Jess Steven Hughes's Blog, page 11

Blog Update Interview Author, Uvi Poznansky

Interview with Uvi Poznansky

Author of Dancing with Air, and Volume IV of Still Life with Memories

Some books sweep you away to a different place, letting you escape from reality. My books sweep you away too, but they bring you back from that place of escape, allowing you to face, with a new, clear focus, the thoughts and emotions inside of you. Step into the skin of my character, look in the mirror, and find yourself.

Dancing with Air It is the beginning of autumn, time to turn a leaf, and I hope that for you, that will be a leaf from my new WWII Romance book, Dancing with Air.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an author, poet and artist. I paint with my pen and write with my paintbrush, which you can realize looking at my book covers, which are based on my own art. I am in the process of showcasing my bronze and paper sculptures on my blond, along with my oil paintings and watercolors.

Luckily, several of my books have become bestsellers and award winners. My boxed set, A Touch of Passion, is the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.

My professional career is a mixed bag, if you will. I received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where I earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in my education, I earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.

To avoid boring myself, I do the opposite of what they call ‘branding’ of my books. I write across a variety of genres: Apart From Love, My Own Voice, and The White Piano (literary fiction), The Music of Us and Dancing with Air (romance), Rise to Power, A Peek at Bathsheba, and The Edge of Revolt (historical fiction), A Favorite Son (biblical fiction), Home (poetry), Twisted (horror), and Now I Am Paper and Jess and Wiggle (children’s books.)

What is the key to writing?

A lot of books--some good, some not so much--offer advice on how to write, the rules of grammar, the tools to use in plotting and character development, etc, etc, etc. But really, the most important key to honing your skill is this: just write. Do not wait until inspiration strikes or until the time is right. How often do I write? Every free moment, every day. And even when I’m away from punching those keys, the characters, who are alive inside me, keep whispering their innermost secrets to me, keep revealing themselves.

I love doing a lot of research for the story, to anchor it in the particular time and place. For historical fiction, this means not only paying attention to the historical timeline of events, and let the characters go through them, but in terms of the small details, everything must match what you would see, smell, and hear if you landed right there and then. This includes fashion--what were the popular styles of hats, dresses, shoes? How did man and women were their hair? Could women afford to buy makeup? It includes gadgets--what where ovens like back then? Were there refrigerators? How do you store food? What particular meals were popular in England of that era? Were there shortages, due to the war?

Congratulations for your new release! What is it about?

Oh thank you so much! In my previous novel, The Music of Us, Lenny met Natasha, a young, accomplished concert pianist, and fell in love with her. Now, in my new WWII romance novel, Dancing with Air, their love story comes to its height oversees, with a bit dash suspense. Serving on the European front, Lenny writes bogus reports, designed to fall into the hands of Nazi Intelligence. To fool the enemy, these reports are disguised as love letters to another woman. This task must remain confidential, even at the risk of Natasha becoming suspicious of him.

Once she arrives in London, Lenny takes her for a ride on his Harley throughout England, from the White Cliffs of Dover to a village near an underground ammunition depot in Staffordshire. When he is wounded in a horrific explosion, Natasha brings him back to safety, only to discover the other woman’s letter to him. He wonders, will she trust him again, even though as a soldier, he must keep his mission a secret? Will their love survive the test of war?

Please share an excerpt from Dancing with Air with us.

From afar I could not read the features of her face, because she turned her head to look at her suitcase, nor could I tell the color of her hair, because it was tucked under the hat. But I figured, I might as well strike a conversation with her, on the far-fetched hope that she might have met Natasha or knew something, anything about her.

I could not be sure if this young woman noticed me, not only because the sun was in my eyes but also because of the little veil, giving her an air of mystery, and because of the oversized, stiff brim, sweeping around her head. Its wide line balanced out the new, slimmer look, which was coming into fashion, lately. Unable to deny my curiosity I started walking towards her, squinting.

