Business For Superheroes

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: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTu

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

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 i

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?  [20:4

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]

Join Vicky and Joe in the middle of a thunderstorm and find out why you need to stop trying to find your voice—and just use it instead! Tune in for thunder, lightning, Terry Pratchett, plumbing, and a few helpful writing exercises and techniques to get you comfortable and confident in your writing voice.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Project Dingle update! [4:15] Vicky is excited to fully disconnect on her holiday with Joe.  [6:00] Find your voice? Vicky doesn’t understand what this means. [8:55] Some of the best stories have come from science fiction and fantasy. [9:40] As you write, your voice and style will change.  [10:35] If you find the whole time writing for yourself, and no one sees it, you’re going to be in for a shock if you want to publish a book.  [14:15] Read different fictional books and really try to dissect the meanings behind them.  [16:55] You can find inspiration everywhere! Vicky is always going down wormholes. [19:10] David Sedaris loves to ask really weird questions.  [20:25] Copy other people

Join Vicky and Joe for possibly the most professional podcast episode they’ve ever made, and discover why your table of contents is like a sexy elbow. Seriously. You’ll also discover why tables of contents are super useful, how to make them more fun, and what you can use them for as a writer. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [4:15] Project Dingle update! [8:15] It’s time to make your table of contents sexy!  [10:25] When you create a table of contents early on, it helps you write out a nice roadmap to your book.  [13:30] When you have a table of contents, you don’t need to start at the beginning. You can just start writing whatever chapter you want.   [15:40] Things to consider when writing a title and subtitle.  [18:00] How do you outline like a boss? [18:30] If Vicky were to rewrite her chapter again, what would she do differently?  [20:10] Vicky has some templates to help you write a seductive table of contents!  [21:10] Want to write with Vicky? She’s got four more people!    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Cre

Join Vicky and Joe as they do a whirlwind trip through Vicky’s favourite productivity tools, writing tools, and editing tools! There’s a bunch of affiliate links for you, but don’t worry—she’s not a shill for big apps. This is only stuff she uses and loves. There are some tools in here that may surprise you because she has ADHD and some of the traditional advice is less than useful… so check this out instead. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [4:35] Project Dingle update! [5:50] What are some of Vicky’s favorite tools to use when writing a book?  [6:10] Do you need a child lock for all your distracting apps? Vicky does.  [8:15] Vicky is so grateful for her Bose headphones to block out noise and distractions. [11:40] Vicky has a second screen to help her with her book writing tasks.  [15:40] Vicky is also very fussy about what types of pens she likes to create with.  [19:45] Notion is a godsend! It can be integrated into your own content calendars as well as Canva. [24:10] Do you struggle with starting and/or finishing

Join Vicky and Joe as they not so much announce with fanfare but blurt out the podcast name change—and then pay close attention because Vicky’s super-excited about Jarvis Cocker’s new memoir. Which leads on a little side-quest about the difference between memoir and biography, but it’s worth it. Then onwards to the main event: writers you should check out because they’re full of ideas you can steal and adapt—meandering to a close with David Sedaris’s not-so-secret weapon for always having something interesting to write about.   Key Takeaways: [2:35] Vicky is officially changing the podcast name!  [5:35] India is a massive place!  [7:45] Vicky loves the concept that Jarvis Cocker did for his book - writing about the memories and things he’s found in his attic.  [11:50] Project Dingle update!  [13:45] Let’s talk about Nick Cave! [16:20] Nick has lost two children.  [17:30] Shoutout to Ann Handley!  [19:40] Why is David Sedaris such a great storyteller?  [24:15] Joe explains how entertaining spinning porridge is

Ever wondered what to do if you’re asked to speak about your book in public? Wonder no more—for this week, Vicky is joined by the delightful Mike Ganino, who is a brilliant public speaking coach. He works with a lot of authors and helps them to craft their message—and tell it in a compelling, entertaining, and moving manner on stage or on video. Listen in and find out all about: the 5 stage languages, the difference between writing your story and telling it with your mouth, how to avoid death by PowerPoint (and is PowerPoint even a bad thing?)—and much more!   Key Takeaways: [2:15] A little bit about Mike and what he does. [3:55] What’s the difference between writing on paper vs. speaking it in person?  [5:15] You have to write in a way that’s natural to your speaking voice. It sounds so rigid if you say your speech off of ‘formal’ writing.  [8:45] When on a stage, people need to feel the words that you’re saying.  [10:30] It’s kind of boring to listen to an author read from their book. So how do you make it

This week Vicky is flying solo because of organisation issues so she decided to share 10 books she’s read and loved recently. If you’re wondering what to read, and how to read, and whether you should be reading books on writing or just books—tune into this episode and sort out your reading plans for the next couple of months. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [0:45] Vicky is going solo this week! And the podcast name is changing!  [2:10] If you want to write a book, you need to also read!  [2:35] The more diverse authors you read, the better of a writer you will become.  [3:15] First book review: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. [4:35] Second book review: Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson. [6:20] Third book review: Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon [7:35] Fourth book review: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw [8:10] Fifth book review: Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson [9

Vicky officially “comes out” as a person with ADHD, and Joe interviews her about how she gets stuff done as a writer and book coach, how she copes with her ridiculous brain, and they offer suggestions on what to do when “foolproof” tools don’t work for you. There’s also a Magic Mike moment when Joe takes off his shirt, which is SUPER radio. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [0:55] Vicky is changing the podcast name!  [1:35] Everyone is sticky and doesn’t like the weather today. [7:15] Project Dingle update!  [10:10] Vicky loves to run her life on lists. [13:25] Vicky likes to break her tasks down into pieces so she doesn’t overwhelm herself.  [15:55] Despite this, there are some days where Vicky does struggle.  [20:20] The famous marshmallow test that determines a child’s delayed gratification. Why do some kids fail at it?  [22:15] Vicky prefers to reward herself first, ride the dopamine hit, and then do the hard thing.   [26:45] Vicky breaks down how she structures her mornings and nights.  [29:05] How does Vicky cope

Ever struggle to start something—like you want to get on with writing, but instead you do 4,197 other things? Yep so does Vicky. So dive into this week’s podcast in which she and Joe talk about how to get started and do the things you want to do—even if you’ve tried all the “expert productivity techniques” and they haven’t worked for you. They didn’t work for Vicky either because—LISTEN UP—those techniques aren’t for us! Join us for 10 brain tricks, discover you’re not broken, and then get started. Hurrah!   Key Takeaways: [5:35] Vicky rode her motorbike for the first time in six years!  [7:10] Project dingle update!  [9:20] Some people really struggle with getting started. Vicky is one of them.  [10:50] If you really wanna do something, you have to trick your brain.  [14:15] Instead of tackling all of the things, just put one thing away, or focus on one small thing to get you started.  [15:00] Get your word count started by only writing 3 words! [17:40] Vicky doesn’t recommend using the pomodoro technique. S

This is a repod, and we hope you enjoy it. It’s eternally relevant. Do you need kicking into action? So do we, friend. So do we. So when I saw Seth Godin's email titled "Initiative takes effort" last summer, I filed it away as the spark of a podcast episode idea. Here is that episode! In it, Joe and I have a chat about why we struggle to get started, and what can help. Plus Vicky shares another creative non-fiction writing tip with you. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [2:50] Storytellers are never ever going to be unwanted.  [7:10] Vicky reads an excerpt of a book and explains why she loves this passage.  [9:30] Were there any big events that happened in your lifetime? Draw up a timeline of your life. [11:05] Want to learn how to write better? This is a great activity for you to do!  [14:00] Why is play so important in our adult lives?  [18:25] Vicky needs accountability. When you have a partner to do things with, you’re much more likely to do those things.  [22:30] Joe explains what shrimping means in MMA. [24:25] Y

Join Vicky and Joe as they talk about the wonders of short stories, the importance of pronouns (because they ARE important—tune if you’re in a frothing rage about how “woke” I am and find out why), and the fantastic hot seat book coaching event Vicky ran last week. They run through the 5 questions she chose, and show you how you can get past similar challenges. Happy listening!   Key Takeaways: [2:25] Elephants are Vicky’s favorite animals.   [7:00] Exploring a genderless species, and why language is important.  [11:50] Imagine not being able to recognize faces because of a brain injury.  [16:00] Vicky received some great questions lately!  [16:55] How do you know which non-fiction book to write?  [19:20] How do I get the right tone down for my readers? [20:15] This is your first draft! Your tone of voice isn’t going to match 100% on its first go.  [22:00] How do you know when you’re finished?  [25:20] Why am I stuck?  [29:00] Currently stuck on a writing problem? Don’t worry, they’re common and Vicky is alwa

