New Blog Site
This is going to be my last post on this blog. I will now be hosting my blog on my website – http://billwalker.com. I will be deleting this blog from WordPress in 30-45 days.
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Tags: bill walker, bill walker blog, bill walker entrepreneur, bill walker music
Prismatic Publishing a division of Prismatic Entertainment is sponsoring a short story writing contest. The deadline to enter is August 15, 2009. The purpose of the event is to encourage people to pursue their interest in writing.
Winners will be announced September 19th at a writer’s workshop held in the Sacramento, CA metro area. The 8 finalists in each division will be given two complimentary tickets to the writer’s workshop in addition to a small cash prize. Entry fee for this contest: $0.00. It’s free so enter today.
Prismatic Entertainment was formed out of a necessity and desire to help people who either are or desire to be an independent author or musician. Development of the two websites is taking much longer than originally anticipated. In the end both independent artist and consumer (fan) will benefit from the developmental delays. All should be up and running with 6-8 weeks. Don’t let that discourage you from entering the short story contest.
Times have changed and the revolution in the production and distribution of art to the world has begun. There is an audience who want to read what you have to say. The internet has virtually created unlimited storage capacity and a venue for distributing your Work to the world without any geographical boundaries. There has never been a better opportunity for you to get your Work to the fans that are waiting to read your words.
Now is the time to take control of your writing career and begin to succeed as an independent author.
Enter Contest
What challenges have you faced pursing your writing career?
What goals have you set for yourself as a writer?
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Tags: contest, indepedent author, indie publish, Indie Publishing, publish, writer, writers, writing contest
Theme update
It’s been 4 months since I last posted anything. My company has been going through several changes so I thought a theme change on my blog would be nice too.
The company’s name has been changed to Prismatic Entertainment. A new website is being built and the services that I want to offer have doubled. We should be going live with our community for independent authors and musicians by the 1st of may. The online store should be ready June 1st.
Once things get up and running I’ll be posting regularly. Have a great night!
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds – Albert Einstein
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I was playing the piano at the Sacramento Airport yesterday and had a great experience right before the end of my shift. A woman approached me and wanted to thank me for blessing her life while she was waiting for her sister to arrive. She pointed out how most people never slow down to appreciate their surroundings and she just had to come over and tell me how my playing had affected her.
Then she asked if she could give me something. I was surprised and hesitant at the request but I said yes. She grabbed my hand with both of hers and slipped some money into my hand. She then said thank you and walked away. The amount is irrelevant. I did not look until later.
It was a short conversation that left a big impression on me. The first impression is that you never know how your actions affect the ones around you, the second is the importance of being grateful, the third is learning to be a good receiver.
I was grateful for the conversation and for the money she gave me. The money was given as a token of appreciation. My first instinct was to refuse the gift. The airport was paying me to be there. The entertainers hired for the holiday season are not allowed to have tables to sell their products nor allowed to put out a tip jar. We are there providing a service for the airport patrons. I had informed the woman that I was being paid to be there, however, under the circumstances it was important for me to allow her to give and it was equally important for me to be a good receiver.
It is common for people to be poor receivers. Many feel undeserving or unworthy. Unfortunately this feeling of unworthiness spills into all aspects of our lives. It prevents financial success and it affects our relationships. As important as it is to be generous and give to others it is equally or more important to learn how to receive and be grateful.
Being grateful puts us in a position to receive more. Whatever we are seeking – financial success, better relationships, improved spirituality, a healthy body – is available when we are willing to receive. Be grateful for all that you currently have and remember to be grateful for all that you receive. Doing so will lead to a happier and more successful life.
What are you grateful for?
Do you remember a time when you allowed yourself to receive?
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Tags: Authors, business, entrepreneur, gratitude, independent authors, independent musicians, law of attraction, Musicians
David R Christensen
David R Christensen received BS degree from Brigham Young Unviersity in 1973. After retiring from a career in engineering, he began his new career as an author of children’s books.
Tivoli’s Christmas, his first book has just been published by Prismatic Publishing and is now available. This book is destined to become a holiday classic. Order your copy today. This book is being distributed by eBooks & Music.
