Spotlight
INDIE
Author Leon Stevens
“Do you think that makes your writing unique?
When it comes to poetry, it’s not difficult to be unique. Someone else’s words or style is not going to be able to describe what is in your heart. I think that is what makes us all unique–except for you and me, that is. ”
So, What is it all About?
Leon Stevens Interviews Leon Stevens for the Before We Go Blog
Hello. I’m Leon Stevens, and I’m sitting here with author Leon Stevens who has written two books, Lines by Leon-Poems, Prose and Pictures, and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
Three books.
Three books?
I also have a book of classical guitar pieces.
Well, I guess that counts.
I should hope so.
We have been interviewing each other a few times so far. Why again?
I’ve been looking at book blogger sites to introduce my works to new audiences, and when Beth from beforewegoblog.com responded to my query, I thought it would be a good fit.
Nice. Shall we get to the questions?
Fire away.
Now bear in mind I do know all these answers, so try to forget who I am.
I wish I could.
[silence]I’ll let that pass. Question 1: Have you always been a writer?
I guess I started in kindergarten with—
Not quite what I was going for. I mean writing as a hobby or career, you know.
Ahh, I get it. I don’t think that I wanted to write until I needed to. I began to write songs and song lyrics to get my thoughts and emotions onto paper, some of which evolved into poetry. As I wrote more and more, I thought that what I had written had merit and that others would enjoy reading it as well.
So, are you a poet?
That’s part of who I am. If you write poetry, then you should consider yourself a poet. Being published doesn’t change that.
Do you read a lot of poetry?
No. It’s not my favorite to read, and I am selective in the poetry that I do read. I also don’t try to write specific forms. Some of my rhyming schemes can be erratic–or non-existent.
Do you think that makes your writing unique?
When it comes to poetry, it’s not difficult to be unique. Someone else’s words or style is not going to be able to describe what is in your heart. I think that is what makes us all unique–except for you and me, that is.
Shouldn’t that be: You and I?
Who knows? Or is it Whom knows? No. It’s who knows.
I think you’re right…OK then, question #2. What is—
Actually, it’s question #6.
Excuse me?
You’ve asked me five questions. Go back and read the transcript.
[silence]Let’s say next question then. What is your poetry book about then?
I have included poems about emotions, struggles, ego, environment, and everyday experiences. There are some of my pencil sketches that have inspired some very short stories, and some of the writing has a humorous edge.
An example?
Of?
Something humorous from your book.
Umm. I wrote this one about a sock:
The Sock
Is there anything lonelier than discarded clothing?
A sign of disappointment, of rejection, of loathing
Threadbare and stained, no fight left within
Wondering what events caused this great sin
Did you wear out your welcome- what did you do?
Was it a weakness of cotton
That allowed the big toe to come through?
Was it your owner’s odd gait that wore through the heel?
Taking the blame, how did that feel?
Was your partner discarded or saved for another
Pair that shares the same fate and just the right color?
Why write humorous poetry?
I touch on many emotional subjects and observations on human nature, but you do need some relief from time to time. When I write for my blog, there is usually humor involved. That’s more entertaining than always talking about deeper topics.
You also write science fiction. Why the change in genre?
Science fiction has always been my favorite to read, and since I was discovering my enjoyment of writing, it seemed to be a natural step.
Why short stories?
My stories seem to come to a natural conclusion sooner rather than later. One of the first books that I remember reading on my own was The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury, and Isaac Asimov wrote many as well.
Any other influences?
My father. He would read or make up science fiction stories at bedtime.
Is he a writer?
No, but like me, he has a wonderful imagination.
That sounds like a good way to fall asleep. Any other reason for writing short stories?
I write like I read. Often, I’ll skim over parts that don’t really add much to the story itself, so when I’m writing, I don’t go into long descriptions or extraneous details. There is a challenge to writing short, though. Developing characters to the minimum, letting the reader fill in the details of the setting, and I think successful short stories either end with a twist or leave the reader thinking.
Your shortest story?
The title story The Knot at the End of the Rope is 175 words. I have some stories in my poetry book, the shortest one there is 41 words, but it’s more of a caption to a picture than a story.
Any other projects on the go?
I am currently working on a continuation of one of my short stories. It’s up to 20000 words so far.
So, not a short story then.
Nope. I’m having fun watching the word count grow though. I know how it is going to end–it’s just figuring out how to get them there.
Them?
The characters.
Yes of course. How long to you think it will be?
It will probably finish up being a novella, but you never know.
I do.
You do?
Maybe. You’ll just have to keep writing to find out.
I would, but these interviews take up a lot of my time.
Are you saying that we are done?
Do you have any more questions?
No, I think that is about it. But if I think of any–well, I know where to reach you.
That’s true. Want some coffee?
Please.
where to find me
About my books
the knot at the end of the rope and other stories
A journey to the center of the universe …
Humanity’s final days …
A strange midnight visitor …
A faster than light test with unforeseen results …
Writings found in a desolate world …
These are some of the short stories in this collection, written in the style of the early science fiction writers when imagination trumped scientific knowledge. In addition, some short post-apocalyptic tales and poems are included in this new book by Leon Stevens.
lines by leon – poems, prose, and pictures
Lines by Leon is a selection of poems, prose, and short stories that address the subjects of loss, struggle, and reflection. Inside these thoughtful contemplations are original observations about ego, behavior, human relations, places, and the environment. Many of the pieces feature a lighthearted and even humorous take on a subject, and the author invites his readers to laugh, think, cry, and meditate on the wide variety of thoughts.
Scattered throughout the book are sketches of various subjects, many that relate to the poems and stories they illustrate; others speak for themselves.
about the author
leon stevens
tevens is a writer, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He became a writer out of necessity. Along with song writing, poetry has allowed him to make sense and accept events and situations in his life.
He published his first book of poetry: Lines by Leon – Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, and he has also published a music book of original classical guitar compositions.
“The Knot at the End of the Rope” now on Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KP9RSYG
or now, in paperback:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KGHH4HH
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Thanks for posting! you can read the first two interviews that started it all: http://linesbyleon.com/the-interviews/