How to Be an Artist Without Losing Your Mind, Your Shirt, Or Your Creative Compass: A Practical Guide


JoAnneh Nagler - 2016
    Author JoAnneh Nagler wants you to welcome your creativity and continue to make art—but to do so with a plan. In this groundbreaking book, she provides step-by-step strategies to teach writers, sculptors, painters, musicians, designers, and other artists how tohave a well-supported, well-lived life—and make art at the same time.Learn how to:Answer your own artistic callings and get to your art workGive up starving and struggling and build a supported, creative daily lifeManage time, money, and day jobs with easy-to-learn, simple toolsDevelop rock-solid creative work ethics and motivational skillsNo matter what kind of creative person you are, this book has the tools you need to live the life you’ve always wanted to live—right now, and for your whole life long.

Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business


Luke Williams - 2010
    For anyonewho wants to thrive in this new order, this requires a revolution in thinking--a steady stream of disruptive strategies and unexpected solutions. "Disrupt" "Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business" shows how to generate and execute those solutions--a disruptive approach for a disruptive age. Author Luke Williams demonstrates his experience creating disruptive products and services at frog design, one of the world s leading innovation firms. Williams combines the fluid creativity of "disruptive thinking" with the analytical rigor that is indispensable to business success. The result is a simple yet complete five-stage process for imagining a powerful market disruption and transforming it into reality. Using many examples and a book-length case study of Little Miss Matched, Williams shows how the more unexpected an idea, the smaller the number of competitors, and the more successful the company that brings it to market. He walks through generating a disruptive hypothesis, defining a disruptive market opportunity, creating multiple disruptive ideas, shaping them into an actionable solution, and persuading key stakeholders to adopt or invest in the solution. "Disrupt "offers readers a systematic way to redefine the future of a company, catch entire industries by surprise, and leave competitors scrambling to catch up."

Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul


Stuart Cosgrove - 2016
    Nothing will ever compare to the amphetamine rush of my young life and the night I was nearly buggered by my girlfriend’s uncle in the Potteries...The opening line of Stuart Cosgrove’s Young Soul Rebels sets up a compelling and intimate story of northern soul, Britain’s most fascinating musical underground scene, and takes the reader on a journey into the iconic clubs that made it famous – The Twisted Wheel, The Torch, Wigan Casino, Blackpool Mecca and Cleethorpes Pier – the bootleggers that made it infamous, the splits that threatened to divide the scene, the great unknown records that built its global reputation and the crate-digging collectors that travelled to America to unearth unknown sounds.The book sweeps across fifty years of British life and places the northern soul scene in a social context – the rise of amphetamine culture, the policing of youth culture, the north–south divide, the decline of coastal Britain, the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry, the rise of Thatcherism, the miners’ strike, the rave scene and music in the era of the world wide web Books have been written about northern soul before but never with the same erudition and passion.

The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs


Michael Feinstein - 2012
    During their six-year partnership, the two became close friends. Feinstein blossomed under Gershwin’s mentorship and Gershwin was reinvigorated by the younger man’s zeal for his and his brother George’s legacy. Now, in The Gershwins and Me, the only book of its kind, Michael Feinstein shares unforgettable stories and reminiscences from the music that defined American popular song, along with rare Gershwin memorabilia he’s collected through the years.     From “Strike Up the Band” to “Love Is Here to Stay,” each of the twelve chapters highlights one of the Gershwins’ classic songs, exploring the brothers’ lives, illuminating what the music meant to them, and telling the stories of how their iconic tunes came to life. Throughout the star-studded narrative, Feinstein unfolds the moving chronicle of his own life with the Gershwins, describing his vision for their enduring presence today. No other writer could give us such an authoritative inside perspective on these titans of American culture—and no other writer could include such a soulful collection of music as the accompanying CD packed with Feinstein’s original recordings of the twelve songs.     A timeless classic and the definitive account of the Gershwins and their legacy, The Gershwins and Me will having you humming with every turn of the page.

How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk


Bruce Kasanoff - 2014
    Thanks to Bruce Kasanoff’s engaging writing and sage advice, this is an enjoyable book that’s full of new ideas to put into action immediately." -- Adam Grant, Wharton professor and bestselling author of Give and Take Do you feel uncomfortable blowing your own horn? Do you struggle to get your fair share of attention? If either is true, this little gem of a book is for you. It provides you with quick and effective tips on the most appropriate ways to make a name for yourself in our hyper-connected world. The book is organized around the author's "Simplify Your Future" framework for managing your career and life: Be generous and expert, trustworthy and clear, open-minded and adaptable, persistent and present.

