Leon Stevens's Blog, page 26
January 11, 2025
Weekend Wrap-up Jan. 10: Off to the Editor
I “finished” my final draft of A Matter of Sabotage this week. Why is finished in quotations? Because it’s never really done. There’s always something more you could do, bu at some point you just have to send it on its way…to the editor, that is.
I trust my editor. I don’t always agree with her suggestions, but after 5 books I think I’m making it easier on her. I still get the dreaded “sea of blue” corrections, but hopefully not as many as the last.
Most readers are not as picky as editors. Most will comment on the typo that has thwarted all the reads, and glaring grammar issues can make reading less enjoyable.
I tend to write with less description, so the “show don’t tell” technique is one issue that is pointed out to me. I did however, implement this during my last revision:
The other issue is passive vs. active voice. Unless you are looking for it, or if passive voice is used excessively, I don’t think the average reader would notice it too much. I don’t pay attention to that when I’m reading a book.
“The bill, which enabled sweeping changes, was agreed to by all the members.”
“All the members agreed to the bill which enabled sweeping changes.”
I am partial to the first (passive) example because I like the interjection in the middle. But that’s just me.
So, we will she what I get back at the end of the month.
-Leon
In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up Jan. 10: Off to the EditorFree Book Friday Jan. 10 In Conversation with: D. ThrushWeird Wednesday: Let’s Talk Politics (Really?)For the Indie AuthorsMusic Monday: case/lang/veirs
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 10, 2025
Free Book Friday Jan. 10 In Conversation with: D. Thrush
Why do I post author interviews? For one thing, they are fun to craft and are usually entertaining as well as being informative. They introduce my blog readers to my blog readers and vice versa, which hopefully translates to a sale or two.
I don’t shy away from different genre writers either. Readers don’t always read one particular genre, and this is a good way to introduce them to another.
So, let’s chat with D. Thrush, shall we?
Who?
Just keep reading, you’ll find out!
In Conversation With: D. Thrush, Literary and Women’s Fiction and PG rated Rom Coms author
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author D. Thrush. I read that you live in Oregon. The only thing I know about it is there is a trail named after it (or because of it) there’s a game of the same name, and one funniest TV shows takes place there. Care to guess which one?
Portlandia expands on the notion that Portland is proudly weird.
Good to know it’s a documentary!
Can I offer you anything to drink?
I drink lots of water and green smoothies, but I wouldn’t turn down a non-dairy hot chocolate!
Just so happens I have one ready.
What got you into writing?
Ever since my father read us stories at night, it sparked my imagination. As soon as I learned to read and write, I was making up stories and became a voracious reader and writer.
My dad read and made up stories at bed time.
What was the first story you remember writing?
I wrote a story about a neglected armchair stored in an attic in third grade and a self-cleaning house in sixth grade. I also wrote a story about a teenage girl inspired by the Archie comic books. I thought being a teenager sounded so mature and cool.
Do you still have it?
I wish. I remember my third grade teacher loved my armchair story so much she showed it to other teachers and I don’t think I ever got it back.
Did you plan on writing a series?
The Santa Secret is FREE on all booksellers.I never intended to write a series. I wanted to move on to new ideas, but readers asked for more books after The Daughter Claus (inspired by my mother’s idea) and they were so fun to write. I even recently wrote a prequel.
It’s nice to be able to cater to the reader.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I take any honest criticism into account and try to improve. It actually helps to get objective reviews. Of course, I prefer glowing reviews!
What authors influenced you?
That’s a tough one. I’ve read a lot of classics and read a variety of genres. I loved how Fight Club pulled you in from the first page. I love Augusten Burroughs and Taylor Jenkins Reid and Andy Weir. Every book that grabs me and doesn’t let me go influences me.
Who does your cover art?
I’ve done some of my own covers on Canva, and Bukovero has done the Santina Series and the Little Secrets book covers.
Do you have a favorite book?
Again, a tough question. I’d have to really think about my top ten, let alone one. One of my recent favorites that I recommend to everyone is Free Country by George Mahood. It’s so funny! I also really loved Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.
What is something about you that surprised people?
I don’t think I’m that surprising. Maybe that I’ve been vegan for decades.
I’m not vegan, but do enjoy many of the dishes available, usually involving chick peas. Do you have a favorite?
My new favorite is sweet potato enchiladas. I’ve made them for family and friends and everyone loves them.
I do some weekly blog posts about music. Do you have any favorite musicians or genres to listen to?
I like the oldies: the Beatles, James Taylor, Carole King. I also like Alanis Morissette. I was really into disco. I was in NY during that time. I guess it depends on my mood.
Are you ready for the lightning round?
Uh-oh
Half full or half empty?
Depends on my mood, but half empty.
Best thing to do when you are in Oregon?
Hike when the weather’s nice. Admire nature. Write or read when it’s raining
Palatypus. Fan or not?
Fan. I’m an animal lover.
Favorite city?
New York. Born in Queens.
Analog or Digital?
Digital
Scariest animal you have encountered?
Humans
That’s an A+ answer.
This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?
Thanks, Leon! Interviews are always fun, especially with a fellow indie author. It’s great to be a part of such a supportive community.
The Santa Secret is FREE on all booksellers. Here’s the Amazon link: Amazon.com: The Santa Secret: Santina Series – Prequel eBook : Thrush, D.: Kindle Store
And here’s my website: D. Thrush
Want more interviews?
Leon Stevens Interviews Himself
Leon Interviews AuthorsReview Copies (These are free!)
Sign up to review Euphrates VanishedSign up for an Advance Review Copy of A Matter of SabotageReview copies: Like reviewing books? 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
Sales/Purchase links
Newsletter:Sign 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 8, 2025
Weird Wednesday: Let’s Talk Politics (Really?)
One week into 2025 and politics just keep getting crazier.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the handsomest world leader after Emmanuel Macron, announces he is resigning after months of pressure from inside and out.
Incoming US President Trump announced that he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. He also keeps spouting off that Canada should join the US (not going to happen) because he claims the US is subsidizing Canada hundreds of millions a year anyway (not true, that’s just the trade deficit numbers he is using incorrectly. Canada just imports more stuff than we export).
What about him wanting to purchase Greenland from Denmark? Or getting the Panama Canal back? As a rebuttal, Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested Canada purchase Alaska (because it’s already attached to us anyway).
And finally, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has banned hot dogs.
You can’t make this stuff up.
-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 6, 2025
Music Monday: case/lang/veirs
You may not know who Neko Case is. If you don’t, you probably don’t know who Laura Veirs is either. But I’m sure you have heard the name, k.d. lang. With 30 albums between them, they are often called a supergroup.
When k.d emailed them with the project idea, the case/lang/veirs album was set in motion and released in 2016.
Neko Case is an American singer-songwriter and former member of the Canadian indie rock group the New Pornographers. Laura Pauline Veirs is an American singer-songwriter based in Portland, Oregon. k.d. lang, is a Canadian pop and country singer-songwriter.
-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 5, 2025
Songs for a Sunday: Ari Lennox
Courtney Shanade Salter, known professionally as Ari Lennox, is an American R&B singer-songwriter from Washington, D.C.
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 4, 2025
Weekend Wrap-up Jan. 5: ROI / The Purge
I watched the first Purge movie. It wasn’t that good. Not bad enough that they decided to make four more.
They say don’t purge your email list. I say, “The purge is on.” Why?
I need new subscribers. The return on investment is just too low. Case in point. I have 550 subscribers. Eighty of them have downloaded the first chapter of of my newest book that came out in April, and I have sold 16 copies. And that was before I put it on sale, along with the rest of my books, and did not sell any. So, that tells me either the first chapter is not compelling enough, the readers haven’t read it yet, or they haven’t got around to reading.
Now, who stays and who goes? My newsletter automation sequence is set up to unsubscribe readers if they never open a newsletter in the first two months which equates to 10 mailings:
Welcome letterFAQ letterDid you enjoy the free book?3 reminders if they haven’t opened the first three4 regular bi-weekly newslettersI think its safe to say they are not interested after that point.
