Simone Pond's Blog, page 2
July 1, 2014
Eleven essential things I've learned about writing
I've been writing since I was a little girl. By the time I got to college, I had grand dreams of being like one of those infamous authors who spent time at the Les Deux Magots, sipping wine and writing the next great American novel. Instead I just drank wine. I'd always finish the bottle, but never the first page.
I stunted my growth for decades, too afraid to write and too tortured not to write. Until I was politely shoved off a cliff and landed at the bottom with a broken soul. That's usually how it goes for alcoholics. They rarely see their own ending coming because they're too wasted during the climax.
So I did what any desperate writer who wants to keep living does: I got sober. And I started writing. But more importantly I started finishing things.
Since I enjoy sharing my experience with other writers, I've put together eleven essential things I've learned about writing:
1) Write for yourself. Most people (including loved ones and close friends) suffer from Cranial Rectal Inversion Syndrome, more commonly known as "head up the ass" syndrome. I'm fortunate to have a solid support system (I'm relentless), but not everyone you know will buy your book or give you kudos for writing one. They have lives. Writers are needy. Save your friendships and get a therapist.
2) Write every single day. Even if it's one sentence -- WRITE. The only requirement for being a writer is to actually put sentences together. Don't complicate it. Just shut up and write.
3) Read. Read. Read.
4) Take a class or two and be done. You can make a career out of taking classes on how to write and never get anything finished. Experience is the best teacher.
5) Read a book or two on writing. Beware -- there are hundreds. You only need to read a few. I recommend starting with The Writer's Journey, On Writing and Wired for Story.
6) Learn to love making outlines. The painful moments you spend upfront meticulously working out your story beats will save you months (or years) of agony.
7) If you finish a first draft, put it down for a few weeks (or more) before you start the editing process. Editing is where the real writing begins. Edit, edit and edit until you can't stand the sight of that manuscript. Sit on it again, then go back and edit some more.
8) Share your work with people you trust. Also, expect to hate those people when they tell you the truth. But don't worry, you'll get over it and thank them in the end.
9) Find an editor who loves your genre. You'll probably think they're secretly trying to kill you, but they love you in their own special way. Remember that your editor might be brilliant, but if you don't agree with something don't be afraid to stand behind your work. Unless it's about pride, then shut up and make the changes.
10) If you're going the traditional publishing route, you'll need to write a kick-ass query letter. One that sings like what's her name in the Sound of Music. One that will stand out among hundreds of thousands of other query letters. You can find great advice on Query Shark. Warning: Not for the faint at heart. Take that killer query letter and send it out to as many agents and publishing houses as you can. You can join Publisher's Weekly for a small fee to get lists of agents in your genre. Another good resource is Writer's Digest. After you send out your hundreds of queries you'll want to invest in a suit of armor, or if you're a drinker, vodka. Anything to numb the stab of rejection. You'll get plenty.
11) If you're going the Indie route, bless your heart. That's what I did because I wanted to learn about the industry and I wanted control of my work. You'll need to pull together a team of people including the content editor, proofreader, book cover designer and interior designer - both print and ebook versions, a street team to help market your book and pre-readers. You'll also need to reach out to bloggers, podcasters, magazines, newspapers, radio stations, libraries, book stores to help spread the word. Self promoting is a beastly job and requires patience and tenacity. These days, most authors have to self promote, so there's no getting out of it, unless you're Stephen King or Suzanne Collins. The work doesn't stop after you hit "Publish" -- you'll need to stay plugged into the industry and your social networks, as well as keep up with the advertising and book promotions that are working. Or you can just publish it and let it go. It depends on your goals.
Which one do you think is the most important?
Yeah, it's the one about writing.
Keep writing. It saves lives.
I stunted my growth for decades, too afraid to write and too tortured not to write. Until I was politely shoved off a cliff and landed at the bottom with a broken soul. That's usually how it goes for alcoholics. They rarely see their own ending coming because they're too wasted during the climax.
So I did what any desperate writer who wants to keep living does: I got sober. And I started writing. But more importantly I started finishing things.
Since I enjoy sharing my experience with other writers, I've put together eleven essential things I've learned about writing:
1) Write for yourself. Most people (including loved ones and close friends) suffer from Cranial Rectal Inversion Syndrome, more commonly known as "head up the ass" syndrome. I'm fortunate to have a solid support system (I'm relentless), but not everyone you know will buy your book or give you kudos for writing one. They have lives. Writers are needy. Save your friendships and get a therapist.
2) Write every single day. Even if it's one sentence -- WRITE. The only requirement for being a writer is to actually put sentences together. Don't complicate it. Just shut up and write.
