Notes in the Margin

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!

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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!

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The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan

The Salt Path: A Memoir Book by Raynor Winn

The Middle Finger Project

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?

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The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan

The Outsider by Stephen King

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.

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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:

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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:

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Atomic Habits, by James Clear

Only Forward, by Michael Marshall Smith

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness, by Sy Montgomery

How Long 'Til Black Future Month?, by N. K. Jemisin

The Art of Asking Book, by Amanda Palmer

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:

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Vicky on Medium

Order Vicky's new book!

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

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, by N. K. Jemisin

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.

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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

Atomic Habits, by James Clear

The Art of Asking Book, by Amanda Palmer

A History of Western Philosophy Book, by Bertrand Russell

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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Order Vicky's new book!

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

The Obelisk Gate, by N. K. Jemisin

Iolo's Revenge: Sheep Farming by Happy Accident in Mid-Wales, by Diana Ashworth

Atomic Habits, by James Clear

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:

Website

Vicky on Medium

Order Vicky's new book!

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin

The Next Step in the Dance by Tim Gautreaux

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield