Reading time: 4.37

Hey Reader,

Overheard on the internet:

Oh my love.

My sweet, sweet grasshopper.

Come hither. Sit. Stay awhile.

What you just said about not being interesting or novel — what you’re likely thinking when you consider writing a book — simply isn’t true.

You DO have something new to say.

You ARE interesting.

Your take IS unique.

(Assuming, of course, you’re not planning on swiping writing from elsewhere which I know you’re not so listen up)

I’ll let you into a secret: readers don’t know or care if your Big Book Idea is unique. They care about connection — about feeling seen and heard, and being entertained, and — perhaps — learning something.

There are loads of books out with big, shiny, loud, unique messages — but underneath all that are humans with stories, and when we hear those stories we are connected — across time and space.

Take Lady Murasaki’s Diary. It was written more than 1,000 years ago in Japan.

I am separated from the writer by 10 centuries and a gaping chasm of cultural, ethnic, and religious differences... and I am struck by how similar she is to me.

Yes she’s a high-born woman recording a big event — the birth of a prince — but she’s also writing a journal of self-reflection, and her observations are striking in their familiarity.

I hear ya, Murasaki. I hear ya.

That’s how you’ll connect with your reader.

That’s how you’ll start what could be a beautiful relationship.

That’s how you’ll make a difference in someone’s life.

With your take on your Big Book Idea; with your opinions; with the fine details of your life experience that we can connect to.

The world needs your book.

Someone, somewhere, will be so grateful you wrote it.

So crack on. Come join us in MicroBook Magic Season 7.

We kick off April 28.

And now for the Good Friday Bag! Here’s what I’ve found for you…

How Ilon Specht changed L’Oreal — because she’s worth it

Ilon Specht was a copywriter in the bad old days of Mad Men-era advertising . As one of the few women in the industry, she was always given the “women’s products” and rarely credited fo rher idaes. When the men pitched a silent ad for Preference hair dye, with a scantily clad woman staring out of a window — a terrible idea for the male gaze — Specht said NOPE and created “because I’m worth it.”

Check out the short film about her here.

How poetry can change minds where facts fail

There’s a lot of research about how facts won’t change minds. In fact, we often dig our heels in deeper when presented with facts that contradict our current beliefs.

But art? Connection? That’s where we can start to change people’s views.

So take a look at Sharon Hurley-Hall’s poem I didn’t know, which is a) beautiful and b) much more thought-provoking than facts about slavery ever could be.

Then subscribe to her newsletter because she’s wonderful.

Ailene Cuthbertson’s book-writing treasure map

This is a bit self-serving, I’ll admit, but also I want you to subscribe to Ailene’s newsletter because she’s a wonderful artist and beautiful human and her work is a delight.

She wrote about her book-writing journey, and about how MicroBook Magic helped her. She was one of the very first people in Season 1 of MicroBook Magic and her book is beautiful!

​Check her out here.

Leah Vernon skittering around like a lizard

Leah Vernon — creative director, copywriter, and ash slayer — is one of my new favourite people to follow on LinkedIn. She’s very funny, she has a lot to say, and you should check her out.

Her sign-offs always crack me up:

​Follow her here.

And think about how you can develop your voice so it’s absolutely unmistakeable and immediately recognisable as you, even if it doesn’t have your name attached to it.

“Darby, Love”

This wholesome slide deck from Instagram made me smile, laugh, and cry. Each one starts with “Darby, love…” and is followed by something delightful.

Like this one: “Darby, love, whenyou go for a walk remember to tell things you love them aloud: trees, clouds, fire hydrants. Tell all the things you love them.”

​Check it out and be more Darby’s mum.

He also has a book. You could have a book, too.

What I’m reading

Currently reading Deep Black by Miles Cameron. It’s the second in his space opera set a few hundred years in our future. It’s not as good as the first book (Artifact Space) — it feels rushed and there are continuity errors. But I’m thoroughly enjoying it and recommend it!

What I’m writing

Currently working on issue 2 of my zine. Plus frantically creating a 10-minute set for my next stand-up comedy gig on April 25 which is sold out aaargh.

What I’m doing

This is Easter weekend so it’s a four day weekend HURRAH! And we are mostly making a woven hazel fence to go around our vegetable garden (to keep the naughty TinySheep out). We’re cutting hazel from our own woods and weaving it. Watch this space!

Word of the week

Dandelion.

Is this the most hated of flowers? Described as a “weed” but a weed is simply an unwanted plant, and I love a dandelion. Let’s start with how vibrant and beautiful a field of dandelions looks, glowing and waving at you on a sunny day.

Then consider the clock: how beautiful the little parasols are as they float through the air.

The leaves are tasty and nutritrious, so remember that in the midst of the zombie apocalypse when you’re hungry.

And finally, the name. It contains “lion” for a start, and “dandy” — a dandy lion! I picture a cheerful lion with a fine, coiffed mane, a monocle, and a top hat and cane. A dandy fine fellow indeed.

Quote of the week

Have a wonderful Easter break, however you celebrate. I shall celebrate with too much chocolate and plenty of time offline.

Go offline. Create something.

TTFN,

Vicky