Leon Stevens's Blog, page 58
January 6, 2024
Weekend Wrap-up Jan. 6: Well, that week’s done.
I decided to clean up my landing page on my website. So as expected, things didn’t go as expected, but it is less cluttered.
I’m hoping that this post gets scheduled correctly as I am out of town for the weekend and I am not taking my laptop, so no writing, social scrolling (I don’t use my phone for that, either), or email checking.
Got a few books, some wine … Should be nice.
On my blog this week:Music Monday: Mondays. Do you like ’em?Weekend Wrap-up Jan. 6: Well, that week’s done.Free Book Friday Jan 6: In Conversation Revisited – G.G. CollinsThursday Thoughts: The year so far.Weird Wednesday Jan. 3: Why does my website look different?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!
January 5, 2024
Free Book Friday Jan 6: In Conversation Revisited – G.G. Collins
I started interviewing authors two years ago and I thought it was time to contact them and invite them to revisit our conversation. Here is the fourth in the series.
In Conversation with G.G. Collins. Revisited
Can you believe it’s been two years since we first “sat” down and chatted?
No, but I’m glad we have both survived the pandemic. I enjoy “talking” in our favorite promo group on Goodreads. Lots going on there and a good group of people; writers, my favorite people.
That’s so true.
I’ll assume you haven’t stopped writing. I know I haven’t.
Oh no, never. My current WIP is number ten. Actually 12, but those first two books will never see the light of day. I’ve been immersed in Navajo culture, skinwalkers and some eyebrow-raising New Mexican history. The haunting Ancient Puebloan ruins draw reporter Rachel Blackstone in once more for another action-packed, scary outing. Of course, her best friends Chloe and Mari-Lynn will see her through the ordeal. Her psychic cat Chile Pod is on hand to sniff out the spiritual visitors that always land in Rachel’s backyard. She has some new friends in her life: a Navajo ranger and his mother who is also “blessed” with supernatural talents. The learning curve is long and jagged as she works her way through mystical messages and a Navajo monster that doesn’t take no for an answer.
How did the pandemic affect you and your writing?
At first, I thought I’d get more writing done than ever, but no. The time it took to find masks and hand cleaner was unexpected. There were many late nights searching online for those items. Many of the interviews I would normally have done in person were suddenly phoners, emails and meetings in the great outdoors.
Shall we listen to what was happening on Dec 2, 2021?
By all means, let’s do.
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author G.G. Collins. Thanks for stopping by.
You’re welcome. Nothing I enjoy more than talking about writing, except maybe stringing words together.
Can I offer you in a beverage this fine [insert time of day here]? —Morning. It’s always morning.
Tea drinker. Hot, iced, or instant. My favorite brew is Assam.
Coming right up!
You have conducted some interviews yourself, but with the characters you created. How did that come about?
Reporting made it easy for me to interview my own characters. I noticed that some publications liked to use character interviews so I thought this would be fun. My favorite was the interview I did with the characters of Atomic Medium. Rachel Blackstone works for a magazine in Santa Fe called High Desert Country. I assembled everyone on the rooftop and placed salsa, chips and margaritas on the table. The alien bad guy was a little defensive at one point saying, “Who are you calling mad? Why is the so-called space alien always the bad guy to Earthlings? We need to organize. We have rights.”
These interviews are entertaining, and they give the reader some insight to the story. I dare say they help the writer with that too, perhaps enabling more fully formed characters as a series progresses.
Having dialogue with your characters does give them an extra dimension.
[Leon: I interviewed my sci-fi trilogy characters and used it as bonus content for my readers. Thanks for the idea!]
[G.G.: You’re welcome. I think it’s a bonus for readers and helps authors clarify their characters personalities. That aside. It’s fun to place them in an interview situation and see what they have to say. They almost always surprise me.]
Do you write full time?
Oh yes, but I have a writing day job which complements my fiction writing. I also have two blogs. One is my book blog Reluctant Medium at Large. It’s not just book stuff, but lots of quirky things about Santa Fe, New Mexico where my stories are set. The other is Parallel Universe at Large where I write mostly reviews of international TV shows and the occasional news posts.
[Leon: Did you know it’s taken me two years to realize I don’t follow your blogs? I do now, FYI.]
[G.G.: I appreciate the follows. I get yours every week. I believe it’s Mondays. You’re in the company of about four other bloggers who I receive new updates from via emails. The remainder I check out on the reader page of my blog.]
Did you write the Reluctant Medium series before your Young Adult books?
The young adult books were first, followed by the Taylor Browning Cozy Mystery, Dead Editor File. But oddly Reluctant Medium was the first published even though written later. I guess I’d finally done my time learning writing. Taylor Browning was inspired when I worked at a book publisher. We published a mystery series and I thought wouldn’t it be interesting to write a book about a mystery editor who does sleuthing on the side. You know, editing real murder mysteries is not possible, but have real consequences.
Rachel Blackstone is a reporter, and I began writing her shortly after I began walking a beat. Real life has a way of intruding nicely into fictional efforts. Neither were originally conceived as a series but developed that way.
[Leon: Did you change the covers of your Rachel Blackstone novels?]
[G.G.: Yes, they are in process of being updated. My publisher noticed that reviewers were referring to them as thrillers and we wanted to emphasize the Native American culture that permeates my writing. Thus far, all the eBooks are updated with paperbacks to follow. I’m very happy with the changes. Each cover gives a glimpse into what elements are included in the story. The cozy series is not changing; however, the cute cats will remain. The cozy covers are very popular with readers.]
[Leon: Let me pat myself on the back for being observant.]
What was the first book that you remember reading?
Oh my, the one that made the biggest impression on me was, “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson. I read it when I was about 12 or 13. Wow! I didn’t expect that ending. I’ve always loved the weird and spooky. I’ll still watch “Twilight Zone” reruns. My favorite is “The Odyssey of Flight 33.” I was a big “Supernatural” fan and certainly it has encouraged the storylines in my Rachel Blackstone series.
What do you do to unwind, or do you have to?
Yoga makes the top of the unwind list, but most types of exercise will work. I watch international TV series and review many of them on my Parallel Universe at Large blog. Movies before pandemic; can’t wait to go back. And I love to travel, although that’s not always relaxing. Travel today, can be quite challenging.
Challenging is an understatement …
[Leon: Any good shows you’d recommend?]
[G.G.: Some of my favorite TV shows are: Unforgotten, Happy Valley, Shetland, Vera (yes, from the same book author Ann Cleeves), River and Endeavour from the UK. The Code and Wanted from Australia and Brokenwood Mysteries and 800 Words from New Zealand. From Europe and Scandinavia: Into the Night (in 11 languages), Witnesses, Dicte, Occupied and Annika Bengtzon: Crime Reporter. I think I’ve reviewed all of these on Parallel Universe at Large. Here’s a starter for newbies to international television Review European TV Shows ]
You live in the US Southwest. Did you grow up there or were you drawn to it?
Both. For decades the Southwest has attracted artists and writers. For artists, it’s the clear light. The sky is special in this area; vivid azure. For this writer, it is the magic of the place. I am so aware of the ancientness, of the peoples who came before, the Ancient Puebloans.
[Leon: Still in the same place?]
[G.G.: Yup and for as long as it continues to provide tantalizing stories from its history and Native peoples. ]
Their history and culture teach me about the importance of Mother Earth. Bandelier is spectacular with its cliff dwellings and breathtaking Alcove House, some140 feet above the canyon floor. It is reached by stone steps and four ladders. I used this in the storyline of Anasazi Medium. These ruins take me back in time. Every occasion I walk a trail, I think of those who walked it before me. It infuses my writing with timelessness and history.
I enjoy hiking. What is your most memorable hike?
The first time we walked the Borrego Trail outside Santa Fe, we kept hearing water. We thought it’s just around that next bend, or maybe the next bend. We finally gave up, turned around and headed back which is mostly up hill and through the forest. It taught us a lesson; you must save enough energy to get back. And being wimpy hikers, that’s important. The Aspen Vista Loop is fantastic during the autumn with the cascade of golden aspen leaves. But beware. It’s a tough climb.
[Leon: Do you have any additions to favorite hikes?]
[G.G.: Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon and Boynton Canyon. There are several vortexes in and around Sedona, Arizona. I visited all but one during research for Looking Glass Editor. They are reputed to have magnetic or electromagnetic energies. I know getting to the Airport Vortex was downright scary as I carefully picked my way along a sheer cliff. Even if vortex energy isn’t your thing, you’re in for some beautiful red rock moments.]
I usually have music playing, except when I’m writing. You?
I listen to music more when I’m writing. But nothing with vocals – or I’ll be singing and that’s not good for writing or listening. Usually, I’ll choose something like David Arkenstone, Stephen Halpern or Ottmar Liebert. And Spa on Sirius XM is nice too.
[Leon: I get SiruisXM for free occasionally and I always gravitate to Caliente, the Latin/Reggeton channel. It’s just so lively.]
[G.G.: It’s good. I also enjoy Rumbón. My Spanish isn’t fluent, but I get around.]
[Leon: I know a few Spanish words and phrases, so I have no idea what they are saying. Have you ever listened to any of the minimalist composers like Glass or Reich? I think you might like the piano works of Anne Southam.]
[G.G.: I enjoy both, but especially Reich. I’ll have to check out Anne Southam as I’m unfamiliar with her. One of my favorite contemporary composers is Italian Ludovico Einaudi. His “Night” is so full or urgency and yearning. I never tire of it.]
[Crash. Boom]
Oh, you know what that sound means, don’t you? That signals the lightning round. Are you game?
Sure.
Favorite drink?
Margarita, margarita, margarita
I enjoy my tequila straight. A nice Reposado or Anejo for sipping. But I won’t pass up a Margarita—on the rocks, of course.
[Leon: Do you have a favorite tequilla?]
[G.G.: 1800 Silver.]
[Leon: That’s a good one.]
Dine out or eat in??
Out! Please.
[Leon: Have you learned how to cook yet?]
[G.G.: No way. Sous chef only. You know, chop, mince and julienne.]
Favorite city?
