Leon Stevens's Blog, page 81

Music Monday April 10: Broken Social Scene

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.

Can you tell how much I like a band by how many selections I include? Not always.

For the longest time I didn’t care much for this band, but many of their songs has grown on me, not enough to purchase an album but I don’t mind listening to them.

With a rotating cast of musicians, it’s no wonder Broken Social Scene songs sound a little different with each album, so it was hard to narrow down the field.

Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members, formed by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning in 1999. 

-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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Guest Blog Post – The View From Here Trilogy by Leon Stevens — Under The Radar SFF Books

Leon Stevens discusses The View from Here trilogy The View from Here Trilogy: Synopsis Two adventurous people. A strange world. One goal. Unravel the mystery. What would you do if you found yourself on or in another world? Do you have the skills and knowledge needed to survive or to make sense of what you […]

Guest Blog Post – The View From Here Trilogy by Leon Stevens — Under The Radar SFF Books

Weekend Wrap-up April 8: Typos

The poetry book sale is over. I didn’t pay for any advertising, so I can’t be disappointed with the result. National Poetry Month is still going on as is #IndieApril, so look for a few more poet/poem related posts.

But, I do need to spend some time showcasing my sci-fi trilogy. I am uploading the final version of the manuscript to Amazon today, after fixing a typo my eagle-eye ARC reader spotted.

How do typos slip through? The three main reasons are, we read what we think we wrote, our brains read what makes sense, often correcting for us, and spell-checkers can’t correct a correctly spelled word. In book one of my trilogy, I recently spotted a double period at the end of a sentence.

So, don’t chastise an author if you spot a typo, it happens to indie and traditionally published authors all the time. Some authors may not, but I apreciate the heads-up so I can correct it.

-Leon

Did you spot the typo I slipped in to today’s post?

Free Book Friday April 7: It’s a First! In Conversation with Nicole Pierman – Revisited – I really enjoyed doing this. It was fun commenting on what Nicole and I said 20 months ago.
Weird Wednesday April 5th: Cartoons, Post-apocalyptic poetry, and Poetry Sale – If you missed it, I posted all my post-apocalyptic poems there.
Music Monday April 3: Grace Carter

1681743600

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

The Final View Release

Start at the beginning: The View from 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.

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

Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!

Free Book Friday April 7: It’s a First! In Conversation with Nicole Pierman – Revisited

First, the poetry promos, then we’ll get to the conversation!

Poetry Sale: Last Day

(unless you are in the US and want to get up really early tomorrow morning)

Two different promo platforms to visit: BookFunnel and StoryOrigin

In Conversation with Nicole Pierman

When I remembered that April was National Poetry Month, I thought it would be fun to revisit some previous interviews. So here, is the conversation I had with author/poet Nicole Pierman two years ago, complete with our thoughts.

I want to welcome Nicole back for the twenty-month anniversary of our first interview. You haven’t aged a day. What’s your secret?

Genetics, sunscreen, and a daily skincare routine.

Well, congrats on having great DNA. I seem to be aging at an exponential rate, so let’s jump right in and do some reminiscing. I’m sure we will have some comments throughout, so don’t be shy.

This interview was originally posted on September 3, 2021, but without the commentary.

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author and baker extraordinaire Nicole Pierman. Thanks for stopping by.

Thank you so much for having me, Leon! Especially after that Bookfunnel promo disaster. I’m still not sure what happened, but I felt horrible when my name disappeared from your promo list. But I guess it’s a good thing in an odd sort of way because now we’re talking!

I see there are some puzzled looks out there. I am running a BookFunnel promo called New Poets but as Nicole said, her book mysteriously disappeared. So this is the next best thing. 

[Leon: Did you ever figure out what happened?]
[Nicole: I have no idea, but it hasn’t happened since with any other promos. I suppose it was a one in a million issue.]

I read that you are a coffee aficionado. I hope that my French press coffee will be satisfactory. Do you have a favorite bean/roast?

I think your French press coffee is more than satisfactory! I like dark roast coffee, but I stopped making my own coffee because I simply don’t have time since the beginning of 2020 (I wonder what happened in 2020). But my French press is somewhere in my kitchen, patiently waiting for me to bring it out and into the light.

