Jess Steven Hughes's Blog, page 34
October 4, 2012
Book Signing Follow-up and More
On Saturday, Sept. 22nd, I conducted a signing in the beautiful lake city of Couer d'Alene, Idaho (Coeur d'Alene Lake is one of the biggest in the state with nearly 400 miles of shoreline) at Hastings Books, Music and Videos. This, like the signing last week in Walla Walla, Washington, was very successful. Unlike going to Walla (3 1/2 hour drive), this was a journey of only twenty minutes from my home.
As usual, the Hastings associates were very accommodating and helpful, especially, the book manager, Kathy. Several people, who had read the article printed in the August 18, 2012 edition of the Spokane Spokesman-Review about the novel and me, attended the signing as well as many others. Again, the associates thought I was in their words, "awesome" as to the number of copies I signed and it looks like I will return sometime during the Spring 2013 for an encore signing.
My next signing will be at Hastings Books, Music and Videos - South Hill location - Spokane, Washington, Saturday, Oct. 6, 1-4 p.m.
Unfortunately, there have been some pages and groups on Facebook that apparently think I do too much promotion of my novel (although not all). I decided to drop out of one group altogether. I have had to explained to people that The Sign of the Eagle is not a one book phenomena. I am a serious writer of historical fiction and informed them I am currently writing two more historical and four others are in the planning stages.
For those of you who are not aware, The first of the two is THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA (working title) a novel of about the British chieftain/prince, Caratacus. I am in the middle of a major rewrite for my book doctor with a deadline of May, 2013.
The other novel is THE BROKEN LANCE, a novel about a Spanish centurion who is the personal retainer of the ill-fated Titus Flavius Sabinus, older brother of the future Emperor Vespasian. I have written 42 chapters, most of which have been severely reviewed and critiqued by the Spokane Novelist Group (most have been rewritten).
The other four planned include two historical mysteries and novels surrounding the Battle of Adrianople and the life of Flavius Stilico. I hope you will understand my intentions and that promoting my novels is the whole idea of my website and places like Facebook and Goodreads. However, in the future I will do more book reviews for Goodreads. Thank you for your support and understanding.
That's all for now. Thank you for your support.
As usual, the Hastings associates were very accommodating and helpful, especially, the book manager, Kathy. Several people, who had read the article printed in the August 18, 2012 edition of the Spokane Spokesman-Review about the novel and me, attended the signing as well as many others. Again, the associates thought I was in their words, "awesome" as to the number of copies I signed and it looks like I will return sometime during the Spring 2013 for an encore signing.
My next signing will be at Hastings Books, Music and Videos - South Hill location - Spokane, Washington, Saturday, Oct. 6, 1-4 p.m.
Unfortunately, there have been some pages and groups on Facebook that apparently think I do too much promotion of my novel (although not all). I decided to drop out of one group altogether. I have had to explained to people that The Sign of the Eagle is not a one book phenomena. I am a serious writer of historical fiction and informed them I am currently writing two more historical and four others are in the planning stages.
For those of you who are not aware, The first of the two is THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA (working title) a novel of about the British chieftain/prince, Caratacus. I am in the middle of a major rewrite for my book doctor with a deadline of May, 2013.
The other novel is THE BROKEN LANCE, a novel about a Spanish centurion who is the personal retainer of the ill-fated Titus Flavius Sabinus, older brother of the future Emperor Vespasian. I have written 42 chapters, most of which have been severely reviewed and critiqued by the Spokane Novelist Group (most have been rewritten).
The other four planned include two historical mysteries and novels surrounding the Battle of Adrianople and the life of Flavius Stilico. I hope you will understand my intentions and that promoting my novels is the whole idea of my website and places like Facebook and Goodreads. However, in the future I will do more book reviews for Goodreads. Thank you for your support and understanding.
That's all for now. Thank you for your support.
September 17, 2012
Book Signing Follow-up
The three and one-half hour trip to Walla Walla, Washington, was well worth the drive for a book signing. I spent a great day signing copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos in Walla Walla, Sat. Sept. 15. Met lots of friendly people and sold far more than I had expected. I gave out all my fliers and lots of book markers (place the attached pic somewhere on this particular blog and in the book signing scrapbook). The book manager, Ryan Christiansen and store manager, Travis Bosworth, said I was "awesome" and asked me to return next Spring for another signing. I don't think I can turn down such a gracious invitation. Enclosed is a picture of me signing a book for a new fan, Chloe.
