Note from Kristine:

This is but a tiny sampling of books that have significantly impacted my life and career – and but a tiny sampling of books that I frequently recommend to my clients. Rather than overwhelm you with a mega-list, I thought I simply suggest some great places to start exploring in various areas.

(And there’s always my book, too.)









Acting / The Industry – my super 7




Just A Geek  //  by Wil Wheaton

Oh, if you are a creative-type born in the 70′s you will especially identify with the touchstones in Wil’s life. Fun-ny! And poignant. But that’s not why I’m recommending the book. (And you MUST get it on audio – hearing Wil tell the tale is perfection.) Here’s the reason this book is a must-read for everyone trying to find and pursue their passions: 

In this, his newest book, Wil shares his deeply personal and difficult journey to find himself. You’ll understand the rigors, and joys, of Wil’s rediscovering of himself, as he comes to terms with what it means to be famous, or, ironically, famous for once having been famous. Writing with honesty and disarming humanity, Wil touches on the frustrations associated with his acting career, his inability to distance himself from Ensign Crusher in the public’s eyes, the launch of his incredibly successful web site, wilwheaton.net, and the joy he’s found in writing.

Ignore Everybody, And 39 Other Keys to Creativity  //  by Hugh MacLeod

Loveitloveitloveitloveit!!!  I’ve enjoyed Hugh’s cartoons for sometime now, and his guidance is the same: refreshing, subversive, inspiring.

Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils and Rewards of Artmaking  //  by David Bayles & Ted Orland

This is a fantastic book – “an artist’s survival guide for anyone grappling daily with the problems of making art in the real world.” It’s not about the business side of things; it’s about the tug-of-war that goes on inside your head.

How To Agent Your Agent  //  by Nancy Rainford
and
An Agent Tells All  //  by Tony Martinez

You need to know the point of view of agents because a) you’ll be working with them and b) their p.o.v., priorities, and methods are, most likely, verrrry different from your own!

Making It On Broadway: Actors’ Tales of Climbing to the Top  // by David Wienir & Jodie Langel

A must-read if you want a career in the theatre. Interviews with many Broadway performers – some famous, some not. Prepare yourself for a hearty dose of reality.



The Tao of Show Business // by Dallas Travers

Dallas is a colleague of mine – “the actors advocate” – who has written a smart, clear roadmap through the how-tos of effectively marketing yourself as an actor. She’s a smart cookie.

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Business Building / Networking – my super 7





Good To Great //  by Jim Collins

More than just a business book… this is one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. I think I’ve read it at least six times (listened to it actually – get the audio version so you can hear Jim’s passion for his subject). There is nothing new-age-y or spiritual about this book. It is an examination of life through the prism of business by a man who is one of those rare individuals who uses his bright, highly organized mind to investigate, learn, and shed a little more light on the human condition.

Brag: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It  // by Peggy Klaus

How to talk about who you are and what you do while communicating confident ownership of your skills, talents, and gifts – without seeming arrogant at all.

The 4-Hour Work Week – Expanded Edition  //  by Timothy Ferriss

The best thing about this book is that it presents a whole other out-of-the-box idea for approaching life.  Every now and then our brains need to be shaken up, pulled like taffy and pointed in a different direction of possibility. This book did that for me.

Book Yourself Solid
and
Beyond Booked Solid  //  by Michael Port

Are you looking to build or expand your client base? Or add some back-up singers to your one-man-band? Michael does a clear and thorough job of covering the how-to basics.

The E Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Business Don’t Work and What To Do About It  //  by Michael E. Gerber

An enlightening explanation of the difference between working IN your business and working ON your business – a must read for anyone involved in (or contemplating) a business venture of any kind. Written in a very accessible, comprehensible, non-jargon-y style. I highly recommend getting the audio version.

Get Slightly Famous: Become a Celebrity In Your Field and Attract More Business With Less Effort  //  by Steven Yoder

Steven celebrates branding, niche-ing, and developing and marketing your expertise – Amen, brother!

Guerrilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies For Making Big Profits From Your Small Business  //  by Jay Conrad Levinson

I’m not sure where I would be without Mr. Levinson and the whole series of Guerrilla books. Quality ideas – especially for those working with a bare-bones marketing budget.

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Personal Growth – my super 7


Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway  //  by Susan Jeffers

The antidote for natural scared-y cats (like I once was!)

A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life’s Purpose  //  by Eckhart Tolle

Building and sustaining success relies on you being able to hear and interpret your gut feelings. There are many paths that can lead you toward increased self-knowledge. For most folks, this book is a great place to start. Reading all the chapters in order (for context) will make the last two even more juicy.

Women, Food and God  //  by Geneen Roth

Men, please don’t be put off by title… and folks, don’t worry about the “God” part either.  (This isn’t a “religious” book.) This is a book that everyone should read.  Unlike any other occupation, working in the entertainment industry can warp your relationship with food, your body, and your self image.  Although I’ve never had a weight problem, that doesn’t mean I’ve come through my adulthood in this town unscathed.  I gained much more awareness from this book and I think you will too.

Wealthy Spirit: Daily Affirmations For Financial Stress Reduction  //  by Chellie Campbell

Before I had the pleasure of actually meeting Chellie, I was given her book at a conference and it was a huge help in shifting my thoughts and improving my relationship with money. (For about a year, I read a page a day.)

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui  //  by Karen Kingston

Regardless of whether or not you are interested in the feng shui parts, Karen provides extraordinarily clear, concise insights into the deeper issues of your relationship with your clutter. This is the book I recommend to organizing clients most often.

In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Culture of Speed  //  by Carl Honore

I read this book every so often to be reminded that we have a choice in how we live and that there ARE other approaches besides hyper-drive.

Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life With ADD  //  by Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey

THIS is the even more helpful follow-up to their other great book: Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with ADD from Childhood Through Adulthood


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