Lulu and Fanny are pleased that we are back on the farm. The threesome is reunited.

October 29, 2010 – I’m firming up the ideas for “Rolling Rose: Loving Libraries Tour.” I’ve got a slew of invitations and I’m thinking of doing this tour in winter, mid-to-late January and early February, one week to 10 days. I’m thinking of starting out here, in Granville and Cobbleskill, then going down to Westchester, then Bucks County, Pa., and then Scituate, Mass. and then Cape Cod. I’ve got to plan it myself, so I could end up anywhere. The libraries can sell books if they wish, as a fund-raiser, or not. I hope to persuade Maria to join me, but that depends on her work.

The idea has several elements. First, to call attention to libraries at a time when they need attention. Secondly, to promote my work, especially “Rose In A Storm,” a novel. And then, to continue the amazing conversations I have been having with readers in libraries and in Book Clubs and even private homes, and I will visit some of those on this tour. And I will use the blog and Facebook – no traditional media – to promote it and bring people out.

It’s a different kind of book tour and a very exciting one for me.  I can’t wait, although I should a bit. My agent, who is tough and clear-headed, thinks it’s a great idea. Libraries represent the best in us, and I can’t imagine better places to to go talk about books and writing. I loved the time I spent in libraries on this tour. They are vital, necessary and important to us.

I am still on this book tour, though, so I can’t respond to all of the libraries writing to me, not this week. If you could all just wait a week or so, that would be helpful to me. I can’t veer too far off this route, as I am driving myself and paying for the travel and I don’t charge anything to talk at libraries.  They have enough budget issues. Also,  I can’t take much more time than that off of my work.

So it’s taking shape and looks like I will do it. Maria seems intrigued.