I think you should.

[Leon: Did you know you can get a French press at IKEA for under $10? I was there the other day and bought another one, not because I needed it but just in case, I’m bound to break my original.]
[Nicole: I haven’t been into an IKEA for at least a decade and I don’t have an IKEA near me. But I did get a fantastic $3.50 latte from a local coffee joint that was to die for. I love finding small businesses that are hanging on AND rocking it, even after the mess that was the COVID-19 pandemic.]

So, you have a couple of books out there—do you have a personal favorite?

Yes, I have three poetry books out and my fourth and final poetry book will be released on September 21st, 2021. I can’t honestly choose a favorite because they’re all personal to me (as all poems are if you’re spilling your guts out). Though, the poetry book that is deeply personal is my fourth poetry book, Teal Nostalgia. So, if you’re looking for poetry that’s extremely personal and often disturbing, I’d suggest that one.

 But honestly, I wanted to release my poetry before my novels because I want to learn about Amazon ads, online marketing, and setting up promotions. Poetry is extremely niche, so my rationale was, if I can sell my poetry books, I can sell novels. So far, I’m doing fairly well!

[Leon: Have you written that novel yet?]
[Nicole: Yes! I have three full-length novels out now. At the end of 2023, I will be starting an Urban Fantasy Detective book series that I’m really excited about.]
[Leon: Wow, busy, busy. Any more poetry books?]
[Nicole: No, and I don’t think I’ll write another unless it’s in the similar vein as Paradise Found, which are one liner poems. I wrote the majority of my poetry when I was going through trauma therapy, per my therapist’s suggestion. It was one of the best ways to release emotions that I couldn’t (yet) speak aloud. Most of those poems are in my fourth poetry chapbook, Teal Nostalgia. I’m proud of all my chapbooks and the individual poems, but I’m one of those poets where I have to be depressed and angsty to write poetry, and that hasn’t been me for 4 years (and counting). Which is great for me because I’ve healed from my past and I’m very happy. Maybe not so much if you want more chapbooks out of me.]
[Leon: I hear you. I only have one more poetry book since last time. Not all poetry needs to be deep, healing, and soul-searching, but often that is the catalyst for poets.]

That’s good to hear. Even as a niche market, there is still a lot of competition. Your book, Paradise Found , reads like a mental inventory of thoughts that you need to get out before they consume you. Does that capture the intent? 

That’s a great way of putting it! I was struggling with a lot of personal issues when I was in college and was then introduced to one-line/brevity poetry randomly online, so I thought I’d give it a go because I needed an outlet. Hundreds of poems and six years later, Paradise Found was finally published.

What makes you want to write?

A burning sensation in the back of my head telling me I have to write, edit, and read constantly.

[Leon: Does this still hold true?]
[Nicole: Yes, absolutely! I don’t think that will ever change.]

I’m self-published as well. Do you have any advice for indie authors?

I highly suggest following David Gaughran for any self-published writer, whether you write nonfiction or fiction. He’s helped me immensely with his free marketing course on his website. I wouldn’t be where I am today without David and his course.

[Leon: I did take your advice. David’s newsletters are quite informative.]
[Nicole: That’s great to hear! I also joined Bryan Cohen’s Ad School in October 2022 and have learned even more.]
[Leon: That’s right! I remember seeing you there!]

That’s good to know. I’ve heard of him, so I’ll definitely check him out. Is there a book that you have read more than once?

Other than children’s books I read as a child, no. There’s too many books to read and so little time to read them that I’ll read a book once and then move on.

You mention music on your website, so why don’t you share some of your favs? 

I enjoy any type of music that involves actual music and little to no autotune. My favorite music genres are Metal, Rock, Celtic, Country, and all the subgenres of Alternative. Well, minus anything regarding Goth and Emo. I passed that music phase in my life after 10th grade.

[Leon: Has your taste in music changed?]
[Nicole: Not really, though I love finding new musicians/bands to enjoy. Even if I don’t listen to full albums 95% of the time, if they have a few songs I enjoy, those will be on repeat.]

