Simone Pond's Blog, page 3

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.

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)

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...

Anne Lamott on finding our purpose

Years ago, like back in the 90s, I bought a book called "bird by bird" by an author named Anne Lamott. The book was to help with my writing, but it actually helped with my life. And that sums up Anne Lamott. Her words are healing and hopeful because she's unabashedly honest about her struggles. She says the things I'm thinking, but they sound so much more graceful and forgiving.

I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at the Vroman's Bookstore event at All Saints Church in Pasadena on Monday night. I went with a group of women who continuously help me navigate life one day at a time. I would have been content with just that, but then to hear Ms. Lamott speak about where she is on her journey, and what being an author and a human means to her really hit home. She spoke about purpose and her new book "Stitches" - which I'm sure will be another helpful manual for living.

What is our purpose?

I like to think it's to love our neighbors and be as helpful as possible, but most of the time I have my head up my ass worrying about what's in it for me and how I can get mine. It's so good to know I'm not alone. All of us are like this. I'm sure Mother Teresa had her moments of self-absorption. It comes with being human. But there is always room to grow. And maybe that's our purpose -- to grow.

For me, Ms. Lamott hit on all pistons and her words will resonate in my soul for years to come. One lady asked the question I was too afraid to ask: "What do you do when you're blocked and can't write?"

What came next validated and confirmed so much for me as a writer:

1) Nobody cares if you write, so you do it for yourself
2) After publishing is when you really get mentally ill
3) Waiting for inspiration to come is another way of saying you're not going to write

Yep.

She nailed it.

Book Cover Reveal

My book cover is done and I love it. If you want to see it, visit my website:
www.simonepond.com

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.

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!

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.

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