What Once Upon a Potty Has to Do with My Announcement

- September 6, 2017 | by April -

I’ve written a few blog posts about books here at Blacksburg Belle, because I’m a diehard bookworm.

It’s been a big part of who I am every since I forced my Grandpa to read Once Upon a Potty to me 207 times while we were on vacation when I was two.

My mom distinctly remembers him looking up from the book around number 47 and saying, “Dammit Sandy, who the hell writes a book about going to the bathroom?” I didn’t get flustered by his annoyance. I kept pushing the book back into his hands over and over, asking for “one more p-ease.”

Nowadays, I typically read five or more novels and/or nonfiction books each month.

I’ve wanted to write a lot more blog posts about the books I read. Like a lot, a lot.

But, this isn’t the place to post weekly book-related content, so drumroll on your knees please…

I started a BookTube channel. That’s a fancy way of saying I started a YouTube channel all about what I’m reading.

Oh yeah. Shake your tail feathers! Shake your tail feathers!

(Now that my health has mostly gotten better–more on that to come later–I have the energy to put into this new project. YAY!)

I also plan to vlog my fiction writing (and hopefully publishing) process.

I created the channel three weeks ago and have already uploaded seven videos, including a 55-minute reading vlog. Whoop whoop!

The plan is to upload two videos each week, including a book haul, wrap up and TBR (to-be-read list) each month.

Most of the videos have bloopers at the end because why wouldn’t I share myself hitting my head on my chandelier or my nerdy dance moves?

I’ll very seldom mention my BookTube channel here at Blacksburg Belle (after this blog post!), so I thought I’d make a big announcement (that’s what this is if you couldn’t tell) for those of you who’d like to subscribe and follow along.

If you’re a reader and would love to chat about the books I’m reading and the books you’re reading, please hit the subscribe button (along with the bell–to receive notifications) right here.

Check out my most recent video where I describe what I’m reading in September and let me know what you’re planning to read this month.

I’d love to know. (As you’ll see from watching this video, I get a tad excited about talking about books…it’s not normal but I’m a self-proclaimed book nerd. Someone who forces another human to read Once Upon a Potty more than 200 times and then shares that in a public place willingly probably isn’t normal. But, hey, who wants to be normal anyways…that’s so dull?!)

If you’re not into reading fiction, things will be back to regularly scheduled programming next week. See you then.

15 Books that Changed My Life

- May 10, 2017 | by April -

If someone told me that I could only have one hobby for the rest of my life, I wouldn’t take one moment to think about it.

I’d pick reading.

There have been periods in my life where I’ve read very little (a.k.a., high school when I could only think about friends and boys) and others where I’ve practically lived in books.

When I talk about reading here at Blacksburg Belle, I usually refer to non-fiction books like the latest business book I’ve fallen for, but today’s post is a bit different.

It’s not your typical blog post on how to improve your business like this one and this one and this one.

So many of you loved the blog post I published on my list of non-fiction must reads for creative entrepreneurs that I decided to write a post on fiction.

This list is about the stories that have impacted me the most–the ones that have crawled inside of me and stayed for years, having such influence that I don’t think I would be the same person without them.

I don’t know about you, but the GREAT stories I’ve consumed over the years have stuck to me, have transported me to new places, and allowed me to meet all kinds of people of all ages and ethnicities. Every time I read a book like that, I can’t help but change just a bit. It adds to who I am, what I enjoy or things I want to try or see.

A few of these books aren’t the most well written novels of all time, but I read them at the exact right time in my life. I’m thankful for those books and the authors who entertained me and helped me through tough milestones or celebrations (yep…I’m a nerd who rewards myself with a good book).

I hope you find a few you’d like to read and more than anything, I hope you’re inspired, entertained and positively changed through at least one book on this list.

The way I’ve listed the books are within categories and then in the order I read them (so they aren’t listed from most impactful to least impactful or anything like that). Also, I read a lot of the young adult books after many of the adult books.

Children’s Books

1. Matilda by Roald Dahl

I remember reading and re-reading this book many times. It made me fall head over heels in love with fiction. I loved reading before Matilda. I would force my parents to read four to five books to me every night starting at the age of two, but Matilda was that first book I remember reading by myself and getting that magical feeling of being engrossed in a story so much that I forgot where I was and what was going on around me.

2. Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene

One of my favorite memories of my childhood was ‘yard saling’ with my parents. I would lie down in the back of my parents’ station wagon and read while they drove from yard sale to yard sale.

I would stay in the car but my mom would come and get me if they had any children’s books, play teacher supplies (like a kid-sized chalkboard) or real teacher supplies (like workbooks, textbooks or planners). During these Saturday mornings, I’d read for hours as well as find new books and I was always on the lookout for Nancy Drew books. I knew which ones I had and which ones I didn’t and if I came across a new one, it was mine.

3. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Like many pre-teens, I read this book because I was curious. I remember being fascinated by sex ed in fifth grade and I hadn’t gotten my period yet. I wanted to know what to expect and this seemed like a good source to get some details. It was. I completely missed the point the author was making about Margaret’s relationship with God, but it definitely makes it to the list of novels that most impacted my life.

4. Watership Down by Richard Adams

I’m including this novel in children’s books because I read it in the sixth grade. At that point in time, I had stopped reading on a daily basis. For some reason, I didn’t procrastinate with reading this novel (like I was starting to do with all the assigned reading)–maybe because it looked huge to me. I read at the recommended rate which had us start and finish within a couple months. It made me laugh and cry and want to read every day again. Thank you Richard Adams for writing a book that made me see the value in reading again.

5. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

This series helped me bond with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. With one of the releases, we all went to buy the book at midnight when it was being released. As we stood in line, anticipating the magical story, we became closer and we’ve bonded over books ever since. I don’t think we’ve had one Christmas where we haven’t given each other a stack of books for presents.

Not only did it help me bond with my husband’s family, but it opened my eyes to fantasy and magical stories. That was one of the first fantasy series or books I’d ever read and it showed me how someone (a.k.a., J.K. Rowling) thinking outside of the box can create something that transforms peoples’ lives.

Young Adult Books

6. Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer

I’ve written an entire blog post about my love for this series, so I won’t go into too much detail here, but the main reason these books impacted my life was because I was struggling with the choices I had made for my education and career.

I was depressed and Twilight kinda fell into my lap. Besides my then fiancé (now husband), it was one of the only things making me completely happy.

Reading these books compelled me to start writing fiction on a regular basis which turned the miserable hours in the morning before work into something I looked forward to every day. For that, I will always be thankful.

7. Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

This is another series of books that inspired me to write fiction. When I put down Divergent, I ordered a bunch of used books off of Amazon about writing fiction. That’s also when I started waking up around 5am to get in a couple hours of writing before I had to leave for work.

When I read Divergent, I loved reading about dystopian worlds because they transported me to a world where everything was “different” without being fantastical. They were a lot of fun.

8. Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi

Warner. Enough said.

Okay, maybe you want a bit more…but seriously, Warner. If you’ve read this series, you know what I mean. Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge.

I find Tahereh’s writing addictive and beautiful. The first book in this series is not written like your average book, but if you can get past it and you enjoy young adult series with love triangles, pick it up. (You can buy me a green tea frappuccino with coconut milk later to thank me.)

I loved the books, but more than that, I was inspired by this author. She’s hilarious, smart, unapologetically weird and married to another best-selling author. I want to be her when I grow up. (How about a combination of Mayi Carles and Tahereh Mafi…God…are you listening? It’s me, April and I want to be Mayi and Tahereh when I grow up.)

9. The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

This series gets a lot of criticism like the Twilight series from those who only like literary fiction. It’s kinda like The Bachelor combined with The Hunger Games, and it’s hella entertaining. I read each of the books in the series in one or two days. As someone who enjoys writing fiction if I had to pick between beautiful writing or creating something this entertaining, I’d pick entertaining. I would want to write books that people stayed up all night to finish.

Also, this series has a special place in my heart because the writer lives where I live in Blacksburg, Virginia. I’ve seen her speak in person at our local Barnes and Noble and she connects so well to the pre-teens and teenage girls who obsess over her books. It was a wonderful thing to watch. An author who makes teens thrilled to read is a gift to this world.

10. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Before I became chronically ill, I had no trouble sleeping. I could fall asleep anywhere, in any position within a couple minutes. I could sleep: on the subway, in class with my head on my desk, within one-minute of a car ride, standing up against a wall, in the movie theater while bombs are exploding on screen. Then I got sick and started struggling with insomnia.

This is the first book I can remember keeping me company as I lay in bed next to my husband unable to sleep one wink. I read it from start to finish.

It’s a really cute young adult contemporary novel about a girl who gets sent to a school in Paris against her will for her senior year of high school. Girl meets boy in the lovely backdrop of Paris. I’m in.

I’m not sure if I LOVED this book or if I love it because it got me through that tough night of pain and anxiety. Either way, I appreciate it.

New Adult Books

11. On Dublin Street Series by Samantha Young

This series is just straight up romance—and steamy romance at that. But, one of the reasons it made this list is because it follows a family and their friends and you get so invested in seeing them all happy. It’s the best new adult romance series I’ve ever read.

