The first day of the radically different book tour for “Second Chance Dogs: A Love Story,” began and ended beyond my expectations. Connie Brooks has well over 600 pre-orders for the book, it is in it’s second printing,  the reviews have been wonderful, and the blog has driven orders for the book prior to publication well over 2,500 copies, online and off (there are no figures yet for independent or chain bookstores). The book is already in it’s second printing.

I had a series of wonderful interviews all day long, from WAMC’s Joe Donahue (Northeast Public Radio) to Kathleen Dunn (Wisconsin Public Radio) and the day ended with a book launch at Battenkill Books (a standing room only crowd) and Frieda’s appearance. She was great, she lay down next to me and then to Maria and was still the entire evening, she could not have behaved better, she caused no trouble, was calm and quiet,  and I was happy to see her get a bit of attention for a book in which she is so central.

At Battenkill, there were many good and thoughtful questions about my book, my writing, my new kind of book tour. Fromm Family Food has offered additional vouchers for free dog food to keep the Battenkill Bookstore experiment going, people who order the book from Battenkill Books will be eligible for vouchers for free dog food as well as other incentives to be named later.

Lots of people wish to support the book, the bookstore, the idea of buying local. I think many people are supporting Frieda as well, this is a great ratification for her.  Let’s keep it going, I’m aiming for 1,000 books sold in the next week or so, we are only a few hundred away, the orders are still pouring in by phone and e-mail. The Post Office came today for it’s first truckload of books being shipped out, another huge order is arriving Friday, Maria and I will be signing books all weekend. Connie gave Maria her own colored pen and pencil set, of course, so she can do some art with her name. You can order the book through Battenkill’s website or by calling 518-677-2515.

It was a great first day, now the real challenge begins.  How far can I take this book on the blog and through my social media? I’m not sure.