Notes in the Margin

Vicky and Joe talk about Storm Arwen, being cold, and Joe's absolute refusal to indulge Vicky's Wispa Gold habit. Which leads into this week's topic: writing habits! What is a habit? How do they work? Why do we have them? And how can we develop good habits that enable us to write a book? Tune in, chill out, enjoy.

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] Vicky has new hair! Woohoo!

[5:30] Joe has a secret power - he can write haikus. Who knew!

[7:25] Vicky introduces the topic of bad habits and why it's important.

[8:15] What are habits?

[9:40] Why do people get addicted to smoking and drugs? What does that have to do with habits?

[10:55] Can you form a habit of doing something you don't find to be fun?

[11:10] Vicky shares how she got into the habit of running.

[12:30] Vicky shares her references from two books: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg and Atomic Habits by James Clear and what she has learned from them.

[13:35] People have natural gifts but habits make the difference.

[14:20] Habit stacking: what is that and why is it important?

[19:35] Vicky has made something fun for the listeners and it's for free! Find out towards the end of this episode.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook

Join Vicky's Weird and Wonderful Writing Society

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Come Join Vicky's Writing Challenge!

Moxiebooks.co.uk/calendar

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected]

Yogawithadriene.com

Voices by Ursula K Le Guin

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Join Vicky and Joe as they talk about The Wheel of Time on Netflix, and argue about the way in which Vicky watches films and stuff. Then they get into the details of how writers read to become better writers—there's good stuff in here, so tune in, sit back, and enjoy. We promise we won't ruin reading for you.

Key Takeaways:

[1:30] Joe talks about robots!

[3:20] The Wheel of Time is on Netflix! Joe read all the books, and he both hated and loved it at the same time.

[9:10] Vicky hates meetings. Most meetings are a waste of time.

[9:35] Vicky and Joe have ceilings at the Dingle! Yay!

[13:55] You're a writer now, what should you read?

[18:30] Keep a journal of interesting/funny things that have happened to you that day. You can use this in your writing!

[22:10] You can copy other people's work by writing down passages that you love! Vicky explains how to do this correctly.

[25:35] Books written for audio are constructed slightly differently than books written for reading.

[28:25] Vicky has a writing community for you to join! Link in the show notes!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook

Join Vicky's Weird and Wonderful Writing Society

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Come Join Vicky's Writing Challenge!

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky about 1-2-1 coaching at: [email protected]

Shield of Thunder by David Gemmell

Wheel of Time (TV Series)

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

Join Vicky and Joe as they talk about their 12th wedding anniversary, treehouses, and noggins—and rave about the power of creativity in community. Yep, this week you'll hear about how C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkein wrote such amazing books and stories, and why Vicky is so enthusiastic about putting a group of smart creative people in a room together.

Key Takeaways:

[0:55] It's Vicky and Joe's anniversary!

[6:25] Storytelling is how we learn, and books aren't the only medium to convey a good story.

[7:25] Project dingle update! Vicky and Joe are going to put in a nice ceiling soon.

[10:35] Are all writers tortured and alone?

[12:40] How do you go about writing in community?

[16:45] Vicky loves Sunday evenings because it gives her the opportunity to connect with her friends.

[22:10] Vicky has a writing power hour within her community and it's been amazing on how much work you actually get done during that 60 minute session.

[22:55] Find yourself a writing buddy to help keep you accountable!

[26:00] the quickest way to get to your writing goal is by having a group of writers you can work with and that will cheer you on.

[28:35] Vicky shares some of her writers' successes after joining the Moxie Power Hour group calls.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook

Join Vicky's Weird and wonderful writing society

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Come Join Vicky's Writing Challenge!

Meat + Hair Daily Creative Writing Tips

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky about 1-2-1 coaching at: [email protected]

Lord of the Silver Bow, by David Gemmell

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Cslewis.com/c-s-lewis-j-r-r-tolkien-and-the-inklings

Ever read something about being a writer and thought, "huh, that's not me. What if I'm not a real writer?" Well, friend, listen into this episode, which is a rerun—and find out: what kind of writer are you? Because, like most things in life, there's no one right way to do or be anything. Listen, enjoy, then get in touch and let us know which kind of writer YOU are...