That’s a diverse selection.  Care to list a band for each? I’m always on the lookout for something new.

I love Flogging Molly, Nick 13, Tiger Army, Mike Ness, Social Distortion, Slipknot, Stone Sour, ACDC, The Rumjacks, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Misfits, Dead Kennedys, Queen, Stevie Nicks, Old Crow Medicine Show, Midland, and Seamus Kennedy. And those bands are just the start! I love music and could go on, but we’d be here for days.

[Leon: You should check out my Music Monday feature on my blog.]
[Nicole: Sounds like a plan! ]

A good mix! Is there a song or genre you are embarrassed to like?

I don’t believe in song or genre embarrassment, honestly. Life is too short to not enjoy something you love because other people are (possibly) judging you.

That’s very true! Let’s talk about baking. What is your signature dish…no, that doesn’t sound right…signature loaf? Whatever, you know what I mean…

I definitely know what you mean! I try to stay away from eating a lot of bread because of all the carbs. I enjoy baking brownies and cupcakes of all kinds. I’m open to all baked goodies! 

Mmmm…brownies. 

Here comes a series of quick-draw questions. Ready? 

Yes! Ready, set…go? 

[Leon: Want to try something fun?]
[Nicole: Yes, but with certain legal conditions.]
[Leon: Of course. I’ll give you the same questions as before. Let’s see if they match!]
[Nicole: I’m ready, Freddy!]

Drive, bike, or walk?
Walk. I have a driving phobia I’m still trying to get over. I’m okay driving at night, so there’s some improvement!
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Dinner. I don’t eat breakfast. For some reason, ever since I was a kid, it makes my stomach hurt to eat breakfast. So, I have to wait until 11am-12pm to eat a meal. I can have a banana or something small if I’m feeling up to it.
I concur! Can you open your eyes underwater?
Yes, I grew up around the water and learned to swim as a toddler.
What number am I thinking of?
666, the number of the beast.
Rain or shine?
Shine, but I don’t mind rain.
Cat nap or full-on snooze?
Full-on snooze. I can’t nap or else it throws my whole schedule off.

[Leon: Pretty much all the same answers except last time you told me it had to be 3 because it was your favorite.]
[Nicole: I just wanted to throw you a curveball and see if you got the song reference.][Leon: It is a classic.]

Well, I must admit, that was fun, but our time has come to an end. Shall we share with our readers our updated links.

Thank you for the interview, Leon! You can find me on these platforms:

   1. AMAZON

    2. WEBSITE

    3. GOODREADS

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

Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!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. There 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:

Featured AuthorsAbout R. B. O’Brien

O’Brien holds a degree in English literature and teaches for a living. She is a professor, a logophile, a reader, a health fanatic, an animal and nature lover, a dancer, a hopeful romantic, has a profound affection for Shakespeare, and creates—EVERY CHANCE SHE GETS. She finds beauty in the darkest of things. Loves wry humor. And her heart beats too fast.

About C.P. Night

C.P. Night escaped the corporate grind after spending years working as a physicist. She now shares her crazy ideas in sci-fi and fantasy tales, inspired by the magic of the clear dark skies above her rural New England home. Growing up, she longed to be a Jedi alongside Luke Skywalker, to grab a towel and hitchhike the universe, and loved seeing Ripley kick an alien’s butt. Her serial, Target 10, was a finalist in the 2022 Laterpress Genre Fiction Contest. She plans to take readers on even more adventures through space and time in her fictional universe called the Myriadu.

Free Books Kindle Unlimited

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.

Weird Wednesday April 5th: Cartoons, Post-apocalyptic poetry, and Poetry Sale

In my attempt to bridge the gap between my poetry and science fiction readers, I wrote a series of poems for my book, The Knot at the End of the Rope, that represent writings that an explorer might find in a post-apocalyptic world.

I tried to draw the table. I really tried. It’s really hard, like, really, really hard …

Poetry Sale: Ends April 8th (early, so let’s just say April 7th).

1681743600

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

The Final View Release

-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!