Vicky is back with John Holcroft to talk about the book writing process! How did John get started? What challenges did he face, and how did he overcome them? And what does he have on his bedside table? Discover all this and more in this week’s action-packed episode. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [3:15] There is a high failure rate with building software because it’s often not useful for prospects to use. [8:10] How long does it take to write a book? [10:15] John started recruiting people for his book early on in the process. [14:00] John learned in school that he hates writing.  [20:05] Want to know what John’s book’s about? He’s got a TL;DR version!  [24:55] John shares some storytelling lessons he learned from Pixar.  [31:25] Some of John’s best feedback were the shortest.  [33:05] John had his daughter read his book, and even though it wasn’t his target audience, she had a lot of very useful feedback from home about readability.  [37:45] John recognizes that there were so many people who helped his book come int

This week, Vicky is talking to Team Moxie Member John Holcroft about his new book, Be a Client Whisperer. It’s been a long time coming and it’s worth the wait—join Vicky and John as they dig into why he wrote his book, why everyone needs to read it, and how YOU can become a client whisperer. Part 2 follows next week!   Key Takeaways:   [2:07] John describes how he became an entrepreneur that made a great product nobody wanted. [7:53] A sparks card is not a reward card. [10:59] Another project John worked on that didn’t really go anywhere. [15:15] John started writing a different book called Don’t Start Coding. [16:55] In Chapter Seven of Be a Client Whisperer, John describes the perfect example of people not listening to each other. [20:06] No one notices good marketing. It is when someone just tries to sell, sell, sell that people notice how yucky bad marketing is. [23:35] There are worksheets in John’s book to help business owners change their habits. [26:32] John struggled to interview people for his proje

This week’s special guest is the Purple Yeti of Resistance, which sits on Vicky’s chest and stops her from writing. Tune in and find out how she defeats her yeti, and listen to Joe’s take on getting stuff done. You can also listen to Joe be horrified by the phrase “refilling your creative cup” and discover why Vicky has been writing and recording tiny songs. Enjoy!    Key Takeaways: [0:55] Joe is reading the gender-neutral Left in the Darkness, an aged Christie spoiler, and Vicky’s non-fiction fix is Furiously Happy.  [6:03] Songwriting with Ben and Joel: Will the Deadbeats be a hit? [8:16] Vicky introduces us to her giant purple Yeti of resistance. [11:24] Tips and techniques for pushing through resistance to jump-start your writing. [17:31] One thing that works for almost everybody… try habit stacking.  [21:39] Complete a decent writing session? Reward yourself. [22:08] How to fill your creative cup. [24:04] Don’t beat yourself up when you come up against resistance when writing. It’s hard sometimes. [26:53

This week on the podcast Vicky and Joe discuss idling, mowing the lawn (or not as the case may be), never-ending bathrooms, and the worst. writing. advice. EVER. Listen up as Vicky has opinions on the idea that writers have a muse and the muse bestows ideas. Joe weighs in on the topic of motivation. And at the end, as a special treat, Vicky interviews Joe in rapid-fire styleeeee so come and learn a little more about him!   Key Takeaways: [2:05] Joe is reading Of Women and Salt and Vicky is reading her second Agatha Christie, an Idler’s Manual, and My Left Foot. [4:26] If you are one of the very few people who do not know about My Left Foot, Vicky describes it. [5:47] Vicky makes a -50 degree mistake. [7:24] At Dom’s Impact event, Vicky spoke about the magic of writing books. [10:01] Vicky’s favorite bad writing advice. [11:58] What happens when you ‘write when you are inspired’. [13:00] The idea of inspiration comes, not from the gods, but from hallucinogens. [16:12] Vicky reveals where inspiration truly come

Join Vicky as she talks to Kim Krause Schwalm about dildo stories! Oh, wait—sorry—CHILDREN’S stories. (Vicky learns not to mumble into the mic...) In this week’s episode, Vicky asks Kim all about moving from full-time copywriting into copy mentoring, building a list and brand, and taking a stab at a totally new kind of writing: screenplays and children’s books.   Key Takeaways: [2:06] An A-list copywriter describes what gratifies her these days. [3:52] Why can’t we all just get along? What Vicky likes about Kim’s emails. [5:40] Female copywriters are so freaking nice. [7:30] Kim explains her Fast Track to A-list mentoring program and the advice she gives to mentees. [14:20] The ingredients Kim uses to make magic. [16:48] Joining Vicky’s Power Hour was a game-changer for Kim’s personal projects. [19:11] The importance of writing a little bit every day, and the book Kim reads once a year.  [21:49] The inside scoop about Kim’s children’s books. [23:48] The Big Reveal: Kim’s current read, favorite reads, favorite