Simon is still braying, my book “Saving Simon” is resisting being orphaned, today it went into a second printing of 3,500 more copies. Two things alone are pushing this mouth, word-of-mouth and the blog (and people’s love of Connie Brook’s bookstore, Battenkill Books, which is closing in on 1,000 copies sold.) I am proud of this, I have never had a book given so little support and attention by a publisher (I am switching publishers, I am responsible, this is just reality).

I’m heading to libraries, indy bookstores and next year, a whole week in Iowa, among other places,  to promote “Saving Simon.” But it is the mostly blog that is pushing book sales, and I am excited about that and proud of it. And I thank you. With the Christmas season coming up, this is the perfect Christmas book, or so I believe. It is also getting the nicest reviews. I intend to keep the book alive.

I am always uncomfortable promoting my stuff too much on the blog, but I am not going to quit on this book or abandon it any more than Simon quit on living. I am calling it the Orphans Book Tour. I am shooting for 2,000 copies sold through Battenkill Books, my local bookstore. Connie ships anywhere in the world and takes Paypal, and every one of the first 2,000 buyers at Battenkill will receive a free signed photo postcard and a book that is signed and personalized (I receive the right to edit personalization requests, some are windy and strange).

You can order the book from your independent bookstore or anywhere online and if you choose Battenkill, you can order it online.You can also call the store at 518 677-2515.

People who buy the books from Battenkill are also eligible to win Fromm Family Food coupons for dog or cat food, notecards, photos and some of Maria’s famous potholders. The Orphans Book tour is just getting underway, I think this is a book that is tough and hardy, just like the donkey that inspired it.

Thanks for helping this writer and this book survive the new and sharky waters of corporate publishing, I appreciate it, we are just getting started. Next up, third printing.