Walla Walla, Washington is located in the heart of the Columbia Basin wine country (more than 150+ wineries in the vicinity of Walla Walla). These wineries have produced many nationally and internationally acclaimed vintages. Some of you asked and yes I did stop at a few wineries--six. They were: Preston (in the Tri-Cities area), Woodward Canyon, Waterbrook, L'Ecole 41, Three Rivers and Skylite. I will visit different ones next Spring when I return for another signing. Although I visited and bought a few bottles, all prior to the event, I did not sample anything. I do not like mixing drinking and driving and certainly did not want alcohol on my breath when dealing with the public.
I want to thank Hastings book manager, Ryan Christiansen; store manager, Travis Bosworth; and all the Hastings associates who were so helpful and accommodating in making this event a huge success.
Next Saturday, I will be signing at Hastings in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Works in Progress
The Wolf of Britannia (working title)
I am still in the process of reworking chapters 42, 43 and now 44 (I split up chapter 43) which deals with Caratacus's defeat and the death of his wife, Rhian. My mentor, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer, found a lot of flaws with chapter 43 as I expected. It was still quite rough, but I needed someone other than myself to see where improvements were needed (I knew I would have to make greater use of reactions and responses, the five senses and give the setting greater detail).
The Broken Lance
Although I last wrote I had suspended my writing for the time being on this project, I have completed forty-two chapters. Yesterday, Sunday, Sept. 16th, I read chapters 35 and 36 to members of the Spokane Valley Writers Group at Starbucks, inside the Spokane Valley Barnes & Noble store. Patricia found several flaws, but fortunately, they were minor and easily rectified. I will also be reading these chapters to the Spokane Novelist Group as well for much tougher and in-depth critique. However, because my busy book signing schedule, I won't be attending that group again until Oct. 27th.
Book Markers
I now have book markers for my novel. Tammi Knorr, Sunbury Press, did a wonderful job in designing and developing this one. I have received several compliments on how beautiful they are. Aunties Bookstore, Spokane, WA, asked me to leave several with them, after my book signing (Sept. 8th) to pass out to their customers. Tammi asked me to send her twenty which will be given out in the publisher's new store outlet. If you want one, you will have to attend one of my signings. Perhaps I will make them available to anyone who wants one in the near future, probably by mailing me a self-addressed stamped envelope.
That's all for now. Thank you for your support.
Walla Walla, Washington is located in the heart of the Columbia Basin wine country (more than 150+ wineries in the vicinity of Walla Walla). These wineries have produced many nationally and internationally acclaimed vintages. Some of you asked and yes I did stop at a few wineries--six. They were: Preston (in the Tri-Cities area), Woodward Canyon, Waterbrook, L'Ecole 41, Three Rivers and Skylite. I will visit different ones next Spring when I return for another signing. Although I visited and bought a few bottles, all prior to the event, I did not sample anything. I do not like mixing drinking and driving and certainly did not want alcohol on my breath when dealing with the public.
I want to thank Hastings book manager, Ryan Christiansen; store manager, Travis Bosworth; and all the Hastings associates who were so helpful and accommodating in making this event a huge success.
Next Saturday, I will be signing at Hastings in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Works in Progress
The Wolf of Britannia (working title)
I am still in the process of reworking chapters 42, 43 and now 44 (I split up chapter 43) which deals with Caratacus's defeat and the death of his wife, Rhian. My mentor, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer, found a lot of flaws with chapter 43 as I expected. It was still quite rough, but I needed someone other than myself to see where improvements were needed (I knew I would have to make greater use of reactions and responses, the five senses and give the setting greater detail).
The Broken Lance
Although I last wrote I had suspended my writing for the time being on this project, I have completed forty-two chapters. Yesterday, Sunday, Sept. 16th, I read chapters 35 and 36 to members of the Spokane Valley Writers Group at Starbucks, inside the Spokane Valley Barnes & Noble store. Patricia found several flaws, but fortunately, they were minor and easily rectified. I will also be reading these chapters to the Spokane Novelist Group as well for much tougher and in-depth critique. However, because my busy book signing schedule, I won't be attending that group again until Oct. 27th.
