I meet with Peter Borland, my editor and the boss of Atria books, my imprint at Simon and Schuster, my publisher. We talked for about two hours, about my new book “Talking To Animals,” about how we could try and sell it, and we talked about my next book, my 30th, ‘Lessons Of Bedlam Farm,” just getting underway.

It means a lot to me to talk to an editor about my book, I love editing and need it, and it always makes my work better. Editors are also business people these days, and marketing is a much a part of the process as writing. Peter urged me to let “Lessons” breathe, to step back and provide mood and detail, he wants it to have a gentle and literary feel. I told him the sub-theme of the book, which is about what animals have taught me on the farm, is that life is good.

A timely message.

Peter had the first proofs of “Talking To Animals,” and I was excited to browse through it on the train home.

One of these days, in a few months, the actual book will arrive. You can pre-order it anytime through my independent bookstore, Battenkill Books.

Battenkill is my local bookstore and a wonderful one, they are deserving of your support.

I will sign and customize an book sold there. The book is selling for $26 and we are working on gifts to send back with the books – we are considering post cards with photos or tote bags. You can pre-order here.