Key Takeaways:

[6:15] Casa Dingle update!

[7:25] Vicky just got her first COVID vaccine. Yay!

[8:55] What kind of writer are you?

[11:45] After listening to the internet about what you 'should be' doing, Vicky realized it never really worked for her.

[13:45] Are you the type of writer that needs to plan everything first before you can get started?

[16:15] Not a planner? Don't worry. You can still make it work.

[17:00] Are you a bit of a rambler when it comes to your writing?

[19:30] It can be easy to lose focus on what your book is about.

[22:55] What is Vicky's writing and editing process?

[26:00] Do you have more of a collaborative personality?

[29:55] Do you like to work on more than one book at a time?

[31:45] What kind of writer personality do you have? Do you fall into more than one category?

[33:10] Vicky successfully hosted another write night event! It was a lot of fun. Come join her for the next one.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Come Join Vicky's Writing Challenge!

Join Vicky's Book Society

Meat + Hair Daily Creative Writing Tips

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky about 1-2-1 coaching at: [email protected]

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

What Great Storytellers Know: Seven Skills to Become Your Most Influential and Inspiring Self, by Bernadette Jiwa

Do you need kicking into action? So do we, friends. So do we. So when Vicky saw Seth Godin's email titled "Initiative takes effort" last summer, she filed it away as the spark of a podcast episode idea. Here is that episode! In it, Joe and Vicky have a chat about why we struggle to get started, and what can help. Plus Vicky shares another creative nonfiction writing tip with you. And Joe describes "shrimping". 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] You can absolutely sit down and write a book on your own, but most people don't.

[27:00] Want to write a book? Don't do it alone.

[27:35] Want to learn something? Find someone to help you.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Come Join Vicky's Writing Challenge!

Meat + Hair Daily Creative Writing Tips

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky about 1-2-1 coaching at: [email protected]

Lord of the Silver Bow, by David Gemmell

Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown

Vicky and Joe are BAAAAAACK baby, and as is standard they've made a half-arsed effort for Halloween. Sorry about that. But there is a brand new feature: Vicky is doing a masters degree in creative writing, so stand by for regular creative nonfiction writing tips. In the main feature, though, the intrepid duo revisit email marketing—specifically for authors. Tune in to find out why you need an email list, plus a bunch of useful stuff like how often do you email? What do you write about? Who even cares?

Key Takeaways:

[4:00] Casa dingle and chicken update!

[5:15] Vicky is going back to school and she's specializing in creative nonfiction.

[6:30] How do you get started in nonfiction?

[10:35] Play with the pronouns in your writing work. See how it feels. Does it still make sense?

[10:55] Vicky answers a listener's question! What are Vicky's tips on email marketing?

[13:20] Don't base all of your marketing on a platform you don't control.

[15:50] What should you write about in your emails?

[18:00] Vicky has a freebie out right now! Join her 29 day writing challenge.

[19:40] Have a question? Email Vicky! She loves hearing form you!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Come Join Vicky's Writing Challenge!

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

Lord of the Silver Bow Book by David Gemmell

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls Book by David Sedaris

Ever wondered why you can't just sit down and write? There are many many reasons but here are the 5 most common ones. Tune in to find out why you're not alone, why you're NOT just making excuses (despite what some of the shamey messages on the internet might tell you) and what you can do to get started and keep writing. Also a joyful plug for the 4th Moxie Books FWrite Night—come and play!

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] Vicky is solo this podcast episode! What's she reading right now?

[4:40] Why do writers don't write? The biggest excuse is they don't have time!

[6:40] Everyone is busy but there is a deeper excuse underneath that.

[7:30] Feeling overwhelmed? Don't know where to start?

[9:15] Action causes motivation which causes inspiration and that causes more action and the cycle repeats in a good way!

[11:40] Just start by writing 200 crappy words a day! Anyone can do that!

