t need to be the most experienced and knowledgeable in your industry to write a book.
[14:45] Get yourself a virtual assistant. It’s a life saver!
[15:35] Remember who you’re writing for and why.
[16:10] What types of topics can you write about in your area of expertise?
[22:55] The world is changing and it’s changing quickly. Your expertise is valuable to help others navigate through it.
[25:10] Vicky reads out podcast reviews! Thank you so much for leaving them!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth
Who Moved My Cheese?, by Spencer Johnson
Perfect Puppy Package - Carrie's Canines & Friends Dog Services
The crisis hair reaches breaking point, and Vicky and Joe ponder when this lockdown will ever end. Then they talk about actual important things. And finally, onto writing excuses: why it doesn't matter if it's all already on the internet for free because books are special, peeps!
Key Takeaways:
[1:40] Joe is still reading Wheel of Time.
[3:50] Project Dingle update.
[9:45] Googling things can sometimes overwhelm you.
[11:45] Sometimes the information on the internet is so sporadic that you have to go to multiple different sources to get the full picture.
[13:45] How do you even know if the author of the article actually knows what they’re talking about?
[15:10] What’s the difference between buying a random book on the internet vs. a random article?
[17:30] Your book is your chance for your audience to get to know you.
[19:15] People read books everywhere!
[21:10] Articles are fleeting whereas books last forever.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Book, by Angela Duckworth
Don't Touch My Hair, by Emma Dabiri
Fantastic eyebrows and where to find them! That should have been the title of this podcast, in which Suzi Gray and I talk about the weirdness of what's going on right now in lockdown and the marketing messages that have been coming out of it. Then we get into the nitty-gritty of what Suzi does (helps bring quietly rebellious business owners out of their shells) and why it's so important to do YOU. Tune in for a lot of yellow and smiling and nodding.
Key Takeaways:
[1:40] Who is Suzi and what does she do?
[3:35] How has Suzi been managing the lockdown?
[9:15] You don’t have to be pivoting right now, even if you feel like you have to because ‘everyone else is’.
[15:00] The only way you’re truly going to build a unique brand is if it’s personal and based on you, but it can be terrifying and scary!
[17:45] Suzi shares a bit of her background and why she fell in love with branding.
[22:40] Suzi has an amazing branding program opening up soon! Join the waitlist and be notified when it comes out!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Captivationhouse.com/the-captivation-code-waitlist
The saying goes "facts tell stories sell" but facts don't even tell half the time. They go in one ear and out the other. Which is why it's so important that we hear YOUR story – so even if you think "it's all been said before, why would anyone want MY book" listen up sunshine. Tune in to this week's episode so we can bust this writing excuse back to bed where it belongs. Also find out what Vicky and Joe have been up to in lockdown (hint: it involves squirting water up a chicken's bum – to save her life, before you call animal welfare).
Key Takeaways:
[5:00] What have Vicky and Joe been up to in quarantine?
[6:10] Vicky is asking for baking tips!
[9:35] Writing excuses! Don’t have enough time?
[13:15] We don’t always learn from facts. We learn and remember meaningful things through stories.
[19:30] Would anyone like to do an early morning interpretation dance class with Vicky? Send her an email.
[21:10] You can’t change the facts, but your opinions on the facts will always be unique and different.
[22:50] Why would someone buy your book when everything is on the internet for free? Tune in next week’s episode!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Novel by Anne Brontë
This Is Your Brain on Music, by Daniel Levitin
Wearing some extremely snazzy hats, Vicky and Joe discuss the first of the Writing Excuses: I don't have time. In it, they talk about time – how it warps in lockdown, how some of us really do have more than others, and how you can make the most of yours. This podcast contains a bonus rant about selling under false pretences. Oh and also: they share the secret of how long it REALLY takes to write a book.
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] Do you have any bread making tips?
[6:45] Did Vicky and Joe’s local village have a black dress for a medium-sized man? The answer is yes.
[12:15] Do you really, really, actually, want to write a book? Why? What’s the purpose?
[14:35] Men and women do business very differently, especially when they have a family.
[17:45] How much time do you really need to write a book?
[21:40] Can you write a book over a weekend?
[27:00] Treat your book as if you’re working for a client!
[29:30] Make a plan and then see where you can fit your book into that plan!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Novel by Anne Brontë
This Is Your Brain on Music, by Daniel Levitin
Vicky and Joe have a 15-minute argument about who bears the responsibility for communication. Is it up to me to make myself understood, or you to understand? Tune in to find out who was right (Vicky) and who was wrong (Joe) and why. You'll also get the latest on Joe's progress through Wheel of Time, and why Anne Brontë was an absolute badass of a woman who was well ahead of her time and deserved all the good things.
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] Can you tell whether a man or a woman writes a book?
[7:50] Do you agree or disagree with Vicky and Joe on this one? Should it be on the teacher or on the student (to seek proactive resources) to learn a subject matter when they don’t fully understand it?
[13:55] What have Vicky and Joe been doing in quarantine?
[18:45] When writing a book, it’s critical you write a book your audience is going to understand and appreciate.
[22:40] What color will Joe’s hair be next week? Tune in to find out!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Novel by Anne Brontë
This Is Your Brain on Music, by Daniel Levitin
Hillary Weiss is yelling on the podcast! Hurrah! Right at the start of the coronavirus crisis, Vicky and Hillary got together via the magic of Zoom and yelled about branding. Tune in to find out where confidence comes from, why it's scary to put yourself out there, and how not to sound like an asshole.
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] What does Hillary focus on?
[3:05] What do you want to see more of and less of in your industry?
[6:25] Hiliary works with her clients on their brand messaging to help them have the confidence they need to stand out from the crowd.
[9:35] What is a statement piece and how do you leverage it?
[11:55] There’s a lot of fear when it comes to deviating from industry norms, but it is also the most powerful marketing tool you have.
[16:10] Instead of throwing more information at people, help them take the first step towards something productive.
[18:45] How did Hilliary get into copywriting and branding?
[23:15] It can be a tough position for copywriters because they can suddenly become responsible for sales results if their client doesn’t know any better.
[25:45] It’s critical to understand your client’s market first and what they’re trying to achieve before trying to offer them services.
[33:15] Absolutely check out Hillary and Margo’s YouTube channel. It’s perfect for female business owners who need an extra boost in confidence.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Join Vicky and Joe in another lockdown episode – and discover what colour they dyed Joe's hair, why they had to wrestle Picard the TinySheep to the ground, and what they're growing in the garden. Also, discover how Vicky twists wrath into a deadly sin of writing. Find out why it's important to "let it go", how to deal with other people's anger, and how you can use anger to your advantage when you're writing your book.
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] Vicky is...very hungry.
[3:40] Joe has bright orange hair because he isn’t leaving the house and adulting right now.
[4:35] Vicky gives an update on the Dingle.
[6:40] What is the punishment for wrath in the Bible?
[10:15] Write angry, but never hit publish.
[12:05] You do have to let go of anger, you can’t bottle it up.
[15:30] If you are writing angrily about somebody, they can still sue you for libel even if what you said was true!
[19:05] Don’t ever read the YouTube comments!
[21:05] Most people don’t want to take an opposing viewpoint on anything!
[23:00] How can you take the thing you’re angry about and flip it?
[23:20] Do you ever find yourself being angry at yourself?
[26:10] Be kind to yourself and have empathy for others.
[29:00] Everybody is going through something, so cut them some slack.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern
Surrounded by Idiots, by Thomas Erikson
Bleached hair, ukuleles, dwarvish fighting bread, a meltdown over yeast, friends on Zoom, and the realisation that Vicky has been Doing Too Much: tune in this week for the Quarantine Chronicles. And eventually some actual book-writing advice based loosely on the 7 Deadly Sins. This week, Joe and Vicky talk about greed: how it manifests in writing, the problems it causes, and what to focus on so you can win the long game. Stay kind out there.
