Simone Pond's Blog - Posts Tagged "post-apocalyptic-fiction"
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...
Book Trailer - The City Center
Check out my new book trailer: http://youtu.be/nZPeCIJ0dWo
Looking for a new summer book?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMAZON BEST SELLER IN POST APOCALYPTIC SCI-FI, SIMONE POND, LAUNCHES SECOND BOOK IN HER DYSTOPIAN SERIES
LOS ANGELES, CA, May 28— Author and blogger, Simone Pond of Los Angeles, will launch the “The New Agenda” – the second book in her dystopian series – on June 8, 2014.
The New Agenda follows Pond’s debut novel The City Center, which quickly became an Amazon best seller in post apocalyptic sci-fi. The New Agenda, the prequel The City Center, is the tale of William Morray (aka Chief Morray) as he sets out to stop the Repatterning –– a plot devised by his maniacal father to destroy humanity –– and the events that turn him into the devious Chief Morray we meet later in The City Center.
The City Center has already intrigued thousands of readers around the country and has piqued interest with producers at NBC and Dick Clark Productions. It’s currently a quarter-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards.
"This story is decorated with familiar things, and at its heart contains thrilling characters and heroic journeys." - RevolutionSF
"Great writer, great story. I can't wait to see what happens next! Bravo!" - Dina Kucera, author of Everything I Never Wanted to Be.
The New Agenda continues to win the hearts of readers as they travel further into the vast world that spans over decades, following heroic characters and the intricate threads of their lives and how they connect with one another.
Pond is available for interviews and appearances. For booking presentations, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact info@simonepond.com.
"They said it was for the greater good: out of chaos comes order and from the ashes the phoenix will rise. They said the Repatterning was a positive event, but like most advertising, it was a lie.”
AMAZON BEST SELLER IN POST APOCALYPTIC SCI-FI, SIMONE POND, LAUNCHES SECOND BOOK IN HER DYSTOPIAN SERIES
LOS ANGELES, CA, May 28— Author and blogger, Simone Pond of Los Angeles, will launch the “The New Agenda” – the second book in her dystopian series – on June 8, 2014.
The New Agenda follows Pond’s debut novel The City Center, which quickly became an Amazon best seller in post apocalyptic sci-fi. The New Agenda, the prequel The City Center, is the tale of William Morray (aka Chief Morray) as he sets out to stop the Repatterning –– a plot devised by his maniacal father to destroy humanity –– and the events that turn him into the devious Chief Morray we meet later in The City Center.
The City Center has already intrigued thousands of readers around the country and has piqued interest with producers at NBC and Dick Clark Productions. It’s currently a quarter-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards.
"This story is decorated with familiar things, and at its heart contains thrilling characters and heroic journeys." - RevolutionSF
"Great writer, great story. I can't wait to see what happens next! Bravo!" - Dina Kucera, author of Everything I Never Wanted to Be.
The New Agenda continues to win the hearts of readers as they travel further into the vast world that spans over decades, following heroic characters and the intricate threads of their lives and how they connect with one another.
Pond is available for interviews and appearances. For booking presentations, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact info@simonepond.com.
"They said it was for the greater good: out of chaos comes order and from the ashes the phoenix will rise. They said the Repatterning was a positive event, but like most advertising, it was a lie.”
How I launched my second book
Let me start off by saying I broke my laptop by obsessively cleaning it. This is the second time I've done this. Damn you, OCD! So I was computer-less for a few days, which wasn't helpful in preparing for my book launch.
But everything worked out - as it always does.
Early Friday morning I launched The New Agenda.
Here's what launch day looked like:
1) Reviewed emails confirming the ads I purchased. There are websites that will eblast your book to several websites, but I decided to save the $40 bucks and do it myself. Probably won't do that again in the future.
2) Scheduled my Goodreads Giveaway. I can't say enough good stuff about Goodreads. I love the opportunities they offer their authors. One day I hope they'll feature my books in their newsletter.
3) Updated my website and my social networking sites with links to my Amazon page: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Google+
* Prior to launch, I had been posting teasers about the book, along with the cover reveal and a book trailer, which you can see here: The New Agenda book trailer. Over the last couple of months I sent out hundreds of emails to book bloggers and top Amazon reviewers to consider reviewing my book. I have a few interviews coming out soon, which will help spread the word.
4) Sent an email to every single person I know with a note asking them to join me in celebrating the launch of book two. I included a link to my Amazon page and let them know the ebook and paperback will be on sale for the first week.
5) Created an "Online Book Launch" event on my personal Facebook page and invited about 895 friends. I used this page because I have much more visibility than my Facebook author page. (I don't know why I bother with the Facebook author page--my posts reach very few people unless I pay for advertising, which never converts to sales.)
6) Sent out posts on Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Facebook with links to my Amazon page.
7) Throughout the day, I responded to every single email and comment people had generously sent my way, sharing my gratitude for their support. Seriously, none of this would be possible without my friends, family and colleagues--they are the foundation. It starts with them and grows.
Here's where I ended up at the end of launch day:
- Went from ranking 879,843 to 7,600 in books and #85 in my category -- amazing.
- Reached a #36 ranking in Kindle books in my category. My goal is to hit the top ten in my category by Sunday.
- So far I've sold 31 ebooks and 34 paperbacks. I expect more sales over the weekend when people have more time to go online and purchase. And I'll see an increase when my advertising hits. Sales for my first book, The City Center, have also increased.
These results might not seem huge, but for an indie author it's a solid and steady start. Right now the most important factor is getting more visibility on Amazon.
Through my experience with both book launches, I've learned that patience and perseverance are helpful tools, and that success has many definitions. For me success is writing every day, finishing a project I love and sharing my work with others -- the amount of others isn't up to me.
