Leon Stevens's Blog, page 119
December 25, 2021
Weekend Wrap-up Dec 25
I wasn’t going to write an update this morning. Many people will be waking up to celebrate Christmas, others have already been there/done that, and many more will either be going about their normal lives (or as normal as things can be) either not celebrating anything, already celebrated something, or waiting in anticipation to celebrate their culture’s tradition.
I’m up early, as I often am. So, as always (or usually) I write. Something.
Whatever you do today, be safe, be kind, be happy.
From my blog this week:Music Monday: Songs You Might Want to Hear – Sunburst by Andrew York. My favorite classical guitar piece.
Tuesday Tirade: Winter and Cereal
Weird Wednesday: Recurring Numbers – 2? how about 22?
Free Book Friday Dec 24 – I’m out of interviews. Whaaahappen?*
*Bonus points if you know what movie that is from.
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
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December 24, 2021
Free Book Friday Dec 24
Hey, where is this week’s interview?
-There isn’t one this week.
Why not?
-Just the way it worked out, I guess.
C’mon, there’ gotta be like a million authors out there.
-But not all of them want to be interviewed.
But some do.
-Yes, some do.
Well?
-Well what?
What am I going to read?
-What if I compile a list of my favorite questions from previous interviews?
Great! I’ll wait right here.
-I’m not doing it now. Next Friday.
Oh. But what am I going to read now?
[sigh]
I heard that.
[eyeroll]
I saw that.
-Here’s a copy of my novella. I haven’t formatted it yet as an ARC, so it’s like an AARC.
Nice! A sci-fi novella, “The View from Here / The View Inside” Haven’t decided on a title yet?
-Not yet
Can I suggest one after I read it?
-You sure can!
Cool.
Elysia Strife is a self-published author of science fiction fantasy and romance novels.
Adopted by two educators, Strife developed a deep love for learning new things. In 2012, she graduated from Oregon State University with two Bachelor’s Degrees in Public Health and Human Sciences: Interior Design and Exercise Sport Science. Her past wears fatigues, suits, and fitness gear, sprinkled with mascara and lace.
Free sample of her latest book:
The story behind Free Book Friday:
I’ve met many authors and readers during my time marketing, cross-promoting, and blogging. I think writers have a responsibility to inform readers about all the indie authors out there in the very crowded world of book publishing. You can’t do it alone, and why would you when you have a supportive group available?
Readers don’t just read one author – they stick with their favorite genres. There lies the power in cross-promotion. If one of my readers buys a book from an author I promote, then chances are there will be a reciprocal effect, or so is the hope. Do I want to boost sales? Of course I do. Do I want to boost other’s sales? Why not. It’s called karma.
BookFunnel and StoryOrigin Promos
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
Purchase paperback directly for the author!Not ready to purchase yet?
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free eBook of your choice.
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
December 23, 2021
Thursday Thoughts: Eve of the Eve
About a year ago, stores were open only for essential items, so yeah, no Christmas shopping. I sold more of my merchandise on some local online platforms, as people panicked to keep some semblance of normalcy. I appreciate that consumers supported local producers, but I’m sure that the larger behemoths benefited more (Jeff got a spaceship for his Christmas).
Sports events were still on, but being played in empty arenas and stadiums. Bars and restaurants were closed.
Vaccines were just beginning to be rolled out, as infections spiked. Now, in some places, with over 80% of the population being vaccinated, Infections are spiking again, reaching higher than before. Stores are open for anything, sports events have full capacity (now being limited), Bars, clubs, and restaurants are open.
Has the population become complacent? Are we tired of being cautious? Some (many?) are I’m sure.
I upgraded the masks I wear when I have to go out, which is not often, and only when necessary.
My parents cancelled their travel plans to visit for Christmas, and they are only a few hours away and fully vaccinated and boosted.
My point? No point, just thoughts. Stay safe.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
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December 22, 2021
Weird Wednesday: Recurring Numbers
I sent my newsletter out to my subscribers. How many? 222. What day is it? the 22nd. What time? 7:22 AM.