David’s official website: http://davidrchristensen.com
David’s 2nd book The Mystery of the Grinning Buddha is scheduled for publication early 2009. His 3rd book Stanley Billings: That’s Me! should be available mid 2009.
Tivoli's Christmas
Tivoli believes Kirsten no longer wants him because he is worn out and tattered, so he spends Christmas Eve on a quest to get repaired. He thinks if he is as handsome as a brand new bear, perhaps Kirsten will love him again.
With the help of Whiskers, the brave alley cat, Tivoli discovers that how you act is more important than how you look.
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Tags: author, book, books, christmas book, david r christensen, e-book, featured author, holiday book, indie publish, Indie Publishing, new author, self-publish
Featured Musician – Jeff Bjorck
Jeff Bjorck
Jeff’s website: http://purepiano.com
As an artist, Jeff Bjorck believes music in its purest form is sometimes the closest thing to art. Not surprisingly, his solo acoustic piano compositions paint a gallery of musical images suitable for framing. These original works interweave delicacy with intensity, combine musical notes with the space between them, and create moving pictures that move the emotions. Dr. Bjorck is somewhat of an expert on emotions. As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology, his multifaceted vocation typifies his ongoing passion for a Renaissance man’s approach to life.
Jeff’s nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same during the past thirty years. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, “Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!”
To Jeff, nature embodies God’s ultimate artistic creativity, and it is frequently the subject of his portraits. Born to two artists, he began creating music when he was ten years old. He also loves composing through the media of photography, illustration, painting, and poetry.
In addition to original compositions, Jeff includes original arrangements of traditional hymns on his CDs. He remarks, “My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ provide vision and give my life its meaning. My creativity merely imitates the Creator.” He describes his compositions as “quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world.” Listeners apparently agree. His music has provided reassuring focus for mothers in delivery, peaceful rest when insomnia comes knocking, and elegant ambiance at intimate wedding receptions and dinner parties. Jeff also donates his music to Pediatric psychology staff at City of Hope Hospital, who use his CDs as part of their approach to stress management with pediatric cancer patients and their families. He remarks, “It is my hope that I can bring all my listeners emotional music with a classical feel that lifts them from the rat race and gently sets them down in a restful place, as far away from everyday chaos as possible.”
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Tags: featured musician, indepenent musician, indie musician, Jeff Bjorck, musician
Johannes Linstead
Johannes’ website: http://johanneslinstead.com
If you haven’t ever listened to Johannes Linstead now is a good time to check out his music. It’s amazing acoustic guitar.
From being named “Guitarist of the Year” in the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, to winning three “best album” awards, to four top-ten charting albums, to top-ten radio airplay, Johannes Linstead has become recognized internationally as one of best selling guitarist/composers in the Instrumental and World Music genres. Johannes let’s loose a fiesta of Spanish guitar magic!
Johannes Linstead, one of Canada’s top guitarists, earned a nomination for the nation’s top music prize, a JUNO Award in the “Instrumental Album Of The Year” category, for his CD CAFÉ TROPICAL. The JUNOs are Canada’s equivalent of a Grammy. This album also reached the #1 position on eMusic.com World Music Chart within the first week of its’ release, and reached the #4 position on the coveted Billboard music charts in the US. MEDITERRANEA (Sept. 2004) shot straight to the Top Ten and reached the #6 position and was named “Best World Album” in the NAR Lifestyle Music Awards. All of Johannes’ CD have charted on Billboard and are available around the world.
Johannes’ live performances are nothing short of phenomenal. Bursting with tropical sounds, audiences are moved to dance and clap along to his music. In concert, as on his recordings, Johannes strives to create a festive mood, leaving plenty of room for lightning fast guitar improvisations and spicy percussion solos, which include bongos, congas, timbale and doumbek. Lively Latin and Mediterranean rhythms combined with Johannes’ technical virtuosity leave audiences breathless.
A hugely talented multi-instrumentalist, Johannes plays guitar, piano, mandolin, bouzouki, bass, wood flute and various percussion. On his recordings he is backed by world-class musicians from countries as diverse as Cuba, Columbia, Syria, Greece, Mexico, Russia, Venezuela, the Ukraine and India.