3) Read. Read. Read.
4) Take a class or two and be done. You can make a career out of taking classes on how to write and never get anything finished. Experience is the best teacher.
5) Read a book or two on writing. Beware -- there are hundreds. You only need to read a few. I recommend starting with The Writer's Journey, On Writing and Wired for Story.
6) Learn to love making outlines. The painful moments you spend upfront meticulously working out your story beats will save you months (or years) of agony.
7) If you finish a first draft, put it down for a few weeks (or more) before you start the editing process. Editing is where the real writing begins. Edit, edit and edit until you can't stand the sight of that manuscript. Sit on it again, then go back and edit some more.
8) Share your work with people you trust. Also, expect to hate those people when they tell you the truth. But don't worry, you'll get over it and thank them in the end.
9) Find an editor who loves your genre. You'll probably think they're secretly trying to kill you, but they love you in their own special way. Remember that your editor might be brilliant, but if you don't agree with something don't be afraid to stand behind your work. Unless it's about pride, then shut up and make the changes.
10) If you're going the traditional publishing route, you'll need to write a kick-ass query letter. One that sings like what's her name in the Sound of Music. One that will stand out among hundreds of thousands of other query letters. You can find great advice on Query Shark. Warning: Not for the faint at heart. Take that killer query letter and send it out to as many agents and publishing houses as you can. You can join Publisher's Weekly for a small fee to get lists of agents in your genre. Another good resource is Writer's Digest. After you send out your hundreds of queries you'll want to invest in a suit of armor, or if you're a drinker, vodka. Anything to numb the stab of rejection. You'll get plenty.
11) If you're going the Indie route, bless your heart. That's what I did because I wanted to learn about the industry and I wanted control of my work. You'll need to pull together a team of people including the content editor, proofreader, book cover designer and interior designer - both print and ebook versions, a street team to help market your book and pre-readers. You'll also need to reach out to bloggers, podcasters, magazines, newspapers, radio stations, libraries, book stores to help spread the word. Self promoting is a beastly job and requires patience and tenacity. These days, most authors have to self promote, so there's no getting out of it, unless you're Stephen King or Suzanne Collins. The work doesn't stop after you hit "Publish" -- you'll need to stay plugged into the industry and your social networks, as well as keep up with the advertising and book promotions that are working. Or you can just publish it and let it go. It depends on your goals.
Which one do you think is the most important?
Yeah, it's the one about writing.
Keep writing. It saves lives.
June 7, 2014
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.
May 28, 2014
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.”
April 14, 2014
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award
Last night my heart was hammering away as I opened up the list of authors who made it to Round Two for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. At first I was scrolling through the list at breakneck speed, looking for Simone Pond and The City Center. I was both thrilled and terrified. Then I started to slow down around the "Ms" because I was barraged with a litany of questions:
"What happens if I don't make it to the next round?"
"Does this mean my book sucks?"
"Does this make me a bad writer?"
"Am I writer?"
"Should I just quit everything and move back home with my parents?"
(I'm going to be forty-four this year and this is still an option in my mind)
By the time I got to the "Rs" I realized it didn't matter if I made it to Round Two. What mattered was I wrote a book. I wrote a book! That was enough. Moving to the next level wouldn't determine if I'd write another one. In fact, I had just emailed the manuscript for my next book to my proofreader.
Validation is a wonderful thing, but it shouldn't be the reason we do things. But the ego loves winning, doesn't it? Charlie Sheen seems to think it's pretty sweet. The point is, I already won.
Fortunately (for my parents), I made it to Round Two.
I'm up against four hundred other authors, so who knows what happens next. I'm tremendously grateful for making it this far. "Quarter Finalist" sounds official enough to me. I do know––without a inkling of doubt––no matter what happens next I'll keep writing because it really does save me.
"What happens if I don't make it to the next round?"
"Does this mean my book sucks?"
"Does this make me a bad writer?"
"Am I writer?"
"Should I just quit everything and move back home with my parents?"
(I'm going to be forty-four this year and this is still an option in my mind)
By the time I got to the "Rs" I realized it didn't matter if I made it to Round Two. What mattered was I wrote a book. I wrote a book! That was enough. Moving to the next level wouldn't determine if I'd write another one. In fact, I had just emailed the manuscript for my next book to my proofreader.
Validation is a wonderful thing, but it shouldn't be the reason we do things. But the ego loves winning, doesn't it? Charlie Sheen seems to think it's pretty sweet. The point is, I already won.
Fortunately (for my parents), I made it to Round Two.