I’ll leave it at that.
The Untitled
The Miniscules
My newsletter goes out on Wednesdays:
Lines by Leon Newsletter: December 22
Side note: Sold my first cycle design!
.
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
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C’mon, space stuff!Contact me!Submit a form.
December 21, 2021
Tuesday Tirade: Winter and Cereal
I had a cereal topic written for this morning, but then the local weather person mentioned that it is the shortest day of the year. Great. Which means it will be the longest night of the year. Just as well because it feels like it has been the longest year of the year.
They also said it is the first day of winter. Wait. What!?
So you are telling me that the last month of this:
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OK. Back to the original topic:
Cereal. It’s good. I often eat it for a snack. But c’mon Big Cereal, can’t you at least make the bag easy to open? Ever hear of Ziploc? And maybe make the Puffed Wheat a little denser so it doesn’t fly out of the bowl when you pour in the milk.*
Oh, by the way, when the picture on the front shows a bowl of your product with milk in it, and you say that is the serving suggestion—we know. That’s why we buy cereal.**
Hey wait! Yeah you, generic brands. You ain’t fooling anyone with your similar names. We know who you are copying, Oatie O’s, Crispy Ricelettes, Flakes O’ Corn, Lieutenant Crunch, Lucky Treasures.
Why are you so sweet? I walked through your aisle*** and there were still signs denoting kid’s cereal—and they were all the sugary kind. I though we had done away with that sales method. And why are your mazes and word jumbles so easy? Help Molly Mouse find the cheese? It’s right there!
Nutritional labels: You put two columns, one for the cereal alone, the other with milk. Who eats a bowl of dry cereal? Maybe if you put a picture of the cereal in a bowl of milk . . .
-Leon
P.S. A good winter cereal is oatmeal.
*Yeah. I eat Puffed Wheat. Those little unsweetened, styrofoamy ovoids.
** And sometimes mixing it with melted marshmallows to make a tasty square.
*** Side note: I spelled this on the first try.
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
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Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free eBook of your choice.
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
December 20, 2021
Music Monday: Songs You Might Want to Hear
There is a radio show on CBC here in Canada that occasionally does a feature called SYNTH: Songs You Need To Hear.
Now, I can’t say to someone, “You’ll like this song” (or book for that matter) because I can’t presume that others will share my taste in music (or books), so it is safer to say, “You might like this” and if they don’t like it, so be it.
Maybe you will find a new favorite.
One of my favorite contemporary classical guitar pieces is “Sunburst”. It is exciting and exhilarating to play. I have learned and relearned it several times. Relearned? Yeah, unfortunately, if I don’t play it on a regular basis (like many of my favorites, including my own compositions), it is easily forgotten. Not completely, but enough that I have to repeat the whole process of putting it back together—to play for a while.
Written by American guitarist/composer Andrew York, it does fit well under the fingers, meaning even though it is quick, with flurries of notes that seem to fly by, the natural use of how the guitar is set up, makes learning it less challenging than is sounds. Also, the outer strings that are normally tuned to E are both dropped to D, making for a rich bass and easier melodic sequences.
Don’t get me wrong, it is difficult and fast, but the fingers fall sweetly on the notes to make it flow.
I wish this was me playing, but I would need a few months to get it back, then a few more to record, and I still wouldn’t be satisfied. So, I’ll hand it over to John Williams (no, not the Star Wars guy).
I hope you enjoyed this piece. I may have to learn it again . . . again
-Leon
*It’s true.
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
Purchase paperback directly for the author!Not ready to purchase yet?
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free eBook of your choice.
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
December 18, 2021
Weekend Wrap-up Dec 18: Writing Update
I have been going over the corrections and suggestions in my latest novella manuscript that I got back from my editor. There are some errors I still make, but overall, so far, there hasn’t been a sea of blue edits.
I have to start thinking about book covers. I should have done this sooner because I know it will take some time to source this task. Any cover designers out there you would recommend? Or, are you one? Maybe you want to be one . . .