Book Markers
I now have book markers for my novel. Tammi Knorr, Sunbury Press, did a wonderful job in designing and developing this one. I have received several compliments on how beautiful they are. Aunties Bookstore, Spokane, WA, asked me to leave several with them, after my book signing (Sept. 8th) to pass out to their customers. Tammi asked me to send her twenty which will be given out in the publisher's new store outlet. If you want one, you will have to attend one of my signings. Perhaps I will make them available to anyone who wants one in the near future, probably by mailing me a self-addressed stamped envelope.
That's all for now. Thank you for your support.
September 14, 2012
Book Signing Reminder
I will be signing copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, @ Hastings Books, Music & Videos, 617 S. 9th St., Walla Walla, WA, Saturday, Sept. 15th, 3-6 p.m. For those who cannot attend, you can order signed copies ONLINE from four bookstores. Go to my website www.jessstevenhughes.com and click onto the store of your choice. Thank you for your support.
September 9, 2012
Blog update - Book Signing and More
Book Signing @ Aunties Bookstore
Signed a lot of copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, at Aunties Bookstore, Spokane, WA, Saturday, Sept. 8th. Aunties is the biggest independent book store on the northern tier between Seattle, WA and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. I succeeded despite the fact the streets were blocked off for two blocks, in each direction, for a bicycle race (management was caught flat-footed on this) which significantly cut down the foot traffic. Store manager, Linda, and events coordinator, Lois Hughes (no relation) were so please with my efforts (they said I was a good salesman), that they are going to arrange to have me return for another signing during the Christmas holidays
Next Saturday I will be down in the heart of Washington wine country, in Walla Walla (150+ wineries--I won't imbibe until after the signing), for another signing at Hastings Books, Music and Videos. See my website and click onto the book signing page for more details.
Book Writing Update
I am currently rewriting chapters 42, 43 and 44 of The Wolf of Britannia. These particular chapters deal with Caratacus's defeat at the Battle of the River Medway, handed to him the by invading Romans. The rewrites have been slow and difficult because I have had to restrict the points of view to only two major characters, Caratacus and the Roman, Porcius. Before there were six different POV's involved. My book doctor, Erin Brown, for whom I am doing the rewrite, was adament that I restrict this to only two characters. She said the story was too confusing with so many POV's. As I do the rewrites, I have them reviewed by my mentor and fellow author, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer. She has been a godsend. She points out flaw that I don't see, so typical when I writer is so close to their stories. The work continues.
At this point, I have slowed down my writing of The Broken Lance. "Wolf" has priority at this time because I have a deadline to meet. It is still many months away (May 2013) but if I don't continue going forward, I won't complete the rewrite in time.
Kindle and Nook Update
For those of you who have a Kindle or Nook ebook, the price of The Sign of the Eagle has been reduced to $4.99. You should check it out.
Signed a lot of copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, at Aunties Bookstore, Spokane, WA, Saturday, Sept. 8th. Aunties is the biggest independent book store on the northern tier between Seattle, WA and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. I succeeded despite the fact the streets were blocked off for two blocks, in each direction, for a bicycle race (management was caught flat-footed on this) which significantly cut down the foot traffic. Store manager, Linda, and events coordinator, Lois Hughes (no relation) were so please with my efforts (they said I was a good salesman), that they are going to arrange to have me return for another signing during the Christmas holidays
Next Saturday I will be down in the heart of Washington wine country, in Walla Walla (150+ wineries--I won't imbibe until after the signing), for another signing at Hastings Books, Music and Videos. See my website and click onto the book signing page for more details.
Book Writing Update
I am currently rewriting chapters 42, 43 and 44 of The Wolf of Britannia. These particular chapters deal with Caratacus's defeat at the Battle of the River Medway, handed to him the by invading Romans. The rewrites have been slow and difficult because I have had to restrict the points of view to only two major characters, Caratacus and the Roman, Porcius. Before there were six different POV's involved. My book doctor, Erin Brown, for whom I am doing the rewrite, was adament that I restrict this to only two characters. She said the story was too confusing with so many POV's. As I do the rewrites, I have them reviewed by my mentor and fellow author, Patricia DeMars Pfeiffer. She has been a godsend. She points out flaw that I don't see, so typical when I writer is so close to their stories. The work continues.
At this point, I have slowed down my writing of The Broken Lance. "Wolf" has priority at this time because I have a deadline to meet. It is still many months away (May 2013) but if I don't continue going forward, I won't complete the rewrite in time.
Kindle and Nook Update
For those of you who have a Kindle or Nook ebook, the price of The Sign of the Eagle has been reduced to $4.99. You should check it out.