A cloud drifted over across the horizon, shielding the sun, and now I could see: her white and black polka-dotted dress was neatly gathered around the waist by a black linen belt. In the evening breeze, dots were flapping against her hips, dancing around her knees.

The fabric was crimped, however, which suggested to me that at the last minute, just before coming ashore, she must have taken the dress out of the suitcase and changed into it, with no time to take care of the creases, to smooth them. I imagined she was eager to look her prettiest for someone, a special someone she was expecting to meet.
What’s the matter with you, I asked myself. What game are you playing? A spy? A private investigator?

Strangely, the closer I got to her the more pronounced was the thumping of my heart. I quickened my step, crossing through a sudden gust of air, in which I caught not only the smell of the ocean but also a whiff of perfume. Somehow it reminded me of Natasha’s, except that in her case, the only purpose for which she used it was to dab the corner of an envelope, when sending a letter to me.

“Hello!” I said, trying to strike a conversation with this stranger. “I heard it was a difficult journey.”

Just then, the wind grew stronger. It lifted the hat into a tilt and for just an instant, revealed a glint, the red glint of a curl. At once she caught the brim, set the hat properly back in place—but not before I noticed the rosy blush.

Burning suddenly with desire I reached for her hand. Instead of taking it, Natasha wrapped her arms around me, coming into mine. Speechless, I embraced her.

“Oh, Lenny,” she said, her voice so soothing, so velvety, just as I remembered it. “Just snuggle up a little closer.”

Author Links:

Blog
Facebook author page
Amazon author page
Goodreads author page
pInterest
@UviPoznansky



Purchasing links for Still Life with Memories:

Vol I My Own Voice ebook print audio
Vol II The White Piano
ebook print audio
Vol III The Music of Us ebook print audio
Vol IV Dancing with Air ebook print
Vol I+II Apart from Love ebook print audio

Book Signing Reminder

Book Signing - The Sign of the Eagle Trilogy. For those of you who live in the Greater Spokane, Washington/North Idaho area, I will be signing copies of my historical novels: The Sign of the Eagle, The Wolf of Britannia, Part I & II @ Aunties Bookstore, 402 W. Main St., Spokane, Washington, Saturday, September 24, 1:30/3:30 pm.

For those unable to attend, all of my books are available online from Sunbury Press Books (www.sunbury.com), Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble (bn.com) and also on Kindle.

Book Signing Reminder

Book Signing - The Sign of the Eagle Trilogy. For those of you who live in the greater Spokane, Washington/North Idaho area, I will be signing copies of my historical novels, set in 1st Century A.D. Celtic Britain and ancient Rome: The Sign of the Eagle; The Wolf of Britannia, Part I and Part II @ Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington, Saturday, September 17, 11 am/ 5 pm. If you can't attend, you can still order copies on line from Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Sunbury Press. Of course, they are also available on Kindle from Amazon.

Interviewed by Author Uvi Poznansky

Interview with
Jess Steven Hughes
Author of
The Wolf of Britania, Part 1

Where did you come up with the idea to write your book?

First of all, I have always liked reading historical fiction, especially, stories about the ancient world. My minor in college was Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations, and I have traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean world and Western Europe, including England.

One of the things I noticed in reading historical fiction was that there was little written on the British Celtic king, Caratacus, who fought the Romans when they invaded Britain in 43 A.D. The major Celtic character of the First Century A.D. that has been written about extensively was the British Iceni Queen, Boudicca. After she and her daughters were humiliated and raped by the Romans, she rebelled against Rome in 60 A.D. destroying a Roman legion and killing thousands of British Romano sympathizers.

Yet, it was Caratacus who laid the ground work for this rebellion. He waged guerrilla warfare for eight years before he was betrayed and captured along with his wife and seven-year-old daughter (she is the main character in my first novel, The Sign of the Eagle). He and his family would survive the ordeal. However, we know little about him except what is written about him by the Roman historians, Tacitus and Cassius Dio. He has been mention extensive in modern history books dealing with the Roman invasion of Britain, but little written in historical fiction. I decided the time had come write about one of Britain's earliest genuine heroes.

