Dayton, Ohio – Maria and Izzy and I take an afternoon walk.

Hotels are disconnected worlds to me, especially in areas that are struggling economically. Dayton has a lot of wealth, but also a lot of loss. I have a routine before book tour talks and signings, a way of prepping. I meditate for a few minutes, gather myself, clear my head of things.

I think of one or two things I want to say, of things I missed the night before. I raise different issues, wonder if I should read from my novel tonight – I don’t like to read from my books, I like the conversations that begin with Q and A’s. Bookstores like readings to be shortish so people will buy books. I would talk all night if they let me, and answer questions, but they don’t let me. Kathy, the very competent escort will come by a 5:45 to collect us. Izzy is tired and I will be careful with him, but I don’t want that to be a distraction. I want to focus on the talk.

My book events are much longer than they used to be. More people, more books, more signings. They are more tiring, also very rewarding. I remember when a dozen people would have been a good number for me at a reading. I’ll make some notes about the talk and put them in the Ipad so I can refer to them. Want to talk about the novel, about the mind of a dog, about women and dogs, and about animal grieving. The talks are different, this tour is different.Much more intense. I’m very pleased that the South Hadley Public Library in Massachusetts has agreed to let me talk there – it may be filmed for local TV – on October 26. Part of the new kind of book tour idea. I love libraries and librarians and am always happy to go speak at libraries. Thursday this week I will be speaking at the Bainbridge Library in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, 7 p.m.Time to read a bit from”Rose In A Storm,” to get ready.