Jess Steven Hughes's Blog, page 32
December 27, 2012
Newspaper Interview and Ongoing Projects
Newspaper Article
Last Monday, December 17th, I was interviewed by Spokane Spokesman-Review reporter, Adrian Rogers, for an article on self-published authors that appeared in the Today section of the paper on Sunday, December 23rd. Although my novel, The Sign of the Eagle, is NOT self-published, but published by a traditional publisher, Sunbury Press (www.sunburypress.com), she wanted my opinions on traditional publishing as a contrast. The interviewed lasted a half-hour for what amounted to be for about four short paragraphs that were buried deep in the article. The followings is what I had to say:
"Still, some authors steer clear.
"Otis Orchards resident Steve Hughes, 70, said he submitted his historical novel, 'The Sign of the Eagle,' to more than 200 agents and publishers before it was accepted by Sunbury Press in Pennsylvania.'It’s a small publisher,' Hughes said. 'It’s still a good publisher.'
"In the subsequent editing process, he eliminated pages of dialogue and rewrote the ending. The publisher’s requests made sense, he said, and he was happy to oblige. After self-publishing another book 12 years ago – 'a piece of garbage,' he said – he wanted to put out a good book.
“'I’ve seen a lot of mediocre novels out there. I didn’t want to be part of that,' Hughes said."
See the enclosed link for the entire article http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012...
I contacted the publisher of Sunbury Press, Lawrence Knorr, re: the article and sent him the link. He read the story and this is what he had to say about it:
"It's always interesting to see how the media portrays the self-publishing gambit. This article was one of the more balanced ones I have seen. Like most things, this is hard to boil down to just two choices --- publisher vs. self-publishing. What is not often shared are the statistics regarding success rates. The vast majority of self-published authors invest a lot of money, time and effort and LOSE money. You might notice that Author House has published 170,000 books from over 100,000 authors. That likely means it is once and done for most. When this cycle burns out and when authors come to their senses with the hard facts, the industry will be back to a basic principle === readers want good books! Someone has to help channel the quality to the market."
Ongoing Writing Projects
The Broken Lance
I attended a session of the Spokane Novelist Group last Saturday, December 22nd, for the first time in nearly two months. I had missed them because of all my book signings which were always on Saturday, the day on which the group meets.
Although I have temporarily suspended my writing of the historical, The Broken Lance, I did read chapter 30 to the group. In this segment, Marcellus, the Spanish centurion and retainer to Titus Flavius Sabinus, the brother of future Emperor Vespasian, commits the sacrilege of breaking into a family tomb, along with his friend, Crispus. They had received word that a list of conspirators, who were plotting against the life of the Emperor Claudius, was hidden among the ashes of a dead servant in plain urn within the Columbarium, the wall of urns. They discover the list and subsequently the senator, Gallus the Elder, is accused of treason.
The group reviewed the chapter and surprisingly found only a few minor flaws, the worst of which was a minor Point of View (POV) problem, something easily resolved. Since this is a tough group, I was pleased that the damage wasn't any worse.
The Wolf of Britannia
Although I completed the rewrite of chapter 52, I discovered several historical flaws which forced me to return to chapters 50 and 51 and revise them again. I am still in the process and this will take me awhile. I also had to include another scene that takes place between Caratacus, Dana, his wife, and Macha, his seven-year-old daughter.
I am still setting the goal for completion no later than May, 2013. Wish me luck!
Last Monday, December 17th, I was interviewed by Spokane Spokesman-Review reporter, Adrian Rogers, for an article on self-published authors that appeared in the Today section of the paper on Sunday, December 23rd. Although my novel, The Sign of the Eagle, is NOT self-published, but published by a traditional publisher, Sunbury Press (www.sunburypress.com), she wanted my opinions on traditional publishing as a contrast. The interviewed lasted a half-hour for what amounted to be for about four short paragraphs that were buried deep in the article. The followings is what I had to say:
"Still, some authors steer clear.
