Leon Stevens's Blog, page 41
July 20, 2024
Weekend Wrap-up: Sales Desert
I’d prefer to have a sales dessert…Mmm. Dessert.
In May, I decided to give book one of my trilogy away, hoping that sales of books two and three would increase, but those did not transpire. I then put them back into Kindle Unlimited to see if that might kickstart some page reads.
Nada.
For over a month and a half I have had one sale. I checked last year to see if it was a summer trend, and there was a slight dip, but not the arid Sahara or Death Valley that I’m seeing this year.
It’s a good thing I don’t have to rely on this to pay bills…
-Leon
In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up: Sales DesertFree Book Friday July 19: Book PromosThursday Bookday: Climate Book Crisis?Weird Wednesday July 10: The Ancient Olympic GamesTuesday Top Ten: Newsletter Subscriber QuestionsHope 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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 19, 2024
Free Book Friday July 19: Book Promos
Just a couple of book promos today.
-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
July 16th-Aug 21st
Ends July 31
Ends July 31stSales and Purchase
Review Copies (These are free!)Review copies: Like reviewing books? Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book (poetry or science fiction or both): 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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 18, 2024
Thursday Bookday: Climate Book Crisis?
I didn’t dislike the book. It had some very good chapters and ideas.
The first chapter gave me chills as it described a heat wave in India. There were so many different scenarios that could play out in the years to come (and solutions), that someone called it non-fiction fiction.
It’s a thick book. Too thick. One chapter listed every government/public agency created to combat the crisis, for multiple countries. Alphabetically. I couldn’t read them all. Maybe if I had, I would have enjoyed the book more…
A few chapters I had no clue who was narrating. The closer I got to the end of the book, the less I wanted to finish.
I hope no one thinks this of my books…
-Leon
Want to receive and review an advance copyof my latest book?
Sign up hereLeon 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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 17, 2024
Weird Wednesday July 10: The Ancient Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are just over two weeks away, and I know that we are all wondering about the history of the competition. I know I was curious, so I travelled to Greece and uncovered some ancient historical documents, which I am quite willing to share.
The History of the Ancient GamesThe Ancient Olympic Games
The first games were held in the year 776 BCE in the small town of Klazomenai, but was moved to Olympia to be closer to the gods, and due to the fact that no one could say “Klazomenaic”.
There were only two events that first year: The Marathon, which after the initial race was changed to an out and back after the racers wound up 26.2 miles away and the crowds at the stadium were extremely disappointed. The second event was the ever popular, hotdog eating contest. The symbol for the games was a single ring representing pita bread.
It was for many years just for Greek citizens until the Etruscans were invited to participate, mostly because they had better wine. A second ring was added to the flag by the committee led by Vennisus who would go on to fame in the field of diagrams.
Wrestling between the two countries was added, hence the name Greco-Etruscan Wrestling (or GEW as the kids called it). The winner of the first gold medal in the sport was won by fan favorite, Hulkus Hoganakis.
Athletes began to complain—mostly because didn’t want to do it every year because it interfered with their summer holidays. It was suggested that they could alternate between summer and winter games, to which they said, “Huh? What’s winter?”. It was finally decided that the event would be held every four years, on the condition that everyone shows up.
The Games were only missed twice between 779 BCE and 393 CE, the first time because of the great olive fiasco, and the second time because there was a Taylor Swift concert scheduled in the stadium. The games were finally cancelled by Roman emperor Theodosius I because they wouldn’t include actually stabbing in fencing competition.
The games finally reappeared in England in 1616,but that’s another story.
-Leon
ARC sign up here!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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 16, 2024
Tuesday Top Ten: Newsletter Subscriber Questions
Many authors have newsletters. The main reason is to have a way to inform readers of the books they have available. I try to make mine as entertaining as possible to offset the sales pitches.
Newsletter Subscriber Questions (and answers)10. “Do you know who opens your newsletters?“
Yes.
9. “Do you know who clicks on the links?”
Yes.
8. “So, you know who has purchased one of your books?“
No. I know if you click on the book link and if there was a sale that day, I can infer that you did.
7. “Why do I not receive newsletters anymore?“
Did you open any of them?
“No.”
6. “Why did you unsubscribe me?“
Did you read the FAQs email?
“No.”
It states, if you don’t open ten emails in a row, you are automatically unsubscribed.
5. “Why?”
Mail hosts charge authors by their subscriber count, so we don’t want to be sending to readers who don’t want them.
“I still want them.“
“Then open one once and a while.”
4. “Would you ever unsubscribe a read out of spite?”
Spite? No. Malice? Maybe. What was your address again?
3. “Why do you give your books away for free?“
I don’t give them all away, just a few samples so that readers can try out to see if they like my writing.
2. “Do you expect them to buy one of your books?“
Expect? No. But if they enjoy my writing, I hope they would support me by making a purchase.
1. “Why to you write?“
That’s an excellent question. Read this:
About Leon Stevens
-Leon
Launch day is getting closer! If you haven’t read chapter one of Euphrates Vanished yet, check out the options on my homepage.