I’m not the type of reader who likes to read a series of books back to back to back. I like to split it up, read a little romance and then a little dystopian and then a thriller and then back to the series for book two. Not with this series. I read this series back to back, not wanting to read anything else.

When I read this series, my husband and I had been together for 11 years and without going R-rated, we’re still hot for each other (have you seen my husband lately…hubba hubba). With that being said (and keeping things G-rated), these books amped things up in the bedroom and whatever adds a bit of spice after 10 years is a good thing in my opinion.

Adult Books

12. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

I’m not a huge re-reader. There are so many books in this world that I want to read that I feel a bit guilty spending time rereading books. This novel is an exception. I first read it in college and I stayed up all night to finish it. I sobbed from 4am to 6am which made my eyes so puffy that I could barely see the next day.

This book transported me out of my 12×15 foot room that I lived in my senior year of college and into a relationship and places I couldn’t get enough of. My copy is stained, torn and water-damaged but I love it. Those stains and tears remind me of all the times I read it.

13. Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

This isn’t Jodi’s most popular book, but it’s the one that made me adore her novels. One of the things that Jodi does so well with her writing is that you really feel like you understand her characters, including people you never thought you could relate to. It’s an amazing thing to be able to read a novel and feel like you completely understand someone who is very different from you.

Since reading Handle with Care, I always get that itch of excitement when I start a new book by Jodi. I know that I’m going to learn about other people and issues that I want to be aware of and understand.

14. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

When I read this book, I was dealing with some mild depression due to my health issues and the limitations I dealt with because of it. While I see the issues of placing value on able-bodied people and saying that someone’s life isn’t as valuable if they aren’t able-bodied, this is a novel, just one story of how one person might deal with becoming paralyzed from the neck down.

And, this book literally changed my life. It made me much more grateful for the everyday. It helped me make more of an effort with things like exercise, eating healthy and doing everything I could to make my life more enjoyable by decreasing my pain and suffering. It made me realize that I should try to make every day count and stop waiting for “someday” to do the things I want to do.

I’m not sure if any other novel has done as much for me (in changing my mindset) as this one did.

15. The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

This book did not make this list because the story itself changed my life or made me a better, happier person. Although, if you like thrillers with amazing plot twists, you’ve got to read this book. It’s enthralling in a heart pounding kind of way.

This psychological thriller made my list because my husband and I listened to it together over the course of six months on our road trips, mainly from Blacksburg to Richmond (where my parents live—hi mom, love you!).

We connected over this book, talking about it, guessing what was going to happen and downright enjoying it. One of the trips we listened to this book on was a two and a half hour trip to UVA to meet with a specialist who ended up changing my life by caring about my health and coming up with a treatment plan. My husband and I were both anxious on this trip, having seen multiple world-class specialists at the best hospitals in the United States. We both lost ourselves in this story to make the ride easier. This book and that trip will always be tied together in my mind.

That’s it…my list of books that have impacted my life more than any others and I’ve read hundreds, if not thousands.

Well, that’s sort of it. I tried my best to think of all the stories that should be on this list but I’m sure I’ve left off a couple by accident.

This is NOT my list of my favorite novels of all time. That list would include many of these books but it would look very different with additions like A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas and The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. (If you’d like to see what else would be on this list, let me know and I’ll plan another blog post all about my favorite novels.)

I would love to know what novel or two or seventeen that have changed your life in some way. Share them in the comments, please!

Required Reading List: 29 Books Every Creative Entrepreneur Should Read

- November 2, 2016 | by April -

When I started my business, I began devouring every business book I came across.

I also ate up productivity books because I was trying to figure out how to be a good boss to myself. (It’s not so easy!)

If you’re new to Blacksburg Belle, you might not know that my idea of a good Friday night is cuddling between my husband and one of my dogs while reading an engaging book. I have three sets of bookshelves and I still don’t have enough room for all of the books that I own. And, I’m a ‘highlight and mark in my non-fiction books’ kinda girl, so I’ve gotta own them. Doubt the library would be happy with me highlighting my favorite passages.

Just trying to paint a picture for you so that you know when I say that culled this list to pick the best of the best, I mean it.

I picked all the books I think are essential for creative entrepreneurs. I’ve broken up the list into four main categories (creativity, marketing, productivity/motivation, writing/copywriting) so that you can pick a book from the area you need help with now.

Think I left something off the list? I’d love to know your recommendations, because I’m always looking for my next great read. Please leave them in the comments below.

Creativity

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This is a must-read for anyone with a creative job or passion. It will make you feel more brave and free when it comes to creating and we could all use a bit of that magic fairy dust, amiright?

