Business For Superheroes

Vicky and Joe wander into 2021 with a change of name, a Christmas report, and some sage advice about where to start your book. Tune in to find out where most authors get stuck, why it happens, and how you can go from struggling to motivated just by changing your starting position. Hurrah!   Key Takeaways: [1:30] Vicky is changing her last name, but don’t worry, Joe is still in the picture!  [5:25] It’s so lovely taking a break and chilling out during the end of the year.  [7:00] Didn’t get a day off during December? Maybe consider taking one off during January. Vicky feels great after the break! [7:30] It doesn’t matter where you start (when it comes to writing your book)!  [10:00] You don’t have to write your book in order. If you’re struck, then skip a chapter (for now).  [12:00] Every book Vicky has written has ended up somewhere different than when she has started. [14:15] Should you start on the ‘hardest thing’ on your book? Vicky thinks no. Why make it harder on yourself?  [17:10] There are no rules. Yo

It's the last episode of the horror show that has been 2020 and Vicky and Joe are slacking. You know those episodes of Star Trek where they do a flashback thing so they don't have to write an actual episode? This is a bit like that: a roundup of our favourite podcasts. It's our Christmas gift to you: the gift of new shows and stories to enjoy. There's glitter, there's hot chocolate, there's sequins... and our usual 100% professional delivery. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [1:30] Yay! It’s Christmas! [2:10] What’s been going on at the Dingle?  [6:10] Joe is re-reading the Wheel of Time. Why!  [9:55] Let’s do some podcast recommendations!  [16:20] Joe loves the podcast Philosophize This, but you have to start at the beginning to understand all the concepts he’s talking about.  [19:00] Vicky understands why people might find Professor Brian Cox annoying, but she loves him and likes how he can simplify complex science topics.  [24:45] One of Vicky’s fav podcasts right now is Guilty Feminist, and it’s very accessible to

After a brief argument about whether or not time travel is possible (it's not), Vicky explains how time travel is, in fact, possible. But not like you think. Not with paradoxes and stepping on ants that turn out to be Hitler, or whatever. In this week's episode, Vicky and Joe talk about the power of story, space archaeology, and why the oldest letter in the world is hilarious.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Vicky and Joe faced some chicken drama.  [5:30] Lovely Christmas lights have been put up in the village.  [6:35] Is time travel actually possible?  [9:10] What is the oldest piece of writing in the world? It was from over 3,000 years ago!  [13:10] A little bit of history behind the Bill of Rights, and why people write what they write.  [15:20] By reading people’s old love letters and examining how they lived, you can get a better idea of not only what they did, but also how they felt.  [17:50] Did organized religion exist before we started farming? Some people believe it didn’t.  [20:10] The core of our history s

Well this is pretty freakin' cool: Vicky sits down with Laura F*cking Belgray and talks being funny for money, making your first million aged 50, and the crucial importance of writing EVERY DAMN DAY. Oh, and we got the lowdown on Laura's forthcoming book with the best title we've heard all year: Tough Titties. Hurrah!   Key Takeaways: [2:00] What’s Laura is reading right now?  [3:10] How did Laura get started in content writing?  [8:25] How did Laura get connected with the entrepreneur Marie Forleo?  [12:50] Laura shares the best ways to balance your voice, your personality, with your professional brand. [15:30] Offending someone shouldn’t stop you from creating your best work. [15:50] How does Laura deal with the trolls?  [18:45] Laura has always been transparent about how much money she makes on her products. People are really receptive to it.  [22:25] So many people fudge the numbers and say they make x amount of money on the internet, but have they really?  [25:15] What was the moment Laura realized she c

Do not email Vicky about pickled eggs. Please. But you can email her about how to grow vegetables. In this episode, we find out how often Joe is wrong (once, today, about pickled eggs) and discover that Vicky is incapable of planning her vegetable garden. And then our intrepid podcasters get to the good stuff: the reason we can't write, can't finish stuff, and struggle to "find the time". This episode will fix it all for you. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [5:40] Are there any gardeners out there? Did Vicky kill her cactus?  [9:25] Vicky really needs a foolproof gardener plan. Also, she wants to grow potatoes.  [11:00] Remember, people need help and no matter what your skill set is, you can help other people bridge the gap.  [11:35] Vicky is serious! She needs help with her garden. DM her!  [12:05] Do you have a hard time sitting down and writing your book?  [15:00] There are three reasons why you might be procrastinating on your writing.  [18:15] You don’t have accountability when you’re writing for yourself.  [18:

