In July 2009, when I first began to write a story about an unfortunate, lonely girl with a deadly touch, I certainly never imagined that this book would connect so strongly with so many readers, or that it would lead to a full-time career as an independent author. Jenny’s story has grown and deepened over the years, and I think this book takes that to another level. I’m already starting to miss Jenny, Seth, and all the others as I wrap up this book in September 2012.
The Jenny Pox books have freed me from the need to work a day job so that I can stay home with my son Johnny, who is now almost sixteen months old. This time in my life has been more precious than I can say, and so I want to start by thanking every single reader who has bought my books and made this possible. Double thanks to those of you who’ve taken the time to recommend my books to other people, to post a positive review on major retailers, or otherwise helped to get the word out. As an indie author, I depend almost entirely on word of mouth from readers. Thank you so much for all you’ve done! I’m amazed every time I hear from a new fan.
Next, I want to thank my lovely wife Christina, who has helped out in every way, from believing in me more than I did, to giving honest feedback on drafts of my books, to spending plenty of time with the baby so that I can write each day. You are a true companion and best friend! (Also, thanks to Johnny for being a happy, good-natured sort of baby!)
I have to thank those who helped me create this book. Vicki Keire did the editing, full of her usual love of and insight into Jenny’s world, while Claudia from Phatpuppy Art again provided the beautiful cover art. My beta readers, including the fabulous authors Rhiannon Frater, Samantha Young, Courtney Cole, and Heather Hildenbrand, helped get the story into shape. Also, Amy Leigh Strickland, who I forgot to ask to look over it.
I also want to thank the people who helped the Jenny Pox books reach their audience. First is Amanda Hocking, who first put Jenny Pox in front of huge numbers of people when she offered to excerpt it in her bestselling book Ascend, the third book of the Trylle series, which has since been reissued by St. Martin’s Press. Without Amanda, Jenny might have had a much shorter life.
Many people in the indie author community have been supportive fans of my books. I want to thank some of my indie friends like Stacey Wallace Benefiel and LK Rigel, people with whom I can talk about anything. There are people like epic fantasy author David Dalglish, who will probably never read books as girly as these, but his constant support, advice, and help to fellow authors is amazing. Hanging out with writers like Daniel Arenson, Michael Crane, and Daniel Pyle helps keep life entertaining.
Lots of thanks to Rosie Jane Shepherd, who made the Jenny Pox book trailer as a project for film school, so it has actual actors and amazing special effects. You can view it at my website: http://jlbryanbooks.com/books/jennypox.html.
Then, the book bloggers! I know I won’t be able to come up with all the book bloggers who’ve supported, promoted, and reviewed the Jenny Pox books, but I will try to name all those who’ve been particularly supportive, in more or less chronological order!
So, here’s a HUGE thanks to: Heather, Heather and Danny from Bewitched Bookworms, Jenny from Supernatural Snark, Kim the Caffeinated Diva, Karen from the Slowest Bookworm, Tori at Smexy Books, Emma at Belle Books, Kelly at Reading the Paranormal, Ashley from Bookish Brunette and Loretta from Between the Pages (both of whom repeatedly harassed me to write a fourth Jenny Pox book, so you can thank them...), Giselle from Xpresso Reads, Shawna LeAnn from Dreaming in the Pages, Sabrina from About Happy Books, Ash from Smash Attack Reads!, Jennifer from Tale of Many Reviews, Jordan from Ink Puddle, Heather from Buried in Books, Isalys at Book Soulmates, Jennie from My Cute Bookshelf, Kristen from Wholly Books, MoonStar from MoonStar’s Fantasy World, Jessi from Reading in the Corner, the mystery girl who runs Unabridged Bookshelf, Shirley from Creative Deeds, Aimee from Coffee Table Reviews, Savannah from Books with Bite, Jennifer from Feminist Fairy Tale Reviews, Kristina from Ladybug Storytime, Kristin from Blood, Sweat & Books, Misty