Notes in the Margin

Why are you doing what you do? Writing what you write? Creating what you create? Vicky asked herself this recently and realised she wasn't enjoying herself. Tune in this week and listen to Vicky and Joe talk about creativity, different types of intelligence, the reasons we do the things we do, and why we should be feeding our souls as well as our bank accounts.   Key Takeaways: [1:45] Vicky is feeling a bit flat lately.  [3:15] What's the whole point?  [6:40] The online marketing space is very unoriginal. Everyone is just following the other person.  [10:00] As creators, business owners, writers, we're sort of 'forced' to create content for lead generation purposes instead of fun purposes. [17:20] Vicky has just been struggling with creativity lately.  [19:00] Write more fun stuff! Don't worry about it being productive.  [20:55] Vicky is reading a mountain of books this week!  [23:15] Do something this week just because you want to! Just go and have fun!    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] MicroBook Magic Buy Karl's book here: https://amzn.to/3Z3XLxz Unthinkable with Jay Acunzo Temple Grandin's vision Minnowpark on Twitter Wanderers by Chuck Wendig Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett  

This week, Vicky interviews dentist extraordinaire, Dr. Karl Walker-Finch, about his new book In the Loupe. Dr. Karl and Vicky worked together in the early stages of writing his book — and he released it into the wild this month! Listen in and find out about Dr. Karl's writing process, how he approached the structure, what he enjoyed and what he found challenging, and why music features so heavily in a book about the world of dentistry.   A little bit about Dr. Karl: Dr. Karl Walker-Finch is a dentist, mentor, lecturer, writer, father, personal development champion and mental wellbeing advocate.   He graduated from Liverpool Dental School in 2010 and after nearly five years working on the Wirral, he moved with his wife Marisa to West Yorkshire where they started a family. Together they now own Smiles in Tandem, Huddersfield, a clinic that provides care for patients' dental and mental wellbeing in tandem.   Clinically, he spends the majority of his time providing dental implants and oral rehabilitation treatment on referral. Following his MSc in Dental Implantology with Distinction in 2017, he is now a senior mentor and lecturer on the master's programme at the University of Salford in association with ICE.   Key Takeaways: [2:05] Dr. Karl published his first book!  [5:15] How did Dr. Karl organized his writing time?  [10:15] Dr. Karl is happy that he wrote a book that represents himself at this point in time.  [16:15] How did Dr. Karl decide to structure his book?  [22:00] Dr. Karl had to do a lot of trial and error to find the right flow for him.  [24:45] What has Dr. Karl done to promote his book?  [31:00] Dr. Karl shares what he hopes people will get out of the book.  [38:20] Would Dr. Karl write another book? Yes he would!  [44:00] What are some of Dr. Karl's favorite books? [47:30] Want to know more? Follow Dr. Karl on social media!    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] MicroBook Magic Buy Karl's book here: https://amzn.to/3Z3XLxz Walkerfinch.com Dr. Karl on Instagram

Join Vicky and Joe as they talk about — well, frankly, it's a bit of a shambles this week. But they do talk about finding joy in writing, how we get distracted by stuff we think we should be doing, and how to spark a little joy and write something wonderful. This episode contains nuts and also a story in which Vicky asks, "But why are we going shopping? Why is this fun?"   Key Takeaways:   [7:15] Vicky loves reading and helping people write books that break the traditional rules. [8:55] Dingle update!  [11:30] Vicky has been feeling a bit burned out lately.  [12:40] Vicky has to turn in a writing assignment and she completely hates some of her writing lately.  [16:10] Do you compare yourself to other people?  [21:30] What does Vicky define as a professional?  [22:50] The things you want to write are not frivolous or silly. If it brings you joy, do it.  [25:15] Has Vicky been mispronouncing the word segue wrong this entire time?    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] MicroBook Magic Wanderers by Chuck Wendig Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

Join Vicky as she chats to her very very old mentor Jon McCulloch, aka the Evil Bald Genius, about how he's actually a very kind fluffy bunny and not at all evil, and also about his books. We dig into why he wrote his books and, crucially, how's he's using them to grow his business. So if you're writing a book you hope is going to help you grow your business, this is a must-listen episode. You'll get everything you need inside. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways:   [2:05] A little bit about Jon and his latest book!  [3:45] What is Jon's book about?  [6:10] Why did Jon want to write his book? [8:55] People who read your book tend to be better quality customers. [14:55] How does Jon plan on doing with the book?  [19:55] Use your book as your business card.  [26:05] Pick your social media platform of choice and just announce that you're giving away a free book!  [32:15] When should you just quit?  [36:10] Jon shares an inspirational story about his daughter.    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] MicroBook Magic Wellfedbusiness.com Wellfedbusiness.com/book [email protected]

We're back for part 2 of the MicroBook Magic Author Showcase! Hurrah! Party! This week, we'll hear from Sarah Milne, Yinka Ewuola, and Sharon Blue as they read from their upcoming MicroBooks. If you'd like to join us for Season 3 of MicroBook Magic and write your own book by May Day, check the link in the show notes!   Key Takeaways:   [1:20] A little bit about Sarah and her microbook!  [4:50] Sarah reads a bit of her microbook.  [12:15] A little bit about Yinka and why she decided to write this book.  [23:15] Remember to keep writing! The world needs your books.  [23:55] Sharon shares her story and why she wanted to write her book!  [30:30] Vicky loves Sharon's book because we all think we know what self care is, but we actually don't.    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] MicroBook Magic  

