Book Review The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I reread The Hunger Games for the third time. It stills leaves me breathless and deep in thought. 

My book review of The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

     It takes place in the future; not a high-tech world but a world that has been beaten down by war. The 12 districts live in fear of the “Capital” which controls them all. You instantly feel for Katniss because of her tragic story of losing her father, and emotionally losing her mother. She becomes the bread winner and parent for her younger sister Prim. The first chapter gets right into the story when they draw little Prim’s name and Katniss instantly requests to take her place in the Hunger Games. The way Suzanne Collins writes is brilliant; we get back-story peppered throughout the action, never bringing us out of the story. We don’t get to spend a lot of time with Gale as the story quickly wisps us off to the Capital; we instantly appreciate him as Katniss’ best friend, who has helped her survive. Peeta is the sweet-boy-next-door type and him and Katniss are thrown together because they are from the same district. They have to face this blood-bath contest together. Katniss doesn’t know if she can trust Peeta and his so called “love at first sight” but it has helped her become one of the favorites, so she plays along. When the games begin the reality of the story settles in. It is a story of children being forced to kill each other for the sport of others. Only one can survive,  Katniss has to kill 23 people just to make it back home to a world that would allow such an event.

     What if you lived in such a time and place that used the poor and unprivileged as a source of entertainment? I love when a book makes you really think hard and long about things. It is a fast moving story that doesn't give you a moments rest. A must read but don’t plan on getting any else done until you've completed it. And lucky for you all three books of The Hunger Games series are out and you don’t have to wait for Suzanne Collins to finish the next book. Take it from me, the wait wasn't fun.

Don’t forget we are still holding our free book giveaway for Zenobia – Birth of a Legend.

Geode Press is offering three free, autographed copies of  Zenobia – Birth of a Legend  to some lucky people whose names will be drawn on March 23rd (opening day of The Hunger Games!)There are three ways you can enter (and yes, that means you can enter three times if you do one each of the following) each way will have one book given away free with free shipping.

(1) Leave a question or comment on Julie Martin Wallace’s blog at juliemartinwallace.blogspot.com about the interview with Russ, please include your email. 

(2) “Like” Geode Press facebook page, www.facebook.com/geodepress. And please post a comment saying you read the interview, that way we know to enter your name in the drawing. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about ZENOBIA, Russ Wallace, or publishing.

(3) Go to www.geodepress.com, Russ Wallace’s website and comment that you read the interview. Make sure you include your email address so we can let you know you won. 

That’s all there is to it! You can enter once, twice, or by all three methods. Just be sure to enter by March 23rd, midnight PST.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY Prize: 1 autographed copy of Zenobia- Birth of a Legend, by Russ Wallace, retail value $24.99.Winners will be selected on March 23rd. Winners have 48 hours to respond to the email notifying them of their win. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be re-rewarded. 

Admin- Jason Wallace, geodepress@gmail.com or 530 E Hunt Hwy Suite 103-199 San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

THE HUNGER GAMES celebration! Free book giveaway

In celebration of The Hunger Games coming to theaters on March 23rd, we're giving away three free books about another strong female who is also crafty with her bow and arrow -  ZENOBIA!!!

If you want to read the book review go to ZENOBIA - Birth of a Legend Book review 

Welcome Russ Wallace to my first author interview and book giveaway.

JMW - I'm always afraid to write historical fiction but I love reading it, did you find it challenging to make sure you stayed true to that time?

RW -  Some. We instinctively know our own world, naturally, since we have lived in it. I constantly had to think, What was it like in Zenobia's world? It did get easier.

JMW - What is your favorite book or website to research for your book?

RW - Google. However, I found a lot of excellent historical books.

JMW - Do you outline or do you write out of order?

RW - Out of order. I jump around according to what I feel like writing. This did create some inconsistencies that we had to edit out.

JMW - Zenobia is an amazing historical figure, and I'm surprised I never heard about her until your book, how did you first find the story of Zenobia?

RW - A Watchtower article back in 1999 originally triggered my interest. 

JMW - What made you want to become a writer?

RW - I loved fiction books even as a young child. My mother read to us a lot. In grade school I wrote some fiction, which my classmates generally liked. But for some reason, which I can't explain, I never wrote seriously. The first book I began was Deluge, a novel about Noah, his family, the pre-Flood world, and the Flood itself. I do intend to finish it eventually. Zenobia - Birth of a Legend is my first published novel.