How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?

First of all, you need to learn how to write fiction. Take courses on creative writing/fiction in college or learn through a writers support group, I have done both. I am a member of the Spokane Novelist Group, Spokane, Washington. The group has been around for more than fifty years and most of the members are established authors. This is where I really learned to write fiction. They kept me honest. They didn't mince words when it came to critiquing my manuscripts. They trashed and trashed my work until I got it right.

Pick a topic you are interested in, not what someone else thinks you should write about. I am a retired police detective sergeant. When I first decided to write, most people figured I would write detective novels. This was the furthest thing from my mind. Twenty-five years of police work was enough for me. I had no interest in writing about crime except as to how it might relate in my historical novels.

Do your research. The old saying is true, "you write about what you know or what you have researched. In my case, it is what I have researched. I also traveled to the areas which I write about.

Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?<.b>

My publisher is Sunbury Press (www.sunburypress.com), Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. They are a traditional small press, not a vanity/indie press. I submitted to several literary agents and publishers. They were the ones who accepted my novel for publication.

Is there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?

Actually, I surprised to how responsive the publisher was in answering my questions, and the same went for the assigned editor (she reviewed it three times and after each time I made the suggested corrections, although I had final say).

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a retired police detective sergeant with twenty-five years experience in criminal investigation and a former U.S. Marine. I hold a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a minor in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from the University of Southern California. I have traveled and studied extensively in the areas forming the background for these novels, which brings vivid authenticity to the unique settings for his historical novels, The Wolf of Britannia, Part I, The Wolf of Britannia, Part II, and The Sign of the Eagle. I currently live with my wife, Liz, and our three horses in Eastern Washington. I am currently working on two more historical novels from the First Century A.D., The Broken Lance and The Peacekeeper.

What other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?

The Wolf of Britannia, Part I, is part of a trilogy that has already been published. The other two are, The Sign of the Eagle and The Wolf of Britannia, Part II. The Wolf of Britannia, Part I, is about Caratacus's rise to power. We see him as a young prince trying to unite the southern British tribes before the Roman invasion. Part II is about the actual Roman invasion of Britain and Caratacus's war against the invaders. The Sign of the Eagle is about his grown daughter, Macha, who married a Roman army tribune, wrongfully accused of treason and her efforts to prove his innocence.

I have two more novels, in the works, The Broken Lance and The Peacekeeper. These are novels that parallel The Sign of the Eagle trilogy but seen from the Roman perspective through the eyes of a Spanish centurion. They cover the years 44 A.D. - 69 A.D. They should be published sometime late in 2017.

Links:

Website
The website for my novel @ Sunbury Press
The Wolf of Britania, Part 1
My website: www.jessstevenhughes.com

Blog Interview - Author, Eva Blaskovic

Interview With Eva Blaskovic, Author

I am happy to have Eva Blaskovic as my guest today. Thank you, Eva, for joining me on my website.

Eva: Thank you, Jess, for inviting me.

Eva, can you tell us about yourself and your background? What do you currently do outside of writing?

My background is multi-faceted, encompassing both the sciences and the arts. Currently, I am a teacher and learning strategist at the Centre for Literacy on the south side of Edmonton, Alberta, where I work with students who have reading, writing, and math disabilities. My students range from grade two to grade twelve, with each lesson and program tailored to the individual, so I often plan and teach 30 to 33 different lessons per week in addition to attending professional development sessions.

My work has given me the opportunity to teach writing in many forms. I have mentored interested young authors. One 12-year-old student had the opportunity to experience book production when she published her novelette under my guidance. An 11-year-old student wrote a business article for a blog, emphasizing features, benefits, and the set-up of living walls (indoor or outdoor walls decorated with plants and vines).

I was born in Prague, Czech Republic, grew up in Ontario, Canada, and moved to Alberta in 1988, where I raised four children. Parenting has been a rewarding experience (my youngest child is now 17 and the only one left at home) that has benefited both my teaching and writing.