This week, join us for a MicroBook special! To celebrate the end of MicroBook Magic Season 2, Vicky hosted an Author Showcase for MicroBook authors to read a snippet from their upcoming books. Join us for part 1 this week, as we hear all about what a MicroBook actually is, then listen to Hillary Weiss, Clara Callís Lewis, Sara Walka, and Sophie Blackmore entertain and delight us. Enjoy!   Key Takeaways:   [3:30] Is a big book too daunting for you? That's okay! Write a microbook. [5:45] Hillary talks about the microbook that she created.  [8:15] Hillary reads a snippet from her book.  [13:30] Clara shares her story and why she wanted to write a microbook. [20:25] Sara is next! She shares her story and why she wanted to write a book.  [27:10] Sophie shares why she wanted to write a book and why she struggled so hard to write one until now.  [33:55] What stops people from writing a book that's been 'overdone' in a particular industry?    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] Microbook Magic  

This week, Vicky and Joe welcome our robot overlords with open arms! If you can sit through the first 10 minutes of extremely low-quality discussion about what AI is, from two people who don't really understand it, you'll be rewarded with a useful second half. Your hosts share several ways writers can use AI to make their lives easier — and talk about why we won't ever replace human art with AI art.   Key Takeaways:   [5:40] Is Quora worth it? [6:30] Project Dingle update! [8:10] Welcome to our robot overloads!  [12:10] AI doesn't work for a lot of people.  [18:10] Will AI take over the purpose of writers? [19:45] Ask unique and interesting questions to ChatGPT [22:00] How has Vicky been using ChatGPT?  [25:45] Vicky uses ChatGPT as a good content prompt.  [29:50] Vicky is interested in seeing how people will use this to cheat the system (essay writing and other exams).  [33:10] Don't be worried about the tools that are at your disposable.    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] Microbook Magic Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey Snuff by Terry Pratchett The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole Chat.openai.com  

This week, after waxing lyrical about septic tanks, and reading excerpts from a wonderful little MicroBook, Vicky and Joe dive into life and writing lessons learned over the past 11 years. Basically, some of the most important stuff Vicky could've done with knowing before she started. Here it is for you, so you don't have to faff around before you write your book.   Key Takeaways:   [3:40] Always buy books! [4:20] Joe read that some people felt relieved when they threw their books away. How dare they! [7:30] Project Dingle update! [12:20] What does Vicky wish she had learned sooner in her career? [13:40] Just because something was published by a big house doesn't mean it's good, and just because something was self-published doesn't mean it's bad. [14:20] The impact your book makes is more important than how many copies it sells. [17:10] Vicky loves that her book has brought in quality customers that she wants to work with. [17:40] Remember, the rules are all made up. You can break them! [19:20] Don't mislead the reader by turning your book into one big sales letter. Deliver value. [21:20] Really write a book that respects the reader. They are taking the time to read it. [21:40] Want to write a microbook? Vicky's got another workshop happening in March! [21:55] You do not need six months + isolation time to write a book. [24:10] Don't hang onto the outcome. Vicky explains why this was the most important thing she learned. [26:20] Not everything you create will turn to gold. It's okay to let it go and call it crap.   Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] Microbook Magic Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett 

Come and get weird with Vicky and Joe! This week, your hosts investigate a few ways you can mix it up and get more creative. This episode contains: knitting, bad haikus, interpretative dance, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, magic magnets, cuttlefish, and cat sneezes. It's better than it sounds, so listen up!   Key Takeaways:   [5:10] Project Dingle Update! [7:30] How can you get weird?  [8:15] Eavesdrop in other people's conversations.  [15:00] Find a creative hobby to boost and inspire your mind. [20:15] Take a long train journey and explore! [25:00] An author decided to run an experiment to live like a badger.  [29:45] Don't feel like writing today? Draw or sing instead! [31:25] You're missing out on some really cool ideas and rules if you only read traditionally published books.    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] Microbook Magic Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett 

Around this time last year, Vicky and Joe talked about the power of What If? And also ludicrously expensive oak doors, poo disasters, and why shoes in the house are UNACCEPTABLE. This topic is just as relevant now, so we've put it out again. What if you tried this thing? What if... you wrote your book? Tune in and get the pep talk you've been waiting for.   Key Takeaways:   [6:40] Casa Dingle update! Lots of poo happening. [9:40] What if you made your own door? What if you just….did? [12:05] It can be so easy to compare yourself to what you can't yet do, but look at the progress you've made thus far.  [17:50] Give yourself permission to do something badly!  [19:40] When was the last time you wrote without a purpose? Just for the fun of it?  [22:40] New year, new me. There's a better way to go about it.  [22:50] What if you wrote your book…this year? What if?  [26:05] Don't compare your insides to other people's outsides.  [28:00] Need a community? Vicky's got another writer's round opening up for you!    Mentioned in This Episode: Website Book Breakthrough Jam Podcast Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [email protected] Microbook Magic Mistborn: The Final Empire, by Brandon Sanderson Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes: Essays by Phoebe Robinson Through the Language Glass by Guy Deutscher