I’ve just received a copy of the trade paperback edition of Hard Country and it looks great. The book will be released on May 28 and it includes in the front pages Robin Martin’s excellent review published by my hometown newspaper, The Santa Fe New Mexican as well as very laudable quotes from New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein and Emmy winner Kirk Ellis that weren’t included with the hardcover edition. Also included is the first chapter of Backlands, the second book in the Kerney family trilogy which is tentatively scheduled for release in June, 2014.  Of course you can read all the reviews, quotes, and chapter one of Backlands on my website right now I’ll be launching the trade paperback edition of “Hard Country” on June 12 at 6 pm at the Collected Works Bookstore in Santa Fe, 202 Galisteo St., 505-988-4226. If you’re in the market for signed or personalized copies to be sent to you, call the bookstore to place your orders. I’ll be doing some media events to promote the signing including May Charlotte’s KSFR-FM Radio Café show and a public television show, Report From Santa Fe hosted by Lorene Mills, broadcast on KNME-TV that airs statewide. Check the stations to find out air times or for the TV interview go to Report from Santa Fe. Interestingly, I’ve been asked by a Santa Fe Realtor who is a big fan of my books to sign at an Open House in Galisteo on July 21, at 2 pm. This very innovative idea immediately appealed to me and I said yes right away. The realtor is Emily Medvec of Santa Fe Properties and the listed property is at 42 Camino Los Angelitos, Galisteo, NM.  If you want more information about the book signing, the property, or Emily call her at 505-660- 4541, or email her at emilymedvec@gmail.com  I’m looking forward to see if this venue attracts a crowd. With the marketing Emily has planned, I’m thinking it will. Finally, I’ve been advised that Hard Country will be displayed for a month in the front of the store at every Barnes & Noble nationwide. That’s absolutely phenomenal exposure. Here the drought continues and it is not going to end anytime soon.  Which makes me ask the question: Don’t you think that building new houses and roads, expanding the suburban sprawl,  and encouraging more people to move to the arid southwest is almost as stupid as manufacturing and marketing real rifles that fire real ammunition to young children?     Until next time, peace. I