Rainy Day Book Update

Mother Nature must have decided it was time for me to catch up on my email and blog, cos we have definitely hit Alaska's monsoon season. As a result, I'm sitting here watching my lawn turn yellow with a covering of birch leaves. We've already spied some Termination Dust on Pioneer Peak, so winter can't be far away.

As for the book, it continues to do well. I won't say that I didn't think it'd sell, I did, but even I am astonished at the wonderful response I've gotten. Even more so, I guess, cos I really haven't kicked myself into gear to do much promotion other than via this blog and my email lists. It's a good thing I write well, cos I'm a rotten salesman. But, in any case.....

As of right now, with very little effort on my part, the book is in two bookstores. Alaskana Books in Palmer got it first, she's always a wonderful help when I'm in search of info, and Annabelle's Books here in Wasilla. They even asked if I'd do a booksigning, so somewhere around race time, how cool is this, I'll be there signing books. I've even heard from a couple Lower 48 bookstore sounding places, so the word is definitely out. And, to think, I only bought 25 mailing envelopes to begin with, but am already considering doing another order at the end of this month.

In a weird way, tho', it still doesn't seem real to me. It's as if I'm playing the role of an author in a play and following some script, not as if it's really me. Okay, yeah, I'm weird, but there's just such an air of unreality to being on the same page as authors like Gary Paulsen and even, hee-hee, briefly outselling him. Oh, yeah, Gary's going to hear about this one, that's for sure! Of course, even weirder than being a "real author" now, is the realization that someone like Gary Paulsen is a friend, not just a name on a book. How cool is that? The guy I blame for inspiring my interest in all things Alaska is a friend.

On the "what's next?" front, I'm toying with two ideas. One will be sorta a kids' guide to the race, maybe in two versions, elem. and higher level, and the other will be a more detailed look at the people that make the race happen. Iditarod Classics looked at the mushers, but in addition to that, I want to include in the handlers, volunteers, fans, and even the media that write, photograph and illustrate the race. I think I have my work cut out for me, but it'll be a fun ride.