At 6 p.m. next Monday, Connie Brooks of Battenkill Books, me, Maria, Red and Lenore will be at  Battenkill Books, Main St. Cambridge (518 854-9094) to talk about “The Story Of Rose: A Man And His Dog,” my first e-book original. The book’s publication date is Monday. You can order the e-book through Connie on the Battenkill site. It is also available at Amazon, Bn.Com, Ibooks, on Kindle’s and Ipads, most computers and smartphones (the regular edition is $2.99, the enhanced edition with videos, including some footage from Rose’s last day, is $3.99). Other purchasing options are here.

Connie will also have my paper books available for purchase and signing. We are planning for a discussion between an author and an independent bookstore on the impact of e-books and digital publishing on bookstores, writing, publishing and reading. Audience questions will be welcomed. Please don’t bring dogs.

This is something I have wanted to do for years, and I believe “The Story Of Rose” is one of the most creative risks I have ever taken. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. I’m also eager to talk about it. Many of my readers have expressed disappointment at their not being given an option to buy a paper version of this book, but there are many good reasons for that, I think. I’ll talk about them on Monday. I will also be talking about “Dancing Dogs,” my first short story collection, out on September 25. Connie is taking pre-orders for “Dancing Dogs” and my next children’s book, out in September.

I’m excited to mark the publication of this book in a bookstore, my favorite bookstore. I would encourage all of you to support this independent bookstore or your own. In fact, Monday’s conversation could only take place in an independent bookstore.