And They're Off...

It's an exciting time for me here in L.A. (Lower Alabama). This weekend starts research for the new book, Best Dog Hikes Alabama, which will be followed by a presentation at the Bailey Cove Branch of the Huntsville Public Library. I hope to see you all there. It begins at 1pm with a book signing following. I'll be talking about how NOT to get a book deal, the writing process, and my favorite hikes from my previous three hiking books.

For those of you wondering about the Best Dog Hikes events to help raise money for local shelters (or so  you can adopt a pup) that I mentioned a few weeks ago, they will be happening. I'm working on the Gulf Coast event right now and hope to have details shortly. With my packed schedule for this book, writing for RootsRated and my video and audio podcasts, it looks like the remaining events in the south, central, and north regions of the state will be after the new year. But hang on! I promise, we'll have one coming to your area soon.

The hardest part of getting this new book started is the same as it was with the first edition of Hiking Alabama in 2000 - how do you pick and choose the best trails? Alabama has some fantastic hiking destinations and if I had my way my books would include them all. So once again I'm in the process of culling down the bajillion possibilities into 40 plus 20 honorable mentions. A daunting task.

I am a bit rediculous, though, with planning my research trips. I must have re-written my plans a thousand times already - - in a week! But, it will settle down soon.

Well, that's it for now. Hope to see you all this Saturday or on a trail soon!