Simone Pond's Blog - Posts Tagged "the-city-center"
Pre-launch excitement
I'm cobbling together the pieces of my marketing plan for my upcoming book launch. I've read so many articles on the subject I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed, but also very excited. There's a plethora of online tools to help spread the word, but I know the tried and true way to pique interest is through word of mouth. And that is why I'm looking forward to building a community here on Goodreads.
I'm open to suggestions and ideas you might have for some fun and interesting ways to help spread the word about my upcoming book launch.
Thanks for stopping by.
Simone
I'm open to suggestions and ideas you might have for some fun and interesting ways to help spread the word about my upcoming book launch.
Thanks for stopping by.
Simone
Want to Read
There are so many books I want to read. I decided to cancel cable in order to spend less time in front of the TV and more time reading and writing. It's amazing how much more time there is in a day without being held captive by the flickering TV. I don't have a flat screen. I'm old school.
I need to clone myself. I hear that's possible now.
I need to clone myself. I hear that's possible now.
Reading is yoga for the brain
I accidentally read Margaret Atwood's The Year of the Flood too fast. Now I have to wait until August 29 for the third book in the series! I feel like a lost soul drifting in the ether and no place to land.
Don't you love it when a story pulls you in and takes you on journey? When it enriches and stretches your imagination?
When I read The Outsiders in 7th grade I was so bummed when it was over, I immediately read it again. And again. Like fourteen times. Yes, that's a bit obsessive.
While I wait for my editor's notes on The City Center, I'm working on the prequel to the series called The New Agenda. I have to say, I'm totally obsessed with the world I've created and I don't want the journey to end. I want to keep going deeper in.
As a writer, we can only hope others will love our writing as much as we love our writing. Who knows, maybe one person out there will read my books fourteen times in a row.
Read on, Goodreads!
Don't you love it when a story pulls you in and takes you on journey? When it enriches and stretches your imagination?
When I read The Outsiders in 7th grade I was so bummed when it was over, I immediately read it again. And again. Like fourteen times. Yes, that's a bit obsessive.
While I wait for my editor's notes on The City Center, I'm working on the prequel to the series called The New Agenda. I have to say, I'm totally obsessed with the world I've created and I don't want the journey to end. I want to keep going deeper in.
As a writer, we can only hope others will love our writing as much as we love our writing. Who knows, maybe one person out there will read my books fourteen times in a row.
Read on, Goodreads!
The City Center
I'm down to the last rounds of edits and the book cover design for The City Center.
While my manuscript is with my editor I'm contacting bloggers for book reviews. I won't lie, it's not my favorite part of the process, but I've been in advertising for twenty years, so I know marketing is vital.
In a time when we're constantly being bombarding with information it can be tough to stand out. You just never know if your book is going to take off. But I know for sure that the best marketing tool ever invented is Word of Mouth.
And that is one tool nobody can buy.
While my manuscript is with my editor I'm contacting bloggers for book reviews. I won't lie, it's not my favorite part of the process, but I've been in advertising for twenty years, so I know marketing is vital.
In a time when we're constantly being bombarding with information it can be tough to stand out. You just never know if your book is going to take off. But I know for sure that the best marketing tool ever invented is Word of Mouth.
And that is one tool nobody can buy.
Book Cover Reveal
My book cover is done and I love it. If you want to see it, visit my website:
www.simonepond.com
www.simonepond.com
Radio Inteview about The City Center
My book is picking up some steam--it's good to know other people are talking about it besides me and my father.
People like it, they really like it! (Sally, we'll never let you live that one down)
I just had a radio interview with Cyrus Webb about writing, life and what inspired me to write The City Center. I actually listened to the play back and didn't hate myself afterward.
If you want to hear more from me, you can listen to the interview right here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversa...
People like it, they really like it! (Sally, we'll never let you live that one down)
I just had a radio interview with Cyrus Webb about writing, life and what inspired me to write The City Center. I actually listened to the play back and didn't hate myself afterward.
If you want to hear more from me, you can listen to the interview right here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversa...
My first book signing
Years ago I saw an episode of "Sex in the City" - the one about Carrie Bradshaw's book release party.