Three topics it covers:

Courage and creativity
Dealing with failure
Giving yourself permission to make whatever it is you want to make

Favorite quote:

“You want to write a book? Make a song? Direct a movie? Decorate pottery? Learn a dance? Explore a new land? You want to draw a penis on your wall? Do it. Who cares? It’s your birthright as a human being, so do it with a cheerful heart.”

Yes…I partly picked that quote because it made me giggle when I read the word penis. But I also really like it!

2. Poke the Box by Seth Godin

This book is all about creating your own roadmap instead of looking for one, creating something scarce and valuable.

Three things it covers:

Getting into the habit of starting
Why you must set a work schedule and stick to it
Why you have to be willing to fail

Favorite quote:

“Go to work on a regular basis.”Click To Tweet

3. The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry

I’m not sure I’ve ever highlighted and tagged as many places in a book as I did with this one. It’s filled with tips, tricks and solid advice. I flew through this book in just a couple sittings, because I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a must for every single creative entrepreneur.

Three topics it covers:

The effects of constant distraction
Why you need to avoid busywork
How to find your own creative rhythm

Favorite quote:

“No one lies on his deathbed wishing he’d had the time to reply to one more email, but a great many people express regrets about not having treated life with more purpose.”

4. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

I was so motivated and enthralled by this book that when I finished it, I hunted for any other books like it. I wanted more, more, more. I couldn’t find any. This book is such a unique book for creatives who want to make their passions their life’s work.

Three topics it covers:

Why you should have rituals of preparation
How to harness your memory
Why you have to start with the box before thinking outside of it

Favorite quote:

“No one starts a creative endeavor without a certain amount of fear; the key is to learn how to keep free-floating fears from paralyzing you before you’ve begun.”

5. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

I struggled with whether to classify this under ‘creativity’ or ‘productivity’ but glancing through it reminded me that this book is the book you should read if you’re creatively blocked. You can thank me later (I like chai tea lattes with coconut milk and pretty notebooks).

Three topics it covers:

What resistance is and how to deal with it
How to be a professional
How to invoke your muse

Favorite quote:

“Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is.”

Marketing

6. Brainfluence by Roger Dooley

This book will help you apply neuroscience and psychological research to marketing. It’ll help you understand why you need to consider your target market’s subconscious with all of your marketing.

Three topics it covers:

What your prices say about your brand
How to use all of your senses in your marketing
How to build loyalty and trust

Favorite quote:

“To engage potential customers, write a vivid story involving your product or brand. Include action, motion, dialogue, and other aspects that will activate different parts of your customers’ brains.”

7. Difference by Bernadette Jiwa

This tiny book packs a huge punch. I feel like most people would receive this book or see it in a bookstore and be disappointed by how small it is. That would be a mistake. It’s filled with the kind of wisdom you want to plaster on sticky notes around your computer screen so that you don’t forget it.

Three topics it covers:

The ten characteristics of difference thinkers
The secret of disruptive innovations
Why the businesses that succeed tell a better story

Favorite quote:

“The truth is that the masses don’t want to feel like the masses. They want to discern. To choose. To be seen. To matter. Your customers don’t want to be just anyone, they want to be someone.”

8. Fascinate by Sally Hogshead

Oh my gosh this book is mind blowing. If you feel like you’re having a hard time standing out from the crowded marketplace, you need this book in your life.

Three topics it covers:

What makes a message fascinating
How to figure out how fascinating your current brand is
How to up your fascination

Favorite quote:

“Fascinating people and companies don’t just talk at us. They get under our skin and into our conversations. They challenge and move us. They’re unafraid to ask questions, and along the way, change the way we think.”

9. Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath

Feel like none of your ideas stick or catch on? Maybe you write a blog post and publish it, thinking that it’s going to go viral but instead you hear crickets? If you want to know why some ideas thrive while others quickly fade, you should pick up this book. It will absolutely help you market your business better.

Three topics it covers:

Why simple is always the better option
The three principles of making strategies stick
How to teach in a way that the content sticks with your students

Favorite quote:

“Surprise makes us want to find an answer–to resolve the question of why we were surprised–and big surprises call for big answers. If we want to motivate people to pay attention, we should seize the power of big surprises.”

10. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

If you can’t get to this book right away, watch Simon’s TED talk. Spoiler: It’s gonna make you want to buy his book.

Three topics it covers:

Why you should start with why
How to inspire others
Why inspiration is better than manipulation

Favorite quote:

“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”

11. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

There are a few things I really like about this book: there are case studies throughout, it gets pretty specific (which doesn’t always seem to happen with business books), it gives you exercises to do along the way.

Three topics it covers:

Whether or not you should follow your passion
A one-page business plan
The step-by-step guide to creating a great offer

Favorite quote:

“Value means helping people. If you’re trying to build a microbusiness and you begin your efforts by helping people, you’re on the right track. When you get stuck, ask yourself: How can I give more value? Or more simply: How can I help my customers more?”

12. Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive by Noah J. Goldstein, Steve J. Martin, and Robert B. Cialdini

Have you ever seen a marketing tactic and wondered if it really worked or not? This book delves into so many psychological studies, giving you all the insider information. It’s a goldmine for anyone wanting to improve her marketing skills.

Three topics it covers:

How inconveniencing your audience can increase your persuasiveness
When persuasion might backfire
When giving too many options makes something less desirable

Favorite quote:

“An ounce of personalized extra effort is worth a pound of persuasion.”

Productivity, Motivation and Willpower

13. 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam

This book helps you realize how much time you actually DO have, how to seize control of your life and how you’re spending your time, and how to be happier and more productive on a day-to-day basis.

Three topics it covers:

The myth of the time crunch
Controlling your calendar
The hard work of having it all

Favorite quote:

“The majority of people who claim to be overworked work less than they think they do, and many of the ways people work are extraordinarily inefficient. Calling something “work” does not make it important or necessary.”

Amen Laura!

14. Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin

This book will help you figure out how to create habits for yourself that you’ll stick with. What I love about this book is that Gretchen doesn’t assume that what works for one person will work for another and she helps you determine how to tweak things so they’ll work for you.

Three topics it covers:

The four tendencies
How monitoring, scheduling and accountability affect habits
The best time to change a habit

Favorite quote:

“It’s simple to change habits, but it’s not easy.”

15. Daily Rituals by Mason Currey

I don’t know about you, but I’m so curious about the daily routines of successful people, especially creatives. It intrigues me and gives me motivation to work harder and smarter. While reading this book in bed in the evenings, I found myself so excited to start the next day. It also helped me come up with rituals surrounding my own creative projects.

This book is simply an inside look into how other artists work or worked on a daily basis. If you’re not into that kind of thing, then you can skip this one.

Three topics it covers:

The daily rituals of Pablo Picasso
The daily rituals of Toni Morrison
The daily rituals of Ayn Rand

Favorite quote:

“Routine, in an intelligent man, is a sign of ambition.” -W.H. Auden

16. Do the Work by Steven Pressfield

This is the type of book that you’ll devour in an hour or two but that you’ll want to re-read on a regular basis. It’s inspiring and motivating and a good kick in the butt.

Three topics it covers:

How to deal with resistance
Why you should start before you’re ready
Why you should try to get your working drafts done as soon as possible

Favorite quote:

“When we ship, we’re exposed. That’s why we’re so afraid of it.”

17. Grit by Angela Duckworth

I wish I had the power to make everyone read this book. It’s packed with information on why you should find something you love and then work incredibly hard to build your life around it. If you’ve been feeling kinda ‘meh’ lately and are looking for a shot of motivation, this is the book you need to read.

Three topics it covers:

How grit can be learned
How lifelong interest is triggered
Why you need to build in deliberate practice into your day-to-day life

Favorite quote:

“At various points, in big ways and small, we get knocked down. If we stay down, grit loses. If we get up, grit prevails.”

18. Mindset by Carol S. Dweck

There’s a quote on the front of the book by Chip and Dan Heath (who also made this list) that says that everyone should own this book. I agree. It’s an influential book about motivation that we should all read and think about.

Three topics it covers:

The two types of mindset
How your mindset changes the meaning of failure and effort
Whether or not artistic ability is a gift

Favorite quote:

“In one world, failure is about having a setback. Getting a bad grade. Losing a tournament. Getting fired. Getting rejected. It means you’re not smart or talented. In the other world, failure is about not growing. Not reaching for the things you value. It means you’re not fulfilling your potential.”

19. Switch by Chip and Dan Heath

The Heath men write some engaging, influential books. Give me more, gents, give me more! In this book, they help you figure out how to change something that is really hard to change.

Three topics it covers:

Three surprises about change
How to build habits
What an elephant and rider have to do with change

Favorite quote:

“For individuals’ behavior to change, you’ve got to influence not only their environment but their hearts and minds. The problem is this: Often the heart and mind disagree. Fervently.”

20. The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte

Danielle’s writing has this engrossing, gripping nature that’s also lyrical and beautiful. It almost feels like you’re reading poetry but it’s a self-help book. She has become an auto-buy author for me. I will always buy her books and devour them when I need a pick-me-up. If you’re a creative entrepreneur, I bet you will love this one.

Three topics it covers:

How to choose what to focus on
Dealing with fear and failure
Money, money, money (the good and the bad)

Favorite quote:

“The gratitude you receive from others is a reflection of your genius.”

21. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz

I have a question for you: do you end the day feeling exhausted, like you have absolutely nothing left? Maybe you get done with work and don’t feel like you’ve got any energy left for your family or spouse? Maybe you hit a slump in the afternoon and pretty much push the mouse around the screen for the rest of the day? If so, you need to read this book.

Three topics it covers:

Why you should be managing your energy–not time
How to live a more engaged life
How to balance stress and recovery

Favorite quote:

“Energy, not time, is the fundamental currency of high performance.”

22. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Have you ever sat down and made a list of all of your habits? It can be illuminating–it shows you that the reason you haven’t written that novel is because you spend three hours a day watching television or the reason you can’t manage to lose weight is because you drink half a bottle of wine at night and then down unhealthy snacks.

Our habits say a lot about us. They make up who we are and if you want to change your habits, you’ve got to put in a lot of work. This book will absolutely help you.

Three topics it covers:

The gold rule of habit change
The habits of successful organizations
The neurology of free will

Favorite quote:

“When a habit emerges, the brain stops fully participating in decision making. It stops working so hard, or diverts focus to other tasks. So unless you deliberately fight a habit–unless you find new routines–the pattern will unfold automatically.”

23. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

When I read the first few chapters, I almost gave up on this book. It felt super cheesy to me, and I was not connecting with the author. I pushed through and started to feel more and more inspired while reading it. I’m glad that I didn’t put this book away, because it’s been one of the most motivating books I’ve ever read.

Three topics it covers:

Why you should assume control of everything
How to 10X your goals
Why average is a failing formula

Favorite quote:

“Never set realistic goals; you can get a realistic life without setting goals for it.”

24. Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield

This book will change the way that look at and do business. It’ll change the way you work and create. It’s magical in the way a really good book can be.

Three topics it covers:

The importance of turning pro
The difference between an amateur and a pro
What happens when you turn pro

Favorite quote:

“Turning pro is free, but it’s not easy. You don’t need to take a course or buy a product. All you have to do is change your mind.”

25. The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal

If you find yourself constantly pushing things to tomorrow, not finishing your to-do lists and feeling spent at the end of the day, please please please do yourself a favor and pick up this book. One of the things I love most about The Willpower Instinct is that each chapter is accompanied by exercises you can do to improve your willpower. My husband and I read this at the same time and couldn’t wait to tell each other what we did at the end of the day to improve our willpower. This book can be life-changing if you do the work.

Three topics it covers:

Why self-control is like a muscle
How being good gives us permission to be bad
Why we mistake wanting for happiness

Favorite quote:

“For change to stick, we need to identify with the goal itself, not the halo glow we get from being good.”

26. Drive by Daniel H. Pink

This book breaks down how human beings are motivated and how to use that to help yourself and with your employees.

Three topics that it covers:

Why we need to focus on the “why” instead of the “how”
Reasons why carrots and sticks don’t work
Why autonomy, mastery and purpose are the three elements of true motivation

Favorite quote:

“As wonderful as flow is, the path to mastery–becoming ever better at something you care about–is not lined with daisies and spanned by a rainbow. If it were, more of us would make the trip. Mastery hurts.”

Writing and Copywriting

27. Cashvertising by Drew Eric Whitman

If you look at the cover of this book, you’re probably going to think, “Super cheesy. No way.” But, there are some great hidden gems inside of it. In this instance, don’t judge the book by it’s cover. If you’re trying to improve your copywriting (and even if you need a refresher), I highly recommend picking this up.

Three topics that it covers:

The psychological principles you should consider when writing copy
Proven techniques for selling anything to anyone
Headline starters

Favorite quote:

“It’s critical that your headline do two things: 1) grab their attention, and 2) motivate them to keep reading. If it doesn’t do both, you could be giving away free gold bars, and most people wouldn’t notice.”

28. Persuasive Copywriting by Andy Maslen

This book delves into writing copy that attracts the right people. It talks about how people make decisions–based on emotion first and then rationalization. Andy knows how to write to sell and he teaches you how in this book. If you struggle writing product descriptions, sales pages, and sales emails, you need to pick this book up.

Three topics it covers:

Harnessing the power of emotional copywriting
Three things you should use before benefits
How to make your writing more enjoyable and compelling

Favorite quote:

“Emotion drives action. Information drives analysis. We want our reader to act.”

29. Still Writing by Dani Shapiro

This book is part memoir and part writing advice. Dani opens her life and writing process. It’s one of those books that you fly through and then wish you hadn’t, because you want to savor every minute of it. If you’re a writer or you want to improve your writing, you should read this.

Three topics it covers:

The importance of consuming good books to become a better writer
How to improve your writing
What to do when you’re having “bad” days

Favorite quote:

“Fill your ears with the music of good sentences, and when you finally approach the page yourself, that music will carry you.”