[12:25] Vicky can't wait to run a writing retreat...in person!

[13:15] 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!

[15:15] The 'angry black woman' stereotype is horrible and disgusting.

[17:25] Why are Russians so blunt?

[21:25] Have you used any of those excuses before? Well, maybe it's time to start writing your book. Vicky gives you permission!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Come Join Vicky's Write Night!

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

Play by Dr. Stuart Brown

Remember why you're doing this—that's the message from today's podcast episode with Dr Karl Walker-Finch, dentist and writer extraordinaire! This week, Vicky sits down with Karl to talk about teeth, the people who own them, and figuring out your WHY. Tune in and find out all about why Karl decided to write his book, what it's been like to create, and how it's helped him grow as a dentist and a human.

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] A little bit about Dr. Karl an how he became a dentist!

[4:45] Dr. Karl didn't always love being a dentist. He had to find a new approach to enjoying his career.

[7:05] The demand for the perfect smile has greatly increased on social media.

[8:55] Why did Dr. Karl decide to write a book?

[9:50] Dentists are taught to fix teeth, but everything outside of that is a bit 'unknown'. There's more to teeth than fixing teeth and Dr. Karl wanted to help educate others on this.

[12:30] Finding your way to being a dentist is a fundamental part of the process.

[17:55] Don't get too caught in the weeds. Just write! Don't edit! That part comes later.

[18:10] A trick that helped Dr. Karl was dictating the words.

[24:10] You can write your book 20 minutes at a time. You don't need massive blocks of time to finish your book.

[25:00] Vicky does a series of rapid fire questions!

[31:50] Want to know more and read Dr. Karl's book? Link to his website in the show notes!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

Walkerfinch.com

Dr. Karl on Instagram

Vicky handbrake turns into a surprise impromptu interview with Brain Coach Jocelyn Brady—because she has play on her mind! Tune in for insights into dopamine, creativity, and why we all need to be more bloody childish. Oh and also you need to sign up for her Creativity at Play workshop which I am booked onto and very excited about. Hurrah! Bonus bears: this podcast also features live renditions of the Toad Song and the Bear Song. You're so lucky!

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] When the world went into lockdown, we just did more of the extreme, which was to overwork.

[4:35] This is an exhausting time for everybody, even for people who are used to working from home.

[8:50] Adults need to play! However, there's a stigma around it. What's so wrong about having fun?

[12:40] What can you do right now that's 'silly'?

[13:10] It's time to unlock some joy and new ideas into your life!

[15:30] Feeling stuck and uncreative? Jocelyn has a fun zoom class you can attend!

[18:30] Vicky does a quick rapid fire session!

[21:20] What does Jocelyn do and who does she help?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

Jocelyn on Instagram

Jocelyn on LinkedIn

Jocelynbrady.com

The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long

Vicky and Misty were ranting about misplaced generosity a couple of weeks ago. But ranting privately isn't very helpful, so they decided to get on the air and yell about money to you instead. In this episode, Misty talks about how to ask for money on the phone, why it's crucial to charge for what we do, and how to make sales less icky. There's bonus Grey's Anatomy and dog anatomy, too.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Let's talk about money.

[3:05] It's great to be generous. Misty doesn't want to kill that spirit, but there is such a thing as too nice.

[4:30] Money is a form of energy. You're trading your energy for money.

[5:25] Why is it so hard to ask for money?

[7:25] It's difficult for people to appear money-centric. People get shamed for it.

[12:10] How do you ask for money on the phone?

[17:05] If you don't ask anyone for money, then don't be surprised if you're not making any money.

[23:00] Make sure you do all the necessary 'signings and closings' while on the phone with the client. It's easier when you're talking to them directly.

[26:00] What are the best ways to overcome objections?

[31:00] Stop taking projects that are not 100% in line with what you do. It will only distract you.

[35:45] Vicky asks Misty some rapid fire questions.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Book a free chat with Vicky!

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Buy Vicky's Book

That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser

Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast

Grab Vicky's Book Template Bundle

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

Disgracefulmarketing.com