We've got big news -- so big that it can't wait for the regular Friday update -- The Gullwing Odyssey has broken through Amazon's top ten and is sitting pretty at position seven as of 7:48 this morning. And it's all thanks to you, our readers. For those of you just joining in, follow this link to Amazon and see what it's all about.

We're flattered, really, and honored, and a little intimidated. You've made it clear that you've enjoyed Marco's adventures and want more. You've set the bar pretty high. Make no mistake, though -- we deliver.

First the president, and now attorneys and radio personalities -- Marco and friends sure have been rubbing elbows with interesting types lately.

Last week, an advance copy of The Gullwing Odyssey went out to President Obama and family. Right on the heels of that news comes this new development: the novel was featured in the Literary Lawyers section of The Florida Bar News (December 1, 2013, volume 40, number 23). This newspaper reaches an audience of over 96,000 (state bar membership as of September 2013), which is to say that Marco soon may be taking up residence in the homes of many distinguished barristers.

Last but certainly not least, Marco and company will also pay a visit to Paul Castronovo and "Young" Ron Brewer. These radio show dynamos have been on the air for over twenty years in the South Florida tri-county area. During that time they've hopscotched across the radio dial, but we here at the Syndicate have been fans of their comedy/rock and roll morning show since the beginning. Sending them advance copies is our way of saying thanks for their many years of wonderful radio programs and community activities.

We here at Darkwater Syndicate don't publicly espouse to any political leanings --  we're too busy writing -- but we do recognize that each of us has a civic duty. We've got gifts, and with them come responsibilities to use them to their fullest. It just happens to be that our gift is we're halfway decent at writing, and we've published a very funny book.

The Gullwing Odyssey will soon find a home in a bookshelf at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. For those of you who aren't savvy on the geography of Washington D.C., that's the White House. Marco Gullwing and friends are paying the U.S. president a visit.

Regardless of what your political leanings are, I think we all can agree that it's not easy being the president. In fact, it's one of the toughest jobs there is. Even if you were to do everything right, there'd always be some late-night comedian or talk show host who'd criticize every aspect of your life down to the number of breaths you draw in a minute. And that's the least of things you'd have to worry about, saying nothing of domestic issues and international policy. That's pressure, folks. If anyone needs a laugh, and not one at his expense, it's the president.

The president is a busy man, and so we don't expect him to write back, but if he does, we'll be sure to let you know.