Take Your Shot: How to Grow Your Business, Attract More Clients, and Make More Money


Robin Waite - 2017
    TAKE YOUR SHOT is ultimately an answer to the question: “How Can I Grow My Business, Attract More Clients, and Make More Money?” TAKE YOUR SHOT is the story about Russ Hibbert. Russ is a hard worker, dedicated to his wife and children, and building a career as a golf professional. But one day he wakes up and realises his business is going nowhere. A chance meeting with a business coach, David, leads to a dramatic change and an opportunity, for Russ, to design the business that he always wanted. TAKE YOUR SHOT will teach you: To change your perceptions of your own business so that you get out of your own way To set a brave goal, develop a strong desire to overcome obstacles, and the activities required to achieve your goal How to build desirable products, price those products confidently and demonstrate value to prospects How to get the business and life you’ve always dreamed of, increased prosperity, and to have fun! “TAKE YOUR SHOT is a great easy to read book that contains some serious messages for anyone working hard at building a business. I came across a phrase many years ago which can apply to many self-employed individuals 'it's easy to become a busy fool'. Reading this book will stop you falling into that trap as the serious messages are about the importance of belief, aiming high, being brave creating systems and surrounding yourself with the right people. A very uplifting read as the reader follows the journey of the main character as he learns to work smarter and enjoy life again.” Sandra Webber, High-Performance Coach and Author of Own It - Regain Control and Live Life on Your Terms

Grow Rich While You Sleep


Ben Sweetland - 1962
    Without changing the meaning of this timeless, golden truth, the author gives it to you more along the lines of modern psychology: A man is what his Creative Mind says he is.So prepare yourself for a wonderful journey. Whatever you want out of life, this book will show you the way to make it come to you. Be it money, influence, love, respect, or admiration -- be it any or all of these -- it will be yours in abounding measure.Before you finish this book, you are going to know once and for all: - How to recognize your real goals in life--no matter what anyone else tries to tell you - How to get acquainted with your real self--your true abilities, your vast fund of hidden talent. - How to fill yourself with such genuine, deep-down confidence, zest and goodwill that other people will be pleased to help you get what you want. - How to find and hold the full, glorious picture of your own success and build toward that picture with every word and deed.

24-Hour Business Plan Template: How to Validate Your Startup Ideas and Plan Your Business Venture


Steven Fies - 2015
    More importantly, it must be a FUNCTIONAL tool that advances you forward towards your goals -- rather than holding you back due to endless tinkering and perfecting of your plan without taking action. Enter the 24 Hour Business Plan Template, your functional tool to get you there as efficiently as possible. This is a complete guide that includes a downloadable pre-formatted business plan template and cash flow spreadsheet to help you get started. In the book, I lay out the method I personally used to plan my own business - and in doing so, leave my full-time job and start my business on a full-time basis within seven months. My plan itself was constructed in under 24 hours on January 1, 2015 as my new years resolution; the remainder of the time spent was executing this plan over time. In the book you'll learn how to do the same, or close to it at the very least - and you'll begin to understand why this efficiency in the beginning is so important. To reiterate, it's important to get to the action-taking phase as soon as possible. This cannot be overstated enough. Successful entrepreneurs and authors like Eric Ries, Gabriel Weinberg, and Justin Mares tout this very principle in their books The Lean Startup and Traction -- the simple fact is, it's much easier to make progress by taking action and adapting over time vs. trying to get everything perfect the first time around. Too much time can be spent getting stuck in your head due to information paralysis or perfectionism, only to wake up one day realizing you've actually done nothing concrete at all to advance your goals. Don't be this person! Get up out of your chair and take action to make your goals happen. Realize that it may take several iterations of creating a business plan, or cycling through various ideas, before you feel confident in moving forward with one in particular. This is okay -- and in fact, it's the exact reason why you need to be efficient during the initial planning and evaluation stage. Much better to spent one or two weeks cycling through 5-10 ideas than an entire year getting nowhere. In this book, we'll cover the following topics: -The importance of validation, and how to validate your business idea. -The key elements of designing an amazing cover page for your business plan. -How to write an executive summary, and why it must be written last after everything else. -The proper elements that make up your Company Objectives section. -The right approach to laying out your Products & Services section. -How to setup a target customer profile including the right questions to ask. -Websites and tables that will greatly simplify your industry and competitor analyses. -Several possibilities for getting started with sales and marketing, and the difference between each. -The key elements that will comprise your operational plan and any business logistics. -What roles need to be defined in your Management section. -The preferred formats and metrics to use in your business capitalization (initial funding) section. -How to lay out your financial plan, both for your business and your personal finances. Please know fat was trimmed from every section of this book to ensure you can get through it and understand the key principles quickly and move on to actually creating your own plan. Only the critical elements were left in, with additional explanation added at key junctions to ensure comprehension. Whether you're venturing out for your first time as an entrepreneur, or you're a seasoned veteran looking for a no-nonsense way to manage the planning process for your next venture, 24 Hour Business Plan Template belongs on your tool belt.