I have a passion for music and numerous musical genres, have played eight instruments, and spent many years immersed in Taekwondo and Karate. I garden, play classical guitar, and enjoy concerts, theatre, Edmonton’s summer festivals, and farmers’ markets. Indian food, mango lassis, and fine espresso lattes are some of my favourite things.

What books have you written, and what are their genres? What audience are they aimed at?

The second edition of Beyond the Precipice will be released in late fall 2016 by Dream Write Publishing, a local publisher. The book’s genre is literary fiction/psychological suspense, set to a backdrop of music. The book is aimed at adult audiences of 16+; however, since it requires some life experience or prior knowledge of grief and abuse psychology to fully appreciate, readers who have liked the book most were typically older adults.

Tom Hyman, my critiquer, has stated on several occasions that the book would make “a hell of a movie.” If artists were to compose original music that emulated the tones and moods of my compiled playlist, I am certain the resultant movie would make an impression. I have only seen Whiplash recently, but there is an example of a music movie that did well because of its story, characters, and conflicts.

Beyond the Precipice contains elements of Dead Poets Society, Stand by Me, Lion King, Amadeus, and quite a few other books and movies. However, nobody to date has been able to tell me what well-known novel(s) Beyond the Precipice is most similar to. People consider it an original, which has made it difficult to classify, but it is actually based on pretty universal human condition themes and conflicts.


What’s next for you after Beyond the Precipice?

Beyond the Music is a companion/sequel to Beyond the Precipice, but I don’t expect it to be completed for a few more years, since it is as complicated to write and requires even more research. I have embedded music selections from YouTube on my site to give a sense of the mood for each of the two books.

In the fall of 2017, I hope to release the novelette Ironclad (supernatural adventure) and novel Druyan (fantasy adventure, NaNoWriMo 2014 “winner”), also through Dream Write Publishing.

I have material for a parenting (and educator?) non-fiction book, but that is a project I will take up after the above two 2017 releases are completed.

What prompted you to write Beyond the Precipice? Where do you get your writing inspiration? What message(s) do you want readers to take away?

Beyond the Precipice was conceived in 2006, its first scene (not the beginning of the book) written for a writing class. The story and conflicts began to develop, and in less than a month, were further influenced by the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. Ironically, the Fringe scenes were eventually taken out because they didn’t fit the timeline of the book, once the inciting incident was identified.

For a writer, everything—absolutely everything—is fodder. I have always drawn my inspiration from the natural world, everyday life, people, conversations, books and movies, other people’s experiences, and my own experiences. Sometimes I augment these with research. Writing is like building with Lego. You take the blocks of humanity and recombine them into new structures, new stories.

If readers see a part of themselves, or can relate the story to someone or something in their lives, then it becomes meaningful to them. I like to present personal or societal problems, but balance them with solutions, either direct or inferred, and temper them with hope (except for a couple of my short stories, where the message lies in the demise of the protagonist). In all cases, I want readers to feel something, some kind of empathy with the characters.

Do you write short stories, articles, or have a blog? Where can we find them?

I have written a number of short stories (paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, human interest, and children’s) and articles (writing, parenting, travel), for which links can be found on my site or on Angie’s Diary e-Magazine (Amsterdam) and Storybird.

My blog can be found on my site at www.evablaskovic.com.

What do you find the hardest about writing? The easiest?

Everything is hard about the process of writing. Production is even harder.

Long fiction is the hardest because of its length. Of that, reality fiction is the most difficult. Beyond the Precipice bears a decade of my blood and sweat. However, reality fiction is often the most personally rewarding, perhaps because it is more relatable, more relevant, less escapist.

The easiest thing is creating scenes in my head while listening to music in the dark. The scenes unfold like a movie, and I can choose to be an observer or in one of the characters’ heads.

What special thing about yourself would you like to share with readers?

I like math as much as writing and have been known to change math-hating students into geeks like me.

How can we follow or contact you?

