Jess Steven Hughes's Blog, page 36
June 5, 2012
Signed Copies Available
Just a reminder.For those of you who cannot attend my forthcoming book signings in July, September and October (additional signings being arranged) in the Pacific Northwest, you may now purchase signed copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, from the Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA (see website). If you can't make it to their store, you can order online or telephone. By purchasing a book from them not only do you get a signed copy but you are supporting an independent book store. I just learned there are only four copies left. DON'T MISS OUT! Thank you.
http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/
http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/
June 3, 2012
The Kindle edition is here.
For those of you who have been waiting, you can now order the Kindle edtion of my historical novel, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE. Order through Sunbury Press (www.sunburypress.com) or Amazon.
The Nook version should be out in approximately three weeks and will be available through Sunbury Press and Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com).
Good reading!
The Nook version should be out in approximately three weeks and will be available through Sunbury Press and Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com).
Good reading!
May 24, 2012
Promotional Video Contract
I have signed a contract with Avalon Graphics to produce a promotional video trailer (for You Tube, etc.) for my historical novel THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE. Production starts in June. I will keep you informed of its progress.
http://www.avalongraphics.org/video.html
http://www.avalongraphics.org/video.html
May 23, 2012
Book Signing Blanchard, Idaho
Local Authors Visit Blanchard, Idaho Community Center
On Saturday, May 19, eight writers, including myself, participated in a joint book signing session in Blanchard, a remote and sparsely populated area of Northern Idaho. The presentation was made at the their local community center, a well-lighted spacious building, which includes a kitchen and meeting rooms. This was part of an out reach program to an area that seldom sees authors, let alone interacts with and ultimately signs their books. For us, it was a cultural education/shock to say the least. The authors represented a cross-section of genres of fiction and non-fiction, including historical (my story, The Sign of the Eagle), and mystery novels, local history, self-help and cook books, and religion.
Considering the sparse population, we had a nice turn out. The people were cordial and very appreciative that we had made the effort to travel to their area. The program started with a 5-7 minute presentation by each author who spoke his/her background, particular book and how they arrived at ideas for their tome. This was followed by author signings and finished with a Mexican themed lunch.
Even though there is little economic gain from going to such remote areas, it is important for authors to venture out into the public eye and connect with fans particularly in places where they aren't likely to visit. The Metro areas seem to get more attention which is not fair if you are a reader in a small town.
Next signing event will take place at A Book for all Seasons Bookstore, July 14, in Leavenworth, WA, a major tourist resort.
On Saturday, May 19, eight writers, including myself, participated in a joint book signing session in Blanchard, a remote and sparsely populated area of Northern Idaho. The presentation was made at the their local community center, a well-lighted spacious building, which includes a kitchen and meeting rooms. This was part of an out reach program to an area that seldom sees authors, let alone interacts with and ultimately signs their books. For us, it was a cultural education/shock to say the least. The authors represented a cross-section of genres of fiction and non-fiction, including historical (my story, The Sign of the Eagle), and mystery novels, local history, self-help and cook books, and religion.
Considering the sparse population, we had a nice turn out. The people were cordial and very appreciative that we had made the effort to travel to their area. The program started with a 5-7 minute presentation by each author who spoke his/her background, particular book and how they arrived at ideas for their tome. This was followed by author signings and finished with a Mexican themed lunch.
Even though there is little economic gain from going to such remote areas, it is important for authors to venture out into the public eye and connect with fans particularly in places where they aren't likely to visit. The Metro areas seem to get more attention which is not fair if you are a reader in a small town.
Next signing event will take place at A Book for all Seasons Bookstore, July 14, in Leavenworth, WA, a major tourist resort.
May 4, 2012
Signed Copies Available
For those of you who are interested, you may now purchase signed copies of my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, from the Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA (see website). If you can't make it to their store, you can order online or telephone. By purchasing a book from them not only do you get a signed copy but you are supporting an independent book store. Thank you.
http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/
http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/
Best Seller
I am pleased to announce that my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE placed no. 9 on Sunbury Press' top ten best-seller list for the month of April. Thank you for your support. For those of you who have not yet bought a copy, I suggest you purchase it at the Barnes & Noble (bn.com) website. The price is only 12.20. This Saturday I will post news as to where you can obtain an autograph copy of my novel, either by dropping by the store or telephoning in an order. In the meantime, the novel is available on Amazon USA, Japan and several places in Europe.
http://www.sunburypress.com/978162006...
http://www.sunburypress.com/978162006...
April 19, 2012
Blog Update 041912 - Sign of the Eagle and More
Since The Sign of the Eagle was published in late March, I have been very busy promoting the novel. I have sent complimentary copies to numerous book stores for consideration in holding a book signing events and/or retaining additional volumes for sale.
Recently, I sent copies to a couple local Spokane TV stations and to the newspaper, Spokesman-Review for possible interviews. I used the angle this is my first historical novel, and as a senior citizen, it shows that you can learn something new at any age.
Additionally, I sent books to the following places for review: Fictional Rome (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey), Historical Novel Review, Historical Novels.info, Library Journal, Midwest Review and the Spokane County Library.
