Leon Stevens's Blog, page 79

Wish You The Best — Take It Easy (I dare you not too cry …)

I wouldn’t normally post two days in a row, and I don’t often play just one song, but I’ve been moved to do both by a story I read in the paper this morning. You may recall that the singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi was one of those I featured in my recent post Musicians And Health […]

Wish You The Best — Take It Easy

Weird Wednesday May 3rd: Cartoons / Editing – How did I miss that?

If you are a reader, you will notice that sometimes books will have errors in them. From indie authors to big name writers, things tend to slip through no matter how many eyes are on them.

The brain is a funny thing. It will fill in gaps and anticipate what is being said according to experience. Missing words are often filled in by our brain automatically.

So you are saying you found an error in one of your books?
That’s exactly what I saying.
Oh, I see what you did there.

See?

I posted this yesterday and didn’t have time to do another.

1938-2023

Not weird, but had my first sale of the complete The View from Here trilogy, which means a reader was compelled enough to commit to purchasing all three books at once. That’s a pretty good feeling.

-Leon

-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.

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Music Tuesday May 2: The loss of a legend

Canada lost an icon of folk music yesterday. I grew up listening to Gordon Lightfoot thanks to my father.

There are too many songs to choose from, as He was a prolific songwriter, not just for himself, but for countless other musicians. If you don’t think you know any Lightfoot songs, you are wrong. Most people will recognize the historical account, The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald.

But I’ll leave you with the song I often heard my father sing.

Let me know if you have a favorite.

-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.

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Music Monday May 1: The Weather Station

There is a radio show on CBC here in Canada that occasionally does a feature called SYNTH: Songs You Need To Hear.

CBC MUSIC, Central · Mornings with CBC Music

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.

One reason I do this topic is that there are so many talented artists out there, and unfortunately, no matter how many I showcase, there are countless others I will never hear of.

The Weather Station is a Canadian band fronted by Tamara Lindeman, formed in 2006. The band membership has changed over the years, and as of 2022 includes Lindeman, Ben Whiteley, Johnny Spence, Will Kidman, Christine Bougie, Karen Ng, Evan Cartwright, and Kieran Adams. 

I keep forgetting that I was going to include some other bloggers Music Monday posts.

From the blog snippetsandglimpses.com, here is an artist I haven’t heard for quite a while.

https://snippetsandglimpses.com/2023/01/16/music-monday-hands-jewel

-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.

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Weekend Wrap-up April 29: Not the end of #IndieApril

Officially it is, but it’s not a reason to stop supporting the wonderful and creative indie authors out there.

On my blog this week:

Free Book Friday April 28: Featured Author – Sally Ann Melia
Thursday Thoughts: NaPoWriMo – 1 poem in 30 days.
Weird Wednesday April 26th: Cartoons
Music Monday April 24: Billy Strings – You like bluegrass, right? Of course you do.

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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Free Book Friday April 28: Featured Author – Sally Ann Melia

Just one new promo this week (and no ramble).

-Leon

The story behind Free Book Friday:

I’ve met many authors and readers during my time marketing, cross-promoting, and blogging. I think writers have a responsibility to inform readers about all the indie authors out there in the very crowded world of book publishing. You can’t do it alone, and why would you when you have a supportive group available?

Readers don’t just read one author – they stick with their favorite genres. Therein lies the power in cross-promotion. If one of my readers buys a book from an author I promote, then chances are there will be a reciprocal effect, or so is the hope. Do I want to boost sales? Of course I do. Do I want to boost other’s sales? Why not. It’s called karma.

Some free book offers require a newsletter sign-up, which is a small non-monetary price to pay to try out a new indie author.

Here are this week’s promos to check out:

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!

Featured Author: Sally Ann Melia

Born in Wallasey, England, Sally Ann Melia moved to the cosmopolitan city-state of Monaco, where she spent her teenage years. As the lone English student in a French school, Sally spent her time writing stories while her classmates learned English.

Check out 13 for only $0.99!

Free Books Purchase Links

Previous promos: Discover New Authors and Free Books.

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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Thursday Thoughts: NaPoWriMo

NaPoWriMo or National Poetry Writing Month challenges anyone to write 30 poems in 30 days. I’ve done it. Not this year—
Or last year.
Or last year, but I did write more. You can’t force poetry—well, you can, but it is not going to be as good as the thought out, heartfelt words of inspiration.

So, I didn’t. Until today. I enjoy writing poetry that will make a reader reflect, smile, or laugh. Here is my lone contribution to NaPoWriMo 2023:

More poetry and purchase links here:

The Poetry Page

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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Weird Wednesday April 26th: Cartoons

It is still National Poetry Month:

The View from Here is officially complete!

-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.

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

Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!

Music Monday April 24: Billy Strings

There is a radio show on CBC here in Canada that occasionally does a feature called SYNTH: Songs You Need To Hear.

CBC MUSIC, Central · Mornings with CBC Music

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.

Bluegrass. I have featured it before:

Music Monday: Songs you might want to hear – Nickel Creek

Guess what? I’m featuring it again. For me, bluegrass is the purest form of country music. Country music over the last several decades has become blurred with pop and hip-hop, which is not to say it’s not country music anymore, just that it’s not the same.

Like any music style, however, bluegrass has evolved from its humble beginnings, with younger generations taking it to new levels, but it’s still twangy, fast, and fun to listen to, and more fun to watch.

Billy Strings (William Lee Apostol) is an American guitarist and bluegrass musician. He won a Grammy Award in 2021.

-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.

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Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!

Weekend Wrap-up April 22: What did I write this week?

Not my next book.

I tried. It’s hard. Oh, I have some real good ideas, but as I start to outline, I think, “That wouldn’t happen.” than I think, “C’mon, Its a story. Anything can happen.” Then I think, “Yeah, but I don’t like books that aren’t believable.” then I think, “What, The Lord of the Rings is real?” then I think, “I guess you’re right.” then I think, “Of course I’m right.” then I think:

“I have to stop talking to myself …“

On my blog this week:

Free Book Friday April 21: Tweaking Books
Weird Wednesday April 19th: Sports and Cartoons – Sometimes my own cartoons make me laugh.
The Trilogy is done! – But you knew that, right?
Miniscule Monday: 200

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.

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

Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!