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] Joe has weird hair.
[3:15] Joe is STILL reading Robert Jordan.
[4:05] Vicky believes the first 20 pages or so of a book need to not bore you!
[8:45] Joe is trying to understand ukuleles.
[10:00] Joe made bread. It was amazing!
[12:50] During all of this, Vicky forgot to look after herself. So, she is taking some downtime by wearing cthulhu leggings!
[17:25] How is ‘Greed’ defined?
[21:50] You have to sell to people what they want, but also give people what they need.
[26:45] Don’t chase quantity; go after quality.
[27:10] Don’t be greedy for the shallow short-term gains. Think about the long-game.
[29:00] Vicky’s course is coming out soon! Be sure to be signed up to her waiting list!
[30:25] Vicky just wants to thank everyone right now who is working so hard and keeping the wheels turning!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern
Surrounded by Idiots, by Thomas Erikson
Want to know how to get 1,000+ reviews on Amazon? Yeah ME TOO! So I found someone with the know-how: Dan Laxton of Bibado. I accosted him with many questions about how to get people to leave you a review – and he did not disappoint. Then he told us all about his fantastic company and I learned a ton about the physical product industry that I never dreamed of...
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] Who is Dan and what does he do?
[5:35] Marketing is about being human and being real, and that’s hard to do on Amazon.
[6:35] Dan might just sell baby bibs, but their content doesn’t have to be about just that. They’ve catered their content to help parents with their children. Everything from parenting hacks to recipes. This helps them be seen as more than just a product provider.
[9:05] How does Dan ask for reviews?
[13:00] What is the Jungle Scout tool about, and how can it help with your Amazon product?
[18:30] How did Dan first make the product?
[21:45] It is possible to manufacture ethically elsewhere!
[25:30] Dan’s team is remote because they prioritize family. They’re trying to create an environment where you can have both a career and a family.
[29:00] Dan has recently introduced a childcare policy to help new parents within the organization.
[31:45] People care more about reality than the ‘picture perfect’ corporate image. People want to buy from real people.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Join your hosts for discussions of Joe's (not) receding hairline, quarantine shenanigans, a discussion of the books they're currently reading and a Netflix binge recommendation. Oh, and also find out how Vicky twisted the deadly sin of lust into something that's relevant to writing your book. There are actual words of wisdom in this one if you can bear to stick around long enough to hear them...
Key Takeaways:
[2:25] What have Vicky and Joe been doing during the quarantine?
[5:25] Since Joe’s BJJ classes are cancelled, he’s being forced to do contemporary dance with Vicky.
[6:40] Are you pivoting in your business? Vicky wants to hear from you.
[10:40] Let’s talk about lust!
[12:55] What is the difference between love and lust?
[17:00] You don’t have to tie your own self-worth into people’s reactions to your book.
[19:40] Don’t write your book because you want people to validate you.
[21:45] Let go of your expectations and just focus on doing good work.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Starless Sea Book by Erin Morgenstern
Surrounded by Idiots, by Thomas Erikson
Vicky and Joe take a break from the usual format to discuss the frankly freaking weird and scary times we're living in – and decide Vicky's job is to bring a little levity to things (without making light of actual awfulness of course). Tune in and find out how working from home together is going, why they don't need to panic-buy toilet roll or vegan food, and how they're getting people together and making them uncomfortable using technology.
Key Takeaways:
[2:50] Vicky really likes to touch her face.
[3:50] A lot of businesses aren’t going to recover from this. That is absolutely terrible.
[5:00] It’s a zombie apocalypse. The stores are so barren.
[6:15] Check on your elderly neighbors.
[8:25] People in China can see the sky for the first time because there is less pollution.
[12:20] Do not stop marketing! There is going to be an end to this.