You can purchase my books on Amazon: The City Center and The New Agenda.
But everything worked out - as it always does.
Early Friday morning I launched The New Agenda.
Here's what launch day looked like:
1) Reviewed emails confirming the ads I purchased. There are websites that will eblast your book to several websites, but I decided to save the $40 bucks and do it myself. Probably won't do that again in the future.
2) Scheduled my Goodreads Giveaway. I can't say enough good stuff about Goodreads. I love the opportunities they offer their authors. One day I hope they'll feature my books in their newsletter.
3) Updated my website and my social networking sites with links to my Amazon page: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Google+
* Prior to launch, I had been posting teasers about the book, along with the cover reveal and a book trailer, which you can see here: The New Agenda book trailer. Over the last couple of months I sent out hundreds of emails to book bloggers and top Amazon reviewers to consider reviewing my book. I have a few interviews coming out soon, which will help spread the word.
4) Sent an email to every single person I know with a note asking them to join me in celebrating the launch of book two. I included a link to my Amazon page and let them know the ebook and paperback will be on sale for the first week.
5) Created an "Online Book Launch" event on my personal Facebook page and invited about 895 friends. I used this page because I have much more visibility than my Facebook author page. (I don't know why I bother with the Facebook author page--my posts reach very few people unless I pay for advertising, which never converts to sales.)
6) Sent out posts on Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Facebook with links to my Amazon page.
7) Throughout the day, I responded to every single email and comment people had generously sent my way, sharing my gratitude for their support. Seriously, none of this would be possible without my friends, family and colleagues--they are the foundation. It starts with them and grows.
Here's where I ended up at the end of launch day:
- Went from ranking 879,843 to 7,600 in books and #85 in my category -- amazing.
- Reached a #36 ranking in Kindle books in my category. My goal is to hit the top ten in my category by Sunday.
- So far I've sold 31 ebooks and 34 paperbacks. I expect more sales over the weekend when people have more time to go online and purchase. And I'll see an increase when my advertising hits. Sales for my first book, The City Center, have also increased.
These results might not seem huge, but for an indie author it's a solid and steady start. Right now the most important factor is getting more visibility on Amazon.
Through my experience with both book launches, I've learned that patience and perseverance are helpful tools, and that success has many definitions. For me success is writing every day, finishing a project I love and sharing my work with others -- the amount of others isn't up to me.
You can purchase my books on Amazon: The City Center and The New Agenda.
Excerpt from The Mainframe by Simone Pond
Today I thought I'd post an excerpt from my latest book, The Mainframe, which releases on December 1st. I hope you'll add it to your wish list so you can see what happens next . . .
Ava awoke from a deep sleep, feeling groggy and half drugged. Her temples throbbed and each cell dragged through her body. She didn’t remember going to bed, or falling asleep. She especially didn’t recall putting on a delicate nightgown of soft satin. She usually slept in a tank top. She sat up and looked around the room to get her bearings. Nothing made sense. Not the enormous king-size bed or the overstuffed feather comforters, or the chiffon canopy hanging over her head. She got out of bed and looked around the room to figure out where she was. Massive crystal chandeliers dangled from the vaulted ceilings. The room was far too opulent to be inside the academy. No, she thought, these chambers are fit for a queen. And she had been here before. A long time ago. A very long time ago. She went over to the windows and peered out to the vast green forest of trees that stretched across the Los Angeles basin all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
“Impossible,” she whispered, leaning against the glass to keep from collapsing.
This was the same room at the Royal Palace where Morray had held her prisoner sixteen years ago. She stood by these same windows just before she made her speech and just before Joseph’s men stormed the Arena and took down Morray. The walls shifted to gray, and the edges of the room closed in on her. She staggered over to the white lounger to sit down and catch her breath. How could she be sitting in a place that no longer existed? Years ago, the New Democracy had demolished the palace. She wondered if she were having a lucid dream or a very pronounced hallucination. It was too real to be a dream––the intoxicating scent of jasmine, the cold marble floor under her bare feet, and the taste of bile in her throat––but the room defied all logic. This had to be an outright lie. It had to be. There was only one explanation and one man who could concoct such a convincing falsehood . . . Morray.
Ava awoke from a deep sleep, feeling groggy and half drugged. Her temples throbbed and each cell dragged through her body. She didn’t remember going to bed, or falling asleep. She especially didn’t recall putting on a delicate nightgown of soft satin. She usually slept in a tank top. She sat up and looked around the room to get her bearings. Nothing made sense. Not the enormous king-size bed or the overstuffed feather comforters, or the chiffon canopy hanging over her head. She got out of bed and looked around the room to figure out where she was. Massive crystal chandeliers dangled from the vaulted ceilings. The room was far too opulent to be inside the academy. No, she thought, these chambers are fit for a queen. And she had been here before. A long time ago. A very long time ago. She went over to the windows and peered out to the vast green forest of trees that stretched across the Los Angeles basin all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
“Impossible,” she whispered, leaning against the glass to keep from collapsing.
This was the same room at the Royal Palace where Morray had held her prisoner sixteen years ago. She stood by these same windows just before she made her speech and just before Joseph’s men stormed the Arena and took down Morray. The walls shifted to gray, and the edges of the room closed in on her. She staggered over to the white lounger to sit down and catch her breath. How could she be sitting in a place that no longer existed? Years ago, the New Democracy had demolished the palace. She wondered if she were having a lucid dream or a very pronounced hallucination. It was too real to be a dream––the intoxicating scent of jasmine, the cold marble floor under her bare feet, and the taste of bile in her throat––but the room defied all logic. This had to be an outright lie. It had to be. There was only one explanation and one man who could concoct such a convincing falsehood . . . Morray.