From my blog this week:Music Monday: Songs You Might Want to Hear
Tuesday Tirade: Angry Cat was lonely.
Free Book Friday / In Conversation With Author A. R. Silverberry
From the blogs of others:The Cookie Chapters: Canadian Treats – Mmm. Butter tarts.
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
Purchase paperback directly for the author!Not ready to purchase yet?
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free eBook of your choice.
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
December 17, 2021
Free Book Friday / In Conversation With Author A. R. Silverberry
About the interviews:
When I published my first book, I looked for ways to reach new readers, and being a brand new author, participating in various book bloggers interviews was a good way to start. Some interviews were standard questions, while others had more individuality built into them.
I then did a twist on the author interview by interviewing myself (Leon Interviews Himself). I then thought it would be fun to get to know some of the authors I was cross-promoting with, and the Friday Conversations were born. Guess what? They are a lot of work. I look up the authors information, visit the website so I can craft a unique set of questions (OK, there are a few standard ones) to let my readership get to know these new authors. Worth the work? You bet. Here is today’s conversation:
A. R. Silverberry writes thrilling fantasy and science fiction for children and adults. His novels have earned numerous awards, including three Florida Writers Association Awards and the Benjamin Franklin Award gold medal.
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author A.R. Silverberry. Thanks for dropping by. Can I offer you anything to drink?
If you have French roast coffee lying around, that would be wonderful.
I think I can do that.
[various kitchen sounds]
[15 minutes later]
You have a few awards listed on your website. Which one means the most?
Some of them go back years, and the feelings they aroused have faded. The most recent, three Royal Palm Literary Awards for my forthcoming YA science fiction, Shadow House, floored me. Judges were composed of agents, editors, and writers. In other words, no slouches. I hoped I might place in one of the categories, but to grab two golds and then first runner up for unpublished book of the year, that sent me over the moon. Reading the judges’ comments added high-octane rocket fuel.
Do you remember what the first story you wrote—or came up with—as a child?
I do! I was probably six. I use to dictate them to my mom in our tiny upstairs bathroom. She sat on the edge of the tub while I acted out what was going on. We had a three-step metal ladder that I used as a prop for an X-Ray machine. Can’t remember anything more about the story, other than crawling under said ladder. I asked my mom to note the machine sound I made and to show me how she’d written it. She pointed to nondescript scrawl I was skeptical of. Shouldn’t it have been Gshiuzzzzzzzz?
Gshiuzzzzzzzz. That’s definitely a machine sound.
California was hit hard this year by wildfires and drought, not to mention the pandemic. Is this something that affected how you write?
I can’t write if I don’t have something to say. The plight of the world figures big in my recent novels and inspires the story’s theme.
You are also a psychologist. Does this influence your writing?
Actually, very little. There’s a far stretch between theory, research, and static academic description of people and what they are really like. Writers want to capture something true. So I think very little about what I “know,” and just open up and listen to what my characters are telling me. Freud nailed it: “Everywhere I go I find that a poet has been there before me.” I would add: and penetrated to the heart of things. Shakespeare and Jane Austen profoundly understood human nature.
It’s always fun to have another musician to chat with. You play piano and also compose—
Wait! You play as well? What’s your instrument? What style?
Classical and acoustic guitar. I compose more than I play though. Performing just wasn’t my forte. Neither is recording my works, so it takes me quite a while to get things finished. Do you have a favorite composer?
My favourite? Don’t make me choose! Let’s start with classical: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Stravinsky.
Do you listen to any other musical genres?
Jazz: Miles Davis, Coltrane, Monk, not to mention that Brazilian wave of the 60s. Better not get me started on Rock. I would have to mention The Band, Bob Dylan, Crosby Still and Nash, Sting, The Who, The Beatles, The Stones, Van Morrison, Cream, Fairport Convention, and any permutation of Steve Winwood.
Some good choices on that list! Are you ready for the lightning round?
Yep.
Camping or hotels?
Camping.
Big Sur or Big Mac?
