A Blatantly Commercial Announcement

[umlerian49]

I was really torn on whether to post this, because this isn't a story, and what's more, it's a shameless plug.

The Wide Prairie Sky and Big New World were picked up by an e-publisher, Divine Destinies, a division of Extasy Books. They've been rewritten into a six book series and the first book, A Growing Lad, went on sale on the 15th. I hope this doesn't annoy too many people on this forum, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be an honest-for-real published author.

The story's been sanitized somewhat to make it more suitable for YA audiences. I'm going to stop short of asking anyone here to buy it, but if you do, please leave a review. It was the warmly positive comments that I got from this forum that gave me the courage to pursue this. I owe a lot to all of you. Thank you.

[sonic260]

Congratulations!!

[falseyedee]

Congratulations! that is big news indeed. you have every right to brag. it is very exciting to see your work in print. post a link to where we can buy the book!

[Rowan]

Congrats! We def need more MG out there. XD

Are you U. M. Lassiter?

[vga518]

Congratulations Man, Loved your stories as you know. Sorry to know that they are no longer here on the forum but once more congrats on getting published and thanks for letting us know.

[Xyggurat]

Normally I'd feel compelled to gripe about you posting this in the wrong section, but...

Congratu-freaking-lations! It's always awesome seeing someone 'make it' in the writing world. How awesome!

I now return you to my regularly scheduled surliness.

-X-

[Jack of Blades]

Congratulations! And OF COURSE I'll buy every single one. As a fellow aspiring writer we gotta support each other. And anyway its a wonderful series that I utterly loved.

[big alpha brute]

Congratulations fella

[JP71]

You are in my top three authors of all time list. And I don't just mean on here. I can comfortably mention you most favourably in the same sentence as Stephen King and Richard Matheson. Your novels stirred me and touched me in ways I never thought literature ever could. I have never cared more about the plight of a story's protagonist (not since Matheson's "The Shrinking Man") as I have Alex Johnson, and in my mind I had you published long before it happened.

Congratulations on your brilliant, and most deserved, success. I count humbly amongst your most adoring of fans. If I ever get to be a fraction as good a writer as you effortlessly are, I will be content.

James.

[umlerian49]

Originally Posted by falseyedee

Congratulations! that is big news indeed. you have every right to brag. it is very exciting to see your work in print. post a link to where we can buy the book!

That would be http://www.devinedestinies.com/a-growing-lad/

Originally Posted by Rowan

Congrats! We def need more MG out there. XD

Are you U. M. Lassiter?

Why yes, yes I am.

Originally Posted by vga518

Congratulations Man, Loved your stories as you know. Sorry to know that they are no longer here on the forum but once more congrats on getting published and thanks for letting us know.

I'm hoping to still post a story now and then. I feel indebted. Rewriting and working with a real editor is an amazing experience... but it's time-consuming!

Originally Posted by Xyggurat

Normally I'd feel compelled to gripe about you posting this in the wrong section, but...

Congratu-freaking-lations! It's always awesome seeing someone 'make it' in the writing world. How awesome!

I now return you to my regularly scheduled surliness.

-X-

I promise to post in the right place from now on.

Originally Posted by Jack of Blades

Congratulations! And OF COURSE I'll buy every single one. As a fellow aspiring writer we gotta support each other. And anyway its a wonderful series that I utterly loved.

There are many other writers on the forum that are as good, or better. I encourage others to take the plunge.

Originally Posted by JP71

You are in my top three authors of all time list. And I don't just mean on here. I can comfortably mention you most favourably in the same sentence as Stephen King and Richard Matheson. Your novels stirred me and touched me in ways I never thought literature ever could. I have never cared more about the plight of a story's protagonist (not since Matheson's "The Shrinking Man") as I have Alex Johnson, and in my mind I had you published long before it happened.

Congratulations on your brilliant, and most deserved, success. I count humbly amongst your most adoring of fans. If I ever get to be a fraction as good a writer as you effortlessly are, I will be content.

James.

I'm really blushing now! To be honest, my biggest worry was that you guys would flame me for going all mercenary. I've always been impressed with the highly civilized nature of the postings, but I'm as insecure as the next guy.

I'm going to go now and bask in the glow of your kindness.

[Mass Driver]

Congratulations, U.M.
You shared your vision with us, without a thought of compensation.
And a lot of readers never tell the good/great authors,
just how awesome they are.
Now we all know the caliber of your work,
and at the same time you are the proper level of praise.
Robert A. Heinlein said (I think), "If you like someones work, then pay for it.
Nothing says whole hearted praise like giving your hard earned dollars."
Don'r stop, Man.
Keep Writing.

MD

[funboy]

That is awesome. I am heading over to buy a copy. (Honouring Mass Driver's Heinlein quote).

[umlerian49]

Ooh! Ooh! PLEASE leave a review!

Thank you for your very kind patronage. Tell a friend!