Episode 298: Closing the Empathy Gap with Sharon Hurley-Hall

Episode 298: Closing the Empathy Gap with Sharon Hurley-Hall

Posted on 22 March 2022

Guest Info — Sharon Hurley-Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall is an anti-racism activist, writer, and educator. Firmly committed to doing her part to eliminate racism, she is the Founder and Curator-in-Chief of Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter. In this weekly online publication, Sharon writes about existing while Black in majority-white spaces, and amplifies the voices of other anti-racism activists. She has written and ghostwritten articles for companies and non-profits looking to show up authentically with their DEIB and JEDI content.

Show Notes

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 Points

  • [0:50] Vicky wants to do something different and not have a welcome preamble!
  • [01:30] Now that Joe has given up on Umberto Eco, what is he reading?
  • [02:40] Vicky defends Umberto from Joe and encourages him to read his essays on coffee pots.
  • [04:00] All books are worthy but Joe wants to be satisfied with his six and a half minutes of reading time.
  • [04:40] The Wheel Of Time Book 2 is annoying Vicky. Does she need to keep reading?
  • [05:20] Vicky realizes that Georgia Pritchett is British! She’s loving her book as it’s very funny and morbid.
  • [7:10] Update on The Dingle: compost heaps and waste sewage treatment systems.
  • [11:10] What is a writer’s most important tool?
  • [12:15] Vicky has many notebooks and she shares what each of them are.
  • [13:20] Notebooks, sticky notes, and highlighter pens are all part of Vicky’s complex system.
  • [14:15] What are the things you need to capture as a writer?
  • [17:20] After stories and anecdotes that can also go in your notebook, Joe reads out “the list of transgressions by your husband” and Vicky explains.
  • [18:50] Why do we write all these ideas down?  
  • [19:55] Record the context of your ideas as well. Vicky expounds further.
  • [21:40] These notes will be delightful when you read them in the years to come.
  • [22:55] Vicky shares her top tip explaining why she has a tiny notebook by her bed.
  • [24:30] Vicky also records stuff that hurts and explains why she wants to remember that stuff.
  • [26:05] Vicky tells a story through applying what she learned from the book, The Art Of Noticing.
  • [27:00] Joe summarizes the key takeaways for today’s topic and Vicky shares her recommendation for notebooks.
  • [28:40] Vicky asks you to join Team Moxie, her wonderful writing group, and what it’s all about.
  • [30:35] It’s gonna be Vicky’s ten year business anniversary! What is she going to do on that day?
  • [32:00] A little teaser for next week’s episode.

Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.antiracismnewsletter.com/

https://www.sharonhh.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonhh/

https://twitter.com/shurleyhall

https://www.instagram.com/shurleyhall/

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If you want to learn more about how to write, self-publish, and market a book for your business, snaffle yourself a copy of How The Hell Do You Write A Book? Then check out the blog and podcast for more articles and guides. If you want a little (or a lot) more help, find out how you can work with me.

About Vicky…

Vicky Fraser is the founder of Moxie Books and author of How The Hell Do You Write A Book and Business For Superheroes. She helps business owners write life-changing books, connect with readers and new customers, and grow their businesses. When she’s not doing that, she’s hanging from a trapeze by her feet.