"Otis Orchards resident Steve Hughes, 70, said he submitted his historical novel, 'The Sign of the Eagle,' to more than 200 agents and publishers before it was accepted by Sunbury Press in Pennsylvania.'It’s a small publisher,' Hughes said. 'It’s still a good publisher.'
"In the subsequent editing process, he eliminated pages of dialogue and rewrote the ending. The publisher’s requests made sense, he said, and he was happy to oblige. After self-publishing another book 12 years ago – 'a piece of garbage,' he said – he wanted to put out a good book.
“'I’ve seen a lot of mediocre novels out there. I didn’t want to be part of that,' Hughes said."
See the enclosed link for the entire article http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012...
I contacted the publisher of Sunbury Press, Lawrence Knorr, re: the article and sent him the link. He read the story and this is what he had to say about it:
"It's always interesting to see how the media portrays the self-publishing gambit. This article was one of the more balanced ones I have seen. Like most things, this is hard to boil down to just two choices --- publisher vs. self-publishing. What is not often shared are the statistics regarding success rates. The vast majority of self-published authors invest a lot of money, time and effort and LOSE money. You might notice that Author House has published 170,000 books from over 100,000 authors. That likely means it is once and done for most. When this cycle burns out and when authors come to their senses with the hard facts, the industry will be back to a basic principle === readers want good books! Someone has to help channel the quality to the market."
Ongoing Writing Projects
The Broken Lance
I attended a session of the Spokane Novelist Group last Saturday, December 22nd, for the first time in nearly two months. I had missed them because of all my book signings which were always on Saturday, the day on which the group meets.
Although I have temporarily suspended my writing of the historical, The Broken Lance, I did read chapter 30 to the group. In this segment, Marcellus, the Spanish centurion and retainer to Titus Flavius Sabinus, the brother of future Emperor Vespasian, commits the sacrilege of breaking into a family tomb, along with his friend, Crispus. They had received word that a list of conspirators, who were plotting against the life of the Emperor Claudius, was hidden among the ashes of a dead servant in plain urn within the Columbarium, the wall of urns. They discover the list and subsequently the senator, Gallus the Elder, is accused of treason.
The group reviewed the chapter and surprisingly found only a few minor flaws, the worst of which was a minor Point of View (POV) problem, something easily resolved. Since this is a tough group, I was pleased that the damage wasn't any worse.
The Wolf of Britannia
Although I completed the rewrite of chapter 52, I discovered several historical flaws which forced me to return to chapters 50 and 51 and revise them again. I am still in the process and this will take me awhile. I also had to include another scene that takes place between Caratacus, Dana, his wife, and Macha, his seven-year-old daughter.
I am still setting the goal for completion no later than May, 2013. Wish me luck!
December 19, 2012
Featured Author - Online Book Book Publicity Site
Today I am the featured author on the online book publicity site, Substance Books. Check it out. Thank you.
Featured Author of the Day at Substance Books is American author Jess Steven Hughes. His novel The Sign of the Eagle is great addition to our Historical and Military Fiction collections. http://www.substancebooks.com/militar...
Featured Author of the Day at Substance Books is American author Jess Steven Hughes. His novel The Sign of the Eagle is great addition to our Historical and Military Fiction collections. http://www.substancebooks.com/militar...
December 10, 2012
Blog update - Book Signing and update on my latest novel in progress, The Wolf of Britannia
BOOK SIGNING FOLLOW-UP Dec. 8, 2012.
Christmas shopping was in full swing at Hastings Books, Music & Videos--Lincoln Heights, Spokane, Washington where I signed copies of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE. I spoke to many friendly people, gave out lots of fliers and more importantly signed many copies, several of which will be Christmas gifts for some lucky people.
Again I had on display the portrait of Macha which was painted by my niece, Katrina Hughes Brennan, who is a professional artist. The picture received many compliments on its beauty and detail.
A family of three dropped by: Mom, Dad & Daughter. It so happened their daughter, Alison, had just graduated from nursing school at Washington State University this day. She loves historical fiction, and when I described the novel, her mother grabbed a copy and asked me to sign it for her daughter as a graduation present. Alison was delighted and thankful. In turned I thanked the mother and congratulated Alison on becoming an RN.
I want to thank Book Manager, Theresa Uptagraast, Associates, Aunna and Eric for their assistance in making this a successful event.
Next Book Signing will be at Hastings Books, Music & Videos, 11324 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington, Saturday, January 12, 2013, 1-4 p.m.
The Wolf of Britannia (ongoing)
I have completed the rewrite of chapter 51. In this chapter Caratacus is preparing for the Roman assault on his fortress of Carsws in what is now Wales. The chapter consists of two major scenes--one from the POV (point of view) of Caratacus, and the second from the POV of the Roman, Porcius. This last POV had been originally written through the eyes of the Centurion, Bassus. However my "book doctor" and editor, Erin Brown, strongly advised me to limit my use to only two POV's in this novel--Caratacus and Porcius.
It took some rewriting, but I made the adjustment. I have Porcius accompanying Bassus as they confer with General Scapula, commander of Roman forces, while he makes final plans for the assault on Caratacus's bastion.
My mentor and historian, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer found only a few minor errors as opposed to the many she found in chapter 50. She said I did a very good job in the revision and POV change. On to chapter 52!
This does it for another blog update. Salve et Vale! Hale and fairwell!
Christmas shopping was in full swing at Hastings Books, Music & Videos--Lincoln Heights, Spokane, Washington where I signed copies of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE. I spoke to many friendly people, gave out lots of fliers and more importantly signed many copies, several of which will be Christmas gifts for some lucky people.
Again I had on display the portrait of Macha which was painted by my niece, Katrina Hughes Brennan, who is a professional artist. The picture received many compliments on its beauty and detail.
A family of three dropped by: Mom, Dad & Daughter. It so happened their daughter, Alison, had just graduated from nursing school at Washington State University this day. She loves historical fiction, and when I described the novel, her mother grabbed a copy and asked me to sign it for her daughter as a graduation present. Alison was delighted and thankful. In turned I thanked the mother and congratulated Alison on becoming an RN.
I want to thank Book Manager, Theresa Uptagraast, Associates, Aunna and Eric for their assistance in making this a successful event.
Next Book Signing will be at Hastings Books, Music & Videos, 11324 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington, Saturday, January 12, 2013, 1-4 p.m.
The Wolf of Britannia (ongoing)
I have completed the rewrite of chapter 51. In this chapter Caratacus is preparing for the Roman assault on his fortress of Carsws in what is now Wales. The chapter consists of two major scenes--one from the POV (point of view) of Caratacus, and the second from the POV of the Roman, Porcius. This last POV had been originally written through the eyes of the Centurion, Bassus. However my "book doctor" and editor, Erin Brown, strongly advised me to limit my use to only two POV's in this novel--Caratacus and Porcius.
It took some rewriting, but I made the adjustment. I have Porcius accompanying Bassus as they confer with General Scapula, commander of Roman forces, while he makes final plans for the assault on Caratacus's bastion.
My mentor and historian, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer found only a few minor errors as opposed to the many she found in chapter 50. She said I did a very good job in the revision and POV change. On to chapter 52!
This does it for another blog update. Salve et Vale! Hale and fairwell!
December 6, 2012
Book Signing Reminder - Dec. 8th, Hastings Books, Music & Videos--Lincoln Heights, Spokane, WA
BOOK SIGNING. I will be signing copies of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos--Lincoln Heights, 2512 E. 29th Ave., Spokane, Washington, Saturday, December 8th, 1-5 p.m. For those who cannot attend, YOU CAN ORDER SIGNED COPIES ONLINE from one of four bookstores found on my website www.jessstevenhughes.com and click onto the store of your choice. I highly recommend either Aunties Bookstore or Bookshop Santa Cruz. You can also download as an ebook from either Kindle or Nook. Thank you for your support.
