Music From MCM Records – Gorilla Guru

Before there was Balanced Rock Press, there was Balanced Rock Publishing. Balanced Rock Publishing has been involved in the music publishing industry since 1979.

Under the label name “MCM Records” Gorilla Guru by Raif B. Denktas was released in that same year as a vinyl LP. We are happy to announce that a limited number of these highly collectible factory sealed LPs are still available and are being offered here exclusively. You’ll find order information for Gorilla Guru LPs and a limited number of CDs at the bottom of this page.

Vinyl LP "Gorilla Guru" released in 1979

MCM Records is defined as multi-cultural music, a fusion of world music, jazz and rhythm and blues blended to evoke the exotic sounds from around the world.

The company is independently owned and operated by producer, guitarist and singer/songwriter Raif Denktas.

Born in Adapazari, Turkey, a small town close to Istanbul, Raif moved to southern California in 1963. By 1966 he had anxiously migrated to San Francisco to partake in the unique explosion of music that was the “San Francisco sound” in the sixties. It was in San Francisco that Raif met master kanunist Jalal Takesh, a regular player at the then very hot San Francisco belly dance clubs-the Bagdad Cabaret and Casbah in North Beach. The two quickly became friends and Raif went on to record on several of Takesh’s belly dance records, playing bass and guitar. Jalal Takesh later returned the favor by playing on two tracks of Raif’s Gorilla Guru album, traditional Turkish folk arrangements tracks 2 & 6.

Throughout the late 60′s and early 70′s Raif had rare opportunities to perform with some of the legendary players of the time including John Lee Hooker, Harvey Mandell, Mike Henderson, and Carlos Santana.

Rose Lotus band members, l to r, David Bates, John Roman, Raif Denktas, Bill Girvan

In 1972 he formed the Rose Lotus Band with long-time friend and percussionist John Romero, aka John Roman.

By 1975 the team had co-written and produced their first album “Rose Lotus Band” along with keyboard player David Bates and bassist Bill Girvan.

Going solo in 1977, Raif ventured into new territory and made his way to the East coast where he formed the Life Force Band in Woodstock, New York.

The band was filling local nightclubs to capacity with crowds who could not get enough of the music. Riding the crest of the unique sound created by the Life Force Band, Raif was inspired to finish recording his album “Gorilla Guru”.

Originally released on vinyl in 1979 on the MCM label, the album represents a compilation of the original works of the Rose Lotus Band and the Life Force Band.

In addition to re-releasing Gorilla Guru on CD, Raif Denktas and Rob Turner teamed up again to co-produce their latest CD, Searching for One World. Also included from the original Life Force Band members is veteran percussionist, Billy Curtis.

Life Force Band, 1978 in Woodstock NY l to r, Steve Haas, Raif Denktas, Rob Turner, Jack Nelson

New members on this latest recording are Aaron Hurwitz, keyboards, Ken Lovelet drums, Peter Beutler, saxaphone and flute, Chris Strone, bass and Liana Turner, backup vocals. MCM Records released both albums as CDs in October 2002.

The CD, Searching for One World is a co-production of two songwriters, a fun project recorded at Son-Art Studios in Mt. Tremper, New York.

Cranked out in only five days of hard working effort by a really fine group of musicians, the end result is a genuine and truly danceable CD full of unique rhythms and heartfelt melodies.

The songs included room for spontaneity, and the musicians were all encouraged to jam out in the solo sections, which they did! The spontaneous solo playing by this full-of-fun music loving band of top of the line players wound up weaving their souls into the tracks to create an international sounding eclectic-genre CD.

And, if you wanna dance, you gotta have players! And this CD will definitely make you wanna dance! Because they are – ‘Players of the Art of Dance’, and Melodic Fantasy, and so – on to new vistas! Check it! It’s worth it!

Co-Produced by Raif Denktas and Rob Turner (Rock), this album is definitely worth its salt. Once again, the title of this album embodies what we are all in the process of doing. We are all inevitably searching for one world, one that belongs to everyone, where we can all live in peace and harmony, together, as brothers and sisters, as one people. And so, as the title of the Album explains…

We are about Searching for One World, and we are: Life Force Band! The Players are:

• Drums: Kenny Lovelet
• Bass: Chris Strone
• Guitar: Raif Denktas
• Guitar: Rob Turner
• Keys: Aaron Hurwitz
• Sax: Peter Buettner
• Congas: Billy Curtis
• Vocals: Raif Denktas, Rob Turner, & Liana Turner
• Engineer: Julie Last
• Mastering: Todd Levine, @ Magnetic North

The CD Searching for One World is currently SOLD OUT. Please check back with us in the future for availability.

ORDER YOUR COPIES OF “GORILLA GURU” TODAY!

Gorilla Guru – Collector’s Vinyl LP – Limited Issue – $24.99

Gorilla Guru LP Track List:

1. It’s All Right Now
2. Karshlama
3. Sound of Music
4. Gorilla Guru
5. Happiness of Yesterday
6. Rain Song
7. Celebration
8. Mediterranean Blue

Price includes shipping & handling for our USA customers.

International customers will pay an additional $5.00 shipping & handling.

Gorilla Guru Vinyl LP $24.99 (price includes shipping & handling for USA customers)

Gorilla Guru Vinyl LP $29.99 (price includes $5.00 shipping & handling for Intl. customers)

Gorilla Guru – Collector’s CD – Limited Availability – $13.99

Gorilla Guru CD Track List:

1. It’s All Right Now
2. Karshlama
3. Sound of Music
4. Gorilla Guru
5. Happiness of Yesterday
6. Rain Song
7. Celebration
8. Mediterranean Blue

Price includes shipping & handling for our USA customers.

