The State of the State
If you are reading this, you are connected to the new judynedry.com website, completely updated and sporting with a fresh new look. A round of applause goes out to my friend and Internet Guru Aaron Yeagle.
I met Aaron when I moved back to Portland from wine country in late 2006 and joined a networking group to…um…network. He set up my original website, and has worked on updates since then, but this is the first major overhaul in quite a long time. I love it! It embodies the energy and mystique of my new novel Blackthorn, and of past novels as well. Aaron also designed this tasty cover! 
The State of the Novel
I am pleased to announce that Blackthorn is in its final phase of production. That roughly translates into dotting i‘s and crossing t‘s. I am still working on final edits. Very final edits. My work is nearly done on this project that has taken such a very long time. I totally enjoy the process, and for me some of the most fun is actually being involved in the production decisions. The final word count is just over 90,000 words.
You will notice my updated profile photo, which will grace the Blackthorn cover. On a sunny day in mid-January, my pal Jennifer King came over to the condo and we wandered around the place and she took photos. Jennifer is an amazing portrait photographer, and her skills keep improving with time and practice. I am so grateful to have these friends, along with my early readers–Lynn Greenwood, Margaret Hurle, Linda Baldwin, Michaele Dunlap, Wynne Peterson-Nedry, Toni Morgan, and Janet Nedry–who helped guide me through it all. Huge thanks! It takes a village.
You, gentle readers, can get your first taste of the novel by clicking on the “My Books” heading to your left and reading Chapter 1. This is not a book about rodeos; it merely sets the stage for future events. Aaron takes over now to format the book for publication. Sometime in early April there will be a book!
Shameless Self-Promotion
Meanwhile, two launch party dates have been set:
- Sunday April 7, 2 p.m., The Forest Condominiums Clubhouse, 4000 Carman Drive, Lake Oswego 97034.
- Wednesday April 17, 7 p.m., Annie Bloom’s Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland 97219.
If you can read this, you’re invited. Mark your calendars!
In addition, Blackthorn may be pre-ordered from my website in either paperback or Ebook format. The Ebook version will be sent to you when available; paperbacks will be mailed, or you can pick up at one of the launch parties.
Finally, the author is available for private book talks/readings/signings. Please consider hosting one at your home, either with your book club or just because you want to.
Happy Groundhog’s Day! Whether or not the little varmint saw his shadow, we know that longer days are coming, and only hope that better days are coming.
Judy
