Jess Steven Hughes's Blog, page 20
September 28, 2014
Book Signing Reminder
Book Signing Double-Header. I will be signing copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, @ the following Hastings Books Music & Video stores next weekend:
1. 2307 Harrison Ave., Butte, Montana, Friday, Oct. 3rd, 3 - 8 pm.
2. 726 10th Ave., South, Great Falls, Montana, Saturday, Oct. 4th, 12 - 7 pm.
http://www.gohastings.com/product/BOO...
1. 2307 Harrison Ave., Butte, Montana, Friday, Oct. 3rd, 3 - 8 pm.
2. 726 10th Ave., South, Great Falls, Montana, Saturday, Oct. 4th, 12 - 7 pm.
http://www.gohastings.com/product/BOO...
September 25, 2014
Book Signing Follow-up
BOOK SIGNING FOLLOW-UP. I spent the weekend of Sept. 18-22 down in San Jose, California visiting my son, Chris 'toadman' Hughes and his family and had a great time. While I was there I also conducted a book signing for my novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, @ Barnes & Noble, Blossomhill store, San Jose, CA. This prove to be a resounding success! Met many interesting people from this multi-cultural city as well as those from around the world. Besides the local population, people from China, France, India and Russia bought copies of my novel. Again, I was like the Wal-Mart greeter speaking to everyone who came through the front door. The word from the community relations manager and several of the associates was, "awesome." Thank you. One associate commented, "Most of the writers we get here sit forlorn with a defeated look on their faces and look down at the table, never saying a word." I added, "You mean like a rock." He agreed. I have been invited to return anytime I want for an encore signing. That will probably be sometime during Spring, 2015 when my next novel, THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA has been released.
I want to thank Community Relations Manager, Camille Gill, and associates Jonathan and Ramon for all their assistance which made for a successful event.
I want to thank Community Relations Manager, Camille Gill, and associates Jonathan and Ramon for all their assistance which made for a successful event.
September 14, 2014
Book Signing Reminder
BOOK SIGNING REMINDER. I will be signing copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE @ Barnes & Noble 5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, California, Saturday, September 20, 12 - 5 pm
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-s...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-s...
September 2, 2014
The Quill of Tacitus - The Sign of the Eagle - Roman Historical Fiction at its Finest
Check blogspot, The Quill of Tacitus (after the Ancient Roman Historian, Tacitus). The heading reads: The Sign of the Eagle by Jess Steven Hughes is Roman historical fiction at its finest. They published the two latest 5 star reviews from Amazon. Check closely the second of the two which was written by a prominent historical novel author who did not want her name mentioned. http://quilloftacitus.wordpress.com/2...
September 1, 2014
Another 5 Star Review From Amazon - The Best One Yet!
This is another 5 star review of my novel on Amazon. It is by well-noted historical novel author, Janet Morris, (The Sacred Band and I, The Sun) Enjoy.
An historical novel of betrayal and suspense in ancient Rome that will leave you breathless.,August 31, 2014
By
Amazon Customer "lokhos" (USA) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Sign of the Eagle (Paperback)
Spend some time in Ancient Rome, solving mystery upon mystery as a British Celtic woman raised a Roman tries to clear the name of Titus, the Roman tribune who is her husband. Got that? "Sign of the Eagle" is a crime thriller, a police procedural, and a correct historical with all the vocabulary and scholarship necessary, rolled into one delicious package. Threats and plots reach all the way up from the garden villa of our heroine, Macha, to the court of the Roman Emperor Vespasian.
Macha's husband Titus is a professional cavalry soldier. When Titus is accused of treason, Macha's adventure goes into high gear, with everything she loves at stake.
Rather than ruin the story for you, I'll not dwell on the plot beyond saying it has turns and twists enough for any modern reader. This book also has the feel of its period: every detail is correct, from swords and cavalry tack to combs and pins for our Celtic heroine's red hair.
Don't mistake me: this novel is neither bodice ripper nor dissertation, but a full blown novel of ancient Rome that at times reminded me of Ecco's "Name of the Rose." Want to let that sink in? Yes, this is a real historical novel, not a romance in ancient clothing nor a gamer's how-to book. Good novels are rare, good historical novels even rarer.
Buy this book and read it. Buy a couple to give your more literate friends for Christmas. I bought the trade paper and its production values are excellent; the print is easy to read, the prose crisp and as sharp and clear as you'd expect from an author such as Jess Hughes, who has been a police detective and Marine Corps veteran. Hughes knows war and intrigue and human failings firsthand. What Hughes has learned in life informs this novel with his expertise in treachery, in war, and in crime, lending this story great substance without ever being wordy or awkward. Men will be as diverted as women by this novel, part action-adventure, part suspenseful thriller, and part a ticket to another place and time.
"Sign of the Eagle" is satisfyingly complete in itself, yet also forms the first half of Hughes' duology set in the 1st century AD. The next book by Jess Steven Hughes, one hopes, is coming soon.
http://www.amazon.com/Sign-Eagle-Jess...
