Leon Stevens's Blog, page 48

Music Monday: 1995

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

Rock seemed to dial back the heavy in 1995.

Who could forget “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts, and Hootie & the Blowfish had their hit, Only Wanna Be With You.

There seemed to be a plethora of songs with an acoustic guitar riff and some melancholy lyrics. Here are two that come to mind.

Then there was Oasis’s Wonderwall, but we all know how that goes.

Once you get past to orchestral part in this next one (I don’t recommend you skip it, though), the guitar kicks in and the song builds from there.

The piano takes the guitar part in this next one by Counting Crows.

Need a bit of a twist on rock and roll?

Three great songs from Canadian women, Susan Uglukark, an Inuk singer, Alanis Morissette, and Sarah Mclachlan

This is the first song I heard by Ani DiFranco. I was sitting in a field with thousands of others. The sun was just setting. Some people already knew what two words were coming.

I didn’t.

How about a one-hit wonder?

-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

Want to receive and review an advance copy of my latest book?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!

Weekend Wrap-up May 4

I haven’t been able to blog as much as I’ve wanted to these last couple of weeks due to a change in routine, which will continue for another, then hopefully I’ll be able to return to the regularly scheduled programing.

You haven’t drawn a Miniscules cartoon for a while, either.

Yeah…that endeavor seems to be waning as of late, as well.

How about your latest book?

My editor has started on it, so I’ll have it back in two weeks, then I’ll prepare the ARC to send to all the reviewers who have signed up.

Do you have a lot of reviewers?

-Leon

I’d like some more (nudge, nudge*).

*Only people of a certain age will complete the appropriate continuation after this.

May the Fourth.

Yeah, I just realized I missed the boat (or the Millennium Falcon) to do a whole Star Wars post. But I had a book promo planned:

Here’s a previously posted cartoon:

In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up May 4Free Book Friday May 3: In Conversation With – Mark PiggotWeird Wednesday May 1Tuesday Top TenMusic Monday: Austin City Limits – Sarah JaroszLooking for more reviewers who want to receive an advance copy of my latest book!Sign up here

Don’t forget to check out the interviews I did with some of the Indie April authors! https://linesbyleon.com/indie-april-sci-fi/

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!

Free Book Friday May 3: In Conversation With – Mark Piggot

Indie April might be over, but you can still see all the interviews and check out the books, although some prices may have changed. Click to visit!

In Conversation With:   Mark Piggot

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author Mark Piggot. Can I offer you anything to drink?

An Old Fashion Whiskey if you’ve got it, otherwise coffee will do.

Why not both. It’s early and/or late enough!
Are you glad you joined the Navy before the movie Top Gun came out?

Actually, I was influenced by another great Navy movie, The Final Countdown, where the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz was sent back in time before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Great cast and great sci-fi movie with awesome flight deck action before Top Gun.

I don’t remember that movie but I do remember The Philadelphia Experiment. The movie and the myth. Or was it a myth…?
What’s the coolest thing about serving on an aircraft carrier?

Flight operations was always fun to watch, especially from “Vulture’s Row” (an open area just above the bridge) where sailors could watch flight ops. But to me, being able to visit all the different foreign countries at port calls was the best. I saw everything from the fjords of Norway to the cliffs of Dover and the desert of UAE and the Suez Canal. It was incredible.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Originally, back in my high school days (70s), I wanted to be a comic book artist, the next Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, but I didn’t have the artistic talent I needed. So, I switched to writing, putting all my creativity and imagination into storytelling instead. I started to learn my craft as a Navy Journalist, writing mostly news and feature stories about sailors and events. I didn’t write my first novel until 2001, and it took me eight years to get it published.

What book got you interested in steampunk?

Jules Verne captivated me with “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and “Mysterious Island” both in books and movies. It was his novels that led me to H.G. Wells “War of the Worlds” and others, but in a more modern sense, “Boneshaker” and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” keep my interest going. I just love the idea of bringing modern technology to the Victorian era, powered by steam or magic. It’s exciting to both read and create my own.

How do we explain to readers unfamiliar with the genre why or how technology stalled at Victorian era levels?

From a historical perspective, you really need to go in depth into the feud between Tesla and Edison. I think that it was the reason for the indifference in technology during that time period. If they would have come together as colleagues, rather than adversaries, the world might have been different.

  Favourite piece of steampunk technology that you have invented?

One of the devices I created in my steampunk novel “Corsair and the Sky Pirates” is the Radiographic Frequency Modulator or RFM. By attaching it to an electrical grid, like inside and airship the sky pirates are attempting to heist, it visualize everyone and everything on board in the goggles like an internal radar using the electrical impulses to see. It was so much fun to create that.

You look like a ComiCon kinda guy. Am I right?

I didn’t start attending comic-cons until I became an author. I dress up in my steampunk attire to attract readers to my table. It helps bring out my genre to the masses in a way that they can relate to. It also helps attract those that are new to the genre.

You grew up in New Jersrey. What is the one stereotype you feel is apt and one that needs to just go away?

“What exit do you live?” or “The armpit of America” are the ones I hate the most. I know NJ gets bashed a lot, but it was a great place to grow up. I spent my summers at the Jersey Shore or tubing down the Delware River, hiking up the Delaware Water Gap or walking on the Boardwalk along Seaside Heights. It was my childhood home.

Let’s switch gears and talk about music. Do you have any favorite bands?

I am an 80s geek, grew up on original MTV and mega concerts. I saw Journey, Bryan Adams, John Mellencamp and The Tubes at one of those concerts. It was great. I am a big fan of the British Invasion like Queen, Duran Duran, Def Leppard and such, but my “go to” band is Asia (Heat of the Moment, Only Time Will Tell, Don’t Cry, to name a few songs). I saw them live and their music has stuck with me all these years. I could listen to them anytime.

Are you ready for the lightning round?

Let’s do it!

Did you enjoy the movie, Wild Wild West?
TV Series was better than the movie.
Favorite outdoor activity?
Shopping at flea markets.
Food you like but others might think is just weird?
Calamari
Favorite city?
London
One item on your bucket list?
Visit the Christmas Markets of Europe
Farthest from home you have been?
Dubai, UAE.
Scariest animal you have encountered?
Water Mocassin

This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?

My website is authormarkpiggott.com and my publisher website is http://www.curiouscorvidpublishing.com.Looking for more 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.

Free books and a prize? Whoo-Hoo! Reads From StoryOrigin and BookFunnel

StoryOrigin and BookFunnel allows authors to advertise their books to each other’s audience. I hope you have been able to discover a new favorite!

Since my newsletter goes out bi-weekly, I offer book promos on those dates, so here are what’s running right now:

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!

Weird Wednesday May 1

-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/

Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!

Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!

Tuesday Top Ten

Dave Letterman’s Top Ten List was always one of the show’s highlights. So here is my Top Ten List:

Leon’s Top Ten Lists:

10. Shopping
9. Franz
8. Luke
7. To-do
6. Check
5. Naughty (Santa’s)
4. Bucket
3. Top 10
2. Set
1. Bucket

An honorable mention goes to:

Remember that one?

-Leon

Looking for more reviewers who want to receive an advance 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!

Music Monday: Austin City Limits – Sarah Jarosz

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

Bluegrass. Very cool.

Newgrass. What happens to Bluegrass when the cool kids get their hands on it. It’s not really new, though. The band, The Newgrass Revival started in the early 70s. In my teens, I wasn’t a country or bluegrass fan, but in less than a decade I grew to appreciate the musicality.

So, there’s a reason I try to watch Austin City Limits on PBS. I always find amazing artists. Sarah Jarosz has been around since 2009 and I’m surprised she’s evaded me for so long.

This sounds like a country song. If you didn’t know the original, you might think it was written as one.

Of course you want to hear more…

Just when you think she can’t get any cooler:

She

Also on the bill that night: Billy Strings

Music Monday April 24: Billy Strings

-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

Looking for more reviewers who want to receive an advance copy of my latest book!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!

Free Book Friday April 26: In Conversation With – MJ James

Don’t forget to check out all the interviews I did with many of the above authors, and of course, support your next favorite indie!

In Conversation With:  MJ James

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author MJ James. Can I offer you anything to drink?

Absolutely, I’ll take some water. I am boring like that, but water is amazing.

Water is amazing. I don’t drink enough, that’s for sure.
What was the first book you remember reading on your own?

I don’t remember. Like a percentage of autistic people, I have hyperlexia and found an escape in words and numbers very early in my life. However, growing up, a few of my favorite books were A Wrinkle in Time, Bridge to Terabethia, Maniac Maggie, and Matilda. I’m sure you can see a theme.

What books and/or authors influenced you?

I find this hard to narrow down to a select few, and if I did so, I would be leaving so many people out. Writing is an experience that builds on each other. Each author takes something from other works and makes it their own. However, the most influential authors to me are those in a writing group that I belong to. We are all neurodiverse writers and amazing human beings.

Do you have a favorite book?

Just one? I don’t think that is possible. My most favorite recent book is Don’t Cry for Me. I recently finished it, and it was fantastically written, made me grow as a person, and had such vivid characters and world-building. Another favorite book is The Unkindness of Ghosts. This is a science fiction story set on a generational ship that looks at race, cast, gender, and sexuality. I reread this one continually and find new things each time I do. I collect new favorite books every time I read and love to rediscover them.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes. At least I knew since I was in third grade. I published my first short story in middle school about an alcoholic astronaut who found out that we were descendants of Martians. It was similar to Mission to Mars, except my story was written years before. I took a long pause on creative writing while I was raising my kids. I couldn’t lose myself in my own world while providing for their needs, but even then I didn’t stop writing.

Writers often write about what they know about or what they hold dear. Is your novel, NeurodiVeRse autographical in any way?

Yes, I don’t think I would be capable of writing a novel that didn’t have some thread of myself in it that I build off of. Jupiter, the main character, is non-binary and autistic, like me. Although, ironically, they are the main character least like me. We do not respond to situations in the same way. But I put them through situations similar to myself. I had a lot of pushback from neurotypical (non-neurodiverse) individuals with my first two books about my portrayal of autism. They were comparing my characters to autistic stereotypes while I was trying to show holistic autistic adults. However, autistic readers reached out, letting me know how much they enjoyed seeing themselves on the page. So, I went all in with NeurodiVeRse. It is all about transphobia and ableism (specifically ableism against autistic people). The situations that Jupter experienced at the start of the novel were all fictional things that happened to me. I also set it in a more liberal city, one I am very familiar with, having lived here for the last ten years, to show that these micro and macro aggressions are happening everywhere. I really tried to write NeurodiVeRse for neurotypical readers to understand, but again, it is really the autistic reader who has accepted it. 

On your website you say you were diagnosed with autism at age 24. Was it a lack of resourses or something else that lead to late diagnosis?

Late diagnosis is pretty common, especially in my generation. Considering the situation 24 is a relatively early diagnosis as that was 20 years ago. Asperger’s syndrome (a term that is no longer acceptable to use due to its ties to a Nazi doctor) was not added to the DSM-IV (the manual used to diagnose psychological and developmental disorders) until 1994. I was already 14 at the time, and it took years before autism was talked about as more than a non-verbal white male condition. I was 17 in my Introduction to Psychology class in my sophomore year of college, and I remember learning about autism. It was a video of a boy rocking and hitting his head on the wall. My classmate turned to me and looked at me and said, “Hey, that’s you.” I also had co-workers compare me to Rain Man. But all these early portrayals of autism (that are still common today) are inaccurate, leading to individuals who are not white males getting diagnosed later or not at all. Even after my official diagnosis, I have had professionals tell me my diagnosis is a “fad.” The ableism is baked into psychology as well. I could go on, but I won’t. Granted to say, this is why I write what I write. I want people to see us as multi-faceted, unique humans.

How important is it for LGBTTIQ2SA+—wait, is that right? That’s really long. What’s the commonly acceptable term or acronym now? Or did I open up a big ole can o’ worms?

LGBTQIA2S+ would probably be what you are going for. I think LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA+, or LGBTQIA2S+ are all commonly used terms, depending on the situation. The addition of 2S (two-spirit) is extremely important to represent indigenous gender identities outside the European binary (or even European non-binary).  

There has been a lot more representation of LGBT+ groups in books, TV, and film. Some critics will say it is disproportional to the population and others are just intolerant. Have you felt any backlash to your writing?

My first one star review (I made a strong decision to stop reading reviews after) was because my writing was not romantic enough. My book (and actually all three of my books) has aromantic and asexual representation. This is a spectrum of identities that do not have romantic or sexual attraction to other individuals. So yeah, I don’t write romance novels. That alone has been a big backlash and exclusion from book culture in general. It is assumed that LGBT+ novels are all gay, but it goes beyond that. That is actually what the A stands for – Aromantic, Asexual, Agender – and those three are all a huge part of my identity.

My writing isn’t romantic at all. I purposely wrote a male and a female character to be the protagonists and develop a friendship, not a romantic relationship. I felt it wasn’t needed to drive the story forward.
Let’s switch gears and talk about music. Do you have any favorite bands?

I actually have auditory sensitivity, which makes it hard for me to listen to music. Especially when I have been overwhelmed with lots of sound and I live really close to people, so there is always noise. Noise-canceling earbuds are the best thing ever. I have actually found myself wanting to listen to music lately and realizing that I don’t have any musical taste.

I’ve always assumed everyone enjoys music, but that’s something I’ve never considered, and I’m sure most people haven’t either. Thank you for bringing that to our attention.

Are you ready for the lightning round?

Let’s go!

Last binged show?
Stargate (the original)
Favourite piece of technology?
The smartphone
Food you like but others might think is just weird?
Everything I eat
Favorite city?
None – give me the middle of nowhere with no one around
One item on your bucket list?
I’ve actually completed my bucket list; Blackbelt in TKD, Graduate degree, Write a book – all done so now I just keep going.
Farthest from home you have been?
Mexico – but I’ve lived all over the US
Scariest animal you have encountered?
I walked right into the back end of a black bear.

This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?

Thank you! Yes. You can check out my website at mj-james.com or my linktr.ee at https://linktr.ee/mj_james

Looking for more 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 BookFunnel

StoryOrigin and BookFunnel allows authors to advertise their books to each other’s audience. I hope you have been able to discover a new favorite!

Since my newsletter goes out bi-weekly, I offer book promos on those dates, so here are what’s running right now:

Free Books Purchase Links

There are two different promos for this one, each platform have different participants.

BookFunnelStoryOriginKindle Unlimited 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!

Music Monday: 1994

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

Was the best album of the year Green Day’s, Dookie? How about Definitely, Maybe by Oasis, or perhaps Cracked Rear View by Hootie and the Blowfish.

Jann Arden won a Juno Award for single of the Year and it was well deserved.

The Barenaked Ladies followed up their debut album, Gordon, with Maybe You Should Drive.

I’d be amiss if I didn’t toss in a Cowboy Junkies song for a certain blogger. This album was released in late 1993 so many of the songs gained airplay in ’94.

How about some homegrown angst driven rock?

The early 90s saw a surge in folk music with bands like Great Big Sea rekindling interest in East coast groups that had been playing homegrown and traditional Celtic music been around since the 70s and 80s.

Natalie MacMaster. Yeah, big crush.

As always, there are too many to mention.

-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

Looking for more reviewers who want to receive an advance copy of my latest book!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!

Weekend Wrap-up: 4/20/24

Rats live on no evil star.

That could be the title of my next book, but it’s not. It’s a palindrome. Today’s date, is one as well: 4/20/24.

The earliest recorded palindrome was discovered on a cuneiform tablet by 18th century archeologist Roberto Otrebor. He posted his finding on social media before realizing he had accidentally been holding it upside down.

Thankfully, he was able to retract his post by not mailing his letter.

Rats live on no evil star. You know, that is a pretty good title when you think about it.

On my blog this week:Weekend Wrap-up: 4/20/24Free Book Friday April 19: In Conversation With – Kim Catanzarite Weird Wednesday April 17Music Monday 1993: Mmm.Weekend Wrap-up April 13: 300 (books not the movie)Looking for more reviewers who want to receive an advance copy of my latest book!Sign up here

Don’t forget to check out the interviews I did with some of the Indie April authors! https://linesbyleon.com/indie-april-sci-fi/

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!

Free Book Friday April 19: In Conversation With – Kim Catanzarite

Don’t forget to check out all the interviews I did with many of the above authors, and of course, support your next favorite indie!

In Conversation With: Kim Catanzarite

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author Kim Catanzarite. Can I offer you anything to drink?

Yes, I’d love an unsweet iced tea with some Stevia sprinkled on top. Thank you.

As an editor, what’s the one error we writers make that really bothers you? Wait, before you answer, I’ll confess that I like splitting my infinitives, ending a sentence with a preposition, and adore the Oxford comma.

So…are we still friends?

Ha ha, yes, we’re still friends. Copyediting is more flexible than people think. We editors try to go with the flow as much as possible while also adhering to the rules of grammar and style. Believe it or not, splitting infinitives is acceptable most of the time, as is ending with a preposition, and who doesn’t love the Oxford comma? I know I do.

When did you fall in love with reading?

I was a late bloomer when it comes to loving to read. I liked short stories in college because they were quick and artistic. Novels appealed to me later, when I settled down and my attention span grew. I enjoyed movies more than I enjoyed books until I realized that the experience of entering a book world was often far more fulfilling.

What authors influenced you?

I went through a period of about five years where I went to the library and borrowed nothing but writing craft books and writing advice books written by classic authors. I wanted to learn from E.M. Forster, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Gardner, Dorthea Brande, Brenda Euland, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde. They were my inspiration. I think I’ve been influenced by every writer of every book I’ve really enjoyed. 

Do you have a favorite book?

If it has to be one book, then no, I don’t. I could never narrow it down to one. I do have a few, however: Rebecca, A Room with a View, Never Let Me Go, Big Magic, The Secret History. To make my favorites list, the book has to stand the test of time. Some of my newer faves are Normal People, The Gargoyle, The Midnight Library, and Remarkably Bright Creatures. 

Your book, They Will Be Coming for Us, takes place in Kirksberg. I know there was a famous UFO sighting in Kecksberg. Did you use the name just so you can make up streets and stores without having readers nitpick?

Yes, I did. I used a fictional name because I wanted the setting to come across a certain way, and I didn’t want real life to dictate what I could do. Kecksburg really does have a UFO Festival each summer, which I also have in the book, but do they have an ice cream shop and a part of town where the Jovians have built their mansion, not to mention Starbright International, the aerospace company? I don’t think so. So it couldn’t be Kecksburg. However, Kecksburg does make an appearance in a couple of places later in the series when a certain multiverse aspect comes into the story (you’ll have to read the series to find out).

When you wrote it, did you plan on it being a series?

I planned for it to be a duology, but when I reached the end of the two books, there was so much to keep the story going that I simply couldn’t stop. It’ll be five books when all is said and done, and I’m writing Book Four now, so I am starting to see how the end will shape up.

Let’s chat about music. What is your preferred genre of music to listen to, and do you have any favorites to recommend? 

Years ago I listened to classical music while I worked because I love classical music, and for two other reasons: 1) No words. I cannot write with lyrics flowing through my mind. 2) I read articles that said music by Mozart made people smarter, and according to research, it does, so, I thought why not get smarter while I work? Now I listen to focus music that I get from my Headspace app. It keeps me going.

Are you a sports fan?

Yes. Hockey is my favorite. New Jersey Devils are my team. But I also like tennis, and I enjoy watching the Olympics.

Are you ready for the lightning round?

Yes. I am ready.

Farthest from home you have ever been?
Russia
Last binged show?
Resident Alien. How perfect, right? I’m still watching it, as Season 3 just came out.
Oddest food you have eaten?
I don’t like odd food. I think my cousin made me try escargot once, but ugh. No.
Favorite city?
Florence, Italy
Favorite outdoor activity?
Walking through the woods. If it’s snowing, that’s a big plus.
Favorite indoor activity?
Writing, of course
Scariest animal you have encountered?
Lions that I saw at a very small zoo. They were kept in a fenced enclosure. A rickety, ordinary-looking fence. And there were about twenty or more lions in there, looking very restless and bored. That was not my idea of fun.

This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?

Thank you! I enjoyed your questions very much. Here are my links:

https://www.authorkimcatanzarite.com
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kim-catanzarite
https://www.instagram.com/author_kim_catanzarite

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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.

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