International customers will pay an additional $5.00 shipping and handling.

Gorilla Guru CD – $13.99 (price includes shipping & handling for USA customers)

Gorilla Guru CD – $18.99 (price includes $5.00 shipping & handling for Intl. customers)

ORDER BOTH – LP & CD FOR $32.99 AND SAVE! BEST VALUE!

Gorilla Guru LP and CD Track List:

1. It’s All Right Now
2. Karshlama
3. Sound of Music
4. Gorilla Guru
5. Happiness of Yesterday
6. Rain Song
7. Celebration
8. Mediterranean Blue

Price includes shipping & handling for our USA customers.

International customers will pay an additional $8.00 shipping and handling.

Gorilla Guru Combo – LP & CD – $32.99 (price includes shipping & handling for USA customers)

Gorilla Guru Combo – LP & CD – $40.99 (price includes $8.00 shipping & handling for Intl. customers)

All selections composed and arranged by Raif B. Denktas. Recorded at Pacific Studios, San Mateo, California, and Sound House Studios, Newburg, New York. Recording engineers: John Nolan, Chris Rose and Mike Smith. Designed by Mullick Design Group. LP cover design by Josh Ozcakir. LP Cover photo by H.E. Rauf Raif Denktas. Produced by Raif B. Denktas for ONE OF A KIND PRODUCTIONS. All rights reserved Copyright 1979 and 2002. MCM Records, Las Vegas, NV.

Here’s what I know…

Your ability to achieve success and happiness by reaching your goals in the publishing industry as an author is more likely to occur when you partner with a coach.

Almost all writers have experienced the fear of rejection and the pain of judgment.

We each desire success in our careers and the opportunity to share our special message and gifts with the world.

We each want to be seen and acknowledged for who we are and what we do.

We each strive to be a part of the broader community of thought leaders and authors.

And here’s what you need…

A partnership with a coach who has insights into the process and, who can appreciate and develop your unique talents.

An opportunity that will allow you to leap to the next greatest level of your success, and experience the fulfillment and happiness that comes with being a published author.

Forming a partnership with me will allow you to achieve clarity about the book you want to write and…

Where and how it fits into your business, your life purpose, and your life mission.

And with my help…

You will break through your creative blocks, and move forward to your next steps on your publishing journey.

For a moment, just imagine…

Having personal access to my expertise and skills which can help you:

• Overcome the creative confusion that has held you back for far too long…
• Feel that you understand and can swiftly execute the appropriate steps to finish a book proposal
• Speak with literary agents and acquisitions editors in the major U.S. publishing companies who are eager to review and acquire the rights to your book
• Stand on the threshold of a brand-new publishing career!
• Take charge of your destiny and creating a contract—on your own terms.

WORK WITH LAURA

Writing a book can change your world and your life for the better. A book establishes you as an expert, boosts your brand, increases your bottom line and opens doors to more business-building activities such as speaking engagements, workshops and seminars, TV, radio and tele-seminar gigs.

My first book changed my life and has created endless opportunities for me that continue to come my way. I like to think of my book as “the gift that keeps on giving.”

There is nothing like having your own book to use as a marketing and promotional tool. Wherever you go, you can take your book with you. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But the problem is that most people don’t want to do the work that is required to write a book, let alone, market it. Marketing is where the real work starts. The whole process can be overwhelming, leaving many people with only a dream of writing a book. A dream that may never come true.

Did you know that these days, publishers expect authors to market their own books? Specifically, they want to know what you are going to do to make your book a success.

Publishers want to know what you’re bringing to the table. And, they want to know if you’ve done your homework. In other words, they want to know that you know who your competition is, who your target market is, and how you’re going to go about selling your book.

So… that’s why you need a coach, and that’s exactly where I come in. Writing, publishing, marketing books, and working with authors is my expertise and— it’s what I love to do.

I know what it takes to write a book, and more importantly, I know how your book will build your brand and increase your net worth by creating passive income for you! Your completed book can be a source of cash flow for years to come.

If you take action now, the passive income opportunities you create for yourself will become part of your long-term wealth-building plan and, an integral part of your personal economy. This income can last the rest of your life and become part of your legacy.

I’m committed to working with you every step of the way to ensure that your book is successful.

You just need to have a system, and be motivated to take action! Are you ready? I am!

If writing a cookbook or a book is one of the dreams on your list of things you’d like to accomplish, LET’S GO FOR IT! I want to help you do just that. I want to help you maximize your efforts, and create real benefits for yourself and your family without wasting time.

This is the right time to tap into your creative gifts and use your talent!

I’ve trained with some of the greatest coaches in the world including Anthony Robbins, Jack Canfield, T. Harv Eker, Alexandria Brown, Fabienne Frederickson, Brian Tracy, Loral Langemeier, David Neagle and Carl Logrecco. I’ve absorbed their teachings and I’ve implemented what they’ve taught me into what I’m offering you.

One message that we all agree on is this —

YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACTION!!!

ACTION is the common thread that leads to success! And that’s why I’m so excited to share what I’ve learned from both my personal experience and from these world famous experts! I want to help you take action now!

I’m not going to tell you it’s going to be easy. But, what I can tell you is that what I can offer you are strategies and solutions that will greatly cut your learning curve. You will not waste time learning “how” to do things. You will get things done quickly with my laser-targeting coaching methods.

Here are some things to consider.

1. I bring tremendous value to the table.

Paying me for what I know is an investment in your future. When you work with me, you will enjoy the benefit of my years of experience that have led me to develop my methods and strategies. My fee will represent only a small fraction of the money I’ve spent on seminars, workshops, coaching, books and information. I’m now at a point in my career when it is time to share my knowledge with you.

Whether you hire me individually, buy one of my information products, or attend one of my seminars, you’re going to walk away with techniques, strategies, tools, inspiration and support that will save you enormous amounts of time, money, and effort in writing, marketing and branding your book and your business. The information I offer you will shorten the learning curve considerably, and you can benefit from everything I’ve learned, and even the mistakes I’ve made when I was just starting out.

2. The publishing industry is in a state of flux, but—this time offers tremendous opportunity.

It’s time to embrace new and exciting methods to be successful! There’s a new game in town when it comes to books. Traditional publishing methods take too long, and don’t always work. Yes, it’s competitive, but so am I. I will envision and craft a plan for you taking into account all opportunities. I will imagine you achieving incredible results, and work accordingly to bring that vision to reality.

I’m results oriented and I will keep you motivated to play your best game. We are talking giant leaps here, not little steps. If you are scared or uncomfortable for too long, this probably won’t work. I believe that progress requires you to step out of the comfort zone, and step into your greatness, and I will be your guide.

3. I am selective with the clients I accept.

Because I value your success as much as I value my own, I cannot accept every client that contacts me. I expect the same level of commitment from my clients, as they expect and deserve from me. So, you need to be absolutely positive you want to take the journey, and serious about your goals.

Based on my experience, I know we’ll work together well if you:

• Keep an open mind and are willing to accept and implement new strategies and ideas.
• Remain realistic. It takes time to write and market a book. It takes time to establish a brand and image. And it takes time to build your bottom line. Making unrealistic demands won’t produce the best results for either one of us.
• Are patient! I work with several clients at a time. I promise to respond to you, but be patient and wait your turn.
• Follow and respect schedules. I can’t be available 24/7 and still do my best. By establishing a schedule for meetings, phone calls, etc., we remain respectful of each others’ time and we come together prepared for each meeting.

If you think we might be a good fit, let’s continue the discussion. Contact me and we’ll set up a consultation to discuss your project and your needs. Through the consultation process, we can determine how well we can work together.

4. I don’t work for free, and I require funds up front to start work.

Here’s what you need to know. As a professional and a business woman, I can’t risk my business or my livelihood on possible future success. At this stage in my career I do not give my time and effort towards someone else’s success without compensation. You may have a fantastic idea, and that’s wonderful, but I do not work on commission or on a promise of payment from projected future profits. If you value my time, expertise and effort, we can begin work once a fee and payment schedule is established. Your initial payment is expected as proof that you value my time and expertise. Once that relationship is established, I will give you everything you hired me to do.

5. I’m the expert, and you’re the client.

My work shouldn’t have to pass the approval of your family, friends, or coworkers. It’s impossible to please everybody all of the time, and asking me to do so will hinder our results. Our expert/client relationship is between us. When you seek the feedback of others, it puts me in the position of having several bosses, which is not fair. If you trust me enough to hire me, then you must continue to trust me by knowing that the advice and guidance I am giving you will give you the best results.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s GO!

Coaching and Consultation:

To get started, schedule a Personal 1-Hour Consultation with Laura

I look forward to hearing from you and helping your realize your book!

I have been watching William for a few years now on Spanish television and it is really fantastic to see him dancing. He is a joy to watch. Just check out the video. And his first two performances were also nothing to sneeze at. He has proven to be a versatile star and I am happy that he is getting great exposure on Dancing With The Stars. He will surely be a household name in the USA  by the time the show runs its course for this season. For those of you who don’t know who William Levy is, here is some background on his life and career thus far:

Levy was born in Cojimar, Cuba. His maternal grandfather was Jewish.  Levy emigrated to Miami, Florida, when he was fourteen. He attended high school, after which he studied business administration on a baseball scholarship at St. Thomas University. He later went to Los Angeles to study acting and continued his acting studies in Miami and Mexico City.

Levy worked as a model for the Next Models agency, and was featured in two reality shows broadcast by Telemundo: Isla de la Tentación and Protagonistas de Novela.  In 2005 he performed at the Centro de Bellas Artes in San Juan, Puerto Rico, starring in the play La Nena Tiene Tumbao.

His debut on the Spanish-language channel Univision was in the Venevision International production of Olvidarte Jamas. He later appeared in Mi Vida Eres Tu and Acorralada. In 2008, he appeared in his first film, Retazos de Vida, directed by Viviana Cordero.

He was invited by television producer Carla Estrada to star in Pasión, his breakthrough in Mexican soap operas. Televisa cast him as the lead in Cuidado con el Angel with actress and ex-RBD singer Maite Perroni.  The show was first broadcast in Mexico in June 2008, and began airing in the United States in September 2008 on Univision. It averaged 45.7 million viewers per evening.

Levy finished filming Sortilegio with actress Jacqueline Bracamontes on October 9, 2009.  Sortilegio aired on Univision, and the finale drew 6.6 million viewers, beating ABC and CBS for viewers in that time slot.

