Leon Stevens's Blog, page 55
February 10, 2024
Weekend Wrap-up Feb. 10rd: SwiftyBowl Eve
So apparently there is a football game (American style) tomorrow. Now I enjoy watching some sports, but NFL hasn’t grabbed me since the 80s. My circle of friends would watch that games and inevitably the conversation would turn to which was the superior sport, Canadian football or the American version.
The Canadian game has been around longer, and American players headed north to play the game before the salaries and the exchange rate became competitive(and there were more teams needing players). The marketing juggernaut of the NFL made it the destination for athletes to make the big bucks.
So the best players are going to sign where the money is better, which leaves the CFL with a tough job to recruit the best of the rest. The CFL always struggles to recruit a younger fan base just because of that juggernaut I mentioned earlier.
Granted the CFL game requires a slightly different player as it is often described as a faster game relying on passing rather than just pounding it out along the ground (some might say that’s boring).
Oh yeah. Blah, blah, blah Taylor Swift.
Will I watch the game? I’ll have it on.
On my blog this week:Weekend Wrap-up Feb. 10rd: SwiftyBowl EveFree Book Friday Feb. 9Thursday is BookdayWeird Wednesday Feb. 6: Whaahappen?Tuesday Tirade: Freeze Part II – Freeze, Dammit!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!
February 9, 2024
Free Book Friday Feb. 9
No new promos, but a few that will be running out before next Friday, and a link to my latest newsletter.
Leon
Lines by Leon Magnificent Bi-Weekly Newsletter ExtravaganzaCan it be that good? Only one way to find out.
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.
Featured Authors
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!
Kindle Unlimited
Sales/Purchase Links
Current promos: Discover New Authors
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!
February 8, 2024
Thursday is Bookday
Because I tend not to do things conventionally, I’ve started book reviews in the style of some book promotions popular on Instagram and other social media platforms.
OK. I geeked out on this book. “Sure, I’ll read a book about the Periodic Table. It’ll be fun.”
Well was it? I’ll say this: He Could Have doNe a Better jOb. STill, sInce I leArned a Few thiNgs, I‘ll Say it is worthY of a Read iF you LiKe ScienCe.*
I drew this last year. I still can’t draw the Periodic Table (Not for lack of trying. I gave up and copied one for this) or people for that matter.
-Leon
*If you like brain teasers, can you find the made up element?
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!
February 7, 2024
Weird Wednesday Feb. 6: Whaahappen?
“Whaahappen….?”
The immortal word of Fred Willard in the movie, A Mighty Wind, speaks volumes. Say it and people will either look at you with a puzzled gaze, or smile and chuckle.
Yesterday saw a huge spike in page and post visits for reasons unknown. The top post wasn’t the most recent and I didn’t do anything different to promote.
I’m not complaining. I want people to read my writings. I consider myself an entertainer and if no one reads, what am I doing it for? My books, blog posts, newsletters, cartoons, and occasional humorous posts, all hopefully provide a distraction to this oh so crazy world.
Onto today’s scheduled topic: FAQ’sHow long does it take to come up with cartoon ideas?
Not as long as you might think. Usually it is the morning of the post when I draw either The Untitled or The Miniscules. Sometimes I will come up with an idea and jot it down.
Why call it The Untitled?
I couldn’t think of a name and my first few I posted with no title.
Do you try to make your drawings perfect?
Have you looked at them? Of course not. I once used up a whole page trying to get Archimedes hair and eyes right, so the effort wasn’t worth it. Anyway, you get the idea, right?
Are you afraid you will run out of ideas?
Afraid? No. Does it happen? Sometimes.
Some of your cartoons are weird.
Not a question.
Confused about the Miniscules? You’re not alone.
The Miniscules: Humble Beginnings
-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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
February 6, 2024
Tuesday Tirade: Freeze Part II – Freeze, Dammit!
Last week I complained it was too warm, too warm for January that is. Now it’s February and nothing has changed. It hasn’t dropped below freezing yet although relief is on its way, apparentlly.
We have—correction, had—a lovely skating/walking path on the river. It opened to the delight of residents who flocked to enjoy the fresh air and city views you don’t get in the summer (unless to have a canoe).
Then it closed. 5 days later. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Wait! No it wasn’t!
“Don’t you cycle year round? You must like the warmer weather.”
Yes and no. Yes, I cycle year round and no I don’t like the warmer weather. I would like the warmer weather if I didn’t have studded tires on, which are great on packed snow—and to a lesser extent, sheer ice—but on bare pavement which is now 95% of my commute, not so much, unless you want to grind them down to nubs in one season.
Potholes have made an early return, making driving an obstacle course, and money for the garages.
And don’t forget the puddles. The drivers have. Unless they think cyclists and pedestrians love the feel of cold dirty water spraying over them*.
-Leon
*We don’t.
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!
February 5, 2024
Music Monday 1983: It’s Gettin’ Heavy.
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
What makes a good metal band? A cool name, a cool way to write it, powerful riffs, powerful fast riffs, fast solos, very fast solos, screams, maybe some demonic connotations, leather, studs, long hair…Jeez, no wonder we drove our parents crazy.
One of the best things was discovering new bands before your friends did, so when you had the chance to go to the big city, the first thing you would do was go to the record store and rifle through the albums, looking for that perfect one.
Sure there were a few bands we were familiar with from reading about them in magazines, but many were bought on the cover alone.
Any Iron Maiden album was a winner. Eddie on the cover? Yeah, he rocks. They also had the metal formula down pat but we never realized how smart the song writing was until much later.
