The Freelancer's Teabreak

Welcome back to The Freelancer's Tea Break! This week, I'm joined by my friend, coach, and book genie, Gail Doggett, founder of Book Doubling, a book coaching business tailored for neurodivergent writers, especially those with ADHD. In this episode, we delve into how Gail aids writers in completing their dream books by using techniques like body doubling and screen sharing. We also discuss Gail's own journey with writing, the importance of developing a writing practice, and the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals in the writing process.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
How Book Doubling supports ADHD and neurodivergent writers
Why body doubling boosts focus and reduces overwhelm
How to build a writing practice that works with your brain
The power of handwriting, single‑tasking, and reflective writing
How to write consistently when freelancing or juggling life changes
The benefits of co‑writing sessions and community accountability
How Substack can help you reconnect with your writing voice
Gail Doggett is a neurodivergent writing coach, editor, and former acquisitions editor at a Big Five publishing house. Gail has spent over 20 years supporting writers from messy first drafts to finished books, with a special focus on late-diagnosed neurodivergent women who are juggling creativity, life, and everything in between. As an ADHDer herself, Gail brings compassion, strategy, and a deep understanding of how neurodivergent brains actually work, plus her own signature approach called Book Doubling, which is like body doubling but with editorial wisdom and accountability. She loves stories, knows exactly what it feels like to be stuck, and is here to help writers finally get their work over the finish line. Join Gail on Substack or Connect with her on Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn | Website | Newsletter
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:54 Gail's Background and Book Doubling Concept
01:37 Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Writers
02:25 The Importance of Self-Belief and Support
04:53 Establishing a Writing Practice
08:21 Body Doubling and Screen Sharing Techniques
13:34 Tracking Progress and Reflecting on Writing
19:28 Adapting to Life Changes and Finding Focus
20:58 Freelancing and Writing in Pockets of Time
22:22 Staying Connected with Your Writing
23:14 The Joy of Writing vs. The Chore of Writing
24:47 The Power of Handwriting
26:38 Reflection and Adjustment in Writing
27:40 The Importance of Single-Tasking
29:52 Co-Writing Sessions and Their Benefits
31:21 Introducing Write Club
33:52 One-to-One Writing Support
36:00 The Magic of Substack
42:53 Conclusion and Future Plans
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Email: [email protected] 
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, I share my haphazard journey of writing and publishing my first book, 'The Freelance Lifestyle'. I've delved into the 15-year (!) process, detailing the struggles faced due to undiagnosed ADHD, the importance of a support system with a focus on their collaboration with an ADHD-specific book coach, and the practical steps taken to make freelancing accessible. 

The aim was to create a resource tailored for new and aspiring freelancers, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and practicality. This episode also covers the technical aspects of self-publishing, such as the costs involved, tools used, and the importance of a good book cover. 
Preorder my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff 
00:19 The Journey of Writing a Book 
01:05 Challenges and Overcoming ADHD
02:23 Purpose and Audience of the Book 
04:25 Practical Advice for Freelancers 
08:22 Writing Process and Tools 
09:51 Editing and Final Touches 
16:38 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing 
17:48 Costs and Investments 
22:56 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
I refer to a previous episode of this podcast called Childless Not Through Choice with Berenice Smith
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Email: [email protected] 
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode, Emma and Talia dive into the real stories behind money mindset, the challenges freelancers face with budgeting, and practical tips for feeling more confident about your cash. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your freelance business, you'll find plenty of relatable moments, laughs, and actionable advice. Grab a cuppa and tune in for a conversation that'll leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle your money goals!
 
Talia Loderick is a Money Coach, based in Cardiff, Wales, UK. Talia calls her money coaching practice TLC because when she realised the acronym for Tender Loving Care also stands for Talia Loderick Coaching, she almost swooned with joy. Because who doesn't need a dose of TLC from time to time? Rhetorical question – we all do. Talia offers 121 coaching designed to help people understand and take control of their behaviour with money. Talia delivers financial wellbeing sessions for teams, organisations and community groups because, well, we're never done learning. Talia writes a money column for The Independent newspaper.  Connect with Talia! LinkedIn | Instagram | Website | Newsletter
 
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Email: [email protected] 
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In the first episode of 2026, I discuss a reflective approach to setting personal and professional goals for the new year on The Freelancers Tea Break. I share my achievements from the previous year, including completing my ILM 7 diploma and writing a book titled 'The Freelance Lifestyle.' This episode emphasises an experimental and low-pressure strategy for goal setting, focusing on starting or stopping small habits, doing less of certain activities, and introducing more positive ones. I also tease upcoming episodes and January challenges, targeting areas such as finding new clients and improving digital presence. 
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 2026 
01:17 Reflecting on Personal Achievements 
02:54 Exciting Announcements for January 
04:13 Gentle Questions for the New Year 
04:26 Experimenting with New Habits 
09:47 Community Engagement and Challenges 
11:58 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Episodes and Goals
Affiliate link for In Good Company who I completed my diploma with and their podcast The Coaching Crowd
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Email: [email protected] 
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Hello and welcome to a special episode of The Freelancers Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, and as this is our last podcast episode of the year, I'm doing things a bit differently. Today, I'm conducting my own annual performance review as a freelancer. From attendance and punctuality to goals, organisation, and communication, join me as I reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for improvement.
My affiliate link to Sunsama
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction 
01:10 - Attendance and Punctuality 
04:30 - Reviewing Goals 
07:50 - Organisation and Systems 
11:00 - Communication 
15:00 - Focus and Productivity 
19:20 - Collaboration
21:10 - Financial Performance 
24:00 - Strengths and Areas for Improvement 29:00 - Conclusion 
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Email: [email protected] 
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz