Leon Stevens's Blog, page 29

Songs for a Sunday: Jorja Smith

Jorja Alice Smith is an English singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Walsall, West Midlands, she has been writing songs since the age of 11. In 2012, Smith’s friend uploaded her cover of Labrinth’s “Earthquake” to YouTube, which led to her discovery by record producer Guy Moot.

-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

Weekend Wrap-up Dec. 7th: More “Art”

Blank canvas expecting to fetch 1.5 million:

Screw it. My next book is going to be 182 blanks pages. Sure it won’t be a novel, but all I write are novellas, so why start now. Here’s a sneak peek:

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So, whatta ya think?

-Leon

In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up Dec. 7th: More “Art”Friday Dec.5: New Short StoryWeird Wednesday: The History of Advent CalendarsMusic Monday : JosephWeekend Wrap-up Nov. 30th

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

Friday Dec.5: New Short Story

I am currently putting together all my best short stories, blog ramblings, and essays in a publication titled “Stories of Dubious Truths” to give away to my newsletter subscribers as a Christmas gift, because I know they love free stuff. Probably why I only sold 1 book last Friday when I put all my books on sale for 99 cents.

That didn’t sound passive aggressive at all, did it?

My First and Last Dive Bar

One time, as I travelled with friends to a new city, we decided to visit a dive bar. Not just a dive bar, but a real dive bar. Now, ten years earlier, this would have been a challenge, but that day it was only a matter of typing “real dive bar” into our favorite search engine. I would like to write that it was “Ask Jeeves”, but it wasn’t.

As luck would have it, there was one within walking distance that had a one-star review on Yelp. We nodded and agreed this would be our destination. The night was in its infancy, and as we walked, the streetlights flickered on as if to guide our way.

The sign above the alcove with the old wooden door—with a very small window—read: Bernice’s Tavern. As I reached out for the rusty handle, I noticed the handwritten sign duct taped to the brick wall. That sign read: Ring bell for entry. We looked at each other and I’m sure we all had the same thought.

Perfect.

I pressed the button, feeling the years of dirt from the countless fingers of others and hearing what sounded like a muted warehouse bell. Through a dusty side window, I could see a man lean over the bar and give us the once over. We obviously met the entry requirements, and we were greeted with the crackling buzz of the door lock.

Upon entering, we were greeted with the smell of cigarette smoke—new and old—beer—also new and old—and dim lighting. The narrow establishment had a long bar along the left, and a standing room ledge along the right wall which was adorned with crooked pictures, faded music flyers, and beer labels. Behind the bar, various old beer and alcohol signs hung, and on the beer cooler were several items that would not be out of place in a hoarder’s residence.  

A few regulars sat at the bar, we just knew they were, and later it was confirmed when we looked at our pictures and recognized one of the patrons from the picture on the Yelp review.

We took our seats at the far end of the bar, beside the very small stage, although I’m not quite sure it met the specifications to be called that. An old curtain held up by shower curtain rings separated the front from whatever was in the back. The tattooed girl with black hair from the unshaven side of the head tied into a ponytail, immediately asked if we wanted the special—to be honest, it sounded like she asked us if we wanted “The Special”. 

Intrigued—but not enough to say yes without more information—we asked what it was, revealing our non-local origin. The answer was a curt, “Beer and a shot. Two-fifty.” Four specials were ordered and several minutes later we were presented with four delicious PBRs (not our definition, but several days later, we overheard that same designation in another bar from a young man trying to impress what was obviously a first date*) and four shot glasses of whiskey.

As we drank, we struck up a conversation with our bartender and were soon joined by the man who had deemed us acceptable patrons. He introduced himself as the owner. I, being a bit of a smartass, said, “You don’t look like a Bernice,” which drew laughter from all within earshot.

“Bernice is my mother. I named it in honor of her. Want to meet her?”   

Now, I’ll tell you if he had pulled out an urn full of ashes from under the bar, I would not have been surprised at the least, but he pulled back the curtain to reveal an old woman with a cigarette in her mouth sitting at a table covered in ashes, watching an old TV bolted to the wall.

“Say hi to my mom.”

“Hi, Mom,” we all said in unison, and she smiled and nodded. I’d like to be able to recall if there was anymore conversation with her because I’m sure it would have been just delightful, but let’s assume the curtain was closed after a certain amount of time had passed, leaving Bernice to smoke and watch her stories in peace.

After ordering another round of specials, we were also presented with complimentary keychain bottle openers, embossed with the name and address of the establishment. Nothing says classy like having a bottle opener that you can attach to your car keys.

We had other plans that evening, so we said our goodbyes and took our leave. The heavy door locked with a loud click behind us, and it was agreed that we made a good choice.

I’ve never gone to another dive bar since and I’m not sure I could because it’s never going to stand up to Bernice’s.

*After eavesdropping on the conversation between band sets, we concluded that this relationship was doomed.