What else should be on this list? I’m always looking for more recommendations. Leave them in the comments below!

My Favorite Books From This Month

- September 17, 2013 | by April -

These are my favorite books that I’ve read over the past month. I highly recommend each one. They aren’t in any specific order–I just followed the picture above.

1. Daily Rituals by Mason Currey: I love reading about how other artists work {or don’t work}, and this book is filled with their daily rituals. From Jane Austen to Pablo Picasso to Albert Einstein: read this book to find out how they spent their time.

2. The Autoimmune Epidemic by Donna Jackson Nakazawa: Every woman should read this book, whether or not they suffer from an autoimmune disease. You’ll understand it so much better and get lots of information on how to shield your immune system. I wish I had read this book years ago.

3. Fallen by Lauren Kate: I picked up this young adult book, because it was on sale for $4.99 at my local Barnes and Noble. I finished it in two days, because I couldn’t put it down. I read it while feeling pretty sick, but while reading, I didn’t even pay attention to the fever or muscle aches–that’s how much I enjoyed this book. I’ve already ordered the second in the series.

4. Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris: I’m a young adult fiction junkie and this book has been on my to-read list for months. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t stop devouring it. It’s a mix of thrills, romance, science fiction, and nonstop action. I’ve uploaded the sequel onto my iPod to listen to while I walk my dogs. If you like young adult fiction, I think you’ll love this one.

Do you have a favorite book that you’ve read this month? Share in the comments below!

A Beautiful Mess: Photo Idea Book

- August 18, 2013 | by April -

It’s no secret that I love photography and A Beautiful Mess, so when they announced that they were publishing a photo idea book, I knew it was a must-have purchase.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and it hasn’t disappointed. It’s filled with lovely photos, inspiration, ideas, and DIY photo projects.

If you’re looking for more creative ways to capture your everyday life, you need this book.

10 Books That'll Help You Up Your Productivity

- July 19, 2013 | by April -

Struggle with procrastination? Need to learn how to make better use of your time? Want to figure out how to get more done each day? These are the books I recommend:

1. Do the Work by Steven Pressfield: This should be required reading for everyone. I rate it as my favorite productivity-related book. If you haven’t read it, do yourself a favor and buy a copy now. You’ll thank me.

2. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: Yeah, I really like this author. A LOT. This one will help you break through all those inner demons and obstacles so you can get to your creative work.

3. Manage Your Day-to-Day: This fun read is a book compiled of different essays from some of the movers and shakers in the time-management field such as Tony Schwartz and Scott Belsky.

4. Your Brain at Work by David Rock: If you want a little insight into the science of how your brain works, this is the book for you. You’ll figure out why your brain sometimes feels overtaxed, why it’s so hard to focus, and so much more.

5. The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal: This one isn’t focused on time-managment, but you need to increase your willpower if you want to get more done each day. Why? When evening hits and you really want to work on your side business but you feel too exhausted, you need your willpower to kick in, right? This book is also amazing if you want to kick a habit.

6. Switch by Chip and Dan Heath: This book is one of my favorite nonfiction books. It will help you make changes that are freaking hard to make and stick with. You’ll learn why certain techniques don’t work and which ones do.

7. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz: Have you ever realized that when you try to push through when you’re running on empty, the work you get done is filled with errors or is just cruddy? Well, these authors will tell you why you should be managing your energy–not your time–and they’ll tell you exactly how to do it. This book completely changed how I manage my time on workdays.

8. Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin: This book will help you realize WHAT you should be spending your time on to become world-class at what you do. I’ve read this one twice.

9. The Art of Doing by Camille Sweeney and Josh Gosfield: This book is unlike a lot of others, because it delves into specific people who are classified as “super achievers” and how they get so much done. You’ll learn a little something from each person’s story.

10. 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam: You have the same amount of hours each week as Oprah and Barack Obama. How much do you get done compared with them? This book will walk you through making better use of those 168 hours each week.

Is your favorite productivity book missing from this list? Add it in the comments below!

My “Get Healthy” Reading List

- May 3, 2013 | by April -

I’m on a serious mission: to get healthy without relying on doctors.

It’s not easy, but it’s waaaaay better than waiting five months to see a doctor and then that doctor tell you there’s not much he/she can do.

I’m not discounting doctors completely. I’m keeping all my appointments and looking for a new rheumatologist who will look at me as a whole person–not just one or two of my many symptoms.

In the meantime, I’m making some major progress on my own.