Looking for reviewers who want to receive an advance review copy of my latest book!ARC sign up here!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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 15, 2024
Music Monday: 2004
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
2004
Britney Spears marries Jason Allen Alexander (No, not the Seinfeld actor) and files for divorce 55 hours later, there was a “wardrobe malfunction” at the Superbowl, Luciano Pavarotti gives his last performance in an opera, , Green Day’s American Idiot came out, and Britney Spears marries Kevin Federline a marriage which lasts two years longer than her previous one.
Here is some music:
Kevin Brereton, better known by his stage name k-os, is a Canadian alternative rapper, singer, songwriter and producer.
Crabbuckit is off his second album.
Apparently, if a crab tries to climb out of a bucket, the others will pull him back down…
Bedouin Soundclash is a Canadian band based in Toronto and consisting of vocalist and guitarist Jay Malinowski, bass player Eon Sinclair and drummer Chuck Treece.
Hoobastank has six albums to their credit. I can’t name any, but I remember this song:
This guy’s pretty good:
On the doppelganger topic, Keith and Viggo anyone?
And here’s a couple more form 2004:
Switchfoot had a minor hit with Meant to Live, but I missed their 2000 song Dare you to Move which is better IMO, so here is that slight throwback.
-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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 14, 2024
Songs for a Sunday: Fontaines D.C.
Favorite by the Irish band, Fontaines D.C., has been getting a bit of airplay here in Canada. They have been around since 2017, but I’ve only recently heard of them. I did check out other songs, but nothing that I thought was as good.
-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
Looking for reviewers who want to receive an advance copy of my latest book!
Sign up hereLeon 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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 13, 2024
Weekend Wrap-up July 13: Ch-ch-changes
One thing about being a science fiction author is that you can make things up. Planets, aliens, technology, they’re all fair game. What about future situations here on planet Earth?
Anything beyond…well, today, is on the table. But, if you go back any amount of time, all you have to do is create an alternate timeline. How to you solve today’s climate crisis? go back to 1962 (or 1957 or whatever) and have the umm, aliens from planet…let’s say Gragnak (which just happens to be the ever popular sci-fi star Wolf 359) visit Earth and give technology capable of supplying clean power to the world.
Now, all you have to do is create a different crisis and your next book practically writes itself…
Well, it’s not that easy.
In my book, Euphrates Vanished, I had the main character grow up in a megalopolis in the US mid-west, of three cities that had grown together. But as I was working on the prequel, I realized with the population growth rate of the new timeline it probably would not have happened, so I went back and changed it. Minor issue that, thankfully doesn’t affect anything.
I also changed a date of a certain occurrence from 2116 to 2158 (or was it 2157? I forget already, but what’s one year?) to accommodate slower than lightspeed travel. Again, a minor issue.
The only other changes to my manuscript, were a few minor typos one of my early reviewers spotted. Now the only thing I need to do is upload it to Amazon and it’s already to go out to everyone who preordered it.
How many preorders do you have?
Four.
That’s not a lot, right?
It is not. I was hoping for more of my newsletter subscribers to purchase, but, that’s how things go.
-Leon
In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up July 13: Ch-ch-changesFree Book Friday July 12: Odds and EndsThursday Thoughts: Do I or Don’t I (Part II: Kindle Unlimited)?Weird Wednesday July 10: History of the MarathonTuesday Top Ten: Reasons I won’t post.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, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
July 12, 2024
Free Book Friday July 12: Odds and Ends
So, all my books are back in Kindle Unlimited, except for my short story collection which is not eligible since I give it away as my newsletter reader magnet. We’ll see how that goes. I suppose if I want people to read my books, I’d might as well give them every option available.
I’ll be sending out a reminder to my early reviewers that their reviews are coming due. I specify in the sign-up that I’d like reviews to be complete within four weeks of receiving their copy, which I don’t feel is unreasonable, but I will ask them to let me know if they need more time of are choosing not to leave a review.
Speaking of reviews, here is the lastest, posted on SFF Insiders website: SFF Insiders. Head over and check out the full review and others on the site!
I was thinking about my writing the other day. I’m not going to be writing the next great piece of literary fiction any time soon, and that’s not what my intention was when I set out on my writing journey. All I want to do is write entertaining content, be it in my blog posts, poetry, or science fiction books.
I want to give readers an escape, I want to make them laugh, and I want to give them something to think about. I hope I have and will continue to do so.
-Leon
Looking for reviewers who want to receive an advance copy of my latest book!ARC sign up here!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 and BookFunnelStoryOrigin and BookFunnel allows authors to advertise their books to each other’s audience. I hope you have been able to discover a new favorite!
Note: After this month, I will be offering promos from StoryOrigin only as I am trimming my budget this year.
Free Books/KU
Ends July 31
Ends July 31st
June 15 – July 16Review Copies (These are free!)Review copies: Like reviewing books? Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book (poetry or science fiction or both): 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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
