Tomorrow, June 20, I'll hold my last book signing event for a while, as I'll be traveling next month to do some research for the sequel to "Rolling Back the River." Barnes & Noble in South Portland from 1:00 to 3:00. If you're in the area, stop by and say hi. This is a GREAT Father's Day book, by the way. ;)
Two book signings this weekend: Tomorrow, Saturday, I'll be at the Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop in Falmouth from 12:30 to 2:30, and on Sunday at the Barnes & Noble in Augusta starting at noon. Stop by and say hi!
From Vermont . . . a land of trout streams and forests . . . comes a new review of RBtR rcently published on Substack by a poet and outdoorsman Dave Celone. Have a look.
I just learned that my publisher, Stackpole/Globe Pequot, is planning to nominate Rolling Back the River for a 2026 National Outdoor Book Award in the Outdoor Literature category. The deadline for submissions is in mid August, and winners are announced in November. Now, I'm well aware that a nomination is not a win, but it's really good to know that Globe Pequot has this level of confidence in my novel; they publish a LOT of outdoor books every year, and they certainly do NOT nominate all of them for the outdoor world's most prestigious publishing award. I did some checking and, in the 30 years they've been giving out NOBAs . . . only two of the Outdoor Literature winners have been fiction; most of them have been real-life adventure stories of one kind or another. So, as with any award worth competing for, the odds here are long. Nonetheless, I'm excited. In fact more than excited, I'm hopeful. Wish me luck!
Had a terrific time yesterday at my Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops signing in Rockland. Sold a bunch of copies of Rolling Back the River; talked to a lot of great people. I learned a long time ago that book signings often don't go great if you're just sitting there looking hopeful. Much better to be on your feet, engaging with people. And, although I'm not a natural extrovert, I've learned to enjoy the interactions. Thanks to everybody who came by. For everyone else . . . I've got three more signings scheduled up and down the Maine coast later in June, and a bit closer to Fathers Day. Check my Home page for when and where!
Here's yet another Goodreads review of Rolling Back the River. If I do say so myself, this reader not only provides a very good description of the novel, but she herself is proof that the book contains a thoughtful adventure story that can be enjoyed by a reader who doesn't know a lot about the sport of fly fishing.
Yep, Fathers Day is on the way, and Rolling Back the River, with its blend of adventure, mystery, angling, and meditations on a man's place in a changing world—along with an array of fascinating, strong, and occasionally seductive women characters—make this an ideal read for men of any age. And yes; on four Saturdays just prior to Fathers Day, I'll be signing copies of my book at bookstores up and down the coast of Maine, including at the big Barnes & Noble stores in South Portland and Augusta. I'll also be at two Sherman's Maine Coast Bookshops, starting with the Rockland store on Saturday, May 30—which is coming right up. Check my Home Page for the schedule. I hope to see you at one of my signings!