Some other notable albums were:
Who has/had the best voice in metal? Geoff Tate of Queensrÿche has to be one of the top contenders in 1983. I’m sure I bought this album on the cover alone.
The font was just the beginning of a trend in metal bands (mostly thrash/death metal) bands to write their names in the most outrageously unreadable script possible:
And those are the mild ones. But we would have been totally into any of those in our teenage years. This next one takes the cake though:
Seriously*.
Anyway, I digress. Back to Queensrÿche. Then they made a really bad video. Yes. I’m going to show it. You can also hear the guitars getting faster, paving the way for thrash metal.
The score of the year was Metallica’s album, Kill ‘Em All. Cool band name: Check. Blood on the cover: Check. Will this disturb my mom and dad?: Yeah, maybe I just keep the cassette in my pocket. Now let’s get it home and listen to it.
Man, was I the king that month.
Metallica wasn’t just about the speed. Their songs had different sections with different meter and structure.
As for radio friendly bands, Asia was still riding high.
But In 1983, the biggest name in rock was Bryan Adams, in Canada at least, although several songs did chart in the US.
-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
*Don’t look up the name. You’ve been warned. How would you even Google that, anyway.
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: Catching up with Wyatt C. Lewis and Britti
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
I’ve been taking a nostalgic trip through my teenage years (thanks for coming along for the ride), but that meant many worthy artists have been passed by in the last few weeks.
Wyatt C. Lewis is new to me. I was driving yesterday, listening to that radio, when this song came on, and I knew I had to share it.
Wyatt C. Louis is a Plains Métis folk singer-songwriter, based in Moh’kinstsís (Calgary). He has made an impact on the eclectic city with songs built from soaring melodies, railroad-like finger picking and quiet, haunting vocals and lyrical phrasing.
This is a song I’ve heard a few times and I haven’t had a chance to include it yet. until now.
Britti creates a warm synthesis of retro-pop, R&B, country, and soul, all imbued with the unique musicality of her native New Orleans. After producer Dan Auerbach (the Black Keys) heard her covering one of his songs online, he signed Britti to his Easy Eye label and produced her 2024 debut album, Hello, I’m Britti.
-Leon
Stay tuned for my 1983 post!
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
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!
February 3, 2024
Weekend Wrap-up Feb. 3rd: Elmo’s Faux Pas
Elmo learned an important lesson in January: Don’t ask how someone is if you don’t really want to know the answer. If you are unaware of this news story, Elmo [spoiler alert: the person who runs the Elmo X account] tweeted “How is everyone doing today?” or something along these lines.
Well…
It received hundreds and thousands of replies, and not all of them bubble gum and roses. I’m sure the majority of them were from people who were just glad that someone was caring enough to ask the question, some might have needed the platform to vent, but a few probably took advantage of this seemingly harmless query.
“Lesson learned,” says the Elmo account manager who I suspect is on their fourth all-nighter likening or responding because you can’t ask a question like that and then just walk away.
I’ll leave you with the immortal words of Joey Tribbianni: “How you doin’?”
On my blog this week:Weekend Wrap-up Feb. 3rd: Elmo’s Faux PasFree Book Friday Feb. 2: The Origin of Groundhog Day (really).Thursday Thoughts: I bet you need Swift(y) kick(off) in the…Weird Wednesday Jan. 31: Science Jargon and CartoonsTuesday Tirade: Freeze!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!
February 2, 2024
Free Book Friday Feb. 2: The Origin of Groundhog Day (really).
At some point in the distant past, or perhaps not so distance, a person, somewhere, looked out into the forest (or their field) during what felt like a long cold winter, although it may have been unseasonably mild that year, and saw a groundhog—what they use to call ‘dirtpigs’ in the days of yore—poke their head out of the dry, cozy burrow.
Angered by the encroachment of this pest, the farmer/hunter/settler grabbed the trusty and extremely accurate blunderbuss*, raced out into the cold (or unseasonably mild) winter day and preceded to shoot at this varmint.
Now, you might think this is where the origin story ends, with the animal darting back into it’s hole—which animals are prone to do when getting shot at with a 17th century firearm—and the shooter waiting 6 weeks, suffering through the now bitterly cold weather, and claiming that the actions of the Marmota monax (also known as the woodchuck, a rodent of the family Sciuridae) caused the elongation of the winter season, thus perpetuating the myth of what’s now commonly called Groundhog Day.
But you’d be wrong.
It’s all because of that damn Bill Murray movie**.
*Wondering what a blunderbuss is?
**Which one, though?
Leon
Lines by Leon Magnificent Bi-Weekly Newsletter ExtravaganzaCan it be that good? Only one way to find out.
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.
Featured Authors
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!
Kindle Unlimited
Sales/Purchase Links
Current promos: Discover New Authors
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!
February 1, 2024
Thursday Thoughts: I bet you need Swift(y) kick(off) in the…
When the most important part of The Super Bowl is whether Taylor Swift can make it from her concert in Japan to Las Vegas in time…sheesh.
Vegas odds are set at 2:1. You can also bet on how many times (if she makes it) the camera cuts to her in the skybox. I think the over/under is 23. It’s 100:1 she makes a cameo at Usher’s half-time show.
OK. So it is a fact that the dating life of Miss Swift has made the NFL money. On the days the Kansas City Chiefs play, that is. It also makes the game annoying because when the camera gives becomes the “TaylorCam,” it forces the commentators to awkwardly come up with another fact they don’t know or care about.
So, let’s just forget all this nonsense and get back to the real reason we watch this game.
The commercials.
-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/
Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Oh, pick me!
C’mon, space stuff!
