No matter how many books I write, no matter how much publishing and writing have changed, the sweetest part of my writing life is the day the first book arrives. I get a box of books for free, but my editors always sent me one hot off the presses. My next book “Dancing Dogs,” available in paper and e-book form,  is coming out September 25, and is being printed now. This is a major step for me, a foray into fictional short story writing, one of the more difficult genres of writing and publishing.

The book was very much influenced by my observations of people and dogs for some time, and is an effort to zero in on the point of the attachment, the very emotional feelings that crop up between people and their dogs and other animals. I am especially proud of this book, and very happy to see the lovely reviews it has been getting. My next two books – Frieda and Simon – are non-fiction, but I hope one day to return to the short story form again, and revisit it. I have a lot more stories to tell. I love getting the first copy of one of my books. I will take it for a long walk.

You can purchase “Dancing Dogs” anywhere books are sold but if you wish it to be signed and personalized and support a great independent bookstore, you can order it or pre-order it from Battenkill Books, my local bookstore. You can order it online from them or call them at 518 677-2515. And whether you buy this book or not, thank you for sharing my life here.

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Note. At 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, Lenore and I will be at Battenkill Books to read from my children’s book “Lenore Finds A Friend,” pub date September 5. Some children in a reading group will be there. The public is welcome.