In November 2009, the actor lent his voice to the Spanish version of the animated movie Planet  The movie opened on November 27 in Mexico and won an award for best animated Spanish-language film of 2009 (Premios Goya).[13] From November 2009 to February 2010, Levy toured several Mexican cities with the play Un Amante a la Medida, which toured in the United States in June 2010.

Levy participated in the Mexican telenovela Triunfo del Amor, a remake of the Venezuelan classic Cristal, again with Maite Perroni. The telenovela aired on October, 25, 2010, in El Canal de las Estrellas. Pedro Torres, executive producer of Mujeres Asesinas, confirmed Levy’s role in the third season of the popular Mexican series.

Levy stars as Jennifer Lopez’s love interest in her music video “I’m Into You”, from her album Love?. It aired on the NBC Today Show on May 2, 2011.

Levy and Maite Perroni co-hosted the 25th Hispanic Heritage Awards gala on September 15, 2011, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Levy appeared on the cover of People en Español for its special issue on the sexiest men of the year.

In January 2012, it was announced that Levy will appear in two episodes of the VH1 television series Single Ladies, with Denise Vasi. He is a participant in the 14th season of Dancing with the Stars, with two-time mirror ball champion Cheryl Burke as his dance-pro partner.

So as you can see, he has already earned a string of hits under his belt. I can only imagine what he can do for the ratings for Dancing With The Stars!

Stay tuned, I am sure it is going to get hotter!

I’m impressed, and it makes perfect sense. Good food is made at home.

He recently told PopEater that cooking is one of the things he and his partner, the beautiful Camila Alves love to do. In his words, “Cooking is one of the main things we do. One and a half hours to two hours a day. We eat out like once every two months because we cook. It’s really great family time from six to eight. Glass of wine and we start mixing up sauces and trying new things. See what we can pull off and we swap, sometimes I’m the cook, sometimes Camila is the cook.”

The pair, who have two children, son Levi, two, and 14-month-old daughter Vida – rarely go out together because they have so much fun trying out new recipes.

They enjoy getting into the kitchen and mixing things up. McConaughey said, “We’ve got a whole bunch of things to fill up a cookbook right now. We might as well put it all in a cookbook.”

My sentiments exactly!

What else does the “Lincoln Lawyer” enjoy? When he isn’t in the kitchen, 41-year-old Matthew loves going for a drive as he claims being behind the wheel of his car gives him time to relax and think.

McConaughey said: “When I’m driving, that’s my favorite place to think. Or not think. “I like to put myself in a place where the answers sort of show up and my favorite place is behind a wheel, heading somewhere.”

Sounds like the next place he’s heading may be the bookstores for some book signings!

And BTW Matthew, if you need any help with that book….call me, the Cookbook Coach! I’d be glad to help!

The goal of our organization is to offer training and encouragement to cookbook writers so they feel empowered and energized to develop their cookbook idea and bring it forth into the marketplace. We support their efforts with education, resources, and community.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

“To enrich and energize the lives of cookbook writers everywhere by offering access to the best systems, training, and marketing tools available while creating an atmosphere of
support, encouragement, empowerment, and community.”

Some writers begin with blogs and eBooks, and move onto hard copy. Some writers will self-publish and move on the publishing deals. No matter where you are in your journey, the IACBW can help you reach your goal.

You may be a professional chef, personal chef, caterer, or other food industry professional. Or, you may be someone who just loves to cook. Perhaps you have a group of family heirloom of recipes you would like to publish. Or maybe you work at a non-profit organization. All are welcome here, and we will provide you with the individual support you need.

We are continually offering workshops, teleseminars, and interviews with writers and industry experts in the areas of writing, publishing, self-publishing, marketing, social media, speaking, and internet marketing skills.

Your idea-combined with our training, tools, and support…

It’s a perfect recipe! A winning combination of knowledge and community awaits you when you join the IACBW! Review our incredible members benefits package.

If you already have written a cookbook, you’ll get 1 full year of advertisement at the Cookbook Advertiser as part of your benefits!

Finally, an association that is focused and dedicated to the development of cookbook writers from all walks of life – around the world!

We welcome you! And we hope you will join us! Write your Cookbook!

Laura Denktash, Founder and President of IACBW, has been a writer for sixteen years. She is the author of The Rose Cookbook – a Treasury of Rose Recipes from Around the World. She experienced so much joy from writing her own cookbook, she has made it her mission to encourage and help as many writers as she can to do the same, so they can experience the joy of writing their own cookbook.

When you join IACBW you will receive an incredible package of cookbook writing resources. No matter where you are on your journey these benefits will help you to get going, and keep you going. You will also receive discounts on select workshops and teleseminars, courses, retreats and other learning opportunities as they become available. For a full description of all the fabulous advantages of membership see the benefits page. We look forward to working with you!

JOIN US BY BECOMING A MEMBER TODAY!

Cointreau stated that at this time publishers should be concerned as many more authors are deciding to leave to self-publish. He reasoned – if you are an established or famous author, you don’t really need the publisher. And if you are an unpublished author, the publishers don’t want you anyway, so you might as well self-publish and keep all the money!

The trend shows that only 1 in 5 cookbooks are currently being published in the traditional way. This is a huge change from the past five years.

As far as popularity of topics in the food industry, wine and spirit books are on the rise and doing very well. Also, food and wine, and food and spirit pairing have been hot topics for books and selling briskly.

The eBook craze should not effect the cookbook industry as much as it has effected other publishing.

The Paris Cookbook Fair is an annual event in Paris. I will surely make it to next years fair. Bon Apetit!