November 26, 2012
Book Signing Follow-up From Black Friday and Progress on two Ongoing Novels
BOOK SIGNING FOLLOW-UP @ Auntie's Bookstore
Although Black Friday @ Auntie's wasn't as black as I would have liked to have been (the traffic was steady but not crowded), I still signed a lot of copies of THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, so, I have no complaints. I spoke to a lot of friendly people and passed out a lot of fliers. Many of them complimented the portrait of Macha that I had on display, which was painted by my niece, Katrina Hughes Brennan, who is a professional artist. That in itself stimulated a few sales.
I want to thank Events Coordinator, Lois Hughes (no relation), Auntie's associates Kathy and Jonathan and rest of the staff for being so helpful and accommodating, making this a successful event. Auntie's staff is very support of local authors.
BOOK SIGNING FOLLOW-UP @ HASTINGS-SHADLE PARK SETS STORE RECORD
This particular signing of copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos, Shadle Park, which is in North Spokane, Washington, went beyond all expectations. I won't say how many, but I broke this store's record for the number of copies signed by a local author. The words I kept hearing from the staff were: awesome, no way and fantastic!
I did my usual meet and great welcome rendition of the old-time Wal-Mart greeter and I did put in additional hours as well (I never do the usual two hours, that doesn't get it, I do four and love it). The people were friendly and interested in my book. Again it helped by having the portrait of Macha, that was painted by my niece Katrina Hughes Brennan, on display as well. The fact that I am a local author clinched it for several customers.
The book associates definitely want me back for an encore signing in the Spring.
I want to thank Book manger, John Clapp, for scheduling for this event and a huge thanks to associates Kathy, Donn and Nicole for their assistance in making this the most successful event to date.
Spokane Valley Writers Group
The Spokane Valley Writers Group met at Starbucks Coffee House, inside of the Spokane Valley (Eastside) Barnes & Noble bookstore, Sunday afternoon, November 25th. I read chapters 39 and 40 from my historical, The Broken Lance, the story about a Spanish Centurion in the Roman army who is the personal retainer for the historical character, Titus Flavius Sabinus. He was the brother of the future emperor, Vespasian. In these chapters, Marcellus marries Eleyne, the daughter of a Celtic British chieftain of the Regni tribe. During the reading of entrails during wedding ceremony, Marcellus is the only who seems to notice that the priest hesitates if only for a split section. Marcellus realizes the omens are bad, but the ceremony continues and he and Eleyne are married. In the next chapter two assassins make an attempt on Marcellus's life. He kills one and the other is kept alive when he recognizes him as one of his slaves. This had been seen by the entrail reader the wedding ceremony. Marcellus learns who is behind the botched assassination attempt.
The group found only minor problems with the chapters and I immediately made the changes. However, since my priority at this time is to finish the rewrite of The Wolf of Britannia, I have limited my writing time to The Broken Lance for the time being.
The Wolf of Britannia (ongoing)
After having my last draft of chapter 50 heavily trashed by my mentor, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer, I have completed a major rewrite. She found that I had not used the five senses as effectively as I could have. I needed to show more reaction and responses by the characters, and the dialog consisted primarily of talking heads with little movement/motions. I knew it needed a major revision, but I had to have an outsider point out the problems and Patricia did this very effectively. She has published eight historical novels and has been a tremendous help to me. The next draft will be much cleaner and more effective. This is a chapter in which Caratacus is preparing to fight the Romans in what is now Wales. He didn't know it at the time, but it was his last battle against the Romans.
Book Signing
My next book signing will be @ Hastings Books, Music and Videos--Lincoln Heights, 2512 E. 29th Ave., Spokane, WA, Saturday, Dec. 8th, 1- 5 p.m. Check my website for details.
Thank you for your support.
Although Black Friday @ Auntie's wasn't as black as I would have liked to have been (the traffic was steady but not crowded), I still signed a lot of copies of THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, so, I have no complaints. I spoke to a lot of friendly people and passed out a lot of fliers. Many of them complimented the portrait of Macha that I had on display, which was painted by my niece, Katrina Hughes Brennan, who is a professional artist. That in itself stimulated a few sales.
