Back in February, I reported on some ideas from a Seattle blogger,, Michael Lieberman to use Skype to promote books, what he called "biblio opportunities."

He suggested that prisons set up Skype reading rooms so inmates can read to their children and that poets do readings on Skype.

He also recommended that authors use Skype video to reach out to book clubs to speak with readers.

Dawn Kairns, author of MAGGIE: The Dog Who Changed My Life/ A Story of Love, has done just that.

She describes here how she used Skype to reach out via Skype Video from her home in rural Boulder, Colo., to a book discussion group in South Padre Island, Texas.

She said she felt the reception was warm and enjoyed being able to discuss her book with people who had read it. She plans to do more Skype book discussions.

Here's an excerpt from her book about her late dog, Maggie:

"Once in every dog lover's life, if you're lucky, that special once-in-a-lifetime dog comes along. You know this relationship is golden, a gift from the spirit world. You have found a soul mate. Animal and human spirits are inextricably intertwined, and you know there will never be another dog that comes close to the presence of this one and the bond that you share. For me, Maggie is that dog.

"You know it when it happens. You think a thought and your dog responds. She knows what you're asking of her, even though you never trained her to do it. You recognize that your communication is beyond words, beyond training. How do you explain it? You peer into her eyes and know you are looking into the depths of a loving, advanced soul. You may wonder, as I did, who are you in there?"

For more on Kairns go to her website. Contact her at dawnkairns@yahoo.com to arrange a book discussion.