September 6, 2012
Book Signing Reminder - Sept. 8, Aunties Bookstore
BOOK SIGNING - THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE - SEPT. 8TH. I will be signing copies of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, Saturday, Sept. 8, 1 - 4 p.m. Aunties Bookstore, 402 W. Main St., Spokane, Washington. For those unable to attend you can ORDER SIGNED COPIES ONLINE from Bookshop Santa Cruz, A Book For All Seasons or Fact and Fiction by going to my website www.jessstevenhughes.com and click onto the book store of your choice. Thank you for your support.
September 2, 2012
Book Signing Follow-up
Last Saturday, August 25th, I signed copies of my historical, The Sign of the Eagle, at Fact and Fiction in downtown Missoula, MT, home of the University of Montana. It was one busy time on N. Higgins Street, where the store is located. At each end of the block a "farmers market" was in full swing and the festival, "River City Days" was going on, too--you could hear music playing in the distance. Heavy foot traffic streamed past the store in each direction while vehicular traffic was bumper to bumper. This went on from the time I arrived at the store prior to 11 a.m. and was still just as heavy when I left at 2 p.m.
I met a lot of people, passed out fliers and business cards and signed copies of my novel. I brought along for display the original oil painting by my niece, Katrina Hughes Brennan, which was used for the book cover. The painting received many compliments, and I answered a lot of questions pertaining to the work.
The store manager, David, was very helpful. He had a table set up near the front door with a book display and an easel set up for the portrait. During the slow periods between signings he answered several of my questions about Missoula and Montana in general.
I wish to thank David and the store owner, Barbara Theroux, for allowing me the opportunity to sign books at their store.
I met a lot of people, passed out fliers and business cards and signed copies of my novel. I brought along for display the original oil painting by my niece, Katrina Hughes Brennan, which was used for the book cover. The painting received many compliments, and I answered a lot of questions pertaining to the work.
The store manager, David, was very helpful. He had a table set up near the front door with a book display and an easel set up for the portrait. During the slow periods between signings he answered several of my questions about Missoula and Montana in general.
I wish to thank David and the store owner, Barbara Theroux, for allowing me the opportunity to sign books at their store.
August 23, 2012
Book Signing Reminder - August 25th, Fact & Fiction, Missoula, MT
BOOK SIGNING - THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE - SATURDAY, AUG. 25TH. For those of you who live in the Pacific Northwest I will be signing copies of my action/suspense historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, at FACT & FICTION, 220 N. Higgins, Missoula, MT, Aug. 25th, 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. I will be displaying the original oiled portrait, painted by Katrina Hughes Brennan, that was used for the book cover. For those who cannot attend, you can ORDER COPIES ONLINE from Bookshop Santa Cruz, A Book For All Seasons, or Fact & Fiction by going to my website: www.jessstevenhughes.com and clicking onto the store of your choice. Thank you for your support.
August 19, 2012
Newspaper Article re: my novel and myself
The longest chapter
Man’s longtime dream realized with publication of first novel
Rebecca NappiThe Spokesman-Review
Jess Steven Hughes has published his first novel at age 70 and is working on two others.
Jess Steven Hughes was 40 when he caught the fever to write a book. He reached his goal this year. He’s 70. He’ll talk about his book “The Sign of the Eagle” Saturday in Coeur d’Alene.
But this story isn’t just about Hughes’ book, it’s also about what it takes to pursue a lifelong passion before you run out of time. It could be writing a book. Or learning a language. Or saving the world.
Follow Hughes’ example, and it might just happen. Here’s what it takes:
Be disciplined: Hughes loves history. He wanted to write historical fiction, and so he read hundreds of history books and took notes. When he felt ready to write his book, which takes place in 71 A.D. in ancient Rome, he wrote every day.
“Even if it’s just 15 or 30 minutes a day, do something,” he said.
Pick what you’re interested in, not what others think you should be interested in: Hughes worked as a Long Beach police officer and detective for 25 years before he and his wife relocated to Otis Orchards, where he pursued a second career in the insurance industry.
When he told others he was hoping to write a novel, they assumed he’d write detective fiction. No way.
“I had 25 years of it, and I had my fill of it,” he said. “I can’t stand watching police (shows) on TV. History was my passion.”
Find a support group: Hughes found the Spokane Novelists Group, which meets twice a month at the library in Otis Orchards.
“They kept me honest,” he said. “They continually trashed my book until I got it right.”