In an incredible twist of irony, Vicky and Joe are talking about how to avoid looking like an amateur, whilst doing a tremendous job of being absolute amateurs on this podcast. Enjoy the uncontrollable fit of giggles while Joe fails to find his forehead with his own hand, and then settle in as our hosts share the most common mistakes first-time authors make with their books. Just because your book is self-published doesn't mean it needs to LOOK self-published. Check this out...   Key Takeaways: [2:25] Vicky dyed her hair and now she has blue ears.  [6:15] Just because you’re self published doesn’t mean you have to look self-published! [8:35] Do not do your book cover yourself. [11:05] Odds numbered pages are always, always on the right hand side.  [11:45] Let’s talk about inner book navigation. [15:40] The white spaces and margins are a dead giveaway whether something has been published vs. self-published.  [20:00] How should you think about text layout?  [22:05] Hiring certain professionals in this process i

This week, in a strange turn of events, Joe channels Jeremy Paxman and grills Vicky about her experiences in the recording studio last week. Tune in to find out what Vicky learned about how to record an audiobook - and the latest on what they're reading, what's going on in the Dingle, and why Vicky is covered in bruises (nothing sinister).   Key Takeaways: [5:40] Joe interviews Vicky about her experiences at Audible.  [8:15] The audible book industry is growing.  [11:05] How does recording a book work? [12:30] Vicky thought she’d just come in and read a book. It was nothing like that.  [14:20] Read your stuff out loud. When Vicky said some stuff, she noticed it was landing differently.  [15:45] Vicky does not recommend reading a 60,000 word audio book in two days. It was really hard to do.  [18:00] Vicky shares some of her audio recording tips.  [20:20] How do you speak or say your words clearly without getting tired?  [23:40] The more important the point is, the quieter you need to get.  [27:35] The takeaway

Vicky and Joe go all-out for Halloween this year, with an episode that has absolutely nothing to do with spookiness at all. Although you do get to hear the word xenotransplant, which sounds pretty Frankensteiny. Speaking of cutting things up and improving them, that's what this episode is all about: how to copy edit your own manuscript. This week's nattering is packed with tips to help you take your draft from good to splendid. Happy editing!   Key Takeaways: [6:00] Vicky and Joe have new windows!  [8:05] What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?  [12:00] Search for words you tend to use a lot and see if you can rewrite it in a different way.  [12:30] Get rid of your exclamation marks!!!!!!! [13:30] Make an effort to use simpler words.  [17:30] Get rid of needless words.  [21:15] Ditch words like ‘very’, and other boring words.  [23:30] Leverage your metrics more effectively by being specific.  [27:20] Tip you might want to try: Read your book backwards. Vicky doesn’t have the patience to d

Vicky, Joe, and Vicky's giant jumper are back to talk about wonderful books, waterproof houses, and how the hell you edit your book. Yep: the last thing you want to do immediately after writing 50,000+ words is read the damn thing... so how do you start editing? Vicky has the answers and you'll like her approach. It involves not reading your book word-by-word (yet). Tune in - and get in touch if you have any questions!   Key Takeaways: [4:50] The dingle finally has walls!  [8:10] There are four stages to editing.  [9:25] Before you read everything line by line you want to take a big picture perspective and see if the whole book works first.  [11:35] Take a look at the chapter order. Does it work? Is the purpose of the book being fulfilled by the end of it?  [13:55] Print out your first draft. It’s important to feel it and see it physically.  [18:20] Once you’ve done the big picture overview, the next step is to include beta readers!  [20:00] Make sure you communicate with your beta readers on what you’re look

Join Vicky and Joe as they talk books, writing, and the patriarchy - and Vicky bemoans the fact that lipstick doesn't in fact have magical powers. After that, you'll get the lowdown on why "just be your authentic self" is total crap advice, and we're sorry for the number of times we say "authentic" in this episode. But to make up for it, what you get is a little masterclass in how to become a better writer and genuinely find your unique voice. Cool, huh?   Key Takeaways: [6:15] Unfortunately, women are valued for their beauty and their child rearing abilities. [7:25] Joe has had an exciting work trip to Poland!  [10:15] Why should you be your authentic self?  [15:45] How can you figure out how to be your ‘authentic’ self?  [16:50] Start by reading really great stuff.  [18:55] Take notes when you see something you like!  [19:20] Create a list of writers you currently admire and try to rewrite (in your own words) some of their work.   [20:30] Good writing is often very subjective.  [21:55] Are you writing / sou

