Scott Phillips' "The Ice Harvest" was made into a movie, so you wouldn't think he needs to give away "Rut." But the Webster Groves writer confirms that the "mildly dystopian" story is free from Concord Free Press. The publisher asks readers to report to concordfreepress.com that, in return for the book, they made a charitable donation (a friend in Britain told the author she gave "10 pounds to a very surprised homeless person"). Phillips' books don't fit neatly into genres. His description: "filthy and funny."

What's a Twitter-length summary of the plot? It's about a small town in Colorado 40 years from now where nothing works, winter is eight months long and frogs are mutating.

Why Concord Free Press? A friend on the board asked me. They brought it out in just three months and did a really nice job. It's one of the best-looking books I've ever had out. "Rut" is also given out by independent bookstores.

Next book? "The Adjustment" in August. It's from Counterpoint and will cost money. I've got to make a living.

By Jane Henderson