Leon Stevens's Blog, page 24
February 3, 2025
Music Monday: Scenic Route to Alaska
The Edmonton-based trio, Scenic Route to Alaska, has seven albums to their name and is comprised of Trevor Mann on lead vocals and guitar, drummer Shea Connor, and bassist Murray Wood.
-Leon
Oh, and if you are wondering:
Book two of the Orion Arm Alliance, A Matter of Sabotage, will be out in spring 2025, so time to get reading book one!
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
February 2, 2025
The Origin of Groundhog Day (really).
Punxsutawney Phil. The most famous rodent in the US behind Mickey Mouse.
Gobbler’s Knob. That’s where the stump that Punxsutawney Phil lives in and I can’t say it without giggling…
PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have offered a vegan cake to cut and reveal the weather prediction (not sure how that would work). In previous years they have suggested flipping a coin, looking at a thermometer (if it’s cold, it’s winter), or tossing persimmon seeds.
I’m sure Punxsutawney Phil would prefer any of those alternatives to being yanked out of his stump, and since he has only been correct 38% of the time…
[I am reposting this from last year in case you missed it.]
The Origin of Groundhog DayAt some point in the distant past, or perhaps not so distance, a person, somewhere, looked out into the forest (or their field) during what felt like a long cold winter, although it may have been unseasonably mild that year, and saw a groundhog—what they use to call ‘dirtpigs’ in the days of yore—poke their head out of the dry, cozy burrow.
Angered by the encroachment of this pest, the farmer/hunter/settler grabbed the trusty and extremely accurate blunderbuss*, raced out into the cold (or unseasonably mild) winter day and preceded to shoot at this varmint.
Now, you might think this is where the origin story ends, with the animal darting back into it’s hole—which animals are prone to do when getting shot at with a 17th century firearm—and the shooter waiting 6 weeks, suffering through the now bitterly cold weather, and claiming that the actions of the Marmota monax (also known as the woodchuck, a rodent of the family Sciuridae) caused the elongation of the winter season, thus perpetuating the myth of what’s now commonly called Groundhog Day.
But you’d be wrong.
It’s all because of that damn Bill Murray movie**.
*Wondering what a blunderbuss is?
**Which one, though?
Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
Songs for a Sunday: Baauer
Some TV shows can be limited in audience appeal. Shows in the UK don’t always work in North America and vice versa because of regional references and cultural differences.
Case in point. Letterkenny. You may not have heard about it, but it follows the lives of residents in a small Ontario (Canada) farming community. Its fast-paced, often rude dialogue, is a satirical comedy might go over the heads of many. I actually have to put on the subtitles in order to catch the words.
As expected, hockey plays a big part in this Canadian show and when the series ended, the spin-off, Shoresy, was launched. It follows the lives of a Northern Ontario hockey team, the Sudbury Bulldogs.
Its fast-paced, often rude dialogue, is a satirical comedy might go over the heads of many if you are not familiar with minor league hockey culture. The closest you may have heard of is the 70s movie, Slapshot, featuring Paul Newman.
Much of the music in Shoresy is electronica or from heavier indie bands, but this song has a introspective feel that was well placed in the show. As the songs are not listed in the end credits, the name thankfully came up in the subtitles or I would not have be able to share it.
Harry Bauer Rodrigues, known professionally as Baauer, is an American record producer and DJ, best known for his double platinum song “Harlem Shake”.
Adio Marchant, known professionally as Bipolar Sunshine, is an English singer and songwriter from Manchester, England. Previously the co-vocalist with the band Kid British, he embarked on a solo career in 2013
Home: Baauer (ft. Bipolar Sunshine)
-Leon
Book two of the Orion Arm Alliance, A Matter of Sabotage, will be out in spring 2025, so time to get reading book one!
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
February 1, 2025
Weekend Wrap-up Feb. 1: Letter from the Editor
I received my manuscript from my editor yesterday and now begins the task of reviewing her edits and suggestions. I probably take 90% of them because that’s what I pay her for. Most of that has to do with the grammar cuz me dont do that writing good.
This will be the sixth book she had edited for me and I do try to improve my writing skills each time, but its difficult to change how I phrase sentences because it’s what comes natural. To the average reader, some of what she changes would probably go unnoticed. Unlike spelling errors, sentence structures can fly under the radar if they make sense and are natural sounding to the reader who’s not going over the words with a fine tooth comb.
Will there be errors that slip through? Undoubtedly. Most books, regardless of being independently or traditionally published, can contain a typo. If you missed it, I did a post on famous typos:
Free Book Friday June 7: To Err is Human
I’ll leave you with a clip from a show I think is pretty funny, although it may have gone on for a few to many seasons.
Ok. Back to the edits…
-Leon
In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up Feb. 1: Letter from the EditorFree Book Friday Jan. 31Thursday Thoughts: Whew…that was close.Weird Wednesday: Rewriting the MapsTuesday Top Ten: Facts About Denmark
Book two of the Orion Arm Alliance series is out in April, so time to read books one! http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Hope you enjoyed the recap! Feel free to share it with others.
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
January 31, 2025
Free Book Friday Jan. 31
Two months before the release of A Matter of Sabotage, book two in the Orion Arm Alliance series, I decided to put book one on sale for 99 cents.
That’s all I got today.
Don’t feel like buying the book?
Sign up to review Euphrates VanishedSign up for an Advance Review Copy of A Matter of SabotageSci-fi not your thing?
Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words
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. Therein 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.
Some free book offers require a newsletter sign-up, which is a small non-monetary price to pay to try out a new indie author.
Reads From StoryOriginStoryOrigin allows authors to advertise their books to each other’s audience. I hope you have been able to discover a new favorite!
Free Books/KU
Ends Jan 31st
Ends Feb. 2ndSales/Purchase links
Ends Jan. 27thNewsletterSign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book (poetry or science fiction): Leon’s Newsletter
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
January 30, 2025
Thursday Thoughts: Whew…that was close.
You leave your house to walk the dogs and when you get back you see a splattering of dust on your sidewalk. Hmm…that was not there before, you say to yourself. Of course, the first thing you do is whip out the measuring tape, right?
Of course not! you look at your porch cam and discover:
Yikes! Want some numbers?
50 tonnes of meteoric material fall to earth each day, most hitting the ground as dust.Between 90 and 95 percent of meteors don’t survive the fallThe odds of being hit by a meteor are 1: 1 000 000 but what is interesting is that The Christian Science Monitor pegs it as 1: 250 000, so not so confident in the higher powers, I suppose.-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
January 29, 2025
Weird Wednesday: Rewriting the Maps
In a show of absolutely no balls or backbone, Google maps have indicated that the the Gulf of Mexico will be renamed The Gulf of America. Now this change will only appear for US users. Next, Google will change the name of New Mexico to just New.
Want some more weird political geography?
Point Roberts in Washington state is isolated due to the 49th parallel border agreement
The Northwest Angle (pop. 54), part of the state of Minnesota can only be accessed from the US by boat or over ice roads in winter. Otherwise 4 border crossings are needed for a round trip.
The shortest international bridge in the world (32 feet) connects two islands in the St. Lawrence River.
The Can/US border runs through the library in Haskell, VT.
Going from your bedroom to the living room requires a border crossing in Estcourt, ME.
There are many more, but will save that for later.
-Leon
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
January 28, 2025
Tuesday Top Ten: Facts About Denmark
So, Dry January is coming to a close, huh?
Are you one of the people who have decided to stop indulging in alcoholic beverages only to crack one open on February 1st? Did you also know it is Ginuary? No temptation there.
On a non-booze related topic, did you know it’s also International LEGO Day, and as most people know, those fun interlocking bricks were invented in Denmark. So…
Top Ten Facts about Denmark:
10. Denmark is frequently ranked as the the world’s happiest country, probably because you can’t be sad when you play with LEGO, frustrated, yes, but not sad.
9. It has the oldest flag in the world still in use by an independent nation.
8. The pastry known as the danish actually comes from Vienna, Austria where it was called “wienerbrød” or “Viennese bread” (not wiener bread).
7. The two oldest amusement parks in the world are in Denmark, the first one was called One Flag.
6. If you like to cycle, 12,000km of cycle tracks and lanes. If you don’t like to cycle, we you can drive but they will mock you.
5. Copenhagen chewing tobacco is not made there. Copenhagen chewing tobacco is also kinda gross.
4. Æ, Ø and Å are letters in the Danish alphabet and are not allowed to pronounced by non-Danes.
3. You will never bee more than 54 km from the ocean.
2. They are the only ones with the term “Hygge” which means creating cozy social gatherings and intimate get-togethers with family and friends. It’s the feeling of wellbeing and a warm atmosphere. Awww. Also goes good with a danish.
1. Denmark, despite not being on the Scandinavian peninsula is considered a Scandinavian country. Finland however, despite sharing a 600 km border with Sweden, is not technically on the peninsula, so is not considered Scandinavian. True to Finnish stoicism, when asked their opinion on this, usually reply, “Meh.”
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
January 27, 2025
Music Monday: Beautiful Voices
I have featured many beautiful voices over the years. Jenn Grant, Sarah Harmer, and Madi Diaz to name a few. So, here are a few more.
The GRAMMY Award® winning vocal supergroup, säje (rhymes with “beige”), is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Born out of close friendship and deep admiration, these world-renowned artists, composers, and arrangers have come together to explore, create, and celebrate the music that moves them.
I have featured The Good Lovelies before:
Music Monday: Songs you might want to hear – The Good Lovelies
…but I neglected this lovely Lovelies song for no apparent reason.
Madeleine Roger (she/her) is a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Canada. While skillfully accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, it is her artistry as a songwriter that can silence a room, uniting her lyrical prowess with breathtaking melodies that linger long after they are sung.
Caley Watts, a Cree singer/songwriter, grew up along the river banks, mountain ranges, and rainforest that fill Nuxalk Territory and her music, which is a blend of folk and roots, draws heavily from the pace and beauty of her home.
-Leon
Book two of the Orion Arm Alliance, A Matter of Sabotage, will be out in spring 2025, so time to get reading book one!
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
January 26, 2025
Songs for a Sunday: Queen
There are so many songs out there that it’s easy to miss a few or even forget about them. So when I heard this next song, I didn’t realize it was a cover until the DJ announced it.
I’m not a big George Michael fan, but I don’t deny his talent. His vocals on this song sound uncannily like Freddy Mercury.
And just for comparison:
-Leon
Book two of the Orion Arm Alliance, A Matter of Sabotage, will be out in spring 2025, so time to get reading book one!
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
books.linesbyleon.com/Newslettersignup
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
