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.
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
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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.
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