Santa Fe, New Mexico with Paris, France at a close second.
[Leon: Any new favorites?]
[G.G.: Melbourne. If only for the street art, but there’s a lot more.]
Last binged show?
“The Code.”
[Leon: I’ll ask this one again.]
[G.G.: Happy Valley (UK). The exciting final 3rd season. Sara Lancashire and James Norton are phenomenal actors. And Sally Wainwright is as good a writer as they come. ]
Ever pick up an armadillo?
No, but they’re really cute.
[Leon: I don’t know why I asked this question.]
[G.G.: It was a bit out there. ]
Can you solve a Rubik’s Cube?
No interest in doing so.
What search engine did you use before Google?
There was a search engine before Google?!
What does G.G. stand for?
Pseudonym
[Leon: And that was what we talked about two years ago.]
Well, that was fun. Here’s where you get to plug any new books or stuff!
My latest book is Editor Kill Fee. “Kill Fee” refers to the partial payment some magazine and newspaper publishers offer an author if they “kill” your story.It’s the third in the Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries. She is a mystery editor at a book publisher. And I can tell you that book publishing is murder!
I’m currently writing the fifth book in the Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mysteries. It promises to be suspenseful to the nth degree. It involves old horrors, Native American evil witches and contemporary revenge. Expected in April or May 2024.
Blogs:
https://reluctantmediumatlarge.wordpress.com/
https://paralleluniverseatlarge.wordpress.com/
Books available at Amazon worldwide
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!
Since my newsletter goes out bi-weekly, I offer book promos on those dates, so here are what’s running right now:
Current promos: Discover New Authors [under construction Jan 2024]
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!
January 4, 2024
Thursday Thoughts: The year so far.
Did you really think I was going to recap 3 days? Well I am.
Writing: I’ve worked on my new book everyday this year. My goal is to make it a novel, so I have 20k words to go. Now for many writers that’s easy, but I’m happy if I get 2-3 hundred words/day.
Marketing: Last year I did a few pricing experiments and settled on selling two of my books (book one of my trilogy and my short story collection) for $0.99. I spent $50 on marketing last year, even though I said I wasn’t going to, so this year I’m upping my budget to… well, more than that. My first expenditure was with the newsletter promotion company Book Cave, which netted 10 sales yesterday.
Music: I haven’t picked up my guitar this year. I’d like to play more, but since I don’t like playing in front of people, once I learn a piece, there’s not much incentive to keep playing it and if I go to long, it’s easy to forget parts and I just have to relearn it which feels like a chore, and that’s no fun.
Work: In the not winter months, I do yard care, mostly focused on seniors. One of my client moved out to an apartment, so I’ll need to advertise to get a replacement or two.
Resolutions: So far so good. Oh, wait. I don’t make them. Well, I’ve kept them all I guess.
How’s your year so far?
-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!
January 3, 2024
Weird Wednesday Jan. 3: Why does my website look different?
I decided to change my website theme yesterday. Many hours later, some of my pages might not display the way I want them to, so bear with me, you may see wonky changes for the perceivable future.
Did you know that yesterday was Science Fiction Day? It is celebrated each year on Isaac Asimov’s birthday.
I stayed up until 10:00 on New Year’s Eve. [insert noisemaker sound 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!
January 2, 2024
Tuesday Tirade: New Year, New Gripe.
Too soon after New Year's to go on a rant? I didn't think so. Decades ago, ringing in the new year meant you inevitably ruined many cheques (checks if you are in the US) by writing in the previous year. But with advancements in science, the human population is no longer burdened with the difficultContinue reading "Tuesday Tirade: New Year, New Gripe."
January 1, 2024
Music Monday: In Memorium
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 saferContinue reading "Music Monday: In Memorium"
December 31, 2023
Bye-bye 2023!
I have absolutely no plans to celebrate New Year's Eve. Why? If I may speak comedically, "Doesn't my new year start on my birthday?" Oh, I used to stay up. I don't think I ever purchased a ticket to go to an organized celebration. In university, we would stay up past midnight on a regularContinue reading "Bye-bye 2023!"
December 30, 2023
2023 Wrap-up Dec 30: I know what I did this year.
Where to start? How about book sales? I sold 210 books this year, up from 126. Now, I did have another book and without that I would have 136 sales (and 126 angry readers because book two of my trilogy ends on a cliffhanger) It does work out to 0.58 books/day, though. Royalties? Do youContinue reading "2023 Wrap-up Dec 30: I know what I did this year."
December 29, 2023
Final Friday: Top Ten Conversations
Many people have commented on how hilarious my interviews are. Really? No, not really, but I think they are and since I only did 11 this year, it seems unfair to leave one of them out. So instead, I'll guide you to the interview page where you can read any or all of them. ButContinue reading "Final Friday: Top Ten Conversations"
Final Friday: T0p Ten Conversations
Many people have commented on how hilarious my interviews are. Really? No, not really, but I think they are and since I only did 11 this year, it seems unfair to leave one of them out. So instead, I'll guide you to the interview page where you can read any or all of them. ButContinue reading "Final Friday: T0p Ten Conversations"