I’m looking for real-life success stories for a book that will be published this summer entitled – “Laid-Off To Launch: Going Ballistic After Being Laid-Off.”

Every entrepreneur has a story. And your story is worth writing, preserving and sharing. Writing is a wonderful way to pass on your unique and valuable life lessons.

If you were laid-off from your job and went ahead and started your own business during the extremely volatile economic times we have been passing through during the past few years and you have not only survived, but thrived then you truly have a message that should be shared!

Are you ready to be that honest? If you are, then we would love to hear your story of triumph and success.

Starting a small business is risky enough, but during these challenging economic times most people would shy away. But I’m looking for spirited entrepreneurs who realized that being laid-off was a blessing in disguise.

Your story is one of courage, faith and perseverance. You faced tremendous obstacles and overcame. You made sacrifices but it was worth it. I want to hear from you if you match these criteria:

1) You were laid-off between 2008 and 2010

2) You founded a small business instead of getting a job (or while you were looking)

3) Your business is now successful.

4) You can write your story in 2500-3500 words.

5) You can meet the 5/15/12 deadline.

Did you know that one of the most wonderful benefits of writing your story is that you learn more about yourself? This is a part of your life that when shared, could inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

If you have not written before, here are some questions to get your thoughts going. We want to know who you are, where you are from, where have you been, where you are now, and how did you get there? What was your job? We want to know how you did it. What matters most to you? What did you go through and what kept you going? What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them? What have your experiences taught you? What mistakes did you make? If you had it to do over again…would you?

When I look back on the last two to three years of my life since I was laid-off, I cannot believe it sometimes. I cannot believe that I have lived through some of it. But that tells me a lot about who I am and what I am made of.

Now it’s your turn. If selected for publication in the book Laid Off To Launch: Going Ballistic After Being Laid-Off, your story will be preserved for you, your family, your children and your loved ones. Tell us your entrepreneurial story in 2500 – 3500 maximum words and submit it. It’s easy to get started, and it could be the beginning of another great chapter on your incredible journey!

The deadline for stories is 5/15/2012. For all the details please visiit Laid Off To Launch

Have you been waiting for the “right time” to get to work on your book? I would like to tell you that there’s no time like right now to get going. And if you start now, by the time it’s the Autumn, you’ll have a good start and have some momentum to keep going! If you start now, your book can still be a reality in 2012. If you procrastinate, telling yourself “It’s the still early in the year,” you will miss a really good opportunity. What excuse will you have in January of 2013? You have to decide to move forward, and that means no matter what. Just TAKE ACTION, and get started!

Here are my Top 12 Great Tips for getting your book project going, and building your “author’s platform.” Take note, these are NOT marketing tips; I’m just showing you how to live as you “step” into your greatness! Start these good habits now so when you do really go into “turbo” in Summer, you will be rid of time wasters, negative habits and energy robbing situations.

SCHEDULE YOUR TIME

1. Schedule regular time slots to work on your book and your “author’s platform” and get to work. If you’re a morning person get up an hour earlier and create as the sun rises. The hour right before the sun rises is one of the most powerful times of day. If you’re a night owl, stay up late to get it done. Either way, give yourself a regular slot of at least sixty minutes per day (2 hours is even better) five time per week. But if you are a night owl, make sure you get enough sleep. You may need to catch a nap during the day. If you have children, schedule your time to work when they are doing their activities. Enlist the help of supportive friends, or your parents who can help you by taking the kids off your hands for a couple of hours. Find a way. You just have to stick with the program. Don’t use your children as an excuse for not writing your book. They are the reason you should write your book…think Legacy!

DETERMINE YOUR PURPOSE

2. Determine your soul purpose in life, and post it on your computer. Once you figure it out, surround yourself with it whenever you can. This is your larger job in life. It’s not a task, per se, but the general gift that you are meant to give to others, such as ‘help people feel more gratitude,’ ‘help people to eat more healthy,’ ‘wake people up to the power of nature’ or ‘remind people of their compassion,’ ‘awaken passion in others.’ You get the idea! It can be uncovered your journal, or even meditating on the question. Your soul purpose in life is the basis for your “author’s platform,” It’s where your book comes from, and where the “hook” lives and breathes.

GET RID OF TIME WASTERS

3. Recognize five time-wasters and put an end them – right away! If you are constantly checking your email, STOP! Other time wasters include spending too much time on the phone, sitting in front of the TV, and reading the paper from start to finish. Take a clear look at how you spend your time, and honestly assess your time usage. You won’t have time to do your book if you continue to engage in these time wasting activities. And believe me, the thing I hear most often from would-be authors is “I don’t have enough time!” And guess what…that’s why they remain “would-be authors.” Not enough time? BS, make the time! If you are truly committed, you will make time for something you truly desire. If not, then you are just kidding yourself.

GET RID OF ENERGY DRAINS

4. Politely and elegantly opt-out from at least three situations or relationships that waste your energy. Energy wasters only leave you feeling depressed, frustrated, annoyed, unappreciated and vaguely used or even “beaten up.” YIKES! Who needs that? Get them out of your life right now, and you won’t believe how much energy they free up for your book! For instance, “doubters”, if you have people in your life who do not believe that you can write a book, get rid of them. It’s that simple. Friends who want to take up your time and energy, but don’t give – I call them “energy vampires.” Relatives who like to call you up and pick fights or volunteer you for opportunities-tell them you are writing a book, give them the message that for the time being, you no longer volunteer, at least until you book is completed. And please, don’t feel bad about this; your book is a much greater gift to society as a whole than helping your friend’s, cousin’s, cousin’s, friend move! Get the picture? Stop trying to be nice to everyone and be nice to yourself! It’s called self-discipline!

