345 episodes

This is a podcast about one woman's mission to help entrepreneurs and business owners write and self-publish better business books. Each week, we tackle your writing excuses (because they're our excuses too) – and help you beat the Blank Page Of Doom so you can write a book that makes a real difference. Also contains adulting fails, the adventures of the TinySheeps, and a bundle of fantastic interviews with people far smarter than us. Find us at moxiebooks.co.uk.

Notes in the Margin Vicky Fraser

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 27 Ratings

This is a podcast about one woman's mission to help entrepreneurs and business owners write and self-publish better business books. Each week, we tackle your writing excuses (because they're our excuses too) – and help you beat the Blank Page Of Doom so you can write a book that makes a real difference. Also contains adulting fails, the adventures of the TinySheeps, and a bundle of fantastic interviews with people far smarter than us. Find us at moxiebooks.co.uk.

    Because You Want To

    Because You Want To

    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: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
    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
     

    • 25 min
    In the Loupe with Dr. Karl Walker-Finch

    In the Loupe with Dr. Karl Walker-Finch

    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: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
    MicroBook Magic
    Buy Karl’s book here: https://amzn.to/3Z3XLxz
    Walkerfinch.com
    Dr. Karl on Instagram

    • 51 min
    Finding Joy in Writing

    Finding Joy in Writing

    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: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
    MicroBook Magic
    Wanderers by Chuck Wendig
    Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett
    Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

    • 30 min
    Jon McCulloch’s Epic Book Funnel

    Jon McCulloch’s Epic Book Funnel

    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: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
    MicroBook Magic
    Wellfedbusiness.com
    Wellfedbusiness.com/book
    ebg@evilbaldgenius.com

    • 41 min
    MicroBook Magic Author Showcase Part 2

    MicroBook Magic Author Showcase Part 2

    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: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
    MicroBook Magic
     

    • 35 min
    MicroBook Magic Author Showcase Part 1

    MicroBook Magic Author Showcase Part 1

    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: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
    Microbook Magic
     

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
27 Ratings

27 Ratings

Jsr876 ,

Always helpful to listen

Vicky’s insights are so helpful every week, and I love how she’s unashamedly herself in every episode. Highly recommended.

PS - I FINALLY worked out how to leave reviews! YAY

tasjii ,

Fabulous Podcast for small business owners, one not to be missed!

It has finally happened, the chickens have been rescued by the FBI hostage negotiators. The dresses have told me their stories and JK Rowling has made millions from her Harry Potter books.

I am left waiting for the next episode of the podcast.

This hasn't happened before, and I am feeling a little lost. What am I going to do now?

Ever since I started listening to your MOST excellent podcasts back in October last year, you, Joe and your many fabulous guests have accompanied me on my travels as I go about my business.

I have listened and in some cases relistened to specific episodes and learned so much. I particularly liked the hostage negotiations series, which have helped me to improve my skills in landing customers over the phone. The "Life Story in Dresses" was another of my absolute favourite episodes. A good story sells, I have no doubt about that now.

Thank you for continuing to produce this podcast, you are helping me grow my business and take it to where I want to go with it.

TT Tim ,

Tip Top Tips for the small business owner

These are fun amusing podcasts featuring Vicky and her husband Joe. If you run a small business and are looking for sensible tips and tricks, interesting guests and occasional random digressions these podcasts will fit the bill

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