Big Sur.
Favorite TV show?
I’m not watching any currently. Going for movies instead. The first few seasons of Arrow were fun—but favourite? This is going to date me: Frasier.
Favorite city?
Drive south of the sleeping lady and her soaring redwoods, cross a golden bridge—where on a clear day you cast your eyes twenty miles out to sea and just make out the islands—and you find it. Most days you hear the foghorns.
You could go to the marina. Today you don’t. You pass an expansive park, housing two grand museums. Then you’re heading down Van Ness. Better stop at Tommy’s Joynt for the world’s best pastrami on rye. Afterward, there are more destinations than you can explore in one day. You might walk the wharf and fight the seagulls over a loaf of the greatest sour dough bread on the planet. Or head to Chinatown, the largest and oldest outside of Asia, for dim sum. Or take in Jackson Pollack at MoMA. Or drive the up-and-down dizzy streets. Or the crookedest. You might take in a ball game or the strains of the world-class symphony orchestra, or simply head to Telegraph Hill for the panoramic view.
Whatever you do, you’re charmed and seduced, and it never leaves your heart.
So … San Francisco.
[Grins]
Aisle, window or middle seat?
Window.
Do you feel sorry for Pluto—the ‘planet’, not the dog?
Naw, I’m not prone to anthropomorphizing rocks with layers of frozen gases.
What is your favorite palindrome?
The square palindrome
R o t a s
O p e r a
T e n e t
A r e p o
S a t o r
is pretty cool. There were some in Poisonwood Bible, but I don’t recall them. [Spoiler Alert!] The ending of The Lacuna, one of my all-time favourite novels, feels like palindrome.
That’s a good one. Hadn’t seen that before.
This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?
Thank you, this has been fun! Here are some helpful links.
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon Author Page
New BookFunnel and StoryOrigin PromosThe story behind Free Book Friday:
I’ve met many authors and readers during my time marketing, cross-promoting, and blogging. I think writers have a responsibility to inform readers about all the indie authors out there in the very crowded world of book publishing. You can’t do it alone, and why would you when you have a supportive group available?
Readers don’t just read one author – they stick with their favorite genres. There lies the power in cross-promotion. If one of my readers buys a book from an author I promote, then chances are there will be a reciprocal effect, or so is the hope. Do I want to boost sales? Of course I do. Do I want to boost other’s sales? Why not. It’s called karma.
Author Offering Free Books
Purchase Links
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
Purchase paperback directly for the author!Not ready to purchase yet?
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free eBook of your choice.
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
December 16, 2021
Promote a Poet/Writer Thursday, December 16, 2021 — Go Dog Go Café
Thought I would share this link for any other writers/readers out there:
Welcome to Promote a Poet/Writer Thursday! This is the day of the week where all members of the Go Dog Go Café Community are invited to introduce a Poet or Writer they enjoy reading. Participating is really fast and simple- in the comments below, post the link for the Home Page of the Poet/Writer you […]
Promote a Poet/Writer Thursday, December 16, 2021 — Go Dog Go Café
Thursday Thoughts: The Last Two Years
Two years ago, the world was starting to see the affects of a new coronavirus. It travelled rapidly around the world, despite attempts to quell the spread. We washed our hands, wiped down our purchases, donned masks, stayed at home, severed physical ties with friends and family, begged governments to take action, then fought over personal rights and freedoms.
We lost our sports and entertainment, but more importantly, we lost many people. Hospitals ran out of capacity and staff. Lockdowns and restrictions came fast and furious, putting many in such and uproar that governments were pressured to loosen them prematurely, leading to spikes in infections.
Now? The fully vaccinated are still wearing masks, our governments are advising us to limit our contacts and travel, doing what they can to vaccinate more of the population. Countries are experiencing fourth and fifth waves, often more deadly than the previous ones. People are again rethinking their holiday gatherings.
To quote the great philosopher, Charles Brown: “Good grief.”
Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
Purchase paperback directly for the author!Not ready to purchase yet?
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free eBook of your choice.
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
