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A Bit of Truth Mixed Into Fiction
Rock Band Roadie follows a sixteen-year-old girl growing up in the projects who dreams of becoming a singer in a band, only to have her dream become a nightmare. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I played the keyboard in the gospel rock band called Cross Road Band. The first couple of chapters were taken from real-life events, which set up the story.
Some events in the book were chillingly similar to real-life events. Did you take any inspiration from real life when developing this book?
Yes, the prison riot was a true event. I was one of the keyboardists who hid behind the curtain until it was over (but no one was kidnapped or escaped in the real event). The events in Patterson were also true. The projects and the park where we played as well as the occurrences written about it were true. We often had other teenagers come along (‘roadies’ if you will) to help pass out literature or help set up. The band traveled to maximum security prisons and juvenile detention centers to sing and play and then stayed in communication with a number of the inmates.
What was one of the hardest parts of Rock Band Roadie for you to write?
Probably the hardest part was staging the prison escape and making it believable. I consulted with a policeman and a military judge for details and accuracy. This started out as a short story and evolved into a book through the advice of these men. And the title is always one of the hardest tasks for me.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are a couple I’m mulling around in my head at this point. One will be a coming-of-age story about a pre-teen boy who migrates to the USA in search of his father.
The other will be about a child who yearns for a magic dress that will keep her from disappearing like her friend did. A story of terrible secrets of child trafficking.
When will they be available? Hopefully by fall of 2024
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Through a few twists and turns, Jemma overcomes her trauma as her dream is about to come true. Tonight she will sing with the band in a maximum security prison. Nerves on edge as she walks to the stage, she senses a man’s eyes following her every move. When the lights suddenly die, a riot breaks out and panic erupts. Cowering in the darkness, Jemma’s scream is stifled when an oily hand clasps her mouth shut and drags her into the deep bowels of the prison.
All she wanted to do was sing — she didn’t plan on being kidnapped and part of a getaway plan. Will she be able to talk her way out this time, or was she in on it the whole time?
Rock Band Roadie
Immersed in a profound love for music and the allure of the stage, Jemma finds solace in witnessing her favorite band perform the songs that resonate with her soul. Yet, her life is far from idyllic. Growing up in the projects, amidst the struggles of an addicted mother and a controlling boyfriend, Jemma knows all too well that dreams seldom manifest in such an environment. However, a chance encounter with Annie alters the trajectory of her existence.
Within the pages of the poignant yet inspiring novel, Rock Band Roadie by C.A. Simonson, we are intimately drawn into Jemma’s arduous journey. Unfolding through a traumatic event that thrusts her into a perilous situation, the narrative unearths the profound growth and coming-of-age of this resilient young woman. Despite projecting maturity, the author artfully reminds us that Jemma remains a sixteen-year-old adolescent.
The narrative style captivated me deeply. From the outset, we are apprised that this compelling story is grounded in real-life experiences, lending an added layer of impact to the tale. Skillfully alternating between the perspectives of Jemma and her boyfriend, Jimmy, the dual point of view enriches the narrative, allowing us to witness events from both sides before converging into a climactic moment at the story’s end. The prose flows effortlessly, making it a quick and engrossing read. One drawback I observed in the book was its brevity towards the conclusion. The story left me yearning for approximately 50 more pages to provide a more complete resolution. Notwithstanding this minor setback, the novel’s conclusion left a lasting impression on me. The story’s impact and emotional resonance more than compensated for the slight drawback, making it a compelling and memorable read.
Rock Band Roadie‘s ability to evoke emotions and immerse readers in the world of its characters is commendable, making it a compelling and worthwhile read.
Pages: 173 | ASIN : B0BYCCXXLS
LITERARY TITAN 