I'm up against four hundred other authors, so who knows what happens next. I'm tremendously grateful for making it this far. "Quarter Finalist" sounds official enough to me. I do know––without a inkling of doubt––no matter what happens next I'll keep writing because it really does save me.
March 26, 2014
Book Reviews
I love readers who take the time to write a review. Readers might not know how much this means to an author. Let me tell you - it means A LOT.
We spend countless hours alone in our heads with characters who we'll never actually get to meet and then we release them into your care. It's nice to know when the hard work has been enjoyed by someone. When a reader takes the time to write a review this tells the world they care about books. New authors, especially independents like myself, can't make it without the help of engaged readers. Reviewers give us a voice to reach other readers. I don't even mind the harsh reviews (well, unless they're hurtful and offer zero constructive criticism). I try not to invest my emotions in the harsher reviews, but rather try to glean something from them. There's always something to learn and apply moving forward. On the contrary, when I accidentally come across a review that is just plain mean and pointless, I try to conjure up some compassion for the person. I tell myself there must be something deeper going on in their hearts and souls. Or . . . maybe they just really hated the book.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is that you can't please everyone.
I'm writing this to give a note of thanks to those who have taken the time to share their thoughts with an endless sea of strangers. Thank you for reading my words and sharing yours with me.
We spend countless hours alone in our heads with characters who we'll never actually get to meet and then we release them into your care. It's nice to know when the hard work has been enjoyed by someone. When a reader takes the time to write a review this tells the world they care about books. New authors, especially independents like myself, can't make it without the help of engaged readers. Reviewers give us a voice to reach other readers. I don't even mind the harsh reviews (well, unless they're hurtful and offer zero constructive criticism). I try not to invest my emotions in the harsher reviews, but rather try to glean something from them. There's always something to learn and apply moving forward. On the contrary, when I accidentally come across a review that is just plain mean and pointless, I try to conjure up some compassion for the person. I tell myself there must be something deeper going on in their hearts and souls. Or . . . maybe they just really hated the book.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is that you can't please everyone.
I'm writing this to give a note of thanks to those who have taken the time to share their thoughts with an endless sea of strangers. Thank you for reading my words and sharing yours with me.
February 18, 2014
Back to time travel
Code Name: Ellie Hollins Chattaoway
Date of Birth: June 15, 1870
Age: 20
Place of Birth: Kingston, ON
Occupation: Time Traveler
Meet Ellie, a time traveler who's never on time.
Hello! I'm Ellie. You'll have to forgive me, I usually don't look like this. White doesn't agree with my skin tone. Nor do I approve of a woman's knees being out in plain view. I think they should be kept under layers of fabric. Also, I'd like to note this abominable polyester material gives me a rash. I really don't hold much regard for the 70s. Such a horrible time for fashion. But I very well can't walk into George Washington Hospital wearing a tulip bell skirt and a straw hat. Oh, I do apologize, but I must place you on hold––my case assignment has just entered the scene . . .
"Hello, Dr. Ashmore. I'm Ellie Hollins Chattaoway, I'll be assigned to you for the next few days."
"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Chattaoway. Are you my new nurse?"
"Yes, doctor. I'm here to help you with a patient of yours named Melanie Palmer. She's been on the wait list for a new kidney and I'm here to help you obtain one."
"Oh, dear. I'm sorry, Ms. - what was your name?"
"Ellie Hollins Chattaoway."
"Yes, well, Ms. Chattaoway, I'm regret to inform you that Melanie Palmer passed away yesterday. I'm afraid you're a bit late."
Okay, I know what you're thinking: I'm a time traveler, can't I just get into my time machine and go back a few days and start over? You think this would be the case. After all, I have a bloody TIME MACHINE. However, the system is not set up that way. For some ridiculous reason, I only get one chance per each case assignment. In most instances my tardiness isn't so devastating––not everyone dies. But my silly little problem with not showing up on time usually complicates matters. I'm working on it. Really I am. This time and space continuum stuff can be a bit thorny.
Stay tuned for more on Ellie––I'm late for an appointment . . .
Keep writing. It saves lives.
Date of Birth: June 15, 1870
Age: 20
Place of Birth: Kingston, ON
Occupation: Time Traveler
Meet Ellie, a time traveler who's never on time.
Hello! I'm Ellie. You'll have to forgive me, I usually don't look like this. White doesn't agree with my skin tone. Nor do I approve of a woman's knees being out in plain view. I think they should be kept under layers of fabric. Also, I'd like to note this abominable polyester material gives me a rash. I really don't hold much regard for the 70s. Such a horrible time for fashion. But I very well can't walk into George Washington Hospital wearing a tulip bell skirt and a straw hat. Oh, I do apologize, but I must place you on hold––my case assignment has just entered the scene . . .