JMW - I felt your story got into Zenobia's head very well, did you find it difficult to write from the point of a young girl?

RW - No, and I cannot explain why except that I have a vivid imagination. As you know, some authors write from the viewpoint of a dog or a cat!

JMW - I'm a horse lover and I enjoyed the strong bond that horse and rider develop, was this based off of your own experience?

RW - Only a little. Growing up we had our needs met, but not a lot of extras, so I enjoyed horses mainly in books. Also, my dad had been raised on a farm and told horse stories. We liked to watch them in parades and on visits to farms. And I got information from some cowboys I met.

JMW - The race at the end of the book was so vivid I thought I was at Churchills Downs watching a race live, how did you get yourself in that moment?

RW - Imagination. That part of writing, for me anyway, is a gift more than an acquired skill. The challenge is finding the best way to express it. I wrote and rewrote and edited and edited the race, as more ideas occurred to me.

Thank you Russ! 

Russ is offering three free, autographed copies of  Zenobia - Birth of a Legend  to some lucky people whose names will be drawn on March 23rd (opening day of The Hunger Games!!)There are three ways you can enter (and yes, that means you can enter three times if you do one each of the following) each way will have one book given away free with free shipping.

(1) Go to www.geodepress.com, Russ Wallace’s website and comment that you read the interview. Make sure you include your email address so we can let you know you won. 

(2) "Like" Geode Press facebook page, www.facebook/geodepress.com (if you post a comment saying you read the interview, that will help let us know to enter your name in the drawing.) Feel free to ask any question you may have about ZENOBIA, Russ Wallace, or publishing. 

3) Leave a question or comment below about my interview with Russ Wallace, please include your email.  

That’s all there is to it! You can enter once, twice, or by all three methods. Just be sure to enter by March 23rd on the day of The Hunger Games premier, contest ends at midnight PST. 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY Prize: 1 autographed copy of Zenobia- Birth of a Legend, by Russ Wallace, retail value $24.99.Winners will be selected on March 23rd. Winners have 48 hours to respond to the email notifying them of their win. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be re-rewarded. 

Admin- Jason Wallace, geodepress@gmail.com or 530 E Hunt Hwy Suite 103-199 San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

Book Review - Zenobia - Birth of a Legend

In the 3rd century of Syria, the story begins with Zenobia’s birth. Her mother wisely hides her gender to save her life. Zenobia is raised as a boy, giving her the training and skills to become a great warrior. When her true gender is revealed, the leaders of the tribe are impressed with Zenobia's archery skills and intelligence, they let her live. This novel follows Zenobia's life in her early informative years. Her fast reflexes with her bow and arrow save her life from a tiger attack. When she competes against other skilled men in an archery competition, they are surprised that a girl can hit her target with such ease. As she grows into a beautiful woman, a budding romance with a local tribe boy develops. Her mother, like any other mother has much higher expectations for her daughter. She takes Zenobia to Egypt to broaden her mind with many thought provoking classes. Zenobia is drawn to another male dominated competition but this time in a horse race. She’s up against those who would do anything to prevent her from finishing the race. It’s a nail biting fight to the end.

I’m in awe of the main character; you can’t help root for the strong-willed girl to survive and conquer. What's also great about this story is you’re getting a history lesson and you don't even know it. Russ Wallace captures the time and shows you firsthand the challenges the people face. You’ll experience the struggles a woman has in a male dominated world. This story will motivate you to know more about the true historical person Zenobia. I can’t wait until the release of book two, Zenobia – Challenging a Legend, as this is just the beginning of the amazing life that Zenobia will lead.

To purchase the first book of the series, Zenobia - Birth of a Legend go to Geode press or purchase the eBook at smashwords or  amazon.com

Book Reviews

I decided since I love reading I might be interested in doing book reviews on my blog. I did a search on how to do a book review and found a great blog on this very subject; “Writing a great book review by Tristi Pinkston.” http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/


After reading the book, give it a day to let everything you read settle in. Write a synopsis of the plot in your own words.

Make a criticism sandwich. Share something you like about the book. Then add something you feel could’ve been stronger. Then close with another thing you liked.

Talk about how the book made you feel or things it made you think about. Explain what your feelings were while reading the book.

Always put a link on how to purchase the book.

Here’s a recap: A book review should tell about the book; it should tell how you felt about the book; it should give the readers a way to buy the book when they are done reading your review.