An historical novel of betrayal and suspense in ancient Rome that will leave you breathless.,August 31, 2014
By
Amazon Customer "lokhos" (USA) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Sign of the Eagle (Paperback)
Spend some time in Ancient Rome, solving mystery upon mystery as a British Celtic woman raised a Roman tries to clear the name of Titus, the Roman tribune who is her husband. Got that? "Sign of the Eagle" is a crime thriller, a police procedural, and a correct historical with all the vocabulary and scholarship necessary, rolled into one delicious package. Threats and plots reach all the way up from the garden villa of our heroine, Macha, to the court of the Roman Emperor Vespasian.
Macha's husband Titus is a professional cavalry soldier. When Titus is accused of treason, Macha's adventure goes into high gear, with everything she loves at stake.
Rather than ruin the story for you, I'll not dwell on the plot beyond saying it has turns and twists enough for any modern reader. This book also has the feel of its period: every detail is correct, from swords and cavalry tack to combs and pins for our Celtic heroine's red hair.
Don't mistake me: this novel is neither bodice ripper nor dissertation, but a full blown novel of ancient Rome that at times reminded me of Ecco's "Name of the Rose." Want to let that sink in? Yes, this is a real historical novel, not a romance in ancient clothing nor a gamer's how-to book. Good novels are rare, good historical novels even rarer.
Buy this book and read it. Buy a couple to give your more literate friends for Christmas. I bought the trade paper and its production values are excellent; the print is easy to read, the prose crisp and as sharp and clear as you'd expect from an author such as Jess Hughes, who has been a police detective and Marine Corps veteran. Hughes knows war and intrigue and human failings firsthand. What Hughes has learned in life informs this novel with his expertise in treachery, in war, and in crime, lending this story great substance without ever being wordy or awkward. Men will be as diverted as women by this novel, part action-adventure, part suspenseful thriller, and part a ticket to another place and time.
"Sign of the Eagle" is satisfyingly complete in itself, yet also forms the first half of Hughes' duology set in the 1st century AD. The next book by Jess Steven Hughes, one hopes, is coming soon.
http://www.amazon.com/Sign-Eagle-Jess...
August 28, 2014
New 5 Star Review - The Sign of the Eagle
Below is the latest 5 star review from Amazon for my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE.
Imperial Rome, starting with the first emperor Augustus, spanned about 500 years, and was ruled by approximately 65 emperors (depending how you count usurpers, upstarts, and self-proclaimed tyrants). So the average tenure of a Roman emperor was a little less than 8 years, and few of them died of natural causes. The Sign of the Eagle is set in the early reign of Vespasian, who took the throne during the chaotic year of four emperors (69 A.D.). This was an era of barbarian invasions, sinister political plots, and military unrest when any given general stationed in the provinces could declare himself emperor and advance with his army upon Rome on any particular day. This is the backdrop of the Sign of the Eagle, a fast-paced and extremely enjoyable historical novel. Protagonist Macha, the daughter of a Celtic king, is married to Roman tribune Titus. She is told by an envoy that her husband has been arrested for treason, and is part of a conspiracy to overthrow Vespasian. Macha does not take this news sitting down, plunging into a suspenseful mission to discover the truth and exonerate her husband. The bodies of people who know too much are falling all around her, but this does not deter the dedicated and courageous Macha from her single minded pursuit ,that will free her husband and save the emperor. I am particularly impressed by the verisimilitude that the author achieves. It is clear that he has done his research and is very familiar not only with historical facts and places, but with the beliefs, habits and everyday life of citizens of every strata of Roman society. This was a very enjoyable and informative novel, and I look forward to upcoming works of historical fiction by Jess Steven Hughes..
Imperial Rome, starting with the first emperor Augustus, spanned about 500 years, and was ruled by approximately 65 emperors (depending how you count usurpers, upstarts, and self-proclaimed tyrants). So the average tenure of a Roman emperor was a little less than 8 years, and few of them died of natural causes. The Sign of the Eagle is set in the early reign of Vespasian, who took the throne during the chaotic year of four emperors (69 A.D.). This was an era of barbarian invasions, sinister political plots, and military unrest when any given general stationed in the provinces could declare himself emperor and advance with his army upon Rome on any particular day. This is the backdrop of the Sign of the Eagle, a fast-paced and extremely enjoyable historical novel. Protagonist Macha, the daughter of a Celtic king, is married to Roman tribune Titus. She is told by an envoy that her husband has been arrested for treason, and is part of a conspiracy to overthrow Vespasian. Macha does not take this news sitting down, plunging into a suspenseful mission to discover the truth and exonerate her husband. The bodies of people who know too much are falling all around her, but this does not deter the dedicated and courageous Macha from her single minded pursuit ,that will free her husband and save the emperor. I am particularly impressed by the verisimilitude that the author achieves. It is clear that he has done his research and is very familiar not only with historical facts and places, but with the beliefs, habits and everyday life of citizens of every strata of Roman society. This was a very enjoyable and informative novel, and I look forward to upcoming works of historical fiction by Jess Steven Hughes..
August 23, 2014
New Blog Entry
I ask that you please check my latest blog update. Guest blogger and author extraordinaire, Anna Del C. discusses a day in her life as an author and her latest fantasy novel, CURSE OF THE ELFS.
