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.
In Conversation with B.G. Howard
B. G. Howard was born and raised in the small town of Baxley, in South Georgia where he graduated high school prior to relocating to Macon, GA. While there, he attended College at Mercer University, though circumstances prevented him from completing his collegiate education. He has lived in a number of cities throughout the eastern part of the United States before finally relocating to Florida and, eventually, becoming self-employed.
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author B.G. Howard. Thanks for dropping by. Can I offer you anything to drink?
Thank you, but I’ll pass unless you’re going to allow me a bathroom break at some point.
Easy enough. Not that long of an interview though. I like the animation on your website that goes along with the book. Simple, yet effective. Care to give a shout out to anyone?
Yes. A brief nod to Mr. Jerome McClain at Maxmedia Studios for embracing my initial concept and working wonders with it.
One section of your website is “Points to Ponder”. Do you think you will ever get sued by Reader’s Digest for copyright infringement?
I don’t know how that could be an issue given the fact Reader’s Digest is a publication I can’t remember ever reading.
They have a section in their magazine with the same title, but I don’t think you have anything to worry about then.
I, strangely enough, may be the only adult in America who didn’t know anything about the magazine prior to your posing that question. And it would prove very difficult for them, or anyone else to sue me for thoughts originating from my own mind. The “Points to Ponder” content consists of original philosophical quotes that come to me in the middle of the night/early morning hours when I’m unable to sleep. Besides, I’m a fledgling, self-published author. Their filing a lawsuit against me would only amount to a great deal of free publicity for my brand.
Let’s talk about your upcoming release. Your book, Family Ties: Thicker than Blood, came out in 2020, but now you are releasing a revised edition. Without giving too much away, what changed?
Short answer… A 2001 accident resulted in me requiring more than seven years of rehabilitative therapy, during which time this idea entered my mind and simply wouldn’t go away. So, to stifle the noise, I opened a Word document one day and started typing; it was just therapy. Fast forward two and a half years and I’d finished a 177,000 word “something” but had no idea what it was. The first edition resulted from that effort.
In the two years since publishing it, I’ve learned a great deal more about the process so, instead of launching Family Ties II: Blood Covenant, I revised the first by adding content to close up a few plot holes. These wouldn’t be readily apparent to most but it does, in my opinion, make for a better read.
Did you plan on writing a series?
No. I actually never intended to write the first book.
Who are some other authors you like to read?
There are few but time doesn’t allow for much outside of working on the current project. Consequences of the accident make it quite challenging to focus on more than one task at a time. Outside the classics like Shakespear and Edgar Allen Poe, I’ve always liked Michael Critchton, Eric Jerome Dickey, Michael Baisden, and recently discovered Selena Montgomery aka Stacy Abrams.
Do you have a favorite book?
Without being funny…by default, the bible. Beyond that, I think the first book I ever read was “Five Smooth Stones” by Ann Fairbairn. The loss of memory prompted me to go back and rediscover the title. That one has always stuck with me.
Being from Georgia, you will hopefully be able to put to rest the age old question: Is it pronounced Pe-Can or Pe-Cahn?
Honestly, it depends on the season. When the prices are reasonable, they’re Pe-Cans. But with the cost per pound having eclipsed $8.00, the nation has been consuming Pe-Cauhns for the past few years.
Follow up: Are the peaches there really the best?
Considering Georgia peaches are the only ones I eat (because they’re the best) I wouldn’t have anything to which the taste can be compared.
I always ask about musical tastes. What are your favorites?
Prior to the accident and resulting loss of memory, I’ve been told my favorite “pre-maturity” artist was Prince. However, at this stage in life I’m more partial to gospel, jazz, and classical music.
Are you ready for the lightning round?
Let the thunder roll.
Ever see a UFO?
Don’t know; wouldn’t remember if I had.
Cake or pie?
I bake a mean sweet potato pie.
Coke or Pepsi?
I don’t drink either. Just water and 100% juices.
Are you a fan of reality shows?
No…they’re the farthest thing from reality that you can find on television which, by the way, I don’t generally watch much.
Favorite city?
New York: a nice place to visit but not everybody can live. It’s second only to home in Florida.
What is the fifteenth word in the Star Spangled Banner?
hailed
Hey! we are out of time. This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?
Prior to doing that, I have to say this has been the most fun and enjoyable interview I’ve done to date. Thank you.
https://www.amazon.com/B.-G.-Howard/e/B085X5LDBF
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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.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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Lines by Leon 
Great interview. It’s awesome getting to learn a bit more about different authors.
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