Leon Stevens's Blog, page 37
September 6, 2024
Free Book Friday Sept. 6: Freefailing?
Is giving away free books good marketing? It is a popular one among indie authors, the thinking is that readers don’t want to pay money for a book by an unknown author.
Fair enough. But many indie books are also priced at $0.99 as incentive to purchase and not risk too much money. Kindle Unlimited also provides a plethora of titles for a small monthly fee ($9.99 but just say $10.00, you’re not tricking anyone). If you can read over ten 99 cent books, five $1.99 books, four $2.99…okay you get the picture. It can be worth it.
Back to free. I’ve always been hesitant to give my books away. It’s my hard work and it is worth something to me, but I have done it. My short story collection, my sample poetry book, and chapter one of my newest book are all free offerings to incentivize readers to give my books a chance.
Giving away one chapter is, in my mind, a reasonable amount to give to readers. If someone isn’t interested after that, they probably won’t want to finish the book, so no risk there.
But there is a problem with free books: they often sit on eReaders with all the other free books, just waiting for their chance to shine.
Giving away book one of a series is what most authors do, hoping that the reader will purchase the other books. After releasing the final book of my sci-fi trilogy in April, I ran a free giveaway of book one in May.
77 books is pretty good but unfortunately the readthroughs didn’t transpire. If half those readers purchased the rest of the trilogy, I would have made $150 in royalties.
So the question is, is giving away books a good marketing tactic? A better question might be: Maybe my books are not as good as I think they are?
Whatever. I like them.
-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 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 None available
Ends Sept 13th
Aug 14 – Sept 13Review 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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
September 3, 2024
Tuesday Top Ten: Signs summer is over
Is summer over? It depends if:
You live in the Northern or Southern hemisphere orYou consider summer in meteorological (June, July, August) or astronomical (June 21 – Sept 21) terms.I’ll be sticking close to home (northern) with this one, so for many, summer vacation ends* when the kids go back to school which varies by country.
The Top Ten Signs Summer is Over10. School buses on the road
9. Noticeable increase in traffic volume
8. Everybody is grumpy
7. You suddenly notice the days are shorter
6. Birds start flying south. Then north again. Then back south.
5. All your tomatoes are ripe all at once and you tell yourself you are not going to get tired of eating fresh tomatoes because in two months they’re gonna suck.
4. Halloween decorations and costumes suddenly appear at Costco
3. Swimwear is dirt cheap
2. No more just a sheet sleeping
1. Pumpkin spice rears its vile, ugly head
-Leon
*Some parents consider the vacation begins when the kids go back…
Visit my book page! http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
September 2, 2024
Music Monday: 2011
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.
CBC MUSIC, Central · Mornings with CBC Music
[Note: If you are reading this on my Goodreads page, music videos do not display]
Who had the most hits in 2011? Katy Perry? Adele? Bruno Mars? Lady Gaga?
LMFAO had a few.
In 2011, the Winnipeg Jets made their return to the city. More accurately, the Atlanta Thrashers were bought and moved. The original Jets were bought in 1996 and moved to the hockey hotbed of Phoenix, AZ.
FYI: After many unsuccessful years, poor attendance, and arena issues, the Coyotes were moved to the other hockey hotbed, Salt Lake City, UT, where they will play under the soccer-style name of the Utah Hockey Club.
But why tell you this in a music-themed post? A local radio station remixed the Party Rock song to celebrate the Jets return.
“Pumped Up Kicks” is a song by American indie pop band Foster the People. It was released as the band’s debut single in September 2010.
“Tonight Tonight” is a song by American rock band Hot Chelle Rae. It was released as the lead single from their second album Whatever on January 25, 2011.
Did I miss any of your favorites from that year?