Cherry Bomb: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick, and a Hotter Girlfriend--and to Living Life Like a Rock Star


Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna - 2008
    It's a girl's guide with a difference: one that shows readers how to identify, go after, and get whatever they want in life -- be it a hot guy, a great job, a mind-blowing orgasm, or a sexy new look -- all while marching to her own (rock) beat. Bona fide rock chick Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna's tips are smart, funny, edgy, and will empower women to veer away from the pack, work every situation to their advantage, and look cool while doing it. She's also recruited a rocking list of contributors who offer advice on all things cool, including: Betsey Johnson on personal style A step-by-step guide to performing a striptease by Dita Von Teese Tips on getting inked by Kat Von D. Fashion inspiration from Anna Sui Lisa Loeb on how to be the perfect hostess Life lessons from Tori Amos A drum lesson from Samantha Maloney of Peaches Dating advice from Terri Nunn of Berlin The perfect guide for the female who prefers black nail polish to French manicures, who would only be caught in pearls if they were paired with a cool black tank top, and who prefers Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier to any Klein (Calvin or Anne), Coach, or Kate Spade, Cherry Bomb will have readers taking chances and daring to be different.

Entrepreneur Mindsets and Habits: To Gain Financial Freedom and Live Your Dreams (Business, Money, Power, Mindset, Elon musk, Self help, Financial Freedom Book Book 3)


James Moore - 2018
     But, in truth, research shows us that it's actually the way that individuals think about their potential and skills that really counts most. In fact, historically speaking, many of those who have achieved real greatness have worked extremely hard to get to their end goals. And, it's also true that many were told that they would never amount to anything at all, by friends, colleagues, family and/or peers. The difference was that they believed that they could achieve their goals and worked extremely diligently to do so. Walt Disney who created Disneyland in the USA is a prime example of an individual who never gave up on his dreams. His belief in himself (and others) was profound and inspirational, to say the least. Of course, we'd all like to know the "magical" secret to success, but the real reality is that there are actually so many different factors that must be taken into account, to what makes one a truly successful human being. It's definitely true that hard work and dedication are so important in reaching success. But there's more to success than just plugging away, day after day. Maintaining a focus-driven mindset is pivotal, and can be the difference between success and failure, especially in the long-term. Here Is A Preview Of What You'll Learn... Mindsets that Will Impede Progress The Top Mindsets for Success Finding A Great Mentor Changing the Game with Nutrition Entrepreneurial Icons And a 30-Day Plan Much, much more! Like Schwarzenegger once said - "The worst thing i could be, is the same as everybody else. I'd Hate that." Don't be like everyone, grab your copy and begin you're new life of success.

Spin: 20 Years of Alternative Music: Original Writing on Rock, Hip-Hop, Techno, and Beyond


Will Hermes - 2005
    Through the introduction of MTV and the alternative rock revolution, it's been many things. Rude. Brilliant. Soulful. Snotty. Angry. Delirious. In the past two decades, genres have spawned like mad, from goth, indie rock, and gangsta rap to emo and the garage rock revival. This twentieth-anniversary tribute celebrates the passion and fury of the music, with original essays, quotes, and photographs by contributors who are as hopelessly obsessed with it as you are. SPIN: 20 Years of Alternative Music features: Alan Light on Beastie Boys, Ann Powers on U2, Charles Aaron on R.E.M., Dave Eggers on The Smiths + Morrissey, Marc Spitz on Goth, Simon Reynolds on Depeche Mode + Synth-pop, Dave Itzkoff on ’80s Teen Movies, Chuck Klosterman on Weezer, Will Hermes on Radiohead, Neil Strauss on Nine Inch Nails + Industrial, Sacha Jenkins on Public Enemy, Andy Greenwald on Emo, RJ Smith on Gangsta Rap, Jon Dolan on The White Stripes, Chris Norris on Nirvana, Doug Brod on Oasis + Britpop, Jim DeRogatis on Smashing Pumpkins, Laura Sinagra on Courtney Love, Ta-Nehisi Coates on Tupac

Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises for Finding Your Voice


Pat Pattison - 2011
    Songwriting Without Boundaries will help you commit to routine practice through fun writing exercises. This unique collection of more than150 sense-bound prompts helps you develop the skills you need to:- tap into your senses and inject your writing with vivid details - effectively use metaphor and comparative language - add rhythm to your writing and manage phrasingSongwriters, as well as writers of other genres, will benefit from this collection of sensory writing challenges. Divided into four sections, Songwriting Without Boundaries features four different fourteen-day challenges with timed writing exercises, along with examples from other songwriters, poets, and prose writers.