"Hello, Dr. Ashmore. I'm Ellie Hollins Chattaoway, I'll be assigned to you for the next few days."
"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Chattaoway. Are you my new nurse?"
"Yes, doctor. I'm here to help you with a patient of yours named Melanie Palmer. She's been on the wait list for a new kidney and I'm here to help you obtain one."
"Oh, dear. I'm sorry, Ms. - what was your name?"
"Ellie Hollins Chattaoway."
"Yes, well, Ms. Chattaoway, I'm regret to inform you that Melanie Palmer passed away yesterday. I'm afraid you're a bit late."
Okay, I know what you're thinking: I'm a time traveler, can't I just get into my time machine and go back a few days and start over? You think this would be the case. After all, I have a bloody TIME MACHINE. However, the system is not set up that way. For some ridiculous reason, I only get one chance per each case assignment. In most instances my tardiness isn't so devastating––not everyone dies. But my silly little problem with not showing up on time usually complicates matters. I'm working on it. Really I am. This time and space continuum stuff can be a bit thorny.
Stay tuned for more on Ellie––I'm late for an appointment . . .
Keep writing. It saves lives.
February 1, 2014
Book Trailer - The City Center
Check out my new book trailer: http://youtu.be/nZPeCIJ0dWo
January 31, 2014
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...
January 25, 2014
Why writing an outline IS creative
Ugh. Outlines. Right?
I had a few meetings this week to talk about the writing process, and the same issue came up three different times - all the writers I met with can't seem to get passed chapter two or three.
Whenever a writer tells me they can't finish a project, the first question I ask is, "Did you do an outline?"
And the typical response is a sour look with a defeated sigh, "No."
The very word "outline" sounds daunting and very un-creative, but in my experience the outline is the pinnacle of the creative process. This is where it all begins - the hero's journey. You get to design an entire road trip for your main character to travel, and you can go anywhere in the universe.
My next question is, "Would you go somewhere you've never been without a map, directions, or a navigation system?"
Of course not, because you'd never get there - or you might, but it could take a lot longer and you might end up in some dodgy places.
The outline serves as a road map to get the writer and the main character from point a to point b - all the way to the last point, or rather the end of the story. When you have a solid set of directions it's not as scary to wander off the trail and explore new avenues, you might find a cool twist you never thought of before, and then you can jump back on the path and continue the journey. Outlines aren't written in stone, and remember even Moses broke the first set of commandments.
The heroes I love are brave, confident and show great foresight. Their confidence shines through the pages because they know where they're going.
There are several approaches and suggestions to story mapping, but the one that works best for me is Ken Vogler's The Writer's Journey. He breakdowns Joseph Campbell's tried and true "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" and explains in a simple way what makes a story work and how to take your main character through each phase of the journey. It doesn't feel like an outline, it feels creative and fun.
Writing the words "The End" is the most wonderful moment in any writer's journey.
I had a few meetings this week to talk about the writing process, and the same issue came up three different times - all the writers I met with can't seem to get passed chapter two or three.
Whenever a writer tells me they can't finish a project, the first question I ask is, "Did you do an outline?"
And the typical response is a sour look with a defeated sigh, "No."
The very word "outline" sounds daunting and very un-creative, but in my experience the outline is the pinnacle of the creative process. This is where it all begins - the hero's journey. You get to design an entire road trip for your main character to travel, and you can go anywhere in the universe.
My next question is, "Would you go somewhere you've never been without a map, directions, or a navigation system?"
Of course not, because you'd never get there - or you might, but it could take a lot longer and you might end up in some dodgy places.
The outline serves as a road map to get the writer and the main character from point a to point b - all the way to the last point, or rather the end of the story. When you have a solid set of directions it's not as scary to wander off the trail and explore new avenues, you might find a cool twist you never thought of before, and then you can jump back on the path and continue the journey. Outlines aren't written in stone, and remember even Moses broke the first set of commandments.
The heroes I love are brave, confident and show great foresight. Their confidence shines through the pages because they know where they're going.
There are several approaches and suggestions to story mapping, but the one that works best for me is Ken Vogler's The Writer's Journey. He breakdowns Joseph Campbell's tried and true "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" and explains in a simple way what makes a story work and how to take your main character through each phase of the journey. It doesn't feel like an outline, it feels creative and fun.
Writing the words "The End" is the most wonderful moment in any writer's journey.
January 13, 2014
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.