Last week I learned The Sign of the Eagle debuted number six in Sunbury Press's top ten best selling list for the month of March. Not a bad for being on the list for less than ten days.
As of this writing, four stores have set up book signings for me (see home page and click onto the book signing link). More should follow in the near future.
Besides Facebook, I am now on Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.
Despite all my promotional activities, I am still working on my two other historicals, The Wolf of Britannia and The Broken Lance.
The Wolf of Britannia (insert picture with sword standing above helmets to left of this section)
Finally, I finished the rewrite of Part I which expanded from 21 to 34 chapters. I am currently working on chapter 35 in which the Romans invaded Britannia in 43 A.D. Caratacus destroyed a Roman cohort ten miles inland from the beach landing, but knows it is only the beginning. Once again, Porcius is on the scene. I also introduce two new characters, General Aulus Plautius (historical character) and Centurion Marcus Valerius Bassus, who we see in The Sign of the Eagle as Senator Bassus.
The Broken Lance (insert picture of cavalryman to left of this section)
Marcellus, now Flavius Sabinus's retainer, has traveled with him to Rome. Also accompanying them is Marcellus's friend, Crispus, who Marcellus persuaded Sabinus to promote to sergeant and be his aide-de-camp. Traveling with them as hostage is the Celtic Princess, Eleyne, daughter of King Verica. She is being brought to Rome to assure that her father remains loyal to Rome. Fortunately for her, and later Marcellus, she will stay as an honored guest at the home of Sabinus and his family.
Recently, I sent copies to a couple local Spokane TV stations and to the newspaper, Spokesman-Review for possible interviews. I used the angle this is my first historical novel, and as a senior citizen, it shows that you can learn something new at any age.
Additionally, I sent books to the following places for review: Fictional Rome (The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey), Historical Novel Review, Historical Novels.info, Library Journal, Midwest Review and the Spokane County Library.
Last week I learned The Sign of the Eagle debuted number six in Sunbury Press's top ten best selling list for the month of March. Not a bad for being on the list for less than ten days.
As of this writing, four stores have set up book signings for me (see home page and click onto the book signing link). More should follow in the near future.
Besides Facebook, I am now on Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.
Despite all my promotional activities, I am still working on my two other historicals, The Wolf of Britannia and The Broken Lance.
The Wolf of Britannia (insert picture with sword standing above helmets to left of this section)
Finally, I finished the rewrite of Part I which expanded from 21 to 34 chapters. I am currently working on chapter 35 in which the Romans invaded Britannia in 43 A.D. Caratacus destroyed a Roman cohort ten miles inland from the beach landing, but knows it is only the beginning. Once again, Porcius is on the scene. I also introduce two new characters, General Aulus Plautius (historical character) and Centurion Marcus Valerius Bassus, who we see in The Sign of the Eagle as Senator Bassus.
The Broken Lance (insert picture of cavalryman to left of this section)
Marcellus, now Flavius Sabinus's retainer, has traveled with him to Rome. Also accompanying them is Marcellus's friend, Crispus, who Marcellus persuaded Sabinus to promote to sergeant and be his aide-de-camp. Traveling with them as hostage is the Celtic Princess, Eleyne, daughter of King Verica. She is being brought to Rome to assure that her father remains loyal to Rome. Fortunately for her, and later Marcellus, she will stay as an honored guest at the home of Sabinus and his family.
April 13, 2012
Amazon UK
To my UK friends, I am pleased to announce that my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE is now available on Amazon.co.uk. Shipping is free. Check it out and thank you for your support.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sign-Eagle-Je...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sign-Eagle-Je...
April 12, 2012
THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, blog update
Hello,
I am pleased to announce that my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, debuted no. 6, in the top ten bestsellers for Sunbury Press for the month of March. I thank everyone who bought and read my book, you made this possible and I appreciate it. I hope more readers will join in reading my novel.
I have contacted several stores to line up future book signing events. So far three have come into the fold (see events). More are interested but are waiting for the official book distributor catalog by Baker and Taylor to be issued before they will cone on board. The catalog will allow them to purchase copies and return those not sold. Right now, the novel is not officially listed although you can order it from several websites include brick and mortar stores at a print on demand book.
I write historical fiction because of my love for history, especially, the Classical period. Now, that I am retired (for the second time), I can devote more time to my writing (I still have a mini-farm to keep me busy as well). I hope will enjoy reading the novel as much as I did in its writing.
I am pleased to announce that my historical, THE SIGN OF THE EAGLE, debuted no. 6, in the top ten bestsellers for Sunbury Press for the month of March. I thank everyone who bought and read my book, you made this possible and I appreciate it. I hope more readers will join in reading my novel.
I have contacted several stores to line up future book signing events. So far three have come into the fold (see events). More are interested but are waiting for the official book distributor catalog by Baker and Taylor to be issued before they will cone on board. The catalog will allow them to purchase copies and return those not sold. Right now, the novel is not officially listed although you can order it from several websites include brick and mortar stores at a print on demand book.
I write historical fiction because of my love for history, especially, the Classical period. Now, that I am retired (for the second time), I can devote more time to my writing (I still have a mini-farm to keep me busy as well). I hope will enjoy reading the novel as much as I did in its writing.