You can follow/contact me on

Website: www.evablaskovic.com – Blog
Facebook page: Beyond the Precipice
Twitter: @BlaskovicWriter
Facebook page: http://facebook.com/eva.blaskovic1

Many of my stories, articles, and book excerpts are posted on Angie’s Diary e-Magazine.

Where can readers buy your books?

Beyond the Precipice Second Edition will be available for sale in paperback and e-book formats in late fall 2016. It will be sold through Dream Write Publishing, Amazon, some bookstores, at local book and library events, and at book signings.

A description of the story is available on my site. I will also be updating publication details and providing purchase links once they are known.

Awards & Recognition

In 2014, I was awarded the Seal of Excellence for the Top 100 Certified Writers.

In November of the same year, I received my “winner” stamp for 50,000 words in 30 days—quite a feat considering I worked six days a week, was a single parent, and had recently undergone major surgery that left me exhausted for many months afterward.

In December 2015, my 2,800-word children’s story, “Peace Giver,” was selected as one of seven featured stories on Storybird for the contest theme You Are Gifted.

Update - The Broken Lance

A couple weeks ago, I wrote that the Spokane Novelist Group had reviewed my new last chapter for THE BROKEN LANCE (if you recall, I split my novel in half, the second book title, The Peacekeeper). I made some of the better changes they suggested and submitted to my book doctor (the former senior editor from Harper-Collins) for review. Instead of the trashing that I had expected (believe me, she has really trashed my writing in the past), she had nothing but praise for the ending. She made a few small changes and she deleted the last paragraph, replacing it with a one liner, but that was all.

To say the least, I was delighted. I still will make one more quick pass through the manuscript and then write a two-three paragraph synopsis for a dust-jacket or back cover.

Once I am satisfied with my work, then and only then will I submit to Sunbury Press for their consideration (they have not accepted a manuscript from a new fiction writer in six months, only current ones in their stable. They are changing from a 70 percent fiction/ 30 percent non-fiction rate to a 50/50 ratio. Thank goodness I am part of their stable of current writers) I will keep you up to date.

Writing Update

I hope you won't find this too boring. Just an FYI on my efforts to find book signing replacement dates for THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE TRILOGY now that Hastings is closing. I have already arranged for five book signings at Barnes & Noble this fall. These were in the works before Hastings revealed it was closing all stores. I have since picked up a signing with Aunties Books here in Spokane, WA, Sept. 24th. This is the largest indie on the Norther Tier between Seattle and Minneapolis, St. Paul. They stock over 125,000 titles. I have been in contact with several indies over in the Seattle/Puget Sound area. I have received positive responses from two: Mercer Island Books (Mercer Island is a very affluent area located in the middle of Lake Washington with Seattle to the west and Bellevue to the east. I 90 runs through the middle of it). and Queen Anne Books in Seattle. Queen Anne Books is one of the biggest indies in Seattle stocking over 140,000 titles. I spoke with the owners at both stores. Although they are filled event wise this fall, they wanted me to apply the first of January for signings Spring 2017. Queen Anne owner said she had reviewed my novels and was very impressed with my knowledge of the Roman period with my writing style. I will hold them to their word.

I have also contacted a couple local grocery store chains, Yolks Family Foods and The Trading Company. The manager of the Liberty Lake wants me to re-contact him in September to set up a signing in November. I spoke with the manager at a Trading Company store and he said their chain is merging with Yolks September 11th. Once that happens he told me to return and he would be happy to set up an event. Once I lock down these two stores than I will check with the rest of the stores in the chain.

One other note, I will know in two weeks as to whether I will be signing at B&N Boise, Idaho. This is the biggest and busiest B&N in the state. It so happens that Spokane Valley B&N store manager, Leslie, had contacted the Boise store and gave the Comm. Relation Manager, Michael, a glowing report about me. I subsequently emailed him with the info and followed-up with a telephone call. He said he had about 100 submissions ahead of me. My reaction was that it would probably be Spring before I could sign there which was agreeable to me. Instead, he said there was a chance I could sign there this Fall and that he would contact me in two weeks. We'll see how that works out.