-Leon

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 StoryOrigin

StoryOrigin 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 Review Copies (These are free!)

Review 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

Weird Wednesday: The History of Advent Calendars

You may have had one before. You open the little cardboard window to reveal the smallest piece of chocolate you have ever seen. Oh boy! There are also many other themed advent calendars out there, from dog treats to beer and wine.

The first advent calendar was not a big seller once people found out there was only one piece of gold, two pieces of frankincense, and the rest was all myrrh.

In the middle ages, for fear of the bubonic plague, the rat advent calendar, called “The Ratvent”, was discontinued and replaced with one containing ticks and fleas.

The first major change to the calendars was the switch from the Julian advent—which was full of carob because chocolate hadn’t been invented yet—to the Gregorian advent when the Spanish returned from the new world with Hershey’s Kisses. They also brought back a Mayan advent but it was to heavy to be a viable product. Plus the last day had a curse so no one wanted to open it.

During the Dust Bowl, all advent calendars made in the east had to be filled with dirt and shipped back to the farmers. During Prohibition, those little chocolate bottles of “booze” became popular additions to the calendars.

Oskar Meyers released a meat calendar, but that didn’t last since postal workers refused to deliver them. Because of all the dogs…

The last attempt at modernizing the advent calendar was buy Apple. Each day contained a newer version of the iPhone. The only problem was that by the 24th day the last one was out of date. Oh, and you are left with a bunch of useless charging cords.

-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

Music Monday : Joseph

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Joseph is an American folk band from Portland, Oregon made up of three sisters: Natalie Closner, and twins Allison and Meegan.

Named after the town of Joseph, Oregon and also as a tribute to their grandfather, they released their first album in 2014 and three more since.

-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

Weekend Wrap-up Nov. 30th

Well, we made it. It’s December Eve. Is there such a thing? Well, thought some arduous searching (Google), I discovered that:

It is a paint colour:

And a beauty blog:

It is also:

Cities for Life Day International Computer Security Day National Mason Jar DayNational Meth Awareness Day National Mousse Day National Personal Space Day Perpetual Youth Day Small Business SaturdayStay Home Because You’re Well Day World Day of Giving

So enjoy in whatever way you do!

-Leon

In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up Nov. 30thFriday Nov. 29th:SaleThursday Thoughts: Black FridayTuesday Top Ten: Winter Driving TipsMusic Monday : Bands you’ve never heard of (Part IV Prism)

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

Friday Nov. 29th:Sale

All my books are on sale (US/UK):

Mine and a few other authors:

-Leon

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 StoryOrigin

StoryOrigin 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!)

Review 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

Thursday Thoughts: Black Friday

In 26 BC, a papaya vendor, sick of having all his fruit go to waste (because no body really likes papaya with all those weird black seeds) decided to put all his stock on sale for 75% off. He was unprepared for the stampede that followed, with people rushing to snap up the deals, not caring that it was the gross papayas.

The vendor across the dusty road said, “Well, if it works for papayas…” He then discounted his big screen TVs and sold out in minutes.

And Black Friday was born.

Speaking of which, all my books are 99 cents tomorrow and Saturday (US/UK)

http://books.linesbyleon.com/

-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

Tuesday Top Ten: Winter Driving Tips

Winter has arrived in most of Canada and in the northern US, we all need to remember that winter driving is different than summer driving.

Duh.

Top Ten Winter Driving Tips

10. Clean your windshield.
9. Defrost is your friend.
8. That snow mattress on your roof? It’s gotta go.
7. That trip that took 10 minutes? It’s gonna be 20.
6. People don’t remember how to drive. Trust no one.
5. Slow down.
4. That trip that took 10 minutes? It’s gonna be 20.
3. Snow tires. Yes you waited to long to put them on.
2. You are going to slide. Into the curb. Into the intersection. Yeah into.
1. Slow down.

Did I miss any?

-Leon

All my books will be 99 cents on Friday (US/UK)!

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

Music Monday : Bands you’ve never heard of (Part IV Prism)

Where did I discover new music in 1977? Only two places, the radio and friends who discovered new music from…you guessed it, the radio.

If you were a Canadian band in the 70s, the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) was your friend as it had mandated a certain percentage of all broadcasts (25%) had to meet the Canadian content criteria. That meant radio stations needed to fill a lot of spots.

!977: Prism

1978: See Forever Eyes

1979: Armageddon

Some of the songs were written by Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams. Yes, that Bryan Adams

1980: Young and Restless

1981: Small Change

Don’t Let Him Know was written by Adams and Vallance and was Prism’s biggest hit.

There was a new lead singer (Henry Small) on this album, and by the end of 1982, the guitarist and bassist left, leaving no original members in the band.

1983: Beat Street

I remember buying this album and disliking it and that was the end of Prism for me. They did break up after but reformed to release two more albums.

-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