Jess Steven Hughes's Blog, page 35
August 5, 2012
THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE IS PUBLISHER'S NUMBER ONE SELLER
I recently learned from my publisher, Sunbury Press, that my historical novel, The Sign of the Eagle, was their number one seller in the fiction catagory, for printed books, for the month of July. The novel came in at number six in print and overall ratings when compared with other catagories/genres. This includes: History/Memoir; Poetry; Children's; The Arts; Self-Help; Christian; Metaphysical and Reference. I hope that by vigorously promoting my novel to retain that ranking in the future, especially, during the upcoming book signings starting Aug. 18th at All Things Irish, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
For upcoming book signings check the events section of this page or go to my website www.jessstevenhughes.com for more information.
For upcoming book signings check the events section of this page or go to my website www.jessstevenhughes.com for more information.
July 26, 2012
Professor of Classical History Reviews The Sign of the Eagle for Amazon
4.0 out of 5 stars A strong Romano-Celtic woman, July 26, 2012
By Fred Mench - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Sign of the Eagle (Paperback)
By page 5 Titus Antonius, Roman military tribune in the First Legion Italica and husband of the Celtic protagonist Macha Carataca, has been accused of treason in a plot to assassinate the emperor Vespasian. She knows, and we know, the charge can't be true, but it's page 258 before the officials know and let him out of prison. This leaves the majority of the book devoted to Macha's attempts to find evidence about the real traitors and, after page 132, when their son, young Titus, is kidnapped by the same bad guys, to find him. She pursues this, but the same unknown bad guys keep trying to kill her -- on the road down from Mediolanum to Rome and in Rome itself. They are afraid she may find evidence, and the attacks come both while she is going about her normal routine and when she sneaks out in disguise and puts herself into danger. This makes for a fast-moving and exciting novel.
Added to the action is the richness and correctness of historical detail providing the background to the action. If a reader wants a good introduction to life in Rome and its empire in 71 AD, this is a painless way to go about it. The characters are colorful, especially Macha, her friend, Senator Bassus, and Bassus' slave Shafer, who assists Macha in every way, including fighting by her side to fend off killers.
There are murders aplenty, but they are incidental in themselves, except as they tie in to the overall plot against Vespasian - and we think we know who is involved in that, but we can't be sure. The only historical character is the emperor himself, and he is about what we think of him from historical writers, though Macha is presented as the daughter of a real British king, Caratacus, who rebelled against Roman rule. The other characters, Romans and slaves, cover a wide range but all pretty much true to type. Macha does not match the type of most Roman women, but she is British in origin, and women played a different role there.
In general, there is nothing in the language or action to make this inappropriate for younger readers, but there are two sections that could prove a problem. When some street toughs attack Macha and Shafer at night and think they are prostitutes, there is a good bit of crude language about private parts. And when Crixus, one of the villains, is tortured on the wheel/rack by Bassus to get important information (and subsequent cooperation), the detail is graphic and might turn some readers off.
Although the incidents are all fictional, an additional attempt on Vespasian's life is no stretch. Macha perhaps survives more attacks than seems likely, but she is intended to be tough and is, able to handle a knife well and undergo hardships. This should be a quick and enjoyable read for the seasoned classicist and the historically interested layman alike.
Fred Mench
Professor of Classics, Emeritus
The Richard Stockton College of NJ
Creator of website Fictional Rome [...]
By Fred Mench - See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Sign of the Eagle (Paperback)
By page 5 Titus Antonius, Roman military tribune in the First Legion Italica and husband of the Celtic protagonist Macha Carataca, has been accused of treason in a plot to assassinate the emperor Vespasian. She knows, and we know, the charge can't be true, but it's page 258 before the officials know and let him out of prison. This leaves the majority of the book devoted to Macha's attempts to find evidence about the real traitors and, after page 132, when their son, young Titus, is kidnapped by the same bad guys, to find him. She pursues this, but the same unknown bad guys keep trying to kill her -- on the road down from Mediolanum to Rome and in Rome itself. They are afraid she may find evidence, and the attacks come both while she is going about her normal routine and when she sneaks out in disguise and puts herself into danger. This makes for a fast-moving and exciting novel.
Added to the action is the richness and correctness of historical detail providing the background to the action. If a reader wants a good introduction to life in Rome and its empire in 71 AD, this is a painless way to go about it. The characters are colorful, especially Macha, her friend, Senator Bassus, and Bassus' slave Shafer, who assists Macha in every way, including fighting by her side to fend off killers.