Some reviews include a bio of the author. You can include interview questions or whatever you want to do is great.

Check back soon for a new book review. If anybody has a book they want me to review please let me know.

Working with bookstores and libraries



Gayle Shanks Owner of Changing Hands Bookstore

Thank you ladies at CHB for running a wonderful bookstore that readers and authors can find what we love!

Cindy Dach co-owner of Changing Hands Bookstore



Working with bookstores and libraries; By Dana Braccia, Kathleen Sullivan, Gayle Shanks, and Cindy Dach

When a potential reader picks up your book you have 3 seconds to get them to buy your book. The blurb on the back has to be catching. The title and graphic design of the book is what will make the reader even pick it up.

If you self publish make sure you have it look like a book. Make sure you have authors name and title of book on the side, when it sits on a bookshelf you have to be able to see it.

You have to have an ISBN to get into libraries for cataloging.

Dana Braccia- Scottsdale library has a program for reading local authors. http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/main/local_collection Download submission form. Once you are cataloged into the Scottsdale library your book is available at all Maricopa libraries.

Kathleen Sullivan – (Phoenix library) the libraries don’t have the time or employees that can host a book signings or reading at their facilities. You can rent a room on your own and promote your own book signings.

Gayle Shanks – suggests that you send her a one page query. Changing Hands Bookstore has a great program for self published writers to get your book in front of the many readers that shop at CHB. http://www.changinghands.com/page/consignment

Cindy Dach – (co owner of CHB and previous marketing manager) Suggest to take advantage of the LOCAL AUTHOR PROMOTIONAL PACKAGE - for $100 we will feature your book for one calendar month in a display at the front of the store next to our Staff Picks case, putting your book in front of hundreds more potential readers. Cindy also suggested, take a picture of you and your book at the bookstore and post it on Facebook, it’s a great way to market and motivate friends and family to go buy your book.

Being an author its 40% writing and 60% marketing.

Alternative Publishing

http://www.stormwolf.com/

http://www.mike-slack.com/

http://www.wheatmark.com/

Alternate publishing – Michael Stackpole, Mike Slack, Sam Henrie and Gwen Henson.

What are the pro’s of using alternate publishing? You have more control and more profit.

What are the cons? You have more work to do.

If you independently publish, you will have to develop business skills to be successful.

Print on demand (POD) is a great way to pay for books as needed. Less money up front.

Your e-book covers has to look good in postage stamp size

You have to build your own audience and platform. Know who your audience is- Make a daily routine to stay connected with your audience.

Create a high quality books, get editors and designers.

Cost of your book should be 7x how much it cost to print it.

Intro to digital publishing

Digital publishing is the future and these guys are riding the wave.

http://epublishunum.com/ Evo Terra & Jeff Moriarty – Introduction to digital publishing.

5 phases of digital publishing: writing, editing, publishing, promoting, and interacting.

1.      Writing-

He said, she said in digital form is very annoying, don’t over use it.

Pacing – move it along

Know thy genre- read it to know it

Who is excelling in your genre? Follow them.

Ask yourself. What are things I’m doing and need to stop doing them? Things I’m going to start doing? and things I’m going to continue to do?

2. Editing

You should establish First readers and they should be non family or friends.

There are many tools to finding an editor. Collaborate with your editor, Skype with them.

Graphic designer is needed for your cover. Keep your brand the same on your book cover.

3. Publishing - pick one online company to work with and learn all you can about them.

Price your book at a price that will move your books. Free version of your book can get new readers.

4. Promoting

Promote yourself. Update your blog with a progress of your book. Book tours- visit as many bookstores as you can. Podcast for virtual book tours. “Bumrush the charts.” Get your family and friends to buy all at the same time and that will get you on the charts.

Reward your fans with giveaway and contests. Build 1,000 rabid fans. Have your community work for you. Don’t forget the power of email. Collect fan emails. Fans are invaluable resource.

Draft a plan for promoting yourself. Tie everything together- Brand name.

5. Interacting

Fish, where your fish are

Goodreads.com is a good website to find readers.

Decide how much you want to share of yourself with fans. Deal with feedback.

Find 3 communities to interact in. Engage with fans not just to sell your books.

Follow trailblazers.

Google + has a hang out place where you can host free discussions. Evo & Jeff have a “Beer and Book” event every Thursday at 7pm. Join in for the fun.