Leon Stevens's Blog, page 65

Open Book Blog Hop October 16th: Music and Writing

If your WIP had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it? Do you write with some sort of background noise or do you prefer silence? (We may have touched on this before, but it’s a great way to discover new music.)

The simple answer is: I can’t write with music. It’s just too distracting. Even as I write this I had to turn off the radio.

You still listen to the radio?
Well, not on a radio, but a radio station.

If (and it’s a big if) I have music playing, it has to be something orchestral, usually Baroque.

The more complicated answer: I have written music to go with my WIP.

When I finished the last chapter and epilogue to the final book in my sci-fi trilogy, I was a bit saddened and teary eyed (yes, they’re that good), and nothing bring out a piece of music than emotion. So, I sat with my guitar and began to compose.

It took a few months, but the piece became an homage to the characters and the story. I then decided to make a video with it as a way to wrap everything up for the readers of the trilogy.

I can’t share the video because if you haven’t read the series, it won’t make sense, and if you are going to read it, there are spoilers in the video. But, I will share the piece, Time and Again, which I think stands on it’s own:

-Leon

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

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/

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Published on October 16, 2023 06:12

Metal Music Monday Oct 16: Too Early to Rock?

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 do KISS, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and AC/DC have in common? If you said these were the bands that my high school friends argued about who was the best, then congratulations.

So who was the best? It depends on the criteria, I suppose. Genre? Well, two of the bands are hard rock and the others heavy metal. Albums sold? AD/DC probably has the edge overall, but back then, who knows (I’m not looking it up). Best stage outfits? Gotta go with the makeup. Best mascot? Eddie, hands down. Most leather and studs? A toss-up. Use of cannons? Best guitarist? Best use of the same song over and over?* Best replacement vocalist? Best back and forth coordination? Best “We are not demons and here’s a video that contradicts that.”? Longest tongue?

You be the judge.

-Leon

*AC/DC if you are wondering.

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!

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Published on October 16, 2023 05:50

Sunday Science: Science Sunday?

Did you see it?

Unfortunately, I was in the wrong part of North America to experience totality. I was in the 50% path, but it was overcast, so no noticeable dimming and my pinhole projector, which took me a whole two minutes to make* was useless.

I experienced an 80% totality in 1979 (or 78, I’m not sure). It got dark enough that the birds stopped chirping which was eerie.

Is it a coincidence that the moon is the right size and distance from us to create this phenomenon? Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes it is.

Another astronomical event I have missed include Halley’s comet. You would think I would have looked up at the sky at least once during the 3-4 weeks it was visible, but apparently I was too busy doing my high school homework.**

Unlike Halley’s Comet, this cartoon may return in 3 days…

I could go on about science. I could talk about the space germ ridden asteroid sample that NASA is currently examining or the mission to the metallic proto-planet core, or the fact that the James Webb telescope found evidence of carbon in the atmosphere of a exoplanet.

But I won’t. I have to save something for a possible recurring segment.

-Leon

*No, I didn’t make one, but I could have. I did make one for the 1978 (79?) event.
** Yeah…nope.

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!

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Published on October 15, 2023 05:43

Weekend Wrap-up Oct 14: Just the Posts.

Artwork by Leon Stevens

Whew. We made it through Friday the 13th.

Fun Fact: I have never seen any of those movies.
Not even the first one?
Well, yeah but that doesn’t count.
Why not?
Ummm, I dunno. Wanna see what I wrote this week?

On my blog this week:

Weird Wednesday Oct 11th: Amazon, X, and Cartoons
Tuesday Tidbits: Multi-genre Writing
Music Monday Oct 9: Cheap Trick
Free Book Friday Oct 13: “OK. It’s Friday the 13th. Nothing scary here…or is there?

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!

View more on Leon Stevens's website »

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Published on October 14, 2023 06:17

Free Book Friday Oct 13: “OK. It’s Friday the 13th. Nothing scary here…or is there?”

Newsletters. (Scared?)

You might dislike them, but you put up with one to get the free book and promptly unsubscribe. I lovingly call them “Freeders”. This is not an insult. I respect people’s choices, that’s why I have an unsubscribe link*. If you didn’t like my book, fair enough. there are many indie author books I have read that I didn’t care for. Some I couldn’t even finish, but that’s me.

*That and the legal requirement.

Authors want you to buy their books. That’s why they are willing to give away their hard work, kind of like those free samples you get at the grocery store. “Sure I’ll try a bologna stuffed mushroom.”

(I just remembered I wrote a post on that:)

Free Book Friday Jan 20: Free Books and Supermarket Samples

Anyway, newsletters are a lot of work, and on average, usually less than 50% of subscribers open author newsletters. So why do them?