There are murders aplenty, but they are incidental in themselves, except as they tie in to the overall plot against Vespasian - and we think we know who is involved in that, but we can't be sure. The only historical character is the emperor himself, and he is about what we think of him from historical writers, though Macha is presented as the daughter of a real British king, Caratacus, who rebelled against Roman rule. The other characters, Romans and slaves, cover a wide range but all pretty much true to type. Macha does not match the type of most Roman women, but she is British in origin, and women played a different role there.
In general, there is nothing in the language or action to make this inappropriate for younger readers, but there are two sections that could prove a problem. When some street toughs attack Macha and Shafer at night and think they are prostitutes, there is a good bit of crude language about private parts. And when Crixus, one of the villains, is tortured on the wheel/rack by Bassus to get important information (and subsequent cooperation), the detail is graphic and might turn some readers off.
Although the incidents are all fictional, an additional attempt on Vespasian's life is no stretch. Macha perhaps survives more attacks than seems likely, but she is intended to be tough and is, able to handle a knife well and undergo hardships. This should be a quick and enjoyable read for the seasoned classicist and the historically interested layman alike.
Fred Mench
Professor of Classics, Emeritus
The Richard Stockton College of NJ
Creator of website Fictional Rome [...]
July 25, 2012
Signed Copies Available at Three Stores
For those of you who cannot attend my book signings, there are three stores which are now carrying a limited number of signed copies of my historical suspense novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE. They are:
1. Bookshop Santa Cruz (www.bookshopsantacruz.com), Santa Cruz, CA.
2. A Book For All Seasons (www.abookforallseasons.com), Leavenworth, WA.
3. All Things Irish (www.all-thingsirish.com), Coeur d'Alene, ID.
The first two stores you can order online by typing in the title of my novel in the "search" segment.
You will have to check the All Things Irish website for their telephone number and telephone them directly to order the copy as they do not show it on their site.
Thank you for your support. You can check my website www.jessstevenhughes.com for further information and this site for scheduled book signings.
1. Bookshop Santa Cruz (www.bookshopsantacruz.com), Santa Cruz, CA.
2. A Book For All Seasons (www.abookforallseasons.com), Leavenworth, WA.
3. All Things Irish (www.all-thingsirish.com), Coeur d'Alene, ID.
The first two stores you can order online by typing in the title of my novel in the "search" segment.
You will have to check the All Things Irish website for their telephone number and telephone them directly to order the copy as they do not show it on their site.
Thank you for your support. You can check my website www.jessstevenhughes.com for further information and this site for scheduled book signings.
July 22, 2012
I can now sign your Kindle copy of THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE.
If you purchased a Kindle version of my novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, you can click onto this link or go to www.kindlegraph.com and follow the instructions and request a signature on your copy from me. I will be more than happy to accomadte you. Thank you.
http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/Je...
http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/Je...
July 17, 2012
This type of book signing event does not work for me
Last Saturday, July 14, I made a three and one-half hour journey from where I live in Eastern Washington, to a little store called A Book For All Seasons. The place is situated in the equally small tourist town of Leavenworth, Washington, huddled in the eastern foothills of the Cascade mountains. The buildings of this German-speaking community are designed as pseudo-Alpine, looking like Swiss chalets.
Including myself, there were four other authors crammed into the into the narrow spaces of the book store, either right at the front and back doors or somewhere in between. We represented several genres including fiction, non-fiction, gardening, how-to, etc.
The theme of this signing was known as a Book Buzz. As potential customers entered the store, an employee would give them an entry form for a drawing which contained pictures of the books the authors brought to the event. Each customer would then go around to each author's table, listen to his/hers pitch, and have the picture of his/her book stamped. After the customer had all the pictures stamped, he or she filled out the form and drop it into a jar. Later one entry would be drawn for a $25.00 gift certificate.
Unfortunately, most of these people were tourists who were only interested in the drawing rather than buying one of our books. That's because the weather outside was hot (92 degrees plus) and muggy, and they came into the store to get out of the heat. The end result was not one author, including myself, sold more than two copies. The gentleman sitting next to me, who had brought two titles, did not sell a single book.
I do want to make it very clear that the store employees were friendly and accommodating, and did their best to make us feel comfortable. It was not their fault that none of us did well at this event. I know they did their very best to promote this signing on the store's website. There was a very nice write-up.