-Leon
Want to read more music blogs? Here are some of the ones I follow: Mostly Music Covers, Take it Easy, Beetley Pete, A Sound Day, PowerPop… An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture, SuperdekesVinylReviews, Peat Long’s Blog, Fox Reviews Rock
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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
September 1, 2024
Songs for a Sunday: Hannah Georgas
Hannah Georgas has been on my radar for a while, so her she is…
Hannah Georgas is a Canadian pop/rock singer-songwriter, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was nominated in the categories of “Best New Artist of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year” at the 2011 Juno Awards, and again at the 2013 Juno Awards for “Songwriter of the Year” and “Best Alternative Album”
-Leon
Want to read more music blogs? Here are some of the ones I follow: Mostly Music Covers, Take it Easy, Beetley Pete, A Sound Day, PowerPop… An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture, SuperdekesVinylReviews, Fox Reviews Rock
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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
August 31, 2024
Weekend Wrap-up: Milestones
Almost five years ago I published my first book. I had no clue what I was doing, so mistakes were made.
Did I think being an author was going to be easy? It does only take the right person to mention your book (Oprah) and you’ve got it made, for a while at least. Did I think being an author was going to be cheap? I didn’t expect it to be as expensive as it is to promote a book. Bye-bye royalties.
Did I think being and author was going to be as enjoyable at is is? Honestly, I had no clue it was going to be this fun
Here are some milestones from the last 5 years:
First sale not from a friend or family member:
First 5-star review:
First 1-star review:
First return:
Can’t remember when it happened, but I remember it sucked because it was from a $0.99 sale. C’mon, really?
First time seeing my book on a reader’s shelf:
Hitting $1000 in royalties?
Soon…
So, I want to thank all the readers who took a chance on an unknown author.
I also want to thank all the other authors who have helped in the promotion of my books and for the advice they have given me.
-Leon
In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up: MilestonesFree Book Friday Aug. 30: Survey Says?Weird Wednesday: MercuryTuesday Top Ten: The Perfect LawnMusic Monday: 2010Hope 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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
August 30, 2024
Free Book Friday Aug. 30: Survey Says?
Once a year I send out a survey to my newsletter subscribers. Everyone loves doing surveys, right?
Turns out, not so much, as I get limited engagement, leading to a small sample size. How do Increase participation? You guessed it, free books.
This time, I will be offering book one of my trilogy, The View from Here, as incentive to complete the survey. I dislike giving my books away, but many authors use a free book one of a series to drive sales to the rest of the books. I have used this several times with some readthroughs of the series, but not as many as I expected.
Why not just do a free promotion on Amazon? I did that earlier this year with lackluster results. Sure, I moved 77 free copies, but with few sales of book two. Offering a free book to my subscribers might get them off the fence to purchase the rest of the trilogy. Time will tell.
Now, I know what you’re thinking (actually, I do not), but I think you are thinking: “Nobody wants to do a boring old survey, even for a free book, Leon.”
Me? Make a boring survey? Of course I make it entertaining. Look at the reviews I received for my last survey*:
“The Lines by Leon Survey – it was over faster than one of his short stories!”
– Professor Scrapbooker, The People’s Collage
“I clicked on the link and it took me directly there. Wow! The future is here.”
– Undisclosed Hollywood B-lister
“I didn’t have time…”
– Rolly Casio-Seiko
“I made up a whole bunch of stuff to skew the results. Mwah ha ha!”
– A. Troublemaker
“Brilliant. It was so much fun I did it twice.” [You can’t do that] “Oh. Just once then.”
– Over-zealous subscriber
“I laughed. I cried. Mostly cried (because I had just watched a sad movie).”
– Giveme A. Minutte
I’ll be sending it out to my subscribers next week, but it is active now. Want to test the survey? Want to get a free book? Want to be part of the “Meh”?
Takes the Lines by Leon Survey!-Leon
*Not real reviews.
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 (Ending this month)
Sales/Purchase Links Ends Sept 13th
Aug 14 – Sept 13Review 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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
August 28, 2024
Weird Wednesday: Mercury
As a kid, I used to visit my grandparent’s farm. It wasn’t a farm anymore, but it had old barns, old rusting equipment with trees growing through it, and the coolest thing ever…
Mercury.
Yeah, that silvery liquid metal which flowed around the pie plate that I poured it into. It looked cool in water too.
I know what you’re thinking.