[14:55] So many new business services and models are going to be coming out of this.
[15:55] When you get scared, you get tunnel vision. Remember that there is a way out of this, and to focus on the bigger picture.
[17:20] Now is our time to help keep small businesses afloat.
[19:55] How has Joe enjoyed working from home so far?
[23:00] Vicky will be hosting a virtual get together.
[27:15] What’s the takeaway? Be kind to each other.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
Surrounded by Idiots, by Thomas Erikson
Vicky's arms look like Popeye has had a fight with a bulldozer and once again, she's wearing an emergency hat. That takes longer than it should. When she and Joe finally get to the point, you'll discover how sloth can prevent you from writing your book, why it's not your fault, and 3 cool things you can do to make sure you get started. Note: if you're listening to this with your kids, you may end up explaining long words to them that make you feel uncomfortable. Blame Joe.
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] Vicky is in a lot of pain today because she was trying to do a new trapeze move.
[11:15] Let’s talk about sloth!
[12:45] What is the definition of sloth?
[14:05] Everything has survived and reproduced to produce us. That’s amazing!
[15:50] Vicky at one point thought she was having bouts of laziness, but it wasn’t. It was genuine depression.
[17:30] Joe has a system for dealing with things he doesn’t want to deal with.
[21:25] We plan to do good work, but for some reason ’emergencies’ crop up that make you not do the work.
[27:40] Why is everyone hoarding toilet paper?
[28:55] Vicky has three ways you can de-sloth yourself!
[31:20] When Vicky procrastinates, she gets really anxious.
[36:15] Schedule time in your calendar to do basic tasks like laundry.
[37:15] Next week’s sin is Lust!!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
Do You Talk Funny? 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker, by David Nihill
This week, we take a break from the 7 Deadly Sins and Vicky is joined by Julia Brown, fine artist and book cover designer extraordinaire. They get all excited about books in general and art and design and creativity – and share some top tips about how to make sure your book cover appeals to the right readers. Julia also hands out some tips on how to work with cover designers – including what drives them nuts about projects. Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
[1:30] How did Julia get into art?
[6:15] Why does Julia like designing book covers?
[8:40] What are some of the elements of a good non-fiction book cover?
[12:15] Julia explains the difference between a simple vs. minimal design.
[15:15] What makes a good vs. bad client?
[19:15] You need to have a basic idea of what size your book will be, what shape it will be, etc.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Vicky and Joe huddle under a blanket at 7.30 am. If you listen carefully you'll even hear birds tweeting in the background. It's all very idyllic and kind of cold. In this episode, your hosts talk books – and specifically, how the deadly sin of gluttony can scupper your Big Book Adventure. It's not as tortured a metaphor as you might think, despite Joe's scepticism. Tune in for top book-writing tips and excitement about sloths.
Key Takeaways:
[4:45] How does gluttony relate to your book writing efforts?
[5:15] Too much talking and not enough doing!
[8:25] How much do you actually want to write a book? Is it just a fantasy or is it a goal of yours?
[9:25] Too much research and not enough action.
[12:30] Don’t let research be the reason why you haven’t gotten your first draft down.
[13:45] You’re too bloated in your message.
[14:45] People sometimes feel that in order for it to be a real book, it needs to be thick. It doesn’t!
[16:40] The key is to know when to stop! That’s easier said than done.
[18:55] Always wanted to write a book? Look for Vicky’s waiting list invite.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Long Walk, by Richard Bachman
Do You Talk Funny? 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker, by David Nihill
This week, Vicky looks too awful for a video and Joe's eye is threatening to ooze over the entire world. They are too proud to show their faces, which is somewhat ironic when you consider that this episode is all about the second deadly sin of writing a book: pride. Tune in and find out all about the difference between good pride and bad pride, and how bad pride will scupper you and your book. You have been warned. Also, tune in for a word from Executive Producer Noodle Doodle.