However, I should have known better because of my past experiences that this type of book event would not work for me. Multi-author book signings usually dilute sales--nobody does well--this case was no exception. It was my eagerness to attend this particular gathering that got in the way of my better judgment. Perhaps other authors may fare better, but in my case, not so. In the future, I plan to stay away from such events. My advice would be the same to other authors except for those who are well-known and famous best sellers. In their case, they could sell anytime and anywhere; not so for unknowns such as myself.
Including myself, there were four other authors crammed into the into the narrow spaces of the book store, either right at the front and back doors or somewhere in between. We represented several genres including fiction, non-fiction, gardening, how-to, etc.
The theme of this signing was known as a Book Buzz. As potential customers entered the store, an employee would give them an entry form for a drawing which contained pictures of the books the authors brought to the event. Each customer would then go around to each author's table, listen to his/hers pitch, and have the picture of his/her book stamped. After the customer had all the pictures stamped, he or she filled out the form and drop it into a jar. Later one entry would be drawn for a $25.00 gift certificate.
Unfortunately, most of these people were tourists who were only interested in the drawing rather than buying one of our books. That's because the weather outside was hot (92 degrees plus) and muggy, and they came into the store to get out of the heat. The end result was not one author, including myself, sold more than two copies. The gentleman sitting next to me, who had brought two titles, did not sell a single book.
I do want to make it very clear that the store employees were friendly and accommodating, and did their best to make us feel comfortable. It was not their fault that none of us did well at this event. I know they did their very best to promote this signing on the store's website. There was a very nice write-up.
However, I should have known better because of my past experiences that this type of book event would not work for me. Multi-author book signings usually dilute sales--nobody does well--this case was no exception. It was my eagerness to attend this particular gathering that got in the way of my better judgment. Perhaps other authors may fare better, but in my case, not so. In the future, I plan to stay away from such events. My advice would be the same to other authors except for those who are well-known and famous best sellers. In their case, they could sell anytime and anywhere; not so for unknowns such as myself.
July 15, 2012
Interacting with other goodreads members
I am not sure how to go about this, but I would like to interact more with other goodreads members. I am rather a shy person and don't like to arbitrally pick new friends at random as you might think that very presumptious on my part. Perhaps some of you out there might make a few suggestions, I would appreciate that. You might also suggest how I could make my blogs more interesting as well. Thanks
July 8, 2012
Blog update 070812
Book Signing Reminder
As part of a joint authors event, called a "Book Buzz," I will be signing copies of my novel, The Sign of the Eagle, Saturday, July 14, 1 - 3 p.m., at A Book For All Seasons, 703 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA. This is a resort town snuggled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The community is built around an Alpine Village theme. Most of the businesses, etc. look like Swiss Chalets, including the local McDonald's. The town is also famous for one of the region's best Oktober Fests.
The next book signing after Leavenworth will be Saturday, August 25, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Fact and Fiction Bookstore, Missoula, MT.
Newspaper Interviews
I am scheduled to be interviewed by news reporter Rebecca Nappi, Spokane Spokesman-Review in August for an article about older authors. This will be featured sometime in September in conjunction with my book signing at Aunties Bookstore, September 8th.
In addition, I will also be interviewed by a reporter from the Washington Farm Journal base in Moses Lake, WA, regarding my mini-farm but also regarding my novel. It turns out the reporter is also a published author.
Ongoing Projects
The Wolf of Britannia
Currently I am re-writing chapters 39 and 40. In these chapters Caratacus prepares and then fights the invading Romans at the Battle of the River Medway. Progress has been slow because I am attempting to make sure that I correctly depict how the Roman generals tactically deployed their troops against the British Celts and the response by Caratacus and his warriors. History tells us that Caratacus and his allies were defeated, but the information is vague as to how the Romans actually beat him. We do know that the German cavalry, the Batavians, employed by the Romans, crossed the Medway upstream and surprised part of Caratacus's forces. However, little else is known. This is one of those situations where an author of historical fiction can take historical license and fill in the blanks. I am attempting to do this in a logical and plausible manner in order to make the battle and story believable.
The Broken Lance
So far I have rewritten the first forty-two chapters of The Broken Lance. I have read and have had the first twenty-eight chapters critiqued by the Spokane Novelist Group. They are a tough bunch, which is what I wan, and have kept me honest. However, after reading chapter 28, which deals with a raid on a den of thieves in the caves beneath Rome, I decided to send this, along with chapters 29 and 30 to Editor Erin Brown. She is a highly regarded "book doctor" and former editor for Harper-Collins and St. Martins Press. She will conduct a line edit and give me a thorough evaluation of the material and let me know her conclusions by July 10. I had disagreed with a couple of the writers on two major aspects of chapter 28 needed a professional opinion.