As you can see, I am doing what I can to continue getting my novels out there. That isn't all. I am making progress in dividing the BROKEN LANCE into two novels, the second being the PEACEKEEPER. I rewrote the opening chapter and it was reviewed by my book doctor. She loved it, saying it was far more exciting than the original. Currently I am well into writing a brand new exciting ending (actually, there is one chapter after that). I will redraft it a couple more times before I have it critiqued by my writers support Group, Spokane Novelists. After that I will send it to the book doctor for her review. It is slowly but surely coming together.

THE BROKEN LANCE - UPDATE

It has been a busy week for writing. After several weeks of false starts and writer blocks, I finally broke through this week in writing an exciting concluding chapter for THE BROKEN LANCE. Two days ago, I typed ten rough pages in a logical manner that included all my ideas. Yesterday, I spent more than three hours in Starbucks @ Barnes & Noble, Spokane Valley, Washington, penciling in dozens of changes that will smooth it out. Now, I have to type them in for a new draft. More work to be done. Once I am satisfied with my work, I will present it to my support group, the Spokane Novelist Group for their review and critique and then on to my book doctor. After that I will write and new opening chapter for the second half, titled, THE PEACEKEEPER.

Blog Update

Hastings to close all its locations this fall

Hastings Entertainment, a 123-store music and book store chain will close all its locations this fall, last day, October 31st. The company filed for bankruptcy in June. A sale to two corporations that plan to liquidate Hastings was approved Wednesday, July 13th. For further details, see below link.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016...

This has had a direct impact on my future book signings. As a result of the forthcoming store closures, I will lose approximately one-half of my book signings this fall. Many of the Hastings stores are located in Idaho, Montana and Washington State. With few exceptions (3 stores in Idaho), I have conducted book signings at all of these sites. I am in the process of contacting various indie stores (most in the Seattle, Washington area) and even local grocery stores for events. One grocery chain is on board. The manager at one of the stores, Yokes Family Foods, Liberty Lake, Washington, told me to return in September to set up a signing; more stores will follow. I now have a book signing date (Sept. 24th) with Aunties Books, downtown Spokane. This is the largest independent book store on the northern tier between Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. I will be contacting more stores next week (August 1-6). Right now, most stores are having parties tonight (July 30) for the new Harry Potter book that is being released at midnight and all their attention is on that. Wish me good luck.

Amazon-Australia Reader Review for The Sign of the Eagle

Reader: Stephen Crabbe

"When I first noticed this book I realized I had read very few works of fiction set in ancient times. The book description told me the story took place in the classical Roman era and, as a fan of historical fiction and former university student of Latin, I decided to broaden my experience. After reading The Sign of the Eagle, I am very glad I made that choice.

The story is based on a treasonous plot against the Emperor Vespasian, which leads to murders and kidnapping. The whole narrative is infused with mystery and suspense.

The novel centers on Macha Carataca, a red-haired British Celt, who was forcibly moved from her homeland to Italy as a child and raised as a Roman. It is not only her exotic appearance that makes her stand out among the locals, many of whom look down on her. She is an intelligent and cultivated woman, with moral courage that circumstances soon drive her to balance with physical bravery. The author draws Macha in a mixture of bold and subtle strokes, engaging the reader’s empathy.

I admire the way the author depicts the time and place by putting a carefully worded phrase or sentence here and there without detracting from the focus on the story. Small details of clothing, food, furniture, architectural features and other things all keep the reader immersed in the ancient Roman world. Authorial knowledge of the times and customs is surely felt, without any sense of authorial intrusion into the narration.

For anyone prone to confusion over the Latin names, the author has provided a handy list of the places mentioned with today’s equivalent word, and a list of Dramatis Personae to remind us who each character is.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I am eager to read more of Jess Steven Hughes’ work. He deserves a large readership."

See link below for full reader review from Amazon Australia

https://www.amazon.com.au/Sign-Eagle-...