The Complete Guide to Vision Boards: The Ultimate Starter Kit To Get Wildly Clear and Create the Life of Your Dreams


Christine Kane - 2016
    When you surround yourself with images of who you want to become, what you want to have, where you want to live, or where you want to vacation, your life changes to match those images and those desires. In THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISION BOARDS: THE ULTIMATE STARTER KIT TO GET WILDLY CLEAR AND CREATE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS, internationally renowned entrepreneur Christine Kane reveals a no-nonsense, how-to guide for people who want to create big outcomes in their lives. Drawn from nearly a decade of experience holding vision board workshops during her business retreats as well as her own personal experience learning how to tailor vision boards for ultimate clarity in personal outcomes, Christine walks readers through creating visions boards, step by step, to create a life infused with the power of intention. This new edition is based on Christine's original book that has been read and acclaimed by more than 50,000 people worldwide. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISION BOARDS features never-before-seen chapters and a comprehensive Q&A section that will guide you to making the perfect vision board. THE COMPLETE GUIDE will show you: *how to harness the power of intention in a completely revolutionary way *how to overcome cynicism, fear, and guilt that hinders you from personal success *the one step everyone forgets after creating their first vision board *the perfect crafty tools to take action and have fun *bonus guides and music recommendations to help you focus your vision board *three key vision board types that can unlock your goals in the coming year If you've already created your first vision board, this book will help you learn how to move from beginner to advanced vision boards to get bigger, better results. Experience personal transformation by discovering the secret behind the creative process and move your authentic intention into solid, personal transformation. This book is a great decision-making guide if you struggle with setting clear, detailed goals for your career, business, relationships, or home life. If you want to achieve things you didn’t even think were possible, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISION BOARDS is right for you.

The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life


Elizabeth Segran - 2020
    But the truth is that while you’re muddling through those years—exploring new cities, dating the wrong people, hopping between jobs—a small shift in your flight path can mean the difference between landing on Mars or Saturn.As the data shows, the choices we make (or put off) during this critical decade about our career, marriage, health, friends, even downtime have the greatest impact on how our lives play out. For example, did you know that people who marry between the ages of 28 and 32 have the lowest risk of divorce? And that the average 25 year old has 20 close friends, but this will shrink to 8 after age 40? And that most of us don’t acquire new hobbies after we hit our thirties?Rather than prescribing one correct path (who are we kidding, there’s no such thing anyway!), Elizabeth Segran invites readers to think critically and holistically about the life they want to build. With signature warmth and humor, Segran is the guide we all wish we had to show us the way. Blending insightful anecdotes with research from economics, sociology, and political science, The Rocket Years is an empowering exploration of these exciting, confusing, wonderful years.

Porcelain: A Memoir


Moby - 2016
    This was the New York of Palladium; of Mars, Limelight, and Twilo; of unchecked, drug-fueled hedonism in pumping clubs where dance music was still largely underground, popular chiefly among working-class African Americans and Latinos. And then there was Moby--not just a poor, skinny white kid from Connecticut, but a devout Christian, a vegan, and a teetotaler. He would learn what it was to be spat on, to live on almost nothing. But it was perhaps the last good time for an artist to live on nothing in New York City: the age of AIDS and crack but also of a defiantly festive cultural underworld. Not without drama, he found his way. But success was not uncomplicated; it led to wretched, if in hindsight sometimes hilarious, excess and proved all too fleeting. And so by the end of the decade, Moby contemplated an end in his career and elsewhere in his life, and put that emotion into what he assumed would be his swan song, his good-bye to all that, the album that would in fact be the beginning of an astonishing new phase: the multimillion-selling Play.At once bighearted and remorseless in its excavation of a lost world, Porcelain is both a chronicle of a city and a time and a deeply intimate exploration of finding one's place during the most gloriously anxious period in life, when you're on your own, betting on yourself, but have no idea how the story ends, and so you live with the honest dread that you're one false step from being thrown out on your face. Moby's voice resonates with honesty, wit, and, above all, an unshakable passion for his music that steered him through some very rough seas.Porcelain is about making it, losing it, loving it, and hating it. It's about finding your people, your place, thinking you've lost them both, and then, somehow, when you think it's over, from a place of well-earned despair, creating a masterpiece. As a portrait of the young artist, Porcelain is a masterpiece in its own right, fit for the short shelf of musicians' memoirs that capture not just a scene but an age, and something timeless about the human condition. Push play.