Today’s episode is brought to you from an idyllic sun-soaked, palm-fringed shore and also a grey drizzly field—join Vicky as she talks to writer, educator, and anti-racism activist Sharon Hurley-Hall about her upcoming book. Vicky and Sharon talk storytelling and how it has the power to change the world; the empathy gap; and the sorry state of traditional publishing (and what needs to change apart from everything). Tune in and find out why storytelling is the answer to everything (and get a bunch of amazing book recommendations to broaden your reading horizons).
Key Takeaways:
[02:50] A little bit about Sharon and the list of things she does.
[03:50] What prompted Sharon to write about diversity and anti-racism?
[05:25] Sharon talks about her book, I’m Tired of Racism and why she titled it that.
[07:35] Writing a book vs writing essays. Sharon shares her book writing process.
[8:50] She talks about the different themes suggested to her by professional editors to draw out the commonality in the different stories she could tell.
[10:50] How was it like working with an editor?
[12:35] Telling stories can help people feel empathy. Sharon expounds on this further.
[14:30] The difficulty with white people in regards to the empathy gap is the white supremacy system.
[16:20] Sharon believes in the power of the collective and explains why she thinks that.
[17:15] Sharon is still working on the nitty gritty of her book and is excited to see when she can announce the pre-order!
[19:00] Why did Sharon decide to independently publish? She shares what her journey has been like.
[23:00] Vicky loves indie publishing. She asks Sharon what should change in the traditional publishing industry.
[24:30] Traditional publishing needs to recognize the other ways of publishing that are valid. Sharon shares that numbers don’t define success.
[27:20] Sharon talks about the Hollywood model being applied in traditional publishing and how indie publishing disrupts that.
[28:10] Writers should not wait for traditional publishing to decide they are worthy of being published.
[29:00] Sharon shares one of her pet-peeves around anti-racism writing.
[32:00] Sharon can’t find a go-to author because she has a lot of them. She shares her top list of books instead.
[34:20] Sharon also shares what she is reading right now!
[34:40] Vicky also asks Sharon what’s one of her favorite books, films and places.
[36:20] Sharon shares what she’s most thankful for and it’s about her podcast.
[37:00] Sharon has a lot to be proud of and she shares what they are.
[37:45] What is on Sharon’s bedside table?
[40:05] Vicky shares what’s up for next week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
That's What She Said: Tales of Business Success from Women Just like You by Vicky Fraser & Audiobook
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Banish the Blank Page of Doom Fast
Grab Vicky’s Book Template Bundle
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Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
I’m Tired of Racism by Sharon Hurley Hall
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
The Wake Up by Michelle MiJung Kim
The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
The Lincoln Rhymes Series by Jefferey Deaver
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
