As the holiday season rushes by us, please consider supporting an industry that has been hit hard not only by the lagging economy but by readers’ changing reading habits: publishing.

Here I am with fellow authors Cynthia Nims and Carol Frieberg signing books earlier this month at Parkplace Books in Kirkland, Washington.

I signed all my books: Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining, the Pike Place Public Market Seafood Cookbook, and the Pike Place Market Cookbook. Too fun!

Mark your calendars, one and all!

On Friday, December 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., I’ll sign all my recent book titles, including “Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining,” at Parkplace Books’ Annual Holiday Bash in Kirkland, Washington! As the press release says:

“Mingle with some of our favorite children and adult Pacific Northwest authors, imbibe in holiday wassail, sample delicious holiday treats. . .and get a jump on your gift-buying.

“This has always been a fantastic time to come together with friends, family members, and others from the Kirkland community. As in the past, we will be accepting donated food items, and our sleigh is waiting for donations of children’s books that will be given to Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing (KITH) to be handed out to children in need.

“So join us for an evening of Holiday Cheer and Good Conversation that also benefits our neighbors in need.”

Here’s a very nice review of Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining that was in yesterday’s Sierra Sun, which is published five times a week (Tuesday through Saturday) in the Lake Tahoe, California, region. 

“What a beautiful book. This book tempted me to hop on a plane and go see these places and experience the seafood, produce and fruits of the vine in person yet again. This area of the country has had a significant influence on our culinary palettes and style in the past several years and this book gives a well-written documentation, presentation and temptation of the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer. This would make a fabulous gift for any cook or lover of this part of the country.”

My seventh book, Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining, was one of five books mentioned in the August edition of Seattle magazine as one of the top books on Washington wine. Here’s the lovely review in its entirety:

My latest book, Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining has been back in the news lately, with blog entries in the American Winery and Northwest Noshings blogs, and a mention in New Horizons magazine. 

We were thrilled to walk by the Barnes & Noble bookstore in downtown Seattle’s Pacific Place mall over the weekend and spy Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining in the front window along with other Washington-themed tomes. 

My latest book, Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining, garnered lots of lovely publicity last month. 

In the June 20-22 edition of USA Weekend, PNWD was featured, along with four other guidebooks, in an article by Emily Yahr entitled, “Road Maps to Great Eats,” in which she said:

“Each summer, millions of us hit the highway for a road trip. But after the umpteenth stop at a chain restaurant, the spirit fades. These new books can steer chowhounds to not-to-be-missed eating along the way, from quick, cheap eats to fine dining.”

Meanwhile, on June 25, PNWD was chosen Cookbook of the Day on the Slashfood.com Web site. Here’s what writer Marisa McClellan had to say:

“I went to college in Walla Walla, Washington, just as a revolution in food and wine was taking place in the area. . .In Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining, Braiden Rex-Johnson captures examples of that revolution all over the region and condenses the best of the offerings into a pleasure-filled book.”

A salmon recipe from PNWD was also featured on the Sally’s Place Web site on June 23.

Finally, PNWD was on display at the Wiley booth at Book Expo America (BEA) in Los Angeles.