Did I know it was hazardous? I don’t think I did until much later when I looked it up in the encyclopedia. Yup. An encyclopedia…
But we are not talking about element 80 today. Since last week we visited Mars, I thought we should give all the planets some attention.
Facts about Mercury:
The temperature during the day can reach 430 C (800 F), and at night, temperatures plummet to -180 C (-290 F) Saturn’s moon Titan and Jupiter’s moon Ganymede are both larger than Mercury.Mercury speeds around the sun every 88 Earth days.In 2012, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft discovered water ice inside some of Mercury’s craters.Mercury has a faint tail like a comet due to the solar wind blowing off particles from its surface. So, it’s getting smaller.Magnetic tornados. It’s got those. You don’t want to get your credit cards to close.The most famous movie about Mercury that I’ve never heard about?
Hmm.
-Leon
My newsletter goes out every Wednesday: Lines by Leon Super Newsletter Extravaganza
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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
August 27, 2024
Tuesday Top Ten: The Perfect Lawn
What do you use your lawn for? Frolicking? Lazing on? The annual family gathering? One giant dog bathroom?
Unless you have kids, for many homeowners the answer is: Mowing. That’s all it’s there for. To grow and mow. Oh, and to piss off the neighbours when your lawn is too weedy for their liking.
The Top Ten reasons you won’t have a perfect lawn10. You don’t have a full-time grounds keeper.
9. You are not willing to pay for a full-time grounds keeper.
8. You don’t want to be a full-time grounds keeper.
7. You don’t want to use chemicals on your lawn.
6. You don’t want to pay for chemicals on your lawn.
5. You don’t want pay to water.
4. Blades of grass are not all the same colour.
3. Blades of grass do not all grow at the same rate.
2. Weeds grow better than grass. Always.
1. Nature wins. Always.
-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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
August 26, 2024
Music Monday: 2010
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.
CBC MUSIC, Central · Mornings with CBC Music
[Note: If you are reading this on my Goodreads page, music videos do not display]
2010
Ke Dollarsign ha was everywhere so I’ll spare you.
Justin Bieber debuted his career with Baby, and I’ll spare you that as well.
But, I do enjoy Eminem’s writing and word craft. Brilliant? Might just be.
Keinan Abdi Warsame, better known by his stage name K’naan, is a Somali-Canadian rapper, singer and filmmaker. He rose to prominence with the success of his single “Wavin’ Flag”, which was chosen as Coca-Cola’s promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
I like the fact he is wearing a parka and winter cap with earflaps. Embracing Canada wholeheartedly.
So that was the promotional song. Here is the official song:
It’s a catchy tune, but if you are a certain generation all you can think is this:
This is the second best use of the f-word in a song.
You are wondering what the best one is, right? That would be F^@k You by Ani DeFranco.
Aww, what the hell, let’s include another song with the F-word prominently used.
Mumford & Sons are a British folk rock band formed in London in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, and Ben Lovett.
I know that many people dislike Mumford & Sons. Too bad. I’m putting them in…
To appease the Mumford detractors, here are the Avett Brothers.
Owl City is an American electronic music project created in 2007 in Owatonna, Minnesota. It is one of several projects by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young, who created the project while experimenting with music in his parents’ basement.
Did I miss any of your favorites from that year?
-Leon
Want to read more music blogs? Here are some of the ones I follow: Mostly Music Covers, Take it Easy, Beetley Pete, A Sound Day, PowerPop… An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture, SuperdekesVinylReviews, Peat Long’s Blog, Fox Reviews Rock
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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
August 25, 2024
Songs for a Sunday: The Japanese House
Amber Mary Bain, known professionally as the Japanese House, is an English indie pop musician from Buckinghamshire. Bain contributes vocals and plays guitar, synthesizer and keyboard for her music.
-Leon
Want to read more music blogs? Here are some of the ones I follow: Mostly Music Covers, Take it Easy, Beetley Pete, A Sound Day, PowerPop… An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture, SuperdekesVinylReviews, Fox Reviews Rock
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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
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