Influenced deeply by the journeys he experienced as a youth, Johannes states: “The integration of the many cultures I have experienced, from Spain, to the Caribbean Islands, to Latin America, have moved me to create new rhythms and sounds. Experiencing these cultures – not just the music but also the people’s everyday triumph over adversity – is what inspires my music.”
Johannes Linstead Live in California
Johannes Linstead performing Ambrosia
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Karl Beckstrand
Karl W. Beckstrand is from San Jose, California. He served an LDS mission in Viña del Mar, Chile, and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the College of Communications & Fine Art at Brigham Young University. He studied television and film in California and Utah. Mr. Beckstrand has served as a Spanish/English interpreter and has taught ESL He is a published author/illustrator and writes for local businesses. His book titles include: Anna’s Prayer, Sounds in the House, Crumbs on the Stairs; Migas en las escaleras, and Life is Packed. He also sings as a rock front man.
Karl’s website: http://gozobooks.com
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Tags: author, Authors, book, books, indie author, indie publish, writers
Kori Linae Carothers
Kori’s saga of her musical quest to share her soul stemmed from her childhood. Ever since Kori can remember, music has always painted imagery in her mind. She was always listening to something on the record player in her home in Minnesota and Texas. Her favorites were Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Band as well as many of her classical favorites. ” I remember when I was little, and sitting next to the record player putting my head down to the speakers to hear everything going on”, says Kori. ” I was amazed at the varied instrumentation that brought the songs I loved so much together”. Kori also had a tape player with headphones ” I would fall asleep listening to John William’s “Star Wars Soundtrack” ’. She heard the Beatles on the radio and began to plunk out tunes on the piano and as she figured out the songs without any musical knowlege, she knew that she wanted to play the piano right then. She took piano lessons, listened to many varied artists and at age 14 began to compose music.
Kori hears music in her head all the time. She composes her music when she feels like expressing herself. “Many people ask me all the time if I plan and write out my compositions” says Kori. “But I don’t do that. Technically, I am not great at notation. When I feel like I need to say something musically, I sit down and work out a melody and record everything I do.”
Kori is working on her third album, Trillium, slated for release later on in 2008. “I plan on releasing each song digitally, so that the fans of my music will get excited about the whole project, once I do that, I will release the recording as a physical CD. I really like doing my own thing. I don’t like to listen to people telling me HOW I should sound like so and so. I just compose what I want my music to be like and that’s what is inside of me dying to get out!
The first 5 tracks of Trillium are available on her website:
Kori’s official website: http://koritunes.com
Check out her music today!
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Tags: Daily Blog, independent musicians, indie musician, music, musician, Musicians
Stephanie Chandler
Stephanie Chandler spent 11 years in the fast-paced Silicon Valley in a variety of roles including software sales, technical training and technical support. When she developed an ulcer before her 30th birthday, she knew it was time for a complete lifestyle change.
Following much contemplation and a year of planning, Chandler fled corporate America in 2003 and opened a bookstore in Sacramento, CA (she sold the store in 2007). In the process of starting the business, she discovered a new passion: helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the same freedom that she did. In response, she launched BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs.
Stephanie is the author of several books. In 2006 her book From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with Books, E-books and Information Products was published. It is a fantastic book full of advice how to pofit from writing and selling information. It is a must read for anyone serious about making money selling information on the internet.
Stephanie’s website:
http://stephaniechandler.com
Have you bought your copy of
From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur?
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Tags: Authors, entrepreneur, featured author, independent author, indie publish, self-publish, stephanie chandler, writers
Recent Entries
- New Blog Site
- Fall 2009 Writing Contest: Surprising Revelation
- Theme update
- Gratitude and the Act of Receiving
- Featured Author – David R Christensen
- Featured Musician – Jeff Bjorck
- Featured Musician – Johannes Linstead
- Featured Author – Karl Beckstrand
- Featured Musician – Kori Linae Carothers
- Featured Author – Stephanie Chandler
- Featured Musician – David Nevue