FIND A SUPPORT BUDDY OR A COACH

5. Find a support buddy, group, or a coach if you have trouble sticking to marketing tasks. Think “accountability partner.” This is simply an ally (or a group of them) who really gets behind you and your vision for you and your book. You can connect via email, phone or live meetings to share inspiration, support, triumphs, disasters and ideas. This is especially helpful if you’re a procrastinator. Get in touch before AND after you get your work done each day. I’m working with an accountability partner right now. It’s no big deal. We email or speak for a few minutes almost every day. Trust me, it works! Remember, do no spend time with anyone who is not 100% supportive of your book project and your efforts. If you work from home already, you can determine 2 days out of the week that are strictly devoted to “business development.” I go into this is great detail in my “7 Secrets of a Successful Self-Published Book.” And if you hire me as your coach, I’ll be your accountability partner!

CREATE YOUR SPECIAL WORKSPACE

6. Create a beautiful workspace you love. A great creative workspace can be a separate room (preferably) or a devoted corner of your living space that has ALL the tools you need. Clean this space until it shines. Include inspirational helpers, like visual props, pictures, quotations and anything else that gives you positive feelings. Design it with the same care as you’ve planned the work of your book and your “author’s platform.” You’ll be spending a lot of time in this space, so make sure it is a nurturing space that is organized and gives you energy!

EAT THE RIGHT FOODS

7. Eat right, drink lots of water; keep power bars or shakes in your creative workspace. Take time to prepare delicious, nutritious meals. They do not have to be complicated to be healthy. Eat fresh vegetables, salads, and fruits. Always have a glass of fresh water at your fingertips when you are working. For energy boosts, I favor Forever Green and Isagenix products. Cliff bars, Luna bars, Power bars, spirulina shakes and the like all provide great bursts of energy when you’re burning the midnight oil. Don’t forget them! Keep them handy. These snacks honestly give you more sustained energy than caffeine, without rattling your nervous system and keeping you awake when you need to sleep. Remember, the brain needs nutrition and sleep. You are asking it to do a lot of work!

DE-CLUTTER

8. Dedicate a weekend to completely de-cluttering your home and creative work space. Sell off or give away ALL the unwanted but usable stuff. Clear out all the accumulated stuff you’ve jammed into drawers, shelves, corners and assorted nooks and crannies. Don’t be afraid to discard, or make great bags for sale or give away. Clear out your clothes closet and give those usable clothes to a worthy cause. This act releases energy that gives you a great boost for your book writing and “author’s platform” building.

EXERCISE

9. Exercise every single day – at least five times a week for 20 minutes a day. Whether it’s a sweaty workout on the treadmill, going to the gym and pumping, going for a long walk with your dogs, swimming, skiing, yoga – anything that gets your heart rate going—JUST DO IT!  I really enjoy kick boxing. It really gets me going! You need to generate energy in your body in order to be able to energize your platform and bring people to you who want to know about you! You need fresh air and oxygen. You need to get up from your computer and stretch and walk around every hour also. Get up and just walk around the block if you are working many hours in a row. Go out into the backyard. Just breathe in some fresh air. Your brain really needs the extra oxygen, because you are working hard!

WORK ON SOCIAL MEDIA

10. Build a daily social media presence. Start or end your day with a blog post. If you don’t have a blog, you need to get. Preferably, in the form of a Word Press Blog. Why Word Press? Because it has tools and awesome plug-ins you can easily install that enable your blog post to automatically upload to Twitter as well. Go to ‘Pages’ on Facebook and make sure your RSS feed to your blog is set up so it automatically posts to Facebook. Add recordings from a potential Podcast to your weekly uploads to your blog. Add video to you blog. Circulate in the blogosphere and find blogs that reach your market and get to know those people and start to ‘cross-pollinate’. Drive people to your Facebook fan page. If you don’t know how to use social media, please ask me. I can help you! I can also help you learn how to feed the “Google monster” so everyone knows what you are doing. By the time your book is ready, you will be known. That’s one of the reasons you need a Word Press blog rather than a regular website. Websites are static. No one can interact with you on a website. But they can on a Word Press blog. Word Press blogs are “dynamic.”

BRING YOUR LUNCH TO WORK

11. If you have a day job, bring your lunch to work. That way, you can spend your lunch hour on your book or your “author’s platform.” That’s what I did when I was writing my first book in 2007. Realize that going out for lunch while you are in the middle of writing a book is a time waster. Also realize that this is temporary. You will have plenty of time for wonderful lunches with friends when you book in completed! So close the door and shut the workday out. Then pull out your sandwich from home or heat up your pasta and get busy on your important work. If you do have to heat some food, slip out to the microwave a few minutes ahead of time so you don’t waste time waiting in line to use it. During this lunch hour time write your promotional emails, get your social media going, identify your time-wasters and develop a plan to drop them, etc. And don’t open the door for anyone until that sacred hour has passed! This time is yours! Make the best use of it! Don’t let anyone rob you! If you don’t have a door and are working from a cubicle and absolutely feel you must go somewhere else, do so, but go alone to a nearby café or coffee house where you can use your laptop. This also applies if you cannot access social media sites from you work computer, some companies do not allow it. So just work with your situation. Don’t use it as an excuse to get nothing done.