Be persistent: Hughes worked on his novel, off and on, for 10 years. It was rejected by 200 literary agents and publishers. Finally, a small publisher in Pennsylvania, Sunbury Press, accepted the novel. It is not self-published, but it’s up to Hughes to promote and sell it. He’s tackling this task as eagerly as Macha Carataca, the determined heroine of “The Sign of the Eagle.”
Challenge yourself: Hughes was not a natural writer.
“I took dumbbell English three times in junior college,” he said. “The first two times I got Ds.”
While earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in subjects related to his police work, he minored in history. This made the research part of writing fun, but the writing never came easy. He rewrote the novel a dozen times.
The aging brain loves a challenge, aging experts say.
“I have known people who had no outside activities before they retired, and then (after retirement) they sat around and started degenerating,” Hughes said. “They have no hobbies. They get themselves fat. They start drinking. They have no future.”
Hughes, who is now working on his second and third novels, lives by the advice he gives others: “You have to keep active – physically, mentally, socially and psychologically, if you are going to live a long life. You can’t sit around and rot.”
Man’s longtime dream realized with publication of first novel
Rebecca NappiThe Spokesman-Review
Jess Steven Hughes has published his first novel at age 70 and is working on two others.
Jess Steven Hughes was 40 when he caught the fever to write a book. He reached his goal this year. He’s 70. He’ll talk about his book “The Sign of the Eagle” Saturday in Coeur d’Alene.
But this story isn’t just about Hughes’ book, it’s also about what it takes to pursue a lifelong passion before you run out of time. It could be writing a book. Or learning a language. Or saving the world.
Follow Hughes’ example, and it might just happen. Here’s what it takes:
Be disciplined: Hughes loves history. He wanted to write historical fiction, and so he read hundreds of history books and took notes. When he felt ready to write his book, which takes place in 71 A.D. in ancient Rome, he wrote every day.
“Even if it’s just 15 or 30 minutes a day, do something,” he said.
Pick what you’re interested in, not what others think you should be interested in: Hughes worked as a Long Beach police officer and detective for 25 years before he and his wife relocated to Otis Orchards, where he pursued a second career in the insurance industry.
When he told others he was hoping to write a novel, they assumed he’d write detective fiction. No way.
“I had 25 years of it, and I had my fill of it,” he said. “I can’t stand watching police (shows) on TV. History was my passion.”
Find a support group: Hughes found the Spokane Novelists Group, which meets twice a month at the library in Otis Orchards.
“They kept me honest,” he said. “They continually trashed my book until I got it right.”
Be persistent: Hughes worked on his novel, off and on, for 10 years. It was rejected by 200 literary agents and publishers. Finally, a small publisher in Pennsylvania, Sunbury Press, accepted the novel. It is not self-published, but it’s up to Hughes to promote and sell it. He’s tackling this task as eagerly as Macha Carataca, the determined heroine of “The Sign of the Eagle.”
Challenge yourself: Hughes was not a natural writer.
“I took dumbbell English three times in junior college,” he said. “The first two times I got Ds.”
While earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in subjects related to his police work, he minored in history. This made the research part of writing fun, but the writing never came easy. He rewrote the novel a dozen times.
The aging brain loves a challenge, aging experts say.
“I have known people who had no outside activities before they retired, and then (after retirement) they sat around and started degenerating,” Hughes said. “They have no hobbies. They get themselves fat. They start drinking. They have no future.”
Hughes, who is now working on his second and third novels, lives by the advice he gives others: “You have to keep active – physically, mentally, socially and psychologically, if you are going to live a long life. You can’t sit around and rot.”
August 17, 2012
Book Signing Reminder
I will be signing copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, at ALL THINGS IRISH, 315 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Saturday, Aug. 18th, 1 - 4 p.m. Hope to see you there. Thank you for your support.
August 6, 2012
NINE BOOK SIGNINGS Beginning Soon
NINE BOOK SIGNINGS. I will be signing copies of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, at nine locations in the Pacific Northwest, between Aug. 18th (All Things Irish - Coeur d'Alene, ID) and Nov. 3rd (Hastings Books, Music and Videos - Wenatchee, WA). Go to my website www.jessstevenhughes.com for dates and locations. For those you who cannot attend, you can order signed copies online from either Bookshop Santa Cruz or A Book For All Seasons by going to my website and clicking onto the respective name. Thank you for your support.
http://www.sunburypress.com/978162006...
http://www.sunburypress.com/978162006...