I want to thank Events Coordinator, Lois Hughes (no relation), Auntie's associates Kathy and Jonathan and rest of the staff for being so helpful and accommodating, making this a successful event. Auntie's staff is very support of local authors.
BOOK SIGNING FOLLOW-UP @ HASTINGS-SHADLE PARK SETS STORE RECORD
This particular signing of copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos, Shadle Park, which is in North Spokane, Washington, went beyond all expectations. I won't say how many, but I broke this store's record for the number of copies signed by a local author. The words I kept hearing from the staff were: awesome, no way and fantastic!
I did my usual meet and great welcome rendition of the old-time Wal-Mart greeter and I did put in additional hours as well (I never do the usual two hours, that doesn't get it, I do four and love it). The people were friendly and interested in my book. Again it helped by having the portrait of Macha, that was painted by my niece Katrina Hughes Brennan, on display as well. The fact that I am a local author clinched it for several customers.
The book associates definitely want me back for an encore signing in the Spring.
I want to thank Book manger, John Clapp, for scheduling for this event and a huge thanks to associates Kathy, Donn and Nicole for their assistance in making this the most successful event to date.
Spokane Valley Writers Group
The Spokane Valley Writers Group met at Starbucks Coffee House, inside of the Spokane Valley (Eastside) Barnes & Noble bookstore, Sunday afternoon, November 25th. I read chapters 39 and 40 from my historical, The Broken Lance, the story about a Spanish Centurion in the Roman army who is the personal retainer for the historical character, Titus Flavius Sabinus. He was the brother of the future emperor, Vespasian. In these chapters, Marcellus marries Eleyne, the daughter of a Celtic British chieftain of the Regni tribe. During the reading of entrails during wedding ceremony, Marcellus is the only who seems to notice that the priest hesitates if only for a split section. Marcellus realizes the omens are bad, but the ceremony continues and he and Eleyne are married. In the next chapter two assassins make an attempt on Marcellus's life. He kills one and the other is kept alive when he recognizes him as one of his slaves. This had been seen by the entrail reader the wedding ceremony. Marcellus learns who is behind the botched assassination attempt.
The group found only minor problems with the chapters and I immediately made the changes. However, since my priority at this time is to finish the rewrite of The Wolf of Britannia, I have limited my writing time to The Broken Lance for the time being.
The Wolf of Britannia (ongoing)
After having my last draft of chapter 50 heavily trashed by my mentor, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer, I have completed a major rewrite. She found that I had not used the five senses as effectively as I could have. I needed to show more reaction and responses by the characters, and the dialog consisted primarily of talking heads with little movement/motions. I knew it needed a major revision, but I had to have an outsider point out the problems and Patricia did this very effectively. She has published eight historical novels and has been a tremendous help to me. The next draft will be much cleaner and more effective. This is a chapter in which Caratacus is preparing to fight the Romans in what is now Wales. He didn't know it at the time, but it was his last battle against the Romans.
Book Signing
My next book signing will be @ Hastings Books, Music and Videos--Lincoln Heights, 2512 E. 29th Ave., Spokane, WA, Saturday, Dec. 8th, 1- 5 p.m. Check my website for details.
Thank you for your support.
November 21, 2012
Black Friday Signing and More
BLACK FRIDAY BOOK SIGNING AND MORE. Because of Thanksgiving, I am moving up my announcements from Thursday. I will be signing copies of THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE @ two stores this weekend. The first will be on Black Friday, Nov. 23, 12-4 p.m. @ Aunties Bookstore, 402 W. Main, Spokane, Washington.
The second signing will be @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos--Shadle Park, 1704 W. Wellesley, Spokane, WA, Saturday, Nov. 24, 4-8 p.m.
For those unable to attend YOU CAN PURCHASE SIGNED COPIES ONLINE from one of four bookstores found on my website @ www.jessstevenhughes.com and click onto the store of your choice. I highly recommend Bookshop Santa Cruz. You can also download as an ebook from Kindle or Nook. Thank you for your support.
