Jan S. Gephardt (pronouns: she/her) is a science fiction novelist, a fantasy artist who creates paper sculpture, and a publisher. She and sister G. S. Norwood co-founded Weird Sisters Publishing LLC in 2019. Jan is the Chief Cat-Herder & Art Director for Weird Sisters, which means she is in charge of book production, illustration commissions, and all marketing, as well as writing some of the books.
Jan S. Gephardt's February 2021 Newsletter
Hi, Reader,
I’ve been working hard to finalize the manuscript for A Bone to Pick, so I can finally publish it. I hope you've already read the first book, What's Bred in the Bone, and have been anticipating the next one. Let me assure you, I'm working as fast as I can.
There are several fight scenes in the story. Recently I’ve had a chance to check the “fight choreography” with a 5th-degree Black Belt in karate. In addition to my advisor whose hands are deadly weapons, I also have had some stand-ins who’ve been helping me visualize the moves. Meet my "fight-scene enactors"!
Gotta say they've been more helpful than I anticipated, even if Maj. Bludd's left arm did keep falling off (he'd seen some action already). But then, who am I to kvetch if a man's left arm gives him trouble? And I ask you, how many other jobs can you think of that make it "necessary" for a woman my age to play with toys?
Have you read "What's Bred in the Bone"?
With A Bone to Pick coming soon, this might be a good moment to ask if you’ve read the first book in the XK9 "Bones" Trilogy, What's Bred in the Bone. If not, you might want to read it before the next one comes out (or re-read it, if you have already read it).
It’s available worldwide, from several booksellers. Click here for direct links to many fine booksellers, plus a book description and reviews!
Please help me decide!
Finally, I'd like to ask for your help with a decision about A Bone to Pick. A couple of months ago I revealed Jody's cover painting. Since then I've had a chance to design some typography for the cover--but I don't know which color to use. I narrowed it down to the two colors I like best, but I can't decide which to use.
What do you think? Do you prefer the white type, or the yellow, to match Rex's car? Please email me to say which looks better! If you have other comments, please include those, too!
I know it's been kind of a short letter this month, but I hope you enjoyed these glimpses! May you stay well and keep warm if you're in a place where it's winter (or cool, if your weather is hot!)
Best wishes,
Jan
P.S. Please read or re-read What's Bred in the Bone, so it's fresh in your memory for A Bone to Pick!
Weird Sisters Publishing
Jan S. Gephardt (pronouns: she/her) is a science fiction novelist, a fantasy artist who creates paper sculpture, and a publisher. She and sister G. S. Norwood co-founded Weird Sisters Publishing LLC in 2019. Jan is the Chief Cat-Herder & Art Director for Weird Sisters, which means she is in charge of book production, illustration commissions, and all marketing, as well as writing some of the books.
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