Leon Stevens's Blog, page 123
November 11, 2021
Throwback Thursday: A Two-Fer
My blogging has evolved. Looking back to my early posts are a real eye opener. My style hasn’t changed much, but the way my posts look has. The messages are the same though: Usually funny, sometimes introspective, often cynical, and hopefully entertaining. Here are two for your enjoyment.
https://linesbyleon.com/2020/12/10/thursday-thoughts-2/https://linesbyleon.com/2020/11/20/funny-fridays/I better get to my novel writing. Quit distracting me…
NaNoWriMo Totals to Date: 6400 words, 11 cups of coffee, one cup of Earl Grey, one glass of cabernet, and a half-pint of a Session IPA.
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
Purchase paperback directly for the author!
November 10, 2021
Weird Wednesday: Cartoons/NaNoWriMo
I realized that my update could be a bit misleading. One reader may have thought that it was a previous day’s total (not monthly) which would be good for word count, but the coffee/beverage intake is quite alarming. So, here are the monthly totals:
NaNoWriMo Totals to Date: 6400 words, 10 cups of coffee, one cup of Earl Grey, one glass of cabernet, and a half-pint of a Session IPA.
In the “that’s just mean” category:I went to the NaNoWriMo site to update my progress. Now I know I am a slow writer, and I’m nowhere close to the 1666 words/day required to reach the goal by the end of the month (and, I’m OK with that), but c’mon, when this graphic shows up on my stats page:
Want to rub more salt in the wound? Thanks a bunch for the words of encouragement*…
The Untitled
The Miniscules
My newsletter goes out on Wednesdays:
Lines by Leon Newsletter: November 10
*It made me laugh.
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
Purchase paperback directly for the author!Not ready to purchase yet?
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Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
November 9, 2021
Time Machine Tuesday: My First Video
NaNoWriMo Update: 6000 words*, 9 cups of coffee, one cup of Earl Grey, one glass of cabernet, and a half-pint of a Session IPA.
I never liked my singing voice. Limited range and it never sounded good to me. But I try sometimes.
https://linesbyleon.com/2020/12/08/the-bullying-battle-the-things-you-do/
*If you are doing the math, 6000 divided by 8 equals I now have to write 2000 words/day. Yikes!
Want more music?: https://linesbyleon.com/my-music-and-more/
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
Purchase paperback directly for the author!
November 8, 2021
Music Monday: New Feature: Songs You Might Want to Hear
NaNoWriMo Update: 5877 words, 8 cups of coffee, one glass of cabernet, and a half-pint of a Session IPA.
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.
Sometimes a song just grabs you from the first chord or notes. Maybe it’s the melody or lyrics. This one checked all the boxes. There is a studio version with the full band which I think is better, but this, apparently, is the official version.
Leon
November 7, 2021
RollerQuotester: Life has Its Ups and Downs
I took break from NaNoWriMo yesterday to get my last project ready to send to my editor. I did get a few hundred words written later in the day with a half pint of a Session IPA.
I went for a run for the first time in … a week? Odd thing come to mind when I am out running. Yesterday was no exception as I thought about all the inspirational quotes out there.
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
Purchase paperback directly for the author!Not ready to purchase yet?
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Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
November 6, 2021
Weekend Wrap-up / NaNoWriMo Day 5
NaNoWriMo Update: 4168 words, 6 cups of coffee (will be 7 soon), and one glass of cabernet. Yes, that was my evening writing session.
Other writing news: The novella I started last November is almost ready to go to my editor. Any other writers out there get tired of re-reading their story, looking for errors? Sometimes you just have to “Let it Go”, right? So, before I start writing today, I’ll go over it one last time.
Non-Writing news: The clocks turn back an hour tonight for many regions. Now it gets dark at 6. Tomorrow it will get dark at 5 and continue to get darker earlier for the next month and a half, so by the solstice say bye-bye to the sun around 4-4:30.
But on the bright side, the days start to get longer. Must. Remember. To. Take. Vitamin. D.
Weekend Wrap-upFrom my blog this week:Nov 5 Free Book Friday, my latest Interview: In Conversation With Author Greg Granderson
Spooky Sunday / Inktober Day 31(Risk): My First Horror Story (a risk in itself) – Did you read my first horror story? Did you leave a comment? Well, you couldn’t. But now you can…
From the blogs of other’s:Did not read very many other blogs this week. But you should. There are many talented and entertaining people out there.
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
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!
November 5, 2021
Nov 5 Free Book Friday, my latest Interview: In Conversation With Author Greg Granderson
Day 5 of NaNoWriMo Update: 3472 words as of yesterday. 5 cups of coffee, 1 glass Cabernet.
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:
Greg Granderson is a Science Fiction and Faith-based Graphic novel / comic book creator and publisher. As a former police officer, he has worked in the school system, and he has a passion for seeing young people being highly encouraged and making excellent life choices.
In Conversation With Author Greg GrandersonToday I have the pleasure of sitting down with author Greg Granderson. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for having me, Leon, it’s a great honor!
Honor? That’s debatable…Can I interest you in a beverage?
No, I’m good thanks.
Easy guest. Nice. I’ll have to admit, I never was much into comics or graphic novels, although I did start to read The Walking Dead after getting into the show. Were you always drawn to this style?
Well, I’m an 80’s kid from Brooklyn New York, and comics were a huge part of my life growing up. I never thought I would ever be creating my own books though, LOL! I just really enjoyed the characters and all the adventures they got into.
Do you do your own illustrations?
Yes, but I am not a traditional artist. I use digital 3D modeling and sets, to craft my visual stories.
I read that you were a police officer. How did you choose that career path?
I would have to say that came from a heavy influence of comics and movies growing up. It shaped a lot of my career choices because I also serve in the military. I guess you could say that I developed a heavy hero complex, LOL! It gave me a strong sense of servitude and desire to help people.
How did being a police officer guide your writing?
![TEAM GREAT: Decisions And Outcomes by [Greg Granderson]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1636154714i/32151189.jpg)
I used to teach the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program to 5th graders as a police officer. I visited many schools within my city and taught the program which has been around for close to 30 years, much like the D.A.R.E. program. I came up with the idea for Team GREAT, about a super powered team of officers of the future, that protect the citizens of their city from gang violence, among other high tech threats, while teaching the program. I negotiated a vendor contract with the founders of the G.R.E.A.T program and am now creating my own series.
It sounds like a great (excuse the pun) way to reach out to youth with a medium they are familiar with.
Yes, the curriculum series is three issues, which two are available on Amazon now in ebook form. There is a platform for police officers to order the books in paperback for their students as well.
Did you have a love of reading and writing as a child?
ABSOLUTELY! I’ve always loved reading comics and choose your own adventure books. I actually wrote a school play in the 10th grade that my creative writing teacher was so impressed with, that she submitted it to a Young Play writers Competition in Brooklyn. It didn’t place and I didn’t think much of it at the time, but her enthusiasm about my writing was very encouraging, especially when most kids at my age mostly had dreams of being a prize athlete, LOL!
I hear you. I wanted to play football, but my high school didn’t have a program, and neither did my community. Guess I’ll never know how it could have been.
When you are not writing, what are you doing?
I’m very active in my church and like to spend time with family…LOVE WATCHING MOVIES!!!!
Favorite movie?
That would have to be Big Trouble in Little China, starring Kurt Russell
I usually have music playing, except when I’m writing. You?
I like silence most of the time…although lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of musical scores, LOL! Dude is an epic composer, really love his stuff!
I just looked him up. I didn’t recognize the name at first, but I do recognize all the moves. He has quite the resume.
Yep, my favorites are his Batman and Superman (Man of Steel) scores.
Care to give the lightning round a go?
Sure, lets do it!!!
Dawn or Dusk?
Dawn
Favorite city?
New York!
First book you remember reading?
Super Fudge by Judy Blume
What is the tallest building in the world?
Empire State building
It was, but not for a while now.
Name three thing that begin with a double letter.
Eel, oozing, ooh! LOL
Did you have to Google that?
YES! LOL!!!
I’ll have to deduct a few points, sorry.
This has been fun, but we need to wrap it up. Any links you wish to add?
Thanks Leon, this has been great! I will share my Amazon author page link:
https://www.amazon.com /Greg-Granderson/
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.
Featured Author: J.P. Cawood
Sci-fi Free Book Promo
Poetry Gift Ideas
Print books (Paperback and Hardcovers) for Gifts!
Free Samples from new Poets
Explore New PoetryVisit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
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!
November 4, 2021
Throwback Thursday: Returning to Roots
As I mentioned on Sunday, I will be scaling back my posts this month as I participate in NaNoWriMo, so I’ll offer up this little blast from the past today:
https://linesbyleon.com/2020/11/29/returning-to-roots/NaNoWriMo Update: ~ 2400 words and 5 cups of coffee.
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
Purchase paperback directly for the author!
November 3, 2021
Weird Wednesday: Cartoons
The Miniscules
You can check out my newsletter here: Lines by Leon Newsletter: November 3
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
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!
November 2, 2021
Time Machine Tuesday: My Very First Post
As I mentioned on Sunday, I will be scaling back my posts this month as I participate in NaNoWriMo, so I’ll offer up this little nugget in the meantime:
It’s been a year since I joined WordPress. I had a blog on my previous website, but it was getting very little traffic. I have enjoyed meeting other writers and reading their wide variety of creations. I have slowly grown my readership and have made meaningful connections with many other bloggers.
So, on this one year anniversary, here is the first post I offered up to WordPress readers:
https://linesbyleon.com/2020/11/11/why-i-write/Day one of NaNoWriMo Update: ~ 1000 words and two cups of coffee.
Visit my Book and Merch page for your chance to win a poetry book.
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.
www.linesbyleon.com
Purchase paperback directly for the author!