SPEAK UP

12. Start Speaking up. As an author, you are going to have to get used to being in front of people, telling them about your book. Standing up in front of a crowd can help you spread your mission AND make you big bucks – even at small, unpaid gigs. Your speaking expertise will help you sell books. Speaking is THE single most important thing you can do to get known by hundreds or even thousands of people fast. But it’s not just about the content of your talk; it’s about how you close your talk.

IN CONCLUSION

If you begin implementing these hints into your life now, you will be well on your way to success! So good luck, and get going! If you have questions or want to discuss working with me, contact me. We can set up a FREE 30 minute phone consultation to discuss your book project and your goals.

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As time went on, I realized that Celeste was extremely talented and accomplished at many things. She is a true entrepreneur in every respect—constantly moving, changing, improving, and navigating. She always knew how to leverage her talents and attributes. She remains the type of person I want to know. I continue to admire her and always look forward to see what she is up to next! This women gives new meaning to the term ‘multi-tasker’ and some of her accomplishments are surely things that other people can only dream about. The truly exciting part is that the story continues to evolve in the most beautiful ways. Here is the story to date, I am sure it will inspire you as it does me!

Celeste Yarnall, Ph.D. has lived a multi-faceted life. Like a handful of other celebrities from the entertainment world, Dr. Yarnall comes to her holistic health expertise because it is her passion. As an actress, Celeste Yarnall was “the product” that she marketed and, therefore, being fit and healthy was of paramount importance.

After being featured in Life Magazine and appearing in the Nutty Professor with Jerry Lewis, Celeste won the coveted title of Miss Rheingold 1964 in New York City, receiving 20,000,000 votes in America’s second biggest election. She made Time Magazine at 19 years of age for this achievement. She was the recipient of a very large cash prize and starred in Rheingold’s TV commercials, radio spots, print ads, and did personal appearances all over the Eastern Seaboard. Celeste even had her own pavilion with Rheingold at their Little Old New York replication of a 1904 tavern at the 1964 Worlds Fair.

Celeste returned to Los Angeles after her amazing reign as Miss Rheingold to resume her acting career, having been signed by the William Morris Agency and groomed for stardom. She became a Deb Star, Hollywood Star of Tomorrow, and was awarded her trophy in1966 on a prime time television special. She then went on to become “The Most Photogenic Beauty” by the International Press community at the Cannes Film Festival.

If you’re a “trekkie,” you’ll remember Celeste Yarnall as the guest-star on the classic Star Trek episode entitled “The Apple.” Perhaps you remember her from some of her other memorable TV guest appearances on such legendary shows as “Bonanza” or “Man from U.N.C.L.E.”

You may recall Celeste as Elvis Presley’s co-star in “Live a Little, Love a Little,” to name but a few of her acting credits. You can visit her personal website for more information and photos of Celeste from various roles as an actress.

Celeste maintained her connection to the entertainment world continuing to do acting roles and television commercials as a spokeswoman but also became noteworthy as an entrepreneur as the first woman to own and operate her own commercial real estate brokerage, as Celeste Yarnall and Associates, specializing in the entertainment industry through the leasing and sale of high rise office buildings in Beverly Hills and L.A.’s prestigious Westside. The annual volume of business she and her crew of sales associates were responsible for was well over $100,000,000 annually.

In fact, she was featured on prime time TV by a popular news anchor on a program entitled, “The Young Millionaires.” Just in her early thirties at the time, Celeste was filmed showing her clients prospective properties in her cream colored Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II. She made headlines in newspapers and numerous publications for her real estate expertise and was plucked off the front page of the Real Estate section of the Los Angeles Times by the Chairman of the Board of California Federal Savings to be their spokeswoman in TV, radio, and point of purchase advertising campaigns.

At the same time, Celeste ran an artist’s management company, which specialized in representing talented new screen writers with an eye to entering production and packaging of film properties. Celeste sold several scripts to major studios, and one was made into a multi-million dollar film starring Steven Seagal. However, the stress was becoming overwhelming for her, as she was raising her daughter, still acting, running two full time businesses, and traveling extensively. A lifetime love of cats and dogs led Celeste on a completely different path, which segued to leaving these two businesses behind.

Enter yet another career for Celeste and a new paradigm. Celeste became one of the leading celebrity experts in the world of holistic health care for cats and dogs, as she realized in the early 90′s, that there was much to be challenged in the world of traditional veterinary medicine. This led her to study clinical nutrition. In I997 she was awarded a doctorate in Nutrition from Pacific Western University.

She has written four books to date and numerous articles for prestigious pet oriented publications. She was one of the first authors to take a strong stand on the importance of feeding dogs and cats a species specific raw meat and raw bone carnivore diet, the dangers of vaccination, and over use of drugs and chemicals in veterinary medicine. She is a seeker of truth, challenges the traditional route, and stands resolute in the face of controversy.

Her first book, Cat Care Naturally, was published in 1995. The updated paperback, Natural Cat Care, was published in 1998 along with the release of Natural Dog Care, endorsed by Dr. Barry Sears, PhD, of “The Zone” fame. Between 1993 and 2009, Dr. Yarnall and her breeding partners did what no one else in the veterinary community has ever done and that is to raise eleven generations of her own beloved championship Tonkinese show cats on the basic holistic principles outlined in her books, including formulating her own state-of-the-art supplementation based on her expertise in clinical nutrition, and anti-aging principles.

