Notes in the Margin

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:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

Rubbingshoulderswiththebest.co.uk

Handsonatwork.co.uk

Howthehelldoyouwriteabook.com

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:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

⁨Connect with Jocelyn:

www.jocelynbrady.com⁩

Youtube.com/channel/UCGQAm7AlSKTAyZI83f5XxaQ

Instagram.com/jocelthem

Linkedin.com/in/jocelynbrady

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:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Email Vicky: [email protected]

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:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

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

Explorer In You Podcast

Instagram.com/explorerinyou

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:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Projectdingle.co.uk

Wilderness Tips, by Margaret Atwood

The Book of Lost Things, by John Connolly

Victor Hugo

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:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

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

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

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:

Website

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Write Night

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:

Website

Order Vicky's new book!

90-day Book Course

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Project Dingle

Join Vicky's Masterclass

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:

Website

Order Vicky's new book!

90-day Book Course

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Project Dingle

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Bad Friday, by Norman Samuda Smith

James Pogson on LinkedIn

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:

Website

Order Vicky's new book!

90-day Book Course

Creative Book Coaching

Join Vicky's Power Hour

Project Dingle

Join Vicky's Masterclass

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast

Sawthiscomingamileaway.com

Rachael Kay Albers on Instagram