Just a few years ago, it was widely predicted that writers like me and bookstores like Battenkill Books were doomed, we were dinosaurs, we would never survive the recession, e-publishing and the effects of social media.

But here we are, at it again, Connie Brooks and I are two small miracles, and happily bound to one another as we navigate the new world.

We have the most wonderful collaboration, and it is a thrill to be gearing up again.

Connie has done the impossible, her beautiful, much-loved independent bookstore is succeeding in this small town in Eastern New York State, right along the Vermont border. Connie is a passionate book lover and smart businessperson. She is all about community and knowing people. She is the perfect symbol for the new independent bookstore owner, these stores are not dead, they are in a renaissance. People do not want them to vanish.

Connie has become central to my life as an author. As book tours and traditional marketing vanishes, Connie and I have set out on an exciting experiment. She sold 1,200 copies of my last book from Battenkill Books, and piled up a gaggle of devoted new customers. People love dealing with her and her staff, and they order books from  her all year.

When a book of mine comes out, I go there for several days and sign and personalize each one. This year, Connie is also throwing in a free and beautiful custom-designed tote-bag with a symbol of a dog, a border collie,and a message that says “sit, stay, read.”

We are off again.You can support books, authors,  me,  Bedlam Farm, and independent bookstores by pre-ordering (or ordering) a copy of my new book “Talking To Animals: How We Can Understand Them And They Can Understand Us.”

Connie takes Paypal and major credit cards. If you believe that authors, hardcover books and independent bookstores ought stick around this is a way to help. Besides that, I believe the book is compelling and important. We need to understand animals in a new and wiser way if they are to survive. The first reviews agree.

I think this is the most important book I have written full of anecdotes, experience and things for animal lovers to think about.

There are 500 pre-orders already, 500 more tote-bags to give away. And we can order more. If you don’t wish to order online, you can call the store at 518 677-2515. Humans are a pleasure to deal with.

You can pre-order “Talking To Animals” and support a wonderful bookstore by going here to take a look. And thanks.