I've been fantasizing about book signings for years; even before I saw this episode. Not so much for the attention and recognition (maybe just a little), but mostly for the connection to others. It's tough spending so much time alone in your head, wondering if a sentence sounds right, or if a character would really say that -- or if your story is any good. Getting the opportunity to share my words with others is wonderful, but receiving others' words is a true gift.
Today my dream came true: I had my first book signing in Alexandria, Va. It looked nothing like Carrie's, but it was absolutely perfectly me. I hope to do a lot more of these in a lot more cities.
(to see pic visit: www.simonesaysblog.com)
I've been fantasizing about book signings for years; even before I saw this episode. Not so much for the attention and recognition (maybe just a little), but mostly for the connection to others. It's tough spending so much time alone in your head, wondering if a sentence sounds right, or if a character would really say that -- or if your story is any good. Getting the opportunity to share my words with others is wonderful, but receiving others' words is a true gift.
Today my dream came true: I had my first book signing in Alexandria, Va. It looked nothing like Carrie's, but it was absolutely perfectly me. I hope to do a lot more of these in a lot more cities.
(to see pic visit: www.simonesaysblog.com)
Author spotlight
I'm being featured on Kit 'n Kabookle. So if you're interested in reading more about The City Center, or my writing process, you can read my interview here:
http://kitnkabookle.blogspot.com/2013...
I love doing author interviews, so if you - or someone you know - is interested in hearing more from me, let me know.
http://kitnkabookle.blogspot.com/2013...
I love doing author interviews, so if you - or someone you know - is interested in hearing more from me, let me know.
Of course Ava Rhodes is no Katniss Everdeen
First of all, let me say I'm flattered that some book reviewers and critics have mentioned The City Center's heroine, Ava Rhodes, in the same paragraph as The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen. This is a huge compliment. Yes, they are young women who rebel against their oppressive circumstances, but that's pretty much where the similarities end.
In The City Center, Ava is designed from her inception to be a symbol of perfection. She's raised inside a modernized center where she's sheltered and pampered, and lives a life of luxury. Ava is borderline robotic because of her programming. While Katniss is living in the worst conditions, starving to death and has been fighting for survival since birth.
Inside the City Center people are pumped up with chemicals and years of indoctrination to keep them unaware and clueless of their prison state, so this should indicate the level Ava is operating from. She's not a wimp, she's like a newborn foal slowly discovering how to use her wobbly legs. To have her escape the City Center, guns blazing, would be totally out of character. Her ascent into heroine-ism is slow and steady, and eventually she wins the race.
Some critics say she's strong at certain points, but then she checks out from time to time. And I say, of course! I don't know anyone who's faith or courage doesn't waver every now and then. Ava's overcoming a long-term internal conflict––the abusive relationship with her assigned partner, James, that's been pecking at her self-confidence and planting seeds of doubt since she was a kid. This might not seem like a big deal to contend with, but in my experience it's usually the 'smaller' stuff that knocks me on my ass.
I'm not writing this to defend my work, but rather my heroine, Ava Rhodes. I wanted to keep her in character and true to her story arc. Sure, the ending might have been a bit rushed. It's my first novel and I was so excited to get it out into the world, I wanted to hurry up and get it done. Also, I wasn't as interested in the specifics of rebuilding the city––that might happen in another novel––I was more interested in Ava's journey from being a prisoner in Plato's cave to a place of awareness and enlightenment.
Hope this clears things up, I feel MUCH better. And so Ava.
In The City Center, Ava is designed from her inception to be a symbol of perfection. She's raised inside a modernized center where she's sheltered and pampered, and lives a life of luxury. Ava is borderline robotic because of her programming. While Katniss is living in the worst conditions, starving to death and has been fighting for survival since birth.
Inside the City Center people are pumped up with chemicals and years of indoctrination to keep them unaware and clueless of their prison state, so this should indicate the level Ava is operating from. She's not a wimp, she's like a newborn foal slowly discovering how to use her wobbly legs. To have her escape the City Center, guns blazing, would be totally out of character. Her ascent into heroine-ism is slow and steady, and eventually she wins the race.
Some critics say she's strong at certain points, but then she checks out from time to time. And I say, of course! I don't know anyone who's faith or courage doesn't waver every now and then. Ava's overcoming a long-term internal conflict––the abusive relationship with her assigned partner, James, that's been pecking at her self-confidence and planting seeds of doubt since she was a kid. This might not seem like a big deal to contend with, but in my experience it's usually the 'smaller' stuff that knocks me on my ass.
I'm not writing this to defend my work, but rather my heroine, Ava Rhodes. I wanted to keep her in character and true to her story arc. Sure, the ending might have been a bit rushed. It's my first novel and I was so excited to get it out into the world, I wanted to hurry up and get it done. Also, I wasn't as interested in the specifics of rebuilding the city––that might happen in another novel––I was more interested in Ava's journey from being a prisoner in Plato's cave to a place of awareness and enlightenment.
Hope this clears things up, I feel MUCH better. And so Ava.
Author Interview via The Reading Cat
What book genre of books do you adore?
Speculative fiction and memoir.
What book should everybody read at least once?
The Outsiders.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I was born in Kensington, Maryland - a small town just outside of Washington D.C. I went to the University of Maryland, College Park and moved to San Francisco a week after graduation. After five years, I headed south to Los Angeles where I live today. I came for the opportunity and stay for the weather. I love the city, but my dream is to retire in the small town of Ojai, CA.
How did you develop your writing?
By writing, writing and writing.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
I love sharing my work. When I was in junior high school, I’d write stories in my spiral notebook and read to my classmates. They couldn’t wait to get to class the next day to hear what happened.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
My family is incredibly supportive. My father is my number one blog commenter. I drive my poor friends nuts with my constant requests for their support. I wouldn’t be as inspired to keep going without the love and support of my family and friends.
Do you plan to publish more books?
Absolutely. The City Center is the first in the series. I’m not sure how many there will be total, but I’m staying open to the possibilities.
What else do you do to make money, other than write? It is rare today for writers to be full time…
I’m a freelance project manager in advertising. The job requires a lot of organizing, communicating and planning ahead. I’ve become an expert on managing the creative process – with a smile.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sometimes I fantasize about living in Paris, but then I’d have to start drinking, smoking and eating meat again.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I write on a laptop at my dining room table. When I start to get cabin fever I go to a coffee shop to be around other humans. I keep a notepad next to my bed and write notes when they come to me in the middle of the night. I learned the hard way that I won’t remember them in the morning.
The City Center
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Science Fiction
Rating – PG-13
Connect with Simone Pond through Facebook and Twitter
Website http://www.simonepond.com/
Original source: http://thereadingcat.blogspot.com/201...
Speculative fiction and memoir.
What book should everybody read at least once?
The Outsiders.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I was born in Kensington, Maryland - a small town just outside of Washington D.C. I went to the University of Maryland, College Park and moved to San Francisco a week after graduation. After five years, I headed south to Los Angeles where I live today. I came for the opportunity and stay for the weather. I love the city, but my dream is to retire in the small town of Ojai, CA.
How did you develop your writing?
By writing, writing and writing.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
I love sharing my work. When I was in junior high school, I’d write stories in my spiral notebook and read to my classmates. They couldn’t wait to get to class the next day to hear what happened.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
My family is incredibly supportive. My father is my number one blog commenter. I drive my poor friends nuts with my constant requests for their support. I wouldn’t be as inspired to keep going without the love and support of my family and friends.
Do you plan to publish more books?
Absolutely. The City Center is the first in the series. I’m not sure how many there will be total, but I’m staying open to the possibilities.
What else do you do to make money, other than write? It is rare today for writers to be full time…
I’m a freelance project manager in advertising. The job requires a lot of organizing, communicating and planning ahead. I’ve become an expert on managing the creative process – with a smile.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sometimes I fantasize about living in Paris, but then I’d have to start drinking, smoking and eating meat again.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I write on a laptop at my dining room table. When I start to get cabin fever I go to a coffee shop to be around other humans. I keep a notepad next to my bed and write notes when they come to me in the middle of the night. I learned the hard way that I won’t remember them in the morning.
The City Center
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Science Fiction
Rating – PG-13
Connect with Simone Pond through Facebook and Twitter
Website http://www.simonepond.com/
Original source: http://thereadingcat.blogspot.com/201...