Nerdfest! Women in science! Writers! This week, Vicky is joined by biochemist Lisa Mullan, who turns DNA into little characters and writes stories to help children learn. Science and storytelling - two of our favourite things. Tune in to find out how Lisa uses storytelling to educate... and why it's crucial no matter what industry you're in.   Key Takeaways: [1:15] A little bit about Lisa and what she does for...science!  [3:05] How did Lisa go from PhD to teaching children?  [9:25] Where is the future of science headed?  [10:15] What are Dinky Amigos?  [15:10] Lisa tries to think like a child when she writes her books and repeats complex concepts in different ways to help them understand.  [17:15] Why is storytelling so important in education?  [23:40] Why are school textbooks so dry? Adults learn through storytelling as well.  [28:10] Lisa discusses why she decided to write a new book about COVID.  [29:40] Education in a traditional institution is suffering.  [32:30] YouTube is an amazing resource for learn

Vicky and Joe are a bit bewildered by the early recording session, but rally magnificently to talk about their holiday, in which Vicky rediscovered the importance of breathing. In this episode, our intrepid hosts invite you to think about life, the universe, and everything - and what you really, really want. Plus a little side-trip on the nature of time. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways: [4:50] Sometimes we just don’t take the time to breathe. [8:40] We should reframe our definition of time.  [10:20] No matter what happens in our daily lives, the natural rhythms of life will still keep going. [11:25] It’s so easy to get caught up in life, but we do need downtime to figure out what we really want.  [13:55] Don’t sleepwalk through life.  [18:00] Listened to every episode? Email Vicky!    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Vicky on Medium Order Vicky’s new book! 90-day Book Course Join Vicky’s Power Hour Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Stranger in a Strange Land Novel by Robert A. Heinlein Jingo Novel by T

Vicky sits down with author Camila Arguello and asks her all sorts of pointy questions about courage, shitty first drafts, and writing her book. Tune in to find out how this supercool business woman came up with her idea – and why it's important to do what YOU want, not conform to everyone else's expectations. There's also a brief discussion about Brooklyn 99, because it wouldn't be a 1,000 Authors Show episode without a random ramble.   Key Takeaways: [0:50] A little bit about Camila and what she does.  [5:35] Camila hears two sides of the story: That now is the perfect time to work more, and at the same time, that you should be resting and take it easy. Who should you listen to?  [8:00] You don’t have to justify every decision you make to other people.  [9:10] What do you want for YOU?  [12:45] Why did Camila decide it was time to write a book?  [15:35] Camila used to write men’s dating profiles and thought this would be an excellent book opportunity.  [18:35] It was very hard for Camila to not use the back

Vicky and Joe lament Vicky's fashion choices for this episode: there's more than a hint of low-rent Axl Rose going on. Then they talk about dystopian futures and media manipulation. And finally - at last - they move onto how to tell your story. Because we all struggle to write about ourselves, right? In this episode, you'll get some interesting stats and some top tips about how to use your About page to your advantage.   Key Takeaways: [4:45] Vicky has been reading Parable of the Talents and she had to put it down because what’s happening in the book is eerily similar to what’s happening in the world today!  [7:55] When you watch the news, think about how it is being presented to you.  [8:15] How do you write about yourself?  [11:55] Why is it so hard to write about ourselves? [15:30] Think about why people are visiting your About page. [20:35] Does anybody really care about your company mission?  [24:30] You don’t need to have a rags-to-riches story to succeed in business. [30:05] Write with your ideal custo

n this week's episode, Vicky finds herself wildly unprepared to answer Joe's questions and crashes around Google trying to figure out where the phrase "purple prose" originated. After they get that out of the way, there's some genuinely useful information about how to write beautiful descriptions without getting in the way of the story.   Key Takeaways: [5:30] Vicky now has a trapeze in her garden!  [6:20] What is purple prose?  [7:25] How do you write descriptions without being boring and pretentious?  [11:15] We usually pay attention to the writing and not the narrative. The writing should be invisible.  [15:45] What are some common problems when people try to write descriptively?  [21:10] How would a director film this scene that you’re writing about?  [22:25] Most of the time you don’t see characters brushing their teeth or washing their faces.  [25:00] Read everything Terry Pratchett ever wrote. He’s a master describer.  [28:10] Our brains don’t deal too well with abstract wording.  [32:45] Vicky and Joe