Key Takeaways:
[3:05] Vicky won in the comedy category for a pole dancing competition!
[8:15] Let’s talk about pride.
[9:55] There are two types of pride, the good kind and the bad kind.
[11:55] How does pride get in the way of telling the truth?
[14:00] It’s exhausting trying to be somebody you’re not.
[18:15] Don’t be afraid to talk about the mistakes you’ve made in the past. It will help other people.
[21:55] Human beings don’t really understand abstracts very well. You need to be clear in what you need/want from others.
[26:10] Beware of confusing your truth with THE truth.
[27:35] Is self-publishing less respectable than traditional publishing?
[30:40] Next week’s sin will be about sloth!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Long Walk by Richard Bachman
Vicky and Joe get all etymological on you and fling three cool words in your direction. Can you use them all in a sentence this week? One of those words is "mudita" – which is something you want to cultivate if you want to write a great book (and live a happier life). This is also the start of another interminable series: the 7 Deadly Sins of Writing a Book. Brace yourselves...
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] Joe is still reading The Wheel of Time and he’s feeling guilty he’s still on it.
[7:50] Let’s talk about mudita, the opposite of envy.
[11:25] The first deadly sin of book writing is envy!
[17:25] Envy holds you back and it keeps you bitter.
[18:55] How can you look at someone’s work in a positive light?
[21:25] Mudita is your answer! Find joy in other people’s achievements!
[23:15] Remember, envy will kill your creativity and your confidence. It will make you miserable!
[25:55] Vicky is going to be honest. She is not entirely sure how she is going to weave lust and gluttony into this series.
[29:15] Have you listened to every episode? Email Vicky with your postal address!
[29:45] Also, hello to Joy from Taiwan!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Salt Path: A Memoir Book by Raynor Winn
This week, Vicky tries and fails to avoid Joe's extreme garlic breath, then explains why snooker is a great antidote to Stephen King. After some discussion of daffodils, they get to the point: Vicky's recent book launch and the lessons learned. And there are plenty of them. Tune in to find out what they did right, what they did wrong, and what they're going to do next time...
Key Takeaways:
[2:30] Vicky and Joe are on a mission to watch every single episode of Star Trek.
[6:45] Vicky has just launched her new book! Vicky has never officially launched a book before.
[10:15] Vicky reached out to some of her influential friends to help spread the word about her book launch.
[12:35] The biggest lesson Vicky learned was to start her book launch process a lot earlier!
[14:25] Truth be told, Vicky had a big fear about how well her book launch would be received.
[17:25] What did Joe learn about this book launch?
[20:00] Vicky did not do any paid advertising during this time. However, Joe is helping her with this process.
[22:00] Vicky got sick of talking about her book and she felt her audience would feel the same way as well, but that’s wrong!
[24:00] The biggest problem is that Vicky is not a big user of social media, so these social activities are a bit tough.
[25:05] What are some of the biggest lessons Vicky has learned?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
In this week's episode, Vicky discovers she's actually married to a robot. Or possibly an android. Either way, she's alarmed and confused, because Joe doesn't ever talk to himself. He has no inner dialogue. Which makes the inside of his head considerably calmer than the inside of hers. This week, the hosts talk about the way we talk to ourselves, the negativity bias, and why we all ought to be a bit more bloody kind to ourselves. And each other.
Key Takeaways:
[0:50] Today is book launch day!!!
[2:30] Thank you so much for the support and the people who have been sharing on social media and emailing Vicky!
[10:00] Vicky talks to herself a lot, and how you talk to yourself determines the quality of your life.
[16:30] It takes five good deeds in a relationship to make up for one bad one.
[18:05] Words shape our reality, which is why it’s so important to talk to yourself correctly.We shape our reality with the words that we use.
[22:20] There’s a difference between being arrogant and being proud of yourself.
[24:30] Are you about to say something mean to yourself? Would you say this to someone else? If you wouldn’t, then don’t say it to yourself.