I stopped drinking diet coke, added a lot more raw foods into my daily diet, cut out junk food, and started practicing yoga with a little meditation. Look at me go! I also force myself to exercise even on the days I feel like poo. Not crazy Arnold Schwarzenegger weight lifting or anything–just walking my dogs, but this alone has made a huge difference.

Even when I feel like crud, if I get outside and walk my dogs, the rest of my day is better. I’m less stressed, my body aches less, and my sickness is less likely to envelop me completely.

Like I’ve said before, I’m a researcher which means that the UPS guy is dropping books off at my door pretty much daily. I’m open to learning more about ANYTHING that’s going to help me feel better.

So far, I’ve read:

1. The Last Best Cure by Donna Jackson Nakazawa

I highly recommend this book to anyone suffering from a chronic disease. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn more about chronic disease than you have from any of your doctors, and you’ll probably get excited about the things you can do on your own to get healthier.

2. The Ultimate pH Solution by Michelle Schoffro Cook

This should be a must-read for every human being. If you want to take charge of your health and prevent disease, get yourself a copy of this book and study it.

I’m in the middle of reading:

3. Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg

For this book, you read a new chapter each week and practice the different types of meditation. I have NEVER been a meditation person, and I always said, “I’ll NEVER meditate. It’s just not for me.” But, here I am, meditating. And, you know what? I think it’s helping. If you’ve never meditated and want to start a practice, this is a great book for that.

4. The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner

I just finished the intro and first chapter of this one, and I’m still a little skeptical, but I’ve seen this book all over the internet recently and decided to give it a shot. I’ll let you know more when I know more.

5. Unleash the Power of the Female Brain by Daniel G. Amen

I haven’t gotten far in this one either, so I can’t tell you whether or not I recommend it. But, I’m excited to delve into it!

Still on the reading waiting list:

6. Practically Raw by Amber Shea Crawley

This isn’t one I’m going to read, because it’s a cookbook. But, I haven’t tried any recipes, yet. This coming week, my husband and I are going start testing them out. I purchased this book, because I’m looking for fun raw recipes. I like cooked food, because that’s what I’m used to. But, the more I try raw recipes, the more I like them. I’m attempting to eat at least a 60% raw diet, and so far, it’s going really well. I don’t feel deprived, and I’m having fun experimenting with new recipes.

7. The Autoimmune Epidemic by Donna Jackson Nakazawa

I can’t wait to dig into this one. I want to learn more about autoimmune diseases and why they seem to be so rampant. I already know diet plays a big role. So many of us are eating a standard american diet which is completely unhealthy and lacking nutrition. But, I’d like to know even more. That’s why one this one made it to my reading list.

Do you have any suggestions for me to add to my “get healthy” reading list?

My "Get Healthy" Reading List

- May 3, 2013 | by April -

I’m on a serious mission: to get healthy without relying on doctors.

It’s not easy, but it’s waaaaay better than waiting five months to see a doctor and then that doctor tell you there’s not much he/she can do.

I’m not discounting doctors completely. I’m keeping all my appointments and looking for a new rheumatologist who will look at me as a whole person–not just one or two of my many symptoms.

In the meantime, I’m making some major progress on my own.

Even when I feel like crud, if I get outside and walk my dogs, the rest of my day is better. I’m less stressed, my body aches less, and my sickness is less likely to envelop me completely.

So far, I’ve read:

1. The Last Best Cure by Donna Jackson Nakazawa

2. The Ultimate pH Solution by Michelle Schoffro Cook

This should be a must-read for every human being. If you want to take charge of your health and prevent disease, get yourself a copy of this book and study it.

I’m in the middle of reading:

3. Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg

4. The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner

5. Unleash the Power of the Female Brain by Daniel G. Amen

I haven’t gotten far in this one either, so I can’t tell you whether or not I recommend it. But, I’m excited to delve into it!

Still on the reading waiting list:

6. Practically Raw by Amber Shea Crawley

7. The Autoimmune Epidemic by Donna Jackson Nakazawa

Do you have any suggestions for me to add to my “get healthy” reading list?

Mother’s Day Gift Idea: The Flower Recipe Book

- April 28, 2013 | by April -

I bought this book for myself, not my mom, but as I was flipping through it, I thought it would make a lovely Mother’s Day present. And, if you love fresh flowers and want to make pretty arrangements or droll over the gorgeous flowers, you should get one for yourself, too.

This book contains the most beautiful pictures. I get a thrill just opening it up to a new page.

Favorite Books for Creative Inspiration

- April 9, 2013 | by April -

Whenever I’m stuck creatively, flipping through two books in particular sparks my imagination. These two books are An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory and Print and Pattern by Bowie Style {aka Marie Perkins}. I highly recommend them. You won’t regret adding them to your bookshelf and I bet you’ll glance through them often.