“Thanks for consistently producing one of the few enjoyable writer newsletters.“

This is a message I received from one of my newsletter subscribers at the end of one of my always entertaining* semi-annual Lines by Leon survey.

*Based on the 2022 J.D. Powers award for “most entertaining survey attached to a bi-weekly newsletter by an obscure author with less than 1000 subscribers.**”
**Not an actual award.

I know what you are thinking, “Hey, Leon. Quit jabbering on, shut your gob, and give us the link to the survey.“

Take the survey: Lines by Leon Survey 2023 You won’t regret it*

*Not a guarantee.

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 Author: Despoina Kemeridou

Craving You

Thirsty for even a tiny drop of your love
For others will never be enough.

Feelings go wild at your every touch.
My soul safe only inside your darkness.

Little by little my mind falls apart.
Senses numb between weak breaths.

The traces of you erased by empty dreams
Remnants and pieces of what could have been.

What would I give to taste that sin?
How would I love to play with your fire?

Even my heart can’t stay still anymore.
Thirsty for even a tiny drop of your love.

Despoina is looking for some ARC readers for this collection: Here’s the link to her ARC team on Booksprout: Whispers of the Soul

If your don’t use Booksprout but still want an ARC, you can email her at dkemeridou@gmail.com and she will send the ARC by email.

Featured Author: James Dain

Free for a limited time

The murder was swift and brutal…

When ex-Afghanistan vet Keith Gainey bounces a guy from a Philly nightclub, he thinks he has the situation under control–until violent mobster Shawn Toomey joins the fight and kicks the patron to death.

Now there’s a body in the alley, and Keith’s going to prison–unless he can beat the gangster who’s trying to frame him.

Enjoy the roller coaster ride of this fast-paced novella by best-selling thriller writer James Dain, Best Novel Winner at the Los Angeles Neo-Noir Festival.

Visit: jamesdain.com

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

Sept 15 – Oct 16Kindle Unlimited

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!

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Published on October 13, 2023 05:01

Weird Wednesday Oct 11th: Amazon, X, and Cartoons

I appreciate that Amazon wants to move merchandise, but by putting author’s books on sale and not informing them is, in my opinion, a mistake.

Indie authors are the ones who drive traffic to Amazon’s book pages, and one notification to the author would allow a flurry of social media posts, and newsletters sent out to thousands.

Why don’t you email them?
Ha! I’ve done that.
And?
Pfft.

I ran a poll on X and these are the stats I got. I get it Elon, math is hard.

-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!

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Published on October 11, 2023 05:32

Tuesday Tidbits: Multi-genre Writing

I’ve written about the challenges of being a multi-genre writer before, so I decided to be creative by combining the two in one ad. Part of what I enjoy about writing is creating entertaining content, be it in my books, blog, or on social media. That’s what it’s all about—entertainment.

I hope I entertain you consistently.

-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!

View more on Leon Stevens's website »

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Published on October 10, 2023 05:26

Music Monday Oct 9: Cheap Trick

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

If you listened to North American rock radio on the late 70s/early 80s, you will no doubt be familiar with the music of Cheap Trick.

There wasn’t a band quite like them, from the cigarettes smoking drummer to guitarist Rick Nielson’s slightly insane onstage persona and unapologetic guitar playing*. You could argue there was a hint of Angus Young, but both bands did form in 1973.

I see their influence in the 80s mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap (excellent movie BTW), and the band Scum of the Earth featured in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.

It took them until 1988 to score their first #1 hit:

*What does that mean? Well, he wasn’t the best or the worst guitar player, and he just went out and played his heart out, messy or not.

-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!

View more on Leon Stevens's website »

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Published on October 09, 2023 04:21

Weekend Wrap-up Oct 7: Just the Posts.

Artwork by Leon Stevens

On my blog this week:

Free Book Friday Oct 6: Kindle Unlimited
Weird Wednesday Oct 4th: Cartoon and Traditions
Tuesday Tidbits: ‘Tis the Season(ing) – Pumpkin Spice?
Music Monday Oct 2: Martin Sexton
October Thoughts: #Inktober

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!

View more on Leon Stevens's website »

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Published on October 07, 2023 09:53

Free Book Friday Oct 6: Kindle Unlimited

Is it worth it? For $10.99/ month, you have to read at least 10 books/month to break even, since many indie books on there are $0.99. For me, I don’t have a Kindle eReader. I do have the app on my laptop but it’s not the easiest or most convenient to read on.

I occasionally sign up for the 30-day Amazon Prime membership if I need to order something, then often forget to cancel. I decided to do the 30-day Kindle Unlimited membership to support some of the indie authors I have been promoting*. That was 31 days ago. Oops.

So, here’s to another 30 days of awkward reading while I sit at my desk.

*I may have read my poetry books with it as well. That’s allowed, right?