The Broken Lance/Peacekeeper Update

Last Saturday, I read my major rewrite of chapter one from The Broken Lance to the Spokane Novelist Group. They made minor yet good suggestions, some of which I used in a final rewrite. I emailed a copy to my book doctor who had worked as an editor at Harper-Collins for ten years. Yesterday she sent back the following response: "I really like it! I was on the edge of my seat--great job. I made a few minor edits." I made those changes.

I then sent her a couple of ideas I want to use for splitting up the novel in half. These were thoughts as to how to end the first half in an exciting manner. She liked them and told me to run with it. I will, but it will take a while to flesh them out. Anyway, onward.

Rare, priceless, 1,900-year-old Roman statue of eagle swallowing a snake found in London construction site

Archeologists digging around the site of a future hotel complex in the City of London have made a rare discovery: a Roman statue of an eagle swallowing a snake.

In perfect condition, the bust-sized funerary sculpture was found last month by Museum of London archeologists on the final day of excavations before the site could be built on. The limestone eagle is believed to have been made in the Cotswolds, England, in the late 1st or early 2nd century A.D.

“This really sits among the finest pieces of Romano-British sculpture,” said Michael Marshall, finds specialist at the Museum of London Archeology, as he presented the 1,900-year-old bird to reporters inside a cavernous storeroom. For further details see below link.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/rar...

Roman period mosaic discovered in Cypress Cyprus_Mosaic.jpg

LARNACA, CYPRUS—The AFP reports that a Roman-period mosaic thought to depict the 12 labors of Hercules has been discovered by sewerage workers in an area that was once part of the Roman city of Kition. So far, a section of the mosaic measuring 62 feet long and 23 feet wide has been uncovered. “The intention is to transfer it to a museum, to build a specific room [where it will be displayed]… because this is the best way to protect it,” said Transport Minister Marios Demetriades. For further details, see below link.

http://www.archaeology.org/news/4648-...

Thought for the day for writers (or anyone)Change the World

"If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write" - Martin Luther (or in today's world - onto the keyboard)

On a personal note

If you are a regular reader of my blogs, you will know that besides writing, I am avid outdoor model railroader. Recently, I submitted several pictures to Garden Railways Magazine for publication consideration. This is an international model railroad magazine. They have published published my pictures in the past in the Readers Gallery section. Friday, I received an email thanking me for the pictures and they will probably publish one or more in future Readers Gallery sections. The editor did not give me a future date, but I suspect it will be some time in 2017. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, I have enclosed a picture, not one of those I have submitted because those if published will be copyrighted.

Check my blogsite link below for further information and to see all photos related to the above articles

http://www.jessstevenhughes.com/blog....

That's all until next time. Salve atque vale! Hail and farewell!

Blog Update

Last Saturday, I read my major rewrite of chapter one from THE BROKEN LANCE to the Spokane Novelist Group. They made minor yet good suggestions, some of which I used in a final rewrite. I emailed a copy to my book doctor who had worked as an editor at Harper-Collins for ten years. Yesterday she sent back the following response: "I really like it! I was on the edge of my seat--great job. I made a few minor edits." I made those changes.

I then sent her a couple of ideas I want to use for splitting up the novel in half. These were thoughts as to how to end the first half in an exciting manner. She liked them and told me to run with it. I will, but it will take awhile to flesh them out. Anyway, onward.

Because Hastings Books, Music & Videos is going out of business, about half of the signings for THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE TRILOGYI had set up for this Fall have gone by the wayside. I am in the process of contacting various indie stores (most in the Seattle, Washington area) and even local grocery stores for events. One grocery chain is on board. The manager of the Liberty Lake, WA, Yokes Family Foods told me to return in September to set up a signing, more stores will follow. I now have a book signing date (Sept. 24th) with Aunties Books, downtown Spokane. This is the largest independent book store on the northern tier between Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. I will be contacting more stores next week. Right now, most stores are having parties tonight for the new Harry Potter book that is being released at midnight and all their attention is on that. Wish me good luck.