The other criteria for purgability are clicks on links included in the newsletter. those are my book purchase links and the book promos. If a subscriber isn’t interested purchasing my books or from other indie authors, why should I keep them?
One issue that may happen is that opens and link clicks do not get registered which makes it look like the reader is inactive. I always send out a polite letter letting subscribers know they are on the unsubscribe list and a link to click if they wish to remain.
But I’m not going to abandon them completely. I’ve been playing around with the Substack platform and I think I have it figured out to use as a newsletter alternative that won’t cost me anything other than time.
So, if you receive my highly entertaining purge letter this month, make sure you click on the “Don’t purge me!” link.
-Leon
Book two of the Orion Arm Alliance series is out in April, so time to read books one! http://books.linesbyleon.com/
In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up Jan. 5: ROI / The PurgeFree Book Friday Jan. 3Weird Wednesday: Why To? Que?Tuesday Top Ten: Top Ten ListsMusic Monday: In MemoriamHope 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 3, 2025
Free Book Friday Jan. 3
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.
Featured AuthorsAxl Blaze is an engineer by day and a storyteller by night, he weaves tales of mystery, suspense, and adventure. Growing up amidst the stunning landscapes of Vancouver, Canada, he finds inspiration in the natural beauty. He published his first novel at the age of 22, driven by an unparalleled passion for fiction writing.
V.R. Friesen has been writing stories since shortly after she learned the alphabet. She grew up on the beautiful East Coast of Canada and now lives on the equally beautiful (but in a different way) West Coast, in Vancouver, BC, with one of her many siblings and a cat.
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
Sales/Purchase links
Review Copies (These are free!)Sign up to review Euphrates VanishedSign up for an Advance Review Copy of A Matter of SabotageReview copies: Like reviewing books? Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words
Newsletter:Sign 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 1, 2025
Weird Wednesday: Why To? Que?
Twenty-five years ago, you may have emerged from your backyard bunker and thought, “Well, that was a waste of money.” Then you may have looked back inside at the shelves and thought, “That’s a heck of a lot of dried beans.”
You may not even remember the problem if you were born in 2000 or later, so briefly:
On January 1st, 2000, the world was going to explode because the stupid computers would not recognize the digits “00” as a valid year (only two digits were used to denote the year in computer programs to save on memory). It was feared that bank would lose all records of their money, planes would fall out of the sky, nuclear weapons would launch, and worst of all, the Hostess Twinkie line would grind to a halt.
But, we are all here, so nothing happened, right?
In Spain, a worker received a notice for an industrial tribunal in Murcia which listed the event date as 3 February 1900.In Australia, bus ticket validation machines in two states failed to operate.In New Mexico, the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division was temporarily unable to issue new driver’s licenses.In New York, a video store accidentally generated a $91,250 late fee because the store computer determined a tape* rental was 100 years overdue.In Norway, a day care center for kindergarteners in Oslo offered a spot to a 105-year-old woman because the citizen’s registry only showed the last two digits of citizens’ years of birth.150 Delaware Lottery slot machines stopped working.And the list goes on of many other events around the globe, but now the worry is that the AI robot uprising will enslave the human race.
Probably another non-event, but at least you still have all those beans.
-Leon
*Ask your parents
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
December 31, 2024
Tuesday Top Ten: Top Ten Lists
I started my top ten journey with the top ten lists (notables were Franz and Bucket). Here is a list of my favorite top tens of this year:
Leon’s Top Ten Top Ten Lists:
10. Slang I Just Can’t Use
9. Slang I Just Can’t Use (Part II)
8. Words I have never written (until now)
7. Newsletter Subscriber Questions
6. Olympic Facts
5. Discontinued Olympic Sports
4. Olympic Moments We Didn’t See
3. Reasons you are Canadian
2. Reasons People Do Stuff
1. Christmas Eve History
Feel free to check them out and comment!
-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