Writer’s Corner: Revisiting Poetry – A Look Back — Writing to be Read

It All Started with Poetry When I first started writing, I wrote poetry. In fact, my first sale of my writing, back in 1996, was for a poem. I wrote on a manual typewriter and submitted via snail mail, (I know. I’m dating myself terribly.). My poem, “A Prayer for Guidance” was published in a […]

Writer’s Corner: Revisiting Poetry – A Look Back — Writing to be Read

Music Monday April 3: Grace Carter

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.

From allmusic.com: Known for her soulful, R&B-influenced vocals and uplifting, often confessional lyrics, England’s Grace Carter first gained attention in 2017 with the viral single “Silence.” Following a tour with Dua Lipa, she gained wider acclaim, winning third place in the BBC’s Sound of 2019 and releasing her EP Saving Grace.

-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!

WordCrafter Press Celebrates National Poetry Month — Writing to be Read

Celebrating National Poetry Month April is National Poetry Month here in the U.S. and WordCrafter Press is celebrating the joy of the written word by putting four WordCrafter Press poetry books on sale for the whole month! You can get your copy of your favorite from your favorite book distributor. Feral Tenderness, by Arthur Rosch […]

WordCrafter Press Celebrates National Poetry Month — Writing to be Read

Weekend Wrap-up April 1: National Poetry Month

Welcome to National Poetry Month! To celebrate, I discounted both my collections to $0.99 and $1.99 for the Kindle and $4.99 and $5.99 for paperback. If you want to read some of my poetry first, visit my poetry page, here.

Leon Steven’s Amazon Page

Moving on, yesterday I shared a post-apocalyptic poem from my short story collection, The Knot at the End of the Rope, and here is the next in the series:

Let’s get a sci-fi update!

My book, The View from Here, was selected to be listed in Amazon’s Prime Reading from March to May. While I do not get paid when Prime members read the book (so I have essentially agreed to give it away for free), there has been an increase in ranking since the beginning of the month where it was sitting in the #677 277 spot to where it is now at #93 801.

Considering there are 10s of millions of books on Amazon, #93 801 isn’t to shabby.

-Leon

This week on my blog:

(Almost free and almost there) Friday March 31: Kick off to National Poetry Month / In Conversation with Juanet Martinez
Weird Wednesday March 29: Cartoons and Poetry Sale
Music Monday March 27: Another Canadian Indigenous Artist – William Prince

1681743600

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

The Final View Release

Start at the beginning: The View from 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.

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

Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!

(Almost free and almost there) Friday March 31: Kick off to National Poetry Month / In Conversation with Juanet Martinez

Almost free and almost there? Let me explain.

I don’t have any new promos today, and starting tomorrow, both my poetry collections are on sale from April 1st (no foolin’) to April 8th.

Leon Stevens’ Amazon Page

When I started my writing journey, I did not know where it was going to take me. I wanted to share my poetry, and I gained my first subscribers who knew me as Leon Stevens, the poet.

As I began to expand my writing into science fiction, a natural transition was to incorporate poetry into that genre. Many science fiction and fantasy books have poetry woven through them (usually fantasy but not exclusively so). 

For my sci-fi readers who have read my collection, The Knot at the End of the Rope, you know I wrote a series of poems that represent writings that an explorer might find in a post-apocalyptic world.

I hoped this could bridge the gap between the to genres. Here is the first one, and I think it is the best of the group:

OK, not the most uplifting poem, but in a post-apocalyptic world, hey, you take what you can get right? Want more post-apocalyptic poems? Follow my blog or Instagram @lines_by_leon where I’ll be posting 5 more over the coming days.

It’s been a while since the last conversation, and this week, to kick off National Poetry Month

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with the poet Juanet Martinez. Thanks for dropping by. Can I offer you anything to drink?

No thanks, I am always stocked up on water wherever I go!

As a poet, my poetry is written first for myself, then I decide whether it will be beneficial for others to read. Is this the same for you?

I definitely write for myself, but I do enjoy seeing people’s responses to what is written. Humans are very complex, and the beauty of writing is how it can draw out our emotions. I’ve always thought words heal.

Are you an avid reader?

Not as often as I used to, I try to do it as much as I can. Lately I’ve been reading a lot of entrepreneur books from women to see how I can boost my presence since becoming published. It helps my mindset to find new ways to engage my public.