The incredible health results from this work were the impetus behind her newest book co-authored with renowned holistic veterinarian, Jean Hofve, DVM. The book is entitled, The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care, and is the recipient of the coveted Cat Writers Association’s 2010 Muse Medallion Award and is enjoying outstanding reviews. It is the first anti-aging book ever written for pets. World reknowned anti-aging physician, C. Norman Shealy, MD, Ph.D., recommended the book in his prestigious Youthful Aging newsletter.

Dr. Yarnall stresses the importance of the inclusion of Omega-3 marine lipids and antioxidant supplementation throughout her newest book. The featured product in her practice is Moxxor. A brand new category of Omega-3 marine lipids from New Zealand. She has recently been appointed to the Moxxor Holistic Advisory Board. Moxxor has become the cornerstone of her practice for both her human and animal clients, whom she consults with in her practice.

Dr Yarnall also integrates her expertise as an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping consultant and is a member of the prestigious Tapping Insiders Club. Dr. Yarnall is a Reiki Master, medical intuitive, grief counselor, and is also expert in nonverbal communication and incorporates homeopathy, herbs, flower essences, among other protocols into her holistic repertoire. She is a highly skilled, charismatic motivational speaker sharing her journey and insights in her own warm, authentic, engaging voice adding value to the lives of all who come in contact with her.

Dr. Yarnall is married to noted British painter, Nazim Artist. Their combined holistic paradigm is embraced as the Art of Wellness Collection. Celeste and Nazim reside in Westlake Village, California with their 4 naturally raised Celestecats Tonkinese cats and are surrounded by Nazim’s magnificent art works.

Dr. Yarnall’s book, The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care is available on Amazon

MISS MARY’S HONOR GUARD

While she navigates her way to safety, the officer strikes deep into Union territory with Morgan’s cavalry. When the unit is trapped, he must evade capture working as a spy behind Union lines until he can make his way back to her … if she has survived.

The Union Army, out for blood, hunts him as he puts his life on the line to find her again.

This exciting and emotional story, set amid the violence and destruction of the Civil War, is about the special quality that makes fearsome soldiers and indestructible families. Enduring great tragedy, they learn to persevere and protect the things that really matter, soldiering on when hope has no reason beyond one driving force: love.

Miss Mary’s Honor Guard is a historical novel written by Donald C. Bowman. He is currently working on a sequel and has plans in place for future writing projects. Donald C. Bowman has published articles in service journals and contributed to Infantry Magazine. Miss Mary’s Honor Guard is his first novel. LTC (R) Donald C. Bowman was inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame (RHOF) on July 27, 2011. He is also a participant in the Witness to War which preserves the oral histories of combat veterans.

Click here to purchase copies of Miss Mary’s Honor Guard

ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE BOOK:

“Don Bowman tells an intriguing tale of a vivacious southern belle as she travels as a convicted Rebel spy from one end of the Civil War to another to avoid a Northern hangman’s noose. No camp follower Miss Mary, she wields a riding crop for personal defense and employs a swivel gun when outnumbered. She adroitly obtains support for her travels from a bevy of generals familiar to the reader in both blue and gray along the way. Easy read, action packed, grounded in the particulars of mounted warfare, and based on events of that moment. Who says women are better at giving life than taking it — except for an errant husband or two.”

– Volney F. Warner, General, U.S. Army, Retired

RAVE REVIEWS ON AMAZON FOR THE BOOK:

Although the title of this book suggests a story involving a homecoming queen, nothing could be further from the truth. Don Bowman has woven a story of intrigue and espionage, courage and determination, love and revenge, honor and gentility, betrayal and fidelity. Famed cavalry leaders appear in dramatic vignettes and units such as Morgan’s Rangers gallop from one raid to another. All of this action is set against the rich background of our Civil War, a violent but not a merciless conflict which took place in an age in which chivalry was not dead even though it pitted brother against brother and friend against friend.

Although the protagonists are southern, there is plenty of room for admirable northerners. There is also room for villains of every stripe. The combat episodes evoke the same timeless tactics and principles that elite units have employed in every war as they accommodate the changes in weaponry and equipment. The thread running throughout the story is one of a woman’s unquenchable love and determination in the face of great hardships and obstacles. She is a heroine worthy of her man. Hollywood should read this tale because this has the makings of a dandy mini-series.

Richard Henry Morton
January 25, 2011

Miss Mary’s Honor Guard is an outstanding read for the person interested in a good story enriched with history. It will delight those with a pension for the Civil War era. A confederate officer, under command of General Morgan, is charged with a special mission that, ultimately, takes him behind Union lines. The adventures that befall Lieutenant John McKinzie are faithful to the actual events of the war, and the author brings authentic detail to the actions surrounding both citizen and cavalry trooper as both endure the battlefield hardships that spill into the countryside of southern Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Bowman carefully weaves researched details of the horse soldier’s struggle to meet the mundane tasks of survival in 1864. The story moves along smartly. And what reader can resist the romance of a hero’s struggle to protect his true love?

Robert Faulkender
April 29, 2011

This is an excellent example of a fictional novel based upon real events. It is an easy read and well written. Suspense is also built into the story and keeps the reader’s interst level high. If you like military history mixed with fictional human interest, you will enjoy Miss Mary’s Honor Guard.

Jack Solomon
January 6, 2011

Click here to purchase copies of Miss Mary’s Honor Guard

Paperback, 6×9 in, 204 pages
Wheatmark, January 15, 2010
ISBN: 9781604943986