The second signing will be @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos--Shadle Park, 1704 W. Wellesley, Spokane, WA, Saturday, Nov. 24, 4-8 p.m.
For those unable to attend YOU CAN PURCHASE SIGNED COPIES ONLINE from one of four bookstores found on my website @ www.jessstevenhughes.com and click onto the store of your choice. I highly recommend Bookshop Santa Cruz. You can also download as an ebook from Kindle or Nook. Thank you for your support.
November 18, 2012
Book Signing Follow-up @ Albertsons
Doing a book signing at Albertsons, a grocery store, is probably for many authors going outside the proverbial envelope, but it sure worked for me. I had just as much success there signing copies of THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE as I did at Hastings or other bookstores. It wasn't exactly a gold mine, but it sure came close and it was very near my home. I probably hit it right because it was the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the store was bustling. I was placed right in front of the check out/register section, so no one could miss me. Lots of people stopped by taking flyers and buying copies of my novel. I won't say how many, but I sold more here than anywhere else. It probably helped that I was a local author and some bought the novel on that basis alone. I had one fan from a previous signing who returned to buy another copy. She said she enjoyed my novel so much, she had to get one for her friend--nice compliment.
I want to thank store manager, Russ, associates Pauline, Zach and the rest of the Albertsons staff making this such a successful event.
In the enclosed picture is a new fan, Nicole. It turns out she is a pharmacist who works @ Albertsons.
Next signings: November 23rd @ Aunties Bookstore, Spokane, WA, and November 24th, Hastings--Shadle Park, Spokane, WA.
I want to thank store manager, Russ, associates Pauline, Zach and the rest of the Albertsons staff making this such a successful event.
In the enclosed picture is a new fan, Nicole. It turns out she is a pharmacist who works @ Albertsons.
Next signings: November 23rd @ Aunties Bookstore, Spokane, WA, and November 24th, Hastings--Shadle Park, Spokane, WA.
November 15, 2012
Book Signing Reminder - Nov. 17th, Albertsons Super Market
BOOK SIGNING. I will be signing copies of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, @ Albertsons Super Market, 1304 N. Liberty Lake Road, Liberty Lake, Washington, Saturday, November 17th, 11 a.m./4 p.m. For those who cannot attend you can ORDER SIGNED COPIES ONLINE from one of four bookstores on my website @ www.jessstevenhughes.com and click onto the store of your choice. You can also download as an ebook from Kindle or Nook. Thank you for your support.
November 11, 2012
Book Signing Follow-up
Book signing follow-up. THEY WANT ME BACK ST. PATRICK'S DAY WEEKEND. Despite 30 degree F temps and snow on the ground in the lake city of Coeur d'Lene, Idaho, downtown was packed with shoppers and many came into ALL THINGS IRISH where I was signing copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE. The holiday atmosphere was already in swing and I met many friendly people and autographed numerous copies. It may have helped that everyone was given their choice of cider or tea by store owners Ilene & Craig Moss who were also running a contest in which they were giving away several ceramic pieces. They were so pleased with the signing that I was asked to return for another event on St. Patrick's day weekend. "We believe in promoting the Celtic influence and your book is part of that," Ilene told me. Nice compliment. Needless to say, I will be there. I want to thank Ilene, Craig and their associate, Sharon, for hosting this event and making it such a successful day.
Next Saturday, book signing @ Albertsons, Liberty Lake, Washington.
Next Saturday, book signing @ Albertsons, Liberty Lake, Washington.
November 9, 2012
Book Signing Reminder
BOOK SIGNING. I will be signing copies of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE at All Things Irish, 315 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 10, 1-4 p.m. For those who cannot attend, YOU CAN ORDER SIGNED COPIES ONLINE from one of four bookstores found on my website www.jessstevenhughes.com and click onto the store of your choice. You can also download as an ebook from Kindle or Nook. Thank you for your support.