Also click onto Ancient World Notes to see the ninth installment of MAINTAINING THE PUBLIC SAFETY OF ANCIENT ROME.
http://www.jessstevenhughes.com/blog....
Check the event section of my Goodreads page for my latest book signing events.
Also click onto Ancient World Notes to see the ninth installment of MAINTAINING THE PUBLIC SAFETY OF ANCIENT ROME.
http://www.jessstevenhughes.com/blog....
Check the event section of my Goodreads page for my latest book signing events.
August 21, 2014
Received Edited Manuscript from Sunbury Press on THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA
Just received the edited manuscript back from the editor at Sunbury Press who is working on my manuscript, The Wolf of Britannia. I have a lot of work ahead me, several things need to be changed and I have to do a better job in developing a couple major characters. I may also have to change the book's title since there was confusion as to who "wolf" was suppose to be. So, I will be very busy for the time being while I am making changes. I am not so egotistical to think everything I write is carved in stone.
August 4, 2014
Editor Assigned to The Wolf of Britannia
Finally, Sunbury Press Books has assigned an editor to work with me on my historical novel, THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA, Volumes I & II. The process is expected to take several weeks. Her name is Janice Rhayem and she uses the Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition and Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary for editing purposes. She will edit Volumes I & II, each will take 6-8 weeks. She will suggest a new title for Volume II.
Already Sunbury Press is referring to THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE as Volume III of a trilogy that includes the "Wolf" volumes. Once THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA Vol. I & II are published, the publisher will push the three books as a package to Barnes & Noble in an effort to get them to pick it up and distributed in their stores. Right now, it can only be obtained in the stores as a print on demand order (even though it is a returnable through Ingram). Things are moving forward.
Already Sunbury Press is referring to THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE as Volume III of a trilogy that includes the "Wolf" volumes. Once THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA Vol. I & II are published, the publisher will push the three books as a package to Barnes & Noble in an effort to get them to pick it up and distributed in their stores. Right now, it can only be obtained in the stores as a print on demand order (even though it is a returnable through Ingram). Things are moving forward.
August 3, 2014
Update for THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA and THE BROKEN LANCE
I recently received an email from Lawrence Knorr, publisher of Sunbury Press. He said, "We are looking forward to the two "Wolf" (The Wolf of Britannia) volumes -- after which we will pitch the series to B&N."
The Wolf of Britannia is up next Sunbury Press Books to be reviewed by an editor, who will work with me, to make an revisions/changes. I worked with an editor on The Sign of the Eagle for five weeks. We'll see how long this book (it's two volumes) will take. I look forward to the process.
You can see the picture that will be used for THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA by going to my website @ www.jessstevenhughes.com.
The Broken Lance (Update)The Broken Lance
The rewrite of The Broken Lance continues slowly. Although I am up to chapter 56, I decided to split this into two chapters because it was too long. We are reaching the climax of the story which takes place in 69 A.D., during the great civil war. The time was called the Year of the Four Emperors. Three Emperors: Galba, Otho, and Vitellius were proclaimed emperor but died in the ensuing civil war before Titus Flavius Vespasianus (Vespasian) came to power and restored order to the Roman Empire. You will see the main character, Marcellus, part in all of this.
In the meantime, the writer's support group, The Spokane Novelist Group, to which I belong is only up to chapter 42 in the review/critique of the novel. I could bypass them, but there help and suggestions have been invaluable in making this a stronger novel, as they did with The Sign of the Eagle and The Wolf of Britannia.
Book Signing - THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE
My book signings for THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE are not over, yet. I will be signing copies @ Barnes & Noble, Blossom Hill, San Jose, CA, Saturday, Sept. 20th, 1 - 3 p.m.
The Wolf of Britannia is up next Sunbury Press Books to be reviewed by an editor, who will work with me, to make an revisions/changes. I worked with an editor on The Sign of the Eagle for five weeks. We'll see how long this book (it's two volumes) will take. I look forward to the process.
You can see the picture that will be used for THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA by going to my website @ www.jessstevenhughes.com.
The Broken Lance (Update)The Broken Lance
The rewrite of The Broken Lance continues slowly. Although I am up to chapter 56, I decided to split this into two chapters because it was too long. We are reaching the climax of the story which takes place in 69 A.D., during the great civil war. The time was called the Year of the Four Emperors. Three Emperors: Galba, Otho, and Vitellius were proclaimed emperor but died in the ensuing civil war before Titus Flavius Vespasianus (Vespasian) came to power and restored order to the Roman Empire. You will see the main character, Marcellus, part in all of this.
In the meantime, the writer's support group, The Spokane Novelist Group, to which I belong is only up to chapter 42 in the review/critique of the novel. I could bypass them, but there help and suggestions have been invaluable in making this a stronger novel, as they did with The Sign of the Eagle and The Wolf of Britannia.
Book Signing - THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE
My book signings for THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE are not over, yet. I will be signing copies @ Barnes & Noble, Blossom Hill, San Jose, CA, Saturday, Sept. 20th, 1 - 3 p.m.