What is the first book you remember reading on your own?

Hmm, that is a tough one. The first solid book I remember REALLY reading is torn between two, The Isle Witch by Terry Brooks, and The Talisman by Stephen King. I believe the Stephen King book was first, I was in 8th grade.

Do you have a favorite author?

When I was younger I really enjoyed Terry Brooks and Stephen King. I currently do not have a specific favorite because I bounce with books, but I do still enjoy the fantasy style writings from Mr. Brooks very much, mostly because it appeals to the young girl in me. I’ve always thought we live in a dystopia already. Just a matter of time. I mean, who looks at a giraffe and goes, ‘Oh, that’s a normal creature to exist’. Or a spider. I hate spiders.

Your Twitter account is donutsandpoetry. How did this come about?

An accident really. When I created my account I was working a front desk job in a gym. I was editing my current published book, and munching on a donut. Thus, it became donutsandpoetry. I still love donuts.

Who doesn’t? What is your favorite donut and favorite donut place?

I would have to say my favorite donut is definitely a chocolate frosted with sprinkles. Been that way since I was small, and I doubt it’ll ever change. I used to get them from Bess Eatin donuts back home in CT when I was a kid. I love Dunkin’ but they didn’t hold a candle to that small shop. 

When you are not writing, what are some things you enjoy doing?

I am a very active human. I like to powerlift, go for walks. I like being outside. I enjoy self growth and learning about how to heal and be a better human. I am fascinated by the human mind and how it uses itself to understand itself, heal, do all the things. So, I read articles during downtime at work when I can. I like exploring and going on adventures. Bookstores, hole in the wall places like diners, dive bars, Mom and Pop shops.

 Music is a big part of my life. How about you?

I enjoy it. It can be very healing. I love words and song writing isn’t easy, so when I find a song that’s well written and executed beautifully it can be very fulfilling. I tend to put songs like that on repeat and sing badly in my car, ya know, concert series!

And favorite artists or bands you care to share with us?

Oh boy. Haha, I am a very eclectic human when it comes to music. It depends on my mood who my favorite singing human will be for the day. My current playlist has Miranda Lambert, Dorothy, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, and quite a bit of alternative from the 90s and 2000s. Fault of being a millennial perhaps. Ha.

Are you ready for the lightning round?

As long as I can bring the thunder.

I like the enthusiasm! Let’s do it!

How do you take your coffee?
Iced, cream, sugar, and mocha. Dunkin. Must be the East Coast girl in me.
Last binged show?
Physical 100. It is a neat show based in another country where athletes compete in physically challenging tasks. They start with 100 people and slowly dwindle down as they are eliminated when they fail. They had some interesting ways to challenge the human body, and a multiple of athletes from so many backgrounds. It was neat to watch.
Cats or dogs?
I have one of each, and they’re both so different personality wise. I’ve always been a cat person primarily, but my hound mix is definitely a hoot. She brings the chaos where my cat brings the sarcasm.
Favorite city?
I really don’t have one, I’m not much of a city person. Now throw me in the woods on a hike and I’m sold. I grew up in a city, but as I have gotten older there’s something pretty peaceful about not being near civilization.
Second highest mountain in the world?
Probably one I will never climb, sadly.
Scariest animal you have encountered?

I don’t know about scary, but I did encounter a very intimidating mama deer while walking my dog one morning right before sunrise. She had her baby with her, and if you know anything about deer, you know they’re very protective of their young. Went the other way rather quickly that morning.

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

Well thanks, pleasure is all mine. And yes, I have a handful. As I’m growing my audience, I’m learning a lot. I have a website I’d like to share, as well as a landing page. I’ve been sending out emails on healing and how to thrive, which is what my published poetry compilation is all about! It’s been wonderful to share my knowledge with others.

My website: Less Words, More Writing
My email sign up: https://jmwriting.ck.page/604be8efa4

Get What She Knows on AmazonCheck out poems by Leon Stevens or

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

Oh, pick me! C’mon, space stuff!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. There 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:

Last chance! Tired of finding sub-par books? Theses titles are all rated 4 and 5 stars! Starts March 1

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.