[25:00] Vicky has written a lot of books, but this is her first time doing a book launch. Look for next week’s episode where she shares some of her takeaways on how to successfully execute one.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Vicky and Joe fail to do anything special for their 200th podcast episode, except be staggered that they've recorded so many. In this episode, there is a single posh candle, Joe has a bad hair day, and Vicky has just had a photoshoot. They also go through 15 fab reasons to write your book in 2020. Plus an extra bonus reason. Happy listening!
Key Takeaways:
[2:30] The big 200!!! Vicky and Joe have a candle to celebrate.
[6:45] Ever thought about writing a book?
[7:15] First reason: To be a better writer.
[9:20] It’s hard to write a book and that’s a good thing!
[11:05] You have a story to tell and it’s worth telling!
[13:25] The kind of people you want to work with will gravitate towards you.
[17:25] You will become more of an expert in your field.
[18:55] Writing a book makes you memorable!
[20:40] You will discover more about who you are.
[21:20] You will make more money!!!
[22:45] If there’s a zombie apocalypse, we’ll be back to relying on books.
[25:05] Interested in writing a book? Vicky has a book on the subject!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin
How Long ‘Til Black Future Month?, by N. K. Jemisin
There is a magnificent hat in this episode! Because although Vicky's eye makeup was on point, her hair resembled a mangy badger and had to be hidden. Which makes great radio. It's book review week at Moxie Books, and Vicky and Joe discuss the brilliant Atomic Habits by James Clear. Find out how Vicky manages to get up at 6.30 every morning, despite being a lazy slug who hates getting out of bed – and learn the secret of how to be the person you want to be. (And obviously buy the book.)
Key Takeaways:
[5:45] If you want to learn more about how to connect with people, read Amanda Palmer’s book!
[7:00] Atomic Habits is the book of the year for Vicky.
[7:55] Habits are just brain shortcuts.
[10:15] Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
[12:45] Vicky really didn’t want to get out of bed this morning, but she tried to remember the type of person she wanted to be.
[13:50] There are four problems with goal setting.
[16:15] Focus on the system that will help you get to your goals.
[22:25] Vicky explains why Japan’s trains are so efficient.
[24:55] Declare your intentions everyday!!
[25:25]] Reframe your actions (if they’re negative) into a positive.
[26:15] Join a group where your habit/goal/hobby is something that’s shared by everyone in the group.
[29:50] The big 200 is coming up! Vicky is excited for next week’s episode!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Only Forward, by Michael Marshall Smith
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness, by Sy Montgomery
Vicky and Joe stagger into the Roaring 20s with a festive gin & tonic and Joe's convoluted theory about octopuses and goats. Then Vicky explains her theory of rotting badger business growth, which leads to misery and possibly stinkiness. Want an antidote to all the GROW GROW GROW shrieking we're bombarded by? Listen up and build a business of joy and mirth instead.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] Joe explains why goats are ‘just wrong’ creatures.
[4:55] We are told by everyone that we have to grow all the time or else we’re useless as people.
[9:15] When it comes to your goals, what do you want? What do you really want?
[9:40] What are you willing to endure to get to where you want to be?
[11:10] Think about what you don’t want to do.
[12:15] Keep things as simple as possible for as long as possible.
[15:55] Pro tip: Do not spend tons of money on a website when just starting out.
[19:25] Don’t ignore the old ‘boring’ ways just because there is a new fad out there.
[26:25] Very rarely do people stop and think and ask, ‘Is this actually what I want?’
[26:45] No one will plan your life for you.
[29:35] Bad things will happen, but it’s all how you manage and deal with it that will have the greatest impact on you.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Art of Asking Book, by Amanda Palmer
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness, by Sy Montgomery
Vicky and Joe drink tea and discuss philosophy. Well, kind of. Vicky reveals herself to be a bit of a dick, but is on a self-improvement kick. And Joe's problem with baggy grey sweatpants floats to the surface. In this episode of the 1,000 Authors Show, the intrepid podcasters dive deep into their own brains to figure out why thinking is so hard, how to get better at it, and why it's crucial that we do.