Vicky sits down with systems expert Ashlee Berghoff and finds out what the real experts do to get more shit done. They chat about all sorts, including how to get more organised and stop flailing around like a drunken octopus - and talk about which thing to do first. Because isn't that often the biggest problem?   Key Takeaways: [3:30] How did Ashley get into helping entrepreneurs get organized?  [4:45] Ashley has been so stressed and so overwhelmed that she would dream of getting hit by a car so she could be organized.  [8:20] It’s perfectly normal to have ups and downs when it comes to your productivity.  [8:55] Instead of feeling guilty, find a rhythm that you can sustain.  [13:25] When you commit to the work that you want to do, realize that it will mean you have to say no to some other things.  [15:45] How has Ashley been managing her time while writing a book?  [17:20] What is Ashley’s book going to be about?  [19:50] What are some of the best ways to delegate tasks?  [24:05] Get clear on what you want t

In shock news, Joe is reading a different book this week! Vicky has a fight with her TinySheep and loses. And the ring light makes another (possibly ill-advised) appearance. This week, your intrepid hosts get their nerd on and talk about how to research efficiently, effectively, and without disappearing down an internet wormhole of fascinating but ultimately useless information. Tune in to find out how to cut your research (and writing) time dramatically without doing a half-arsed job of it.   Key Takeaways: [4:05] Vicky and Joe have a bad sheep.  [7:20] How do you avoid going down a research blackhole?  [7:55] Get your big idea down on paper first.  [9:55] Make a note to yourself on things you need to research further.  [11:25] Use your books before you use Google. [14:15] Joe offers Google tips and tricks to help you find what you want!  [17:45] Use your browser in offline mode!  [18:15] Give yourself a time limit for your research.  [21:05] Please leave a review - Vicky and Joe would love to read it out lo

Vicky and Joe storm into this episode powered by Sacred Rage at the injustices of the world. Then they veer off sharply into the world of monster vegetables, and swerve back to writing a book—this time talking about what to do if you’re worried people will make fun of your book. Tune in for some splendid advice.   Key Takeaways: [1:05] It is currently hotter than the surface of the sun. Vicky and Joe are dying!  [2:15] Joe is still reading….The Wheel of Time!  [8:50] Vicky and Joe are tackling their garden. They’ve grown too much food!  [10:45] What happens if someone makes fun of the book you’ve written?  [11:20] There are only two people in your circle that matter: Potential customers & Your customers.  [15:15] Write a list of people whose opinions matter to you.  [19:30] Ask the right people for feedback.  [19:55] Remember to ask your beta readers the right questions!  [23:15] Use the advice you receive to be better. Don’t take it personally.  [24:15] Focus on what you can control.  [26:15] Please leav

Join Vicky as she interviews BAFTA-award winning screenwriter and publisher Helen Blakeman of Heroic Books! Yes – an honest-to-murgatroyd actual BAFTA winner on the show, which is super-exciting. If you've been wondering how the traditional publishing industry works and if trad publishing is something you could consider, this is the episode for you. I delve deep into Helen's brain and get her to spill the beans about the Heroic Books process, how she works with authors, and why she set up her publishing company. And we nerd out a little about sci-fi and fantasy because that's how we roll.   Key Takeaways: [2:15] Who is Helen and what is Heroic Books about?  [6:10] How did Helen get started with Heroic Books? [8:50] Often when an author submits a manuscript, they’re not ready to market the book.  [11:00] Helen prides herself on giving her writers feedback.  [13:45] How does Helen work with authors? [19:30] Want to get your book started? Reach out to Helen. [20:00] Helen wants her writers to cross over to TV an

Sounds like a supergroup, right? AND IT IS! Meet Anaïs Bock and her Bullshit Monsters. If you have ever experienced any resistance to doing anything (and we all have) you need this episode. Anaïs introduces us to a bunch of the monsters that keep us stuck and make us sad – and shows us how to take a well-known idea and give it a twist that'll actually make a difference.   Key Takeaways: [2:30] Anaïs became self-employed in her early 20s and had some limiting beliefs about what an expert was supposed to look like. [3:30] What was Anaïs’s thesis about? [5:30] Anaïs shares an example of a couple bullshit monsters we have looming around in the back of our head. [9:15] Do you notice yourself editing as you write? That’s Stern Blade trying to hold you back!  [11:55] Anaïs shares why she created a deck of cards for people to use.  [14:05] How does Anaïs use this in her business?  [16:35] Some of the bullshit monsters you face will require you to push through the resistance and others will require you to be gentle wi