I always felt that Simon and I were on a journey together, literature is filled with stories of strange men and donkeys on journeys together. We are already close, brought even closer by the publication this Tuesday of “Saving Simon: How A Rescue Donkey Taught Me The Meaning Of Compassion.” Simon was an orphan, and my book has been orphaned, so we are off on another trip. The Orphan Book Tour, as I’m calling it, is already heating up. Connie Brooks says the pre-orders for the book at her shop have become a welcome deluge – she can handle it, she says – and some invitations for my new, self-constructed book tour are beginning to come in.

Since I decided to leave Random House for Simon & Schuster earlier, “Saving Simon” got orphaned. I was surprised to learn there is no book tour and not one dollar for traveling for readings. I will be doing some national radio interviews this week, Northeast Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Radio on Tuesday. So I’m constructing my own book tour, Simon did not give up on life, neither will I. That is sort of the point of the book.

Last night, offers began to come in. The first was from Susan Skinner of Des Moines, she is in charge of events at a large residential community there. She offered to fly me to Des Moines, put me up in a hotel, feed me, arrange speaking appearances at the city’s library and a bookstore in Iowa City – it’s called Prairie Lights. I wobbled for a minute or two – I’ve never done this myself before – and then accepted. Details to come, looks like November or December.

I am open to other invitations. A bookstore in New Canaan, Conn. wants me to come, and I have decided to put a book tour together myself. Many other writers have had to do this,  some have never gotten book tours. I’ve had 26, I’m lucky. many books are abandoned by their publishers, I am no better. My budget is not as big as Random House, and I am grateful to Susan Skinner for her generous offer, she has been trying to get my publisher to send me to Iowa for awhile. The idea of an Orphan book tour is growing on me, what an important statement to make on behalf of writing and writers. It is wrong to orphan books, and I am happy to make some noise about it.

Then, there’s Battenkill Books, my local bookstore. Battenkill has become a major element in my publishing life, we sold 1,500 copies of my last book “Second Chance Dog” there, I believe we shall do better on this one.  I’m  heading over there at 10 a.m. to sign more books – looks like we have sailed past the 500 pre-order mark, more coming in online. Every book buyer at Battenkill will get a signed photo postcard of Simon in his red hat and will be eligible to win free dog foods, free books, photos, potholders, notecards.

The store takes Paypal and ships anywhere in the world, and you can also call them (or me this morning) at 518 677-2515. I might not have too much time, but I will be happy, as always,  to say hello. Red is coming along, Maria too.

Maria will also be selling copies of “Saving Simon” in her art studio next weekend at the Bedlam Farm Open House. I will, of course, sign them. I’ll also be doing an impromptu book signing at Battenkill at 9 a.m. Sunday for people in the area and those coming to the Open House.

And Simon will be  happy to take a carrot from anyone who wants to see him or read his story.  He is quite the ham. The book is moving fast on the Amazon bestseller lists two days before the pub date, so I’m beginning to get cocky and think, wow, wouldn’t it be great put this all together, with the help of many good friends. And made this book sail and save it from obscurity, the fate of so many books. The Orphan Book Tour. I like it. On to Iowa and who knows where else? And thanks again, Susan Skinner,  you have given me a great kick in the butt. I’m on it.