Just for Fun Friday: Readers are Authors Too.

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Just for Fun Friday: Readers are Authors Too.

In 2020, the world came crashing to a halt, not because of the release of my short story collection, but because—well, you know. Since I had nothing else to do other than being a designated grocery shopper, I did part two of my self-interview series, this time interviewing myself as the author.

Did you read it then? Maybe you didn’t know me or perhaps you forgot about the hilarity that ensued…

The Very Second One: Leon Stevens, Reader, Interviews Leon Stevens, the Author

Today we have the pleasure [eyeroll] of sitting down with Leon Stevens, the author. How have you been?
   – Considering all that has been happening, I have been OK. You?
You know the same as I do. We share a place, remember?
   – Just being polite, you know.
Moving on. You have some exciting news to tell.
   – Had.
What?
   – I had some news. Like a month ago.
Would you like to share it?
   – That’s why we are here, isn’t it?
Yes, indeed. Let me spill the proverbial beans then–
– I’m not going to clean those up.
[silence]
Do you want me to say it or not?
   – Go ahead.
You published your second book this year, a science fiction book, I believe?
   – That is correct. It’s called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
Interesting title. How did you come up with that?
   – It’s the first story in the book, and the rest tells you what is in it.
But what does it mean?
   – You will have to read and find out.
I did. You know that.
   – Then why are you asking?
I thought that other readers would like to know.
   – Well, it’s all about how choices that life gives us are not always good things, I guess. It is the shortest story in the book.
You like writing short stories, don’t you?
– My stories always seem to come to a natural conclusion sooner rather than later. Say what you want about short attention spans…
Do you have a favori—Wait! Where are you going?
   [from another room] – I thought we were done.
No. We are not.
   – Want some coffee?
Sure. Are you using the press?
   – Is there any other way?
Nope.
[elapsed time: 15 minutes]
   – Here you go.
Thank you. Shall we continue?
   – Fire away.
[sipping sounds]
Mmm, good coffee.
   – Thank you. It’s one of my favorite things.
Before the break, I was asking if you have a favorite story?
   – That’s tough. Each story has its charm in how it came about and what ideas I was trying to convey. But if I had to choose–
You do.
   – As I was saying, if I had to choose, it would be Reasonable Hand-drawn Facsimile.
Because?
   – Probably because it has elements of humor. It made me laugh when I thought about it. My editor said that she laughed out loud when she read it. Now, that’s the sign of good humor writing.
Do you consider yourself a humor writer?
   – Quite a bit of my writing has elements of humor, so yes. I like to make people laugh.
There are quite a few post-apocalyptic stories in the book as well, along with poetry. Poetry? What’s up with that?
   – I don’t know which came first, the stories or the poems, but I recall coming up with the idea that sometime in the future, writings from after an apocalyptic event would be found. So naturally, I named the series Found.
That sounds like the premise of the book, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller Jr.
   – That’s not far off. I didn’t mean it to be, but as I was coming up with the poems, it was a book that came to mind. It is the first post-apocalyptic book that I remember reading.
You write many different styles. Do you think that will limit your appeal by segmenting your readership?
   – Well, I do now. Thanks a lot.
I’m not saying it’s a bad thing.
   – Limiting my appeal? Or writing different styles?
I thought I was asking the questions here…
   – Can’t we have a spirited discourse once and a while?
How long have you been waiting to throw in that word?
   – Quite some time. Impressed?
Very. OK. Back to my point. I’m just worried that your poetry readers won’t like your science fiction stories and vice versa.
   – I’ve thought about that. But if I am inspired to write something, I don’t want to limit myself. I still write poetry. It took me four years to publish my first book of poetry—I’m not going to be able to put out another right away. I hope my readership will embrace my eclectic writing. It is about entertaining and keeping readers engaged.
And how do you do that?
   – I began to write a blog, which became more of a satirical/humorous take on life. Then when I started my newsletter to keep my readers updated on my writing journey—
Writing journey. I like that.
   – Thank you. Anyhoo, I try to keep my weekly newsletters informative and entertaining. I hope that people read and appreciate them.
Ever thought of doing a podcast?
   – I wouldn’t know where to start. Do you?
Not a clue. Last question: Who are The Miniscules I keep hearing about?
   – You’ve heard about them from other people?
Not really. I just thought that we should mention them.
   – Oh.
They are dear to your heart, are they not?
   – No. Not really. I’d miss them if they went away, though.
But they’re not going anywhere, right?
   – Nope. They still have lots to say.
Well, thank you for taking to time to answer some questions. Any final thoughts?
   – You’re going to clean up those beans, right?
Yes. Not to worry…
   – Don’t forget to take out the garbage when you go.
I’m not going anywhere. I live here.
   – Oh, right. Another cup of coffee?
Please.

Want more? Here are all the interviews in one place (kind of)

Leon Stevens Interviews Himself

Euphrates Vanished (Kindle/KU)A Matter of Sabotage (Kindle/KU)

Don’t feel like buying the book?

Sci-fi not your thing?

Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words

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, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.

My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/