That's all for now. Salve et Vale! Hail and Fairwell!
As part of a joint authors event, called a "Book Buzz," I will be signing copies of my novel, The Sign of the Eagle, Saturday, July 14, 1 - 3 p.m., at A Book For All Seasons, 703 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA. This is a resort town snuggled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The community is built around an Alpine Village theme. Most of the businesses, etc. look like Swiss Chalets, including the local McDonald's. The town is also famous for one of the region's best Oktober Fests.
The next book signing after Leavenworth will be Saturday, August 25, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Fact and Fiction Bookstore, Missoula, MT.
Newspaper Interviews
I am scheduled to be interviewed by news reporter Rebecca Nappi, Spokane Spokesman-Review in August for an article about older authors. This will be featured sometime in September in conjunction with my book signing at Aunties Bookstore, September 8th.
In addition, I will also be interviewed by a reporter from the Washington Farm Journal base in Moses Lake, WA, regarding my mini-farm but also regarding my novel. It turns out the reporter is also a published author.
Ongoing Projects
The Wolf of Britannia
Currently I am re-writing chapters 39 and 40. In these chapters Caratacus prepares and then fights the invading Romans at the Battle of the River Medway. Progress has been slow because I am attempting to make sure that I correctly depict how the Roman generals tactically deployed their troops against the British Celts and the response by Caratacus and his warriors. History tells us that Caratacus and his allies were defeated, but the information is vague as to how the Romans actually beat him. We do know that the German cavalry, the Batavians, employed by the Romans, crossed the Medway upstream and surprised part of Caratacus's forces. However, little else is known. This is one of those situations where an author of historical fiction can take historical license and fill in the blanks. I am attempting to do this in a logical and plausible manner in order to make the battle and story believable.
The Broken Lance
So far I have rewritten the first forty-two chapters of The Broken Lance. I have read and have had the first twenty-eight chapters critiqued by the Spokane Novelist Group. They are a tough bunch, which is what I wan, and have kept me honest. However, after reading chapter 28, which deals with a raid on a den of thieves in the caves beneath Rome, I decided to send this, along with chapters 29 and 30 to Editor Erin Brown. She is a highly regarded "book doctor" and former editor for Harper-Collins and St. Martins Press. She will conduct a line edit and give me a thorough evaluation of the material and let me know her conclusions by July 10. I had disagreed with a couple of the writers on two major aspects of chapter 28 needed a professional opinion.
That's all for now. Salve et Vale! Hail and Fairwell!
June 24, 2012
Limited Blogging Time
As much as I would like to spend time blogging, it is not too practical. Besides needing the time to write two historicals, THE WOLF OF BRITANNIA and THE BROKEN LANCE, I spend a lot of time working on my four acre mini-farm and horses and recently taking care of my wife who had complete left knee replacement surgery. So, if you don't see me on this site as much as I would like to be, you now know the reason. This is a good site and I enjoy viewing it. I am rather bashful about adding friends, so, I hope some of you would not mind friending me. Thank you.
June 21, 2012
Midwest Book Review - The Sign of the Eagle
This is what the Midwest Book Review had to say about The Sign of the Eagle:
For love and for country, one woman must act and think swiftly. "The Sign of the Eagle" is a novel set in ancient Rome. Macha, daughter of a Celtic king, delves into the intrigue of Roman life as her husband is accused of murder and the very nature of the empire may be at stake. With many fascinating characters, "The Sign of the Eagle" is a strong addition to any collection looking for more historical fiction.
--Midwest Book Review: Small Press Bookwatch, June 2012, Page 8 of 26
For love and for country, one woman must act and think swiftly. "The Sign of the Eagle" is a novel set in ancient Rome. Macha, daughter of a Celtic king, delves into the intrigue of Roman life as her husband is accused of murder and the very nature of the empire may be at stake. With many fascinating characters, "The Sign of the Eagle" is a strong addition to any collection looking for more historical fiction.
--Midwest Book Review: Small Press Bookwatch, June 2012, Page 8 of 26
June 11, 2012
Now Available on Nook - The Sign of the Eagle
I am pleased to announce that my action/suspense historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, is now available as an ebook on Nook, the ebook format used by Barnes & Noble. You can either download your copy by going to Barnes & Noble (www.bn.com) or to the publisher, Sunbury Press (www.sunburypress.com). Don't miss out.