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] It’s been a tough few days at the Dingle. The fun adventures of herding sheep.
[5:35] The Atomic Habits book that Vicky is reading is life changing!
[11:05] We’ve evolved to have these giant brains, but it’s really not efficient.
[13:55] Vicky and Joe weren’t really taught in school how to think critically.
[17:10] By the way, nobody is good at multitasking.
[18:45] How does Vicky define ‘thinking’?
[20:10] Unfortunately, throughout our lives, we are taught not to question things.
[22:05] Why is critical thinking so important?
[27:50] What are some of your cognitive biases? Let Vicky know!
[29:00] Ask basic questions about a topic, even if you think you know it.
[31:20] A lot of horrible things are happening in the UK at the moment. A little bit of empathy would be nice!
[33:45] Don’t just read the headline! Read the story. Also, double check where the research comes from.
[37:25] Get better at thinking.
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Kings of the Wyld, by Nicholas Eames
Iolo's Revenge: Sheep Farming by Happy Accident in Mid-Wales, by Diana Ashworth
Vicky and Joe are almost foiled by technology and then a ghost in the Dingle, before moving swiftly on to today's topic: hard things. (Stop being smutty.) There follows a lurid tale in which Vicky relives a terrifyingly hard moment so vividly her hands turn into some kind of pond creature, and Joe reveals that he actually thought she might die. (Spoiler alert: she didn't.) Why all the talk of hard things? Aha. Well. Because writing a book is hard, and doing hard things is amazing. Listen in and find out why.
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] Vicky is really enjoying Diana Ashworth’s writing. It is delightful, engaging, and funny.
[4:25] Why should you write a book?
[8:35] What types of hard things has Joe had to face recently?
[9:55] Vicky explains what Trad Rock Climbing is. You will probably die.
[14:45] Vicky made it to the top of the mountain and cried.
[16:05] You should write a book because it’s hard and it will make you realize you are completely capable!
[19:00] The important things in life are difficult. Renovating the Dingle is really hard work, but so rewarding.
[23:10] If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
[25:25] Stay tuned for January! Vicky is hosting a big book launch!
[26:25] Vicky also has a writing retreat planned for you!
Mentioned in This Episode:
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The Obelisk Gate, by N. K. Jemisin
Iolo's Revenge: Sheep Farming by Happy Accident in Mid-Wales, by Diana Ashworth
Joe is wearing a dressing gown! A very snazzy, smoking-jacket-esque dressing gown, but a dressing gown nonetheless. If you only listen to the audio, you're missing out. Hop over to YouTube and have a gander. Mind you, Vicky is dressed like three of the Spice Girls at once, so... anyway, they're both perfectly dressed to discuss The War Of Art by Steven Pressfield – an excellent book for everyone who's ever struggled with procrastination. Listen in and find out what Vicky and Joe's top takeaways from the book are.
Key Takeaways:
[1:20] Joe won gold and silver in the National BJJ competition!
[2:00] Vicky, on the other hand, has scratched her eyeball.
[6:35] Today’s podcast will be a book review of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.
[8:35] The book is extremely well organized.
[10:00] In Steven’s book, he actually doesn’t have a table of contents.
[12:20] We each have different types of personalities depending on who you are talking to. We have the work persona, the family persona, and the friend/hobby persona.
[15:55] Planning to do that ‘thing’ is really easy. Sitting down and actually doing it is not!
[17:35] Don’t start tomorrow. Start now!
[19:30] It doesn’t matter if the words you are writing are terrible! The point is you got it down on paper.
[21:50] What kind of person do you want to be today?
[25:25] Last month, Vicky wrote every single day!
[26:00] Tune in next week to find out why you should do something difficult!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin
The Next Step in the Dance by Tim Gautreaux
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield