Podiobooker » Blog Archive

Full Share

Today we release the third book in the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series by Nathan Lowell, Full Share.

The Lois McKendrick runs headlong into trouble when a routine in-system transit goes bad. Ishmael and the rest of the crew must scramble to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it in order to keep the ship alive. Learn more about the officers and crew of the Lois McKendrick as they struggle to keep their ship and discover how Ishmael finds out how wrong he’s been about what it means to be a spacer in this latest Trader’s Tale.

This entry was posted by NJ on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 9:11 pm and is filed under New Books. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

255 Responses to “Full Share”

Jon Schlueter Says:
June 26th, 2007 at 8:07 am
I greatly enjoyed both Quarter Share and Half Share and am eagerly waiting for Full Share to be available to listen to!
Ericka Says:
June 26th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
OOOOHHHHH YEEEESSSS!!!!!!!! The best part of a really good day was this unexpected discovery. I thought we would have to wait awhile for this. Thanks Nathan.
Jonathan Gill Says:
June 29th, 2007 at 8:03 am
While searching around the internet for some audio books to listen to, I stumbled across podiobooks. On the front page was the quarter share book. I thought, what the hell and listened to it. To start with, just one episode a week, then had to up it to one a day, then had to pull the lot! Same for Half share, starting at one a day, then the whole lot. The story is sweet, romantic with the sifi twist thats a must. If this was im publication it would be a series that I would have to read cover to cover as quick as possible! There are not many books that I feel fall into that category. Oh, and you really get into the characters! I can’t wait for the next book, already have the episodes released so far, just trying to hold off listening so I can listen to more than one at a time!

As this was the first audio book I have downloaded I can highly recommend it to anyone thats enjoys a good story, with characters you can believe and relate to, thats a good pace, with the SiFi aspects as a real bonus.
Nate Lowell Says:
June 29th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Aww .. thanks sooo much!!

Three new epi’s in the queue for this week — keep your fingers crossed!!
sueper Says:
July 1st, 2007 at 9:01 am
Oh… my……….. word episode 3 got very exciting,
Well done Nate to get it out so quickly and really well done for making this such a great start to the new book.
Sorry to say the nail biting habit I thought I kicked years ago is threatening to return lol

Sue
BigLar Says:
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:33 am
Bravo! What an excellent continuation of the adventures of Ish and the rest of the crew of the Lois. And thanks for minimizing the ‘podcast effect’ by giving us a 3 episode block this week. It is greatly appreciated.
Elizabeth Says:
July 5th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Another excellent story in the series! I thought I could handle the gradual release of episodes but had to go back and listen to Quarter Share and Half Share again to get my Ish fix. Still am eager to hear more!

I guess I should encourage Nate to pace himself because I fully expect this series to follow Ish through YEARS of adventure, at least until he is captain of his own ship and perhaps until he settles down as the pop of a mom ‘n’ pop ship.
John Says:
July 6th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
This is a great relaxing book. All the action is relational, even though they’re in ǝɔɐds…
Milo Says:
July 6th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Full Share has me on the edge of my seat! When will the next update be? Many thanks to Mr. Lowell for his excellent writing and narration.
Stacy Says:
July 6th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Oh jeez. I’ve listened to Quarter Share and Half Share twice each and the first two eps of Full Share 4 times and the next three three times. I need my fix!!!!! I don’t know what I will do when having to wait extra long for Double Share and then who knows how long for 10% and 20%. (Those are the correct names, yes?) Anyway… I absolutely love these stories. I am a HUGE early Heinlein fan, with his Scouting books. These remind me of those very much. In fact, I have gone back and reread several of my favorites because of these. Namely Space Cadet and Farmer in the Sky. (each read about 12 times each).

By the way… John, how in the world did you spell out space upside down?
Nate Lowell Says:
July 7th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
The follow on trio will be Double Share, Captain’s Share, and Owner’s Share.

I have to warn you, I’m afraid it’ll be awhile before they make it into the podiobook line up.
matthew Says:
July 8th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
thats ok your podiobook are worth the wait
and I can all ways put them in to one big playlist
Elizabeth Says:
July 8th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Do you know how long Full Share is and what type of posting schedule you are aiming for for this book? Of course I’m hoping for a long story with fast posts but understand that’s not very practical. Long and slow is better than fast and short. The more then better! Your storytelling is quite fun!
Jeff Says:
July 9th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
When will there be more than the initial 5 episodes of Full Share available on PB.com?

I’m Dyin’ here.
Nate Lowell Says:
July 9th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
There are three in the queue at Podiobooks, right now.

I’m aiming for 3 a week, and here are 16 episodes in all.

I’m working on 9, 10, 11 now. I’m traveling next week on my RL business and I’m not sure how many I’ll be able to get in.

PB updates are slow this week because of staff vacations. They’re IN but need to be processed thru the system and as PB gets more popular and has more titles in the pipeline at once, it just takes a little longer to get anything done.
Nobilis Says:
July 9th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Was it me, or was there a big jump in time between the second and third installment? Ish seems to have had a big jump in status and skill.
Thomas Garrison, Korea Says:
July 10th, 2007 at 5:33 am
Thanks, Nate! As with everyone that hears your books, I really enjoy the laid back way you put the story across. No hyped up intros, no imitated voices, … it goes on. The real way an oral story should be told.

I would love to have an episode a day but I’ll be conservative and just ask that you keep on writing at your own pace with the caveat of “don’t ever stop!”

Cheers to you!
Nate Lowell Says:
July 10th, 2007 at 5:52 am
Say more Nobilis? I’m not sure I understand what you mean between “second and third installment” … there *are* gaps in the time line — sometimes weeks go by when nothing happens in the story.
Nobilis Says:
July 10th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
At the end of the second episode (Chapter 5) Ish is barely an environmental tech… at the beginning of the third episode (Chapter 6) he’s a computer network wizard, someone the Captain calls in because noone else on the ship can do it.

It was a bit of a wrench.
doctorbob Says:
July 10th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Nate, 24 hours seems like enough time to prepare to post the new episodes… Any ideas on what they do, exactly, to get them ready? I know you said they have folks on vacation right now but we’re all dying waiting for them… Who cares about any other book! Let’s get Full Share out!!!
matthew Says:
July 10th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Nobilis no ish was call in cause he was the only one with a labtop
and the three mate thought he could do it
Geordon Says:
July 10th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
In addition to what matthew said regarding Noblis’ question, it’s not so much that Ish is “barely an environmental tech” but rather he hasn’t studied for and taken the higher rating exams.

I don’t know if you listened to the first two books in the series, but there are two ways to “test” for the rating advancement: First is a sit-down, pen and paper exam, which we’ve seen Ish tear through like a 4-year old through birthday presents. The second way to be tested is a *practical* test, where the knowledge is used, rather than just talked about.

We’ve had hints dropped to us about Ish’s past computer experience (fixing his late mother’s software, etc). Extrapolating current tech to “future” tech, it’s fairly reasonable to invision much more “plain text” system programing as well as the modular nature of the same. Heck, I work with communication systems at my day job that do that… They use XML as the base programing language for at least half of the system.

Anyway, is Ish’s feat on the bridge a stretch? Maybe. Is it out of the realm of believability? Not for me.

Oh, and to address (ahead of time) any questions about why his PC was not impacted when the rest of the ship systems were, it’s pretty simple. First, his PC was not wired into the rest of the ship systems, insulating it from direct damage. Second, it was locked in a metal box (Ish’s locker) which (it can be reasonably implied) formed a Faraday cage (see Wikipedia entry at http://preview.tinyurl.com/gqk9m ) which protected the contents. Third, it was powered off, which helped protect the fragile components from external electrical and magnetic forces.

As to why the ship was impacted, even though it was hardened against EMP, it can be reasoned away as two things: First, the EMP that they ran into was “bigger” than they were protected against (even current universal power supply and surge protection equipment has a top rating) and second, parts of the ship systems were, by their very nature, exposed to the EMP, since they were connected to the hull of the ship. It’s reasonable to think that the EMP traveled across the electrical lines in the ship, like lightning down a lightning rod.

But, then again, maybe I’m completely off my rocker and it was that the coronal mass ejection let the magic smoke out of the ship systems.
Spineless spoofer Says:
July 11th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I believe that PodioBooks’ delay in uploading the new episodes of Full Share (already in their hands) does a grave disservice to both the author and subscribers.

Sadly, this is not the first PodCast that has been afflicted with serious delays and baffling episode re-naming and re-organization. For those authors who sponsor their own sites and feeds (viz. The Corridor), I am often able to download new episodes days or weeks ahead of their appearance on PB.com.

Seems that the site is using mostly stick and very little carrot.

Worse yet, the explanation of the delay being caused by vacation or by some mysterious transmogrification of the original files strikes me as authentic frontier Kark.

I’d encourage all authors to maintain some kind of secondary RSS feed, and bypass this bottleneck.
Nate Lowell Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 5:55 am
Actually, the PB people don’t “process” much in putting the feeds up. They add the PB intro bit and that’s about all, as far as “transmogrification.” What they DO do, and what takes the time, is check for a set of ID3 and file state parameters like bitrate, album art, correct naming conventions, etc, before moving them into the hosting site path for inclusion in the RSS. Unfortunately, this is a human-labor intensive process at the moment, altho – presumably – somebody MIGHT be able to script that against some templated ID3 notion.

And since it IS a human process, having the ONE PERSON who does it on a regular basis be on vacation *does* in fact cause delays. The fact that said person is still trying to do the updates on a slow hotel excuse for broadband says something about the dedication of the staff.

It’s an on-going discussion on the author list about how this process can be made more bullet-proof. I believe we need another few people to do the updates, and I think we’re on the track to have that happen.

As for keeping my own RSS, no, thanks. As flawed as this is, this is my chosen mode. I like having it on PB and under the PB umbrella. I know others have made the investment in bandwidth to support their online works, but I picked PB and I’m strongly attached to the PB branding. Some of you have found that I *do* try to take care of my fans by putting up epi’s when PB gets too bogged down, but for now, my focus is on writing, reading, and slipping them into the queue as fast as I can.

For the record, six months ago today, the Golden Age came into existence when I typed the line “Call me Ishmael.” It’s been quite a ride.

Now if Dragon Moon Press would just call…
Nate Lowell Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 5:59 am
And thanks, Geordon. As good an explanation as *I* could have made!

I work hard to make the universe consistent internally, even if I don’t ‘splain it all in the text.
sueper Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 9:23 am
I felt quite offended by ~~Jeff’s~~ Spineless spoofer’s remarks on PB
Who else would do all this work and offer it up to the members free of charge?
I myself am very appreciative of their efforts and content to wait a little
while for things to happen as I am sure the majority of the members are.
sueper Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 9:29 am
Dear dear Nate I do with you hadn’t told us the titles for the next books.
Bit of a spoiler really if you look at them they really give the game away a little dont you think?
I know they are what we were hopeing for and logically we could have guessed the titles but to see it there in black n white…
Sue
matthew Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
ok first PB is doing a excellent job I mean they real are

next all you people that wine say to your selfs
what can I do to help them and then if its nothing
you should say nothing if you think you can then contact them and say
how may I help you guys

and everyone and I mean everyone deserve to spend time with family and to recharge there batters
Thomas Garrison, Korea Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Don’t forget to tip our favorite PB writer! …Pay Pal
Geordon Says:
July 12th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Nate, I’m glad you approve of my explanations. I admit, I was merely speculating based on my own personal experience/knowledge and what I thought was reasonable speculation for “technical advancement”.

I find it kind of hard to believe that this universe is only 6 months old! Well developed characters and internal consistency, well written dialog… And we’re already on the third installment, with at least 3 more in the works???

I fired off an email to DMP asking them to pick you up. IT sure can’t hurt!
Nate Lowell Says:
July 13th, 2007 at 6:43 am
sueper said: “I do wish you hadn’t told us the titles for the next books. Bit of a spoiler really if you look at them they really give the game away a little dont you think?”

Ya, but as you pointed out, they ARE the logical progression. I laid that out in Quarter Share, actually.

Of course, you don’t know WHO will be Double, Captain, or Owner. I’m thinking that Double Share would be a good opportunity to move over to tell the story of Mr Maxwell… And I’m ITCHING to put out a volume on Captain Giggone … and let’s not forget that there’s a LOT of the original Lois McKendrick story that hasn’t been told yet, so she may well be the protagonist in Owners Share. … the possibilities for these are still open.

And let’s not forget the stories we’ve only glimpsed with Sarah and Cassandra. And Francis has sketched in a whole nother side of the Golden Age …

Thanks for all your support, gang. You’ll be the first to know if Gwen Gades calls … well, besides Gwen and I
Gwen Gades Says:
July 13th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Oh, and so I call… I hear my name being bandied about.

Gwen
Nate Lowell Says:
July 13th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Lotsa GREAT books coming out of DMP. Who knows where the next one might come from, eh?
Gwen Gades Says:
July 13th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
You absolutely never know. Of course, it’s a rather rare event to have a fan write and say publish someone you’ve never heard of. Sounds like a pretty good reason to at least poke around, I figured.

It’s getting late. I will be in touch.
Elizabeth Says:
July 14th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Sorry Gwen, but I’m not familiar with DMP. However, I’ll buy Nate’s books from whomever is wise enough to publish them, even though I’m also paying through podiobooks. He just needs to keep writing.

Nate, I do hope the second triology will be about Ish. Then even more books can be written to fill in the stories of other characters. I’ve been disappoint that David Webb’s Honor series has slowed or stopped and hope, over the long run, you have much more stamina in telling the tales of the Golden Age. Thank you! and also thanks to Podiobooks!
EdP Says:
July 14th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Nate, I wanted to compliment you on the series. I do hope, whatever else you do, you continue to tell Ish’s story ’till hes 150. Thanks for the fun time, I’m hooked

One thing I wanted to say that seems very remarkable to me is how compelling the story is in spite of the almost total lack of violence. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a long time SciFi and Fantasy Fiction fan and I LOVE a good ripping yarn — I like a good space battle as much as the next guy (and I think it’s silly to worry about video games, et al.).

Your books have helped me to re-think the genre. I just finished a great series on Audible called “The Helmsman” that could be the goatee’d-Spock-transporter-accident-mirror-world-space-opera opposite of your “…Share” series. I really liked that series, but I am absolutely enthralled with Ish’s story, and I was kind of shocked (pleasantly) when I realized I am enjoying it more.

Thanks for the new brain-space, keep up the good work, stay true…

EdP
matthew Says:
July 14th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
nate I also would like to see the story carry on with ish
that could let you do books on the other people.

but you know whats funny I could see ish trying to buy the Lois McKendrick and making it in to one of the family
ships or even buying another ship and hire the lot from the Lois McKendrick. just because of what sandy told him
an the fact he see them as family

hope your re-wright goes well and hope your hd goes well
Nigel in Melbourne Says:
July 15th, 2007 at 2:14 am
I have enjoyed the series since the start. There is a real old world charm about it (which I think was the intention). If it were a book I would class it as a “Page Turner” and “Unputdownable”. Of all the podiobooks I have listened to of late this has me the most satisfied in terms of story. Well done. And I hope there are many more stories from the golden age of the solar clipper.
sueper Says:
July 15th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Hi Nate
And thanx for correcting my typo in your quote lol.
I really hope you follow up on your ideas for other off shoot stories.
This series could get VERY big. I hope.

Sue
Geordon Says:
July 15th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Hi, Nate. I hope that I didn’t over-step my bounds by sending the email to DMP. If so, please forgive me as a huge fan of the series. By being so enthralling yet peaceful and not “over the top” with trauma-drama and violence (see Scott Sigler, who I am a fan of, also), I think that this would very easily become my favorite series of all-time.

While I, like others, would like to see the second trilogy be about Ish, I would love to see some back-story about Lois, Capt. Giggone, Mr. Maxwell, and others. Although the Golden Era universe is so (relatively) young, the amount of available paths for material is gigantic. The options include following Ish to the Academy and on to his own commission, as well as following the Lois McKendrick as an entity, going back to how the Lois came into being and her first crews (ans cruise!) . The Mercantile Cooperative? Hello, HUGE bit of interesting back-story, particularly how Capt. Giggone is involved.

In any event, I look forward to the next installation of Full Share and the next Golden Age trilogy, and beyond.

In the event that DMP picks up the series, what’s the chance that I can get an autographed copy from the first imprint?

My best to you and yours,
Geordon
Ada Kerman Says:
July 15th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
I made an entry for “Nathan Lowell” at the literawiki (http://literature.wikia.com/). I plan to make entries for the books in the next couple of days. Everyone feel free to polish these entries in the true wiki spirit! I didn’t feel quite ready to do wikipedia as I’ve heard that they want biographical entries to be about people that have been referred to in other sources already. (I figured literawiki could be one of those sources for an eventual Nathan Lowell entry on wikipedia.)
Nate Lowell Says:
July 15th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Ok, now that’s incredibly flattering, Ada.

I’ve logged in and added a few of the details that most people wouldn’t have access to.

For readers who have not yet visited the Trader’s Diary, http://durandus.org/golden, you’ll find maps, ship layouts, and even a brief history of the Great Diaspora which gives a short explanation of how the Golden Age was born.
Jeremy Says:
July 16th, 2007 at 7:02 am
Just wanted to leave you a comment to say a few things, first of all, this is hands down my favorite podcast book so far. Right now, listening to it is the only thing keeping me sane at work.
if only the machinery I worked with was as reliable and great as that on the Lois.
I can’t thank you enough, listening to the story makes my nights pass quickly, and much more smoothly then normal for my 12 stan shifts:)
and second, I really appreciate the longer episode run times, it might seem to be a silly detail but I find it harder to really get into a story when it’s broken up into 10-12 minute segments, with a few of those being story so far, previews, information etc.
the episode time you go with just flows much more smoothly
great work, keep it up.
Nate Says:
July 16th, 2007 at 8:01 am
Thanks, Jeremy. I remember working the night shift myself and I have a hard time with the 12 minute episodes, too. Takes me longer to get it downloaded, found, and moved to my iRiver than it does to listen to.

My goal is 20-30, but some fall a bit short, a few run a little long. I’m a long time podiobook/podcast listener and I’m trying to make a podcast that I’d want to listen to, with as few of the obstructions as I can.
Nate Says:
July 16th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Sorry .. I can’t edit the comment up there — but the address to the Trader’s Diary is

http://durandus.org/golden

WP put the comma at the end of it. Sorry about that.
Ada Kerman Says:
July 17th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
I’ve made entries for all three books at literawiki. Quarter share is http://literature.wikia.com/wiki/Quarter_Share and that links to the other two and the author entry. I also saw on durandus.org that Quarter Share has been nominated for a Parsec Award (congrats!) so I added info on that to the Quarter Share entry.
Harry Says:
July 18th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
this book just keeps getting better. When I finished listening to episode 9, i came here to post this comment, and I discovered that there were 2 more episodes. I released and downloaded them right away
Nate Says:
July 25th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I was travelling last week (5 days), so I’m a little behind. There’s an episode in the pipeline for you, but only one this time around. I’m recording tomorrow (Thursday) and will try to post another one – at least – as soon as possible. There are only 16 so keep in mind that each new post is that much closer to the end.
Ericka Says:
July 26th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Nathan do you have a website and are you working on any material other than this series?
Nate Lowell Says:
July 26th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
http://durandus.org/golden has all the information about the Golden Age. At the moment that’s the only place where my fiction lives. I’m not working on anything besides the Golden Age in fiction altho I have several websites and blogs associated with my “day job” …
Kurtis Workman Says:
July 26th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
I love this series. It has been a long time since I have experienced such an intellegent and clever story. I would like to ask one question, Why is it that I get a new episode of “Shadowfalls, Badlands” every three days? Is MYN got that many episodes into PB? Or is it that his stories recieve more press and therefore they get out faster? Maybe a formatting issue? Ok that was more than one question but it sounds like our author is publishing at a breakneck speed and there is a bottleneck that is very frustrating. Sorry i needed to vent my full share of withdrawl.
Nate Lowell Says:
July 27th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
You settings for that subscription may be set to “every 3 days” .. the default is one a week. Full Share was first published 32 days ago and there are 11 episodes on the site now, along with one more in the pipeline. That’s about 1 every three days that have gone up. My commitment is only 1 a week so we’re doing pretty well

There are only 16 episodes in Full Share so the end should be coming up sometime next week.
Kurtis Workman Says:
July 27th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
I do update every day and I appreciate your efforts and your story is just as a addicting as anything Sigler writes. Your pace is blinding. MYN and you both post to the various blogs that you and he have sent over episodes and his always show up quickly and yours seem to be delayed I let my addiction get away from me thank you for sharing your story.
Elizabeth Says:
July 27th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Ah, #12 is such a delight. Wonderful storytelling! Thank you!
Would it be possible to add a little info to the “Spacer’s Handbook” or “SC Lois McKendrick” pages on your site, listing which crew positions earn which share and how many of which crew and officers are on the Lois? Thanks again!
Nate Lowell Says:
July 27th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Oh, that’s possible. I actually HAVE those rosters .. lemme get them posted tomorrow
Stacy Says:
July 28th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Great additions to your website, but… Ishmael Ihnen? Twice. Did he suddenly get a name change along with promotions in Half Share and Full Share?
Nate Lowell Says:
July 28th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
*blush*

Kludged up copy buffer and I was moving so fast I didn’t even see it.

My fans, you keep me honest.

Fixed now.
Evo Says:
July 29th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Nate and Kurtis,

When MYN put up Shadowfalls: Badlands, he gave us 20 some-odd episodes to put up all at once, having had them finished already.
David Says:
July 30th, 2007 at 2:17 am
Nathan, you have an excellent series here. I see you have three more Shares to add to the series. I cant wait. When you have finished the Share series, please do not drop the Sci-Fi genre. You have a great talent for telling it well and the hours and miles I drive on a daily basis seem to just go by.
Kurtis Workman Says:
July 30th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Thank you Evo that makes a lot of sense. I am climbing the walls to know more of this story.
Tracy Caraker Says:
July 31st, 2007 at 3:56 am
This book has me totally entranced. It’s just a damned good story! I love Mr. Lowell’s narration and the story flows wonderfully. I’ve fallen in love with Ishmael. He’s the type of young man I think every woman wants. Keep up the good work Mr. Lowell. The story is fantastic!
Michael Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 4:18 am
Hey Nate – Just wanted to let you now how much I’m loving all 3 books. I TRY to spread out the new episodes when they come out…but I usually find myself listening to all of them at once. I’m loving it. Thanks, Michael
Geordon Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 6:10 am
Any news from the DMP sector?
Nate Lowell Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 6:40 am
Geordon, only what you see here. Give ‘em a chance. Quarter Share is still in the hunt for a Parsec so … we’ll see.
Evo Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 11:06 am
The new version of episode 13 is now live. Comments reporting the issue have been removed. Unless they said something else, in which case they were edited to remove reference to the error of the file, since it’s been corrected. And I’ll pull this down tonight.
Ben Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 12:12 pm
It seems like there’s still an issue with episode 13. Around 4:45 in it feels like the episode got a small section cropped out. It transitions from Ish with Pip and Salina to what seems to be Bev and Ish returning from the market.
Elizabeth Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Sorry, but at 2:25 central time, the download is still only 2.52 mintutes.
Nate Lowell Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Thanks, Ben. There does seem to be a hiccup. Lemme work with Evo to try to resolve it. In the mean time, there is still my server:

http://durandus.org/media/PB-FullShare-13.mp3

Leave a comment on the blog there if something is wonky there, too.
gail Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Keep trying, guys, there’s still (at least one) hiccup just before minute 4:50.
Nate Lowell Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 3:01 pm
yes, i hear it gail. the full epi is 30m45s long, but something in my FTP client is objecting to it. I’ve got a new client and we’re working to resolve the issue. Your patience will be rewarded.
Walter Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Just a note that Episode 13 still wont load down for me. Sometimes I get 1:25 minutes but now I am getting a error even trying to get it.

Upsetting as I am realy enjoying this book like the two before.

Walter
Elizabeth Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Is the Lois a commonplace ship with so many crew from spacer families? And most of those indie? If so, why did Pip want to hide his spacer background when he initially signed on as a wiper on his first ship? How big is the Carstairs’ name compared to how small the spacer community sounds? Thanks for another great episode!
Nate Lowell Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Lois is a Commercial Carrier. Almost all the crew are from spacer families, but almost none of them are Indies. Pip was a stupid kid who didn’t really understand what was going on, but because the story is told from Ishmael’s point of view, you’re left to come to that conclusion on your own.

Carstairs? Not very. Certainly not as big as Giggone — or McKendrick.

And it sounds much smaller than it is.
sueper Says:
August 2nd, 2007 at 12:46 am
What a lovely, heart warming episode.
Evo Says:
August 2nd, 2007 at 8:14 am
The problems with Episode 13 *should* be over. If you are still having trouble (lords knows that strange caching issues can happen), please use this direct download link for the episode:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/podiobooks/FullShare/PB-FULLSHARE-013.mp3

And if you have an issue with *that* file, email me directly. My first name at this domain, please.
Thomas in Korea Says:
August 4th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Evo & Nate –

Here’s a suggestion on the ‘just added chapters’ section on the podiobooks home page. It’s set to accept five updates. Unfortunately, the other day there were six updates for chapters added. Full Share must of been #6 because it never showed up (or only briefly). Chapters 13~14 were available for download but not listed on the home page. Is it maybe time to expand the daily update list? Podiobooks and Full Share are getting very popular!

Reminder to Full Share fans – Pay Pal!

Kudos to you both!
Walter Says:
August 4th, 2007 at 9:11 am
The direct download link worked so I can listen to the episode but I cannot get it to show with the other episodes in the Podcast livrary in Itunes. If I try to download it via itunes, I get an error that there was insufficient memory.
Any hints or tricks to get it to show up with the rest of the episodes?

Thanx
Stacy Says:
August 4th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Nate,
I’m curious. Are we going to see Ish in the Academy? You mentioned before that you were writing Double Share and having troubles with it, because Ish was going to be on another ship. It almost seems to me that there should be another book in between full share and double share. Perhaps Academy Share or Cadet’s Share. Maybe that’s why you were having issues with Double Share. You were skipping 4 years of Ish’s life?
Nate Lowell Says:
August 4th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Thanks Thomas:
If you’re subscribed to the feed, then seeing them on the front page is moot because you’ll have them downloaded before you’d even know to look. I know that having the title listed on the front page boosts subscriptions, but I’m VERY pleased that Quarter Share and Full Share are both in the Top Ten List ranked by “Quality.” If we could get a few more people to rate Quarter Share, we’d be on the top ten by number of rankings, too.

Walter:
Sorry, but I dont use iTunes so I have no idea what might be wrong or how to fix it.

Stacy:
Actually, the problem I was having was that Double Share (alternately titled “Port Newmar”) was boring as watching paint dry. “Ishmael Goes to School” was never a story I wanted to write so it’s been going a lot better now that I’ve skipped ahead in time.
Sarah Says:
August 4th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
I’ve been VERY pleased by this series and am fiending for more. Every day, it’s the first thing I check. Even before getting my coffee!

I’d love to rate “Full Share”, but I just got an error. “Not Found
The requested URL /title// was not found on this server.” I got the same error trying to rate “Quarter Share” and “Half Share” now. I just penned them some feedback to let them know. (I wasn’t sure where else to send a broken link report.)
Kurtis Workman Says:
August 5th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Nathan and Evo thank you so much for your work on getting the glich with 13 figured out so quickly and Nate. I have to say that I did not see the inclusion of the spacer families coming but it is a nice line to take in the story and I thought this story could not get any better but you have proved me wrong. so Thank You again
Elizabeth Says:
August 5th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Sarah, I had the same issue. However, when I went to “my subscriptions” and tried to rate from there, it worked just fine. Had to go back and subscribe to Quarter Share again but then could rate it without a problem.
sueper Says:
August 6th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Hi Walter. The only way I have been able to get a stray chapter to show up in itunes is to unsubscribe the book and then subscribe again. You get the whole lot showing up in the podcast section for the book but you can delete the ones you have already and keep the stray with the ones you have already got.
Sorry that sounds so long winded but it really wont take long to do.
Berk Says:
August 6th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
If you hold down the shift key when expanding a title in iTunes, it will repull the feed and list deleted episodes as well as the ones you already have. You can then get the individual episodes you’ve missed or want and delete the ones you don’t.
Nate Says:
August 6th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Have I mentioned what a great group of people you folks are?

You are. Thanks.

We’re coming to the end of Ishmael’s time on the Lois McKendrick. It’s a sad time for all of us. I’m redoing Episode 16 (and holding 15 so I can put them up together). In the words of Alton Brown, “Your patience will be rewarded.”
Roger Says:
August 7th, 2007 at 8:09 am
Have loved all three books so far. I think after Full share I will go back and relisten to them all before I more onto whatever comes next.
glasgowman Says:
August 7th, 2007 at 9:05 am
I listen to my podcasts at work and as such its hard for me to fit in time to send a post,but felt i had to as i have greatly enjoyed all the books so far quarter half and so far full share.
I dont know if its the speaking style or the writing,probably both put together but the have been absoloutely superb and a must dowload as soon as they are put on to podiobooks.
The reason i felt compelled to write is this.My Question for you is will there be more after full share?As the title itself tends to make one think we have reached the end whereas the story itself feels way off complete.
So to finish id like to thank you for giving us the most realistic fictional space adventure since firefly/serenity:-)
sueper Says:
August 7th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Oooooooh I don’t want to leave Big Bad Bev
Geordon Says:
August 7th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Glasgowman and sueper, according to Nate, there are plans in the works for three more books after “Full Share” so don’t worry. Yet.

There is an active thread over at Nate’s website, under the link to Full Share” if you are interested.
Nate Lowell Says:
August 7th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
There are more plans. And I’m scramblin’ to re-do the ending for Full Share in light of the new beginning in Double Share.

What I’m not sure of is where/when/how all this is going to happen. :\
Geordon Says:
August 8th, 2007 at 4:37 am
Nate, take a word of advice from Ish: Trust Lois. Seriously.

Please, keep the quality you’ve spoiled us with. I’d personally much rather have to wait for a while for a good product rather than end up with something less than great.
Jack Townsend Says:
August 9th, 2007 at 5:15 am
Thank you, Mr. Lowell.

I’ve sort of plowed through “Quarter Share” and “Half Share” in a little more then a week. Your writing style, and narration, are top notch.

I love stories like this, and I’ll be telling all my amigos about your works here.

Again, thank you sir.
Nate Says:
August 9th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Thank you, Jack.

And, please, call me Nate.
sueper Says:
August 9th, 2007 at 9:16 am
Hi Nate
I agree with Geordon, trust Lois and take your time.
We’re not going anywhere
David Says:
August 9th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Here is a problem I have come across while listening to Full Share. The trucks I drive very. For the Quarter and Half and the first part of Full Share, there was no stereo in the truck I was driving. I had to use my headphones with my media-player. When I am in my regular truck that has a stereo, I use an FM transmitter to listen on the stereo. Of all the audiobook and podiobooks I listen to, the Share series music at the opening of each episode is clear, but the narration sounds like a hissing snake. When I switch back to headphones, all is well. Can anyone explain this?
Nate Lowell Says:
August 9th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Yes. the mono mixing on some devices takes the offsets and adds them together. Because the microphone is, inherently, a monophonic channel, the pre-amplifier splits and offsets it to give it a bit more life. When they get added back together, they cancel out — mostly — leaving a hiss or an indistiguishable mumble.

You can test this with Episode 7. I had a problem with 7 and had to duplicate the left channel into the right so they’re recorded with no offsets. In mono, it sounds fine, but in stereo, particularly with a good pair of headphones and on a decent card, it sounds “flat” compared to all the other episodes.

The way around it is to switch your playback device to play only ONE or the OTHER channel when you’re going to listen in mono. That way there’s no canceling signal on the voice, and the music won’t sound that much worse.

Hope this helps.
Zev Siegel Says:
August 12th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Dear Mr Lowell, (ok, Nate)
Your first name means (God’s) “Gift” which I think of when I get each new episode. It’s alway a big treat, and I listen to alot of podcasts and audiobooks. Keep up the good work.

Zev
Kurtis Workman Says:
August 14th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Nathan

I don’t know if i am asking to be teased because I am a glutton for punishment, but I was wondering how things are going with full share and double share. But I am just itching with anticipation for your next episode. i haven’t been very articulate in my previous messages but I wanted to let you know how thankful I am for what you are doing. I deliver pizza which means a lot of time in my car and having your story to listen to has saved my sanity on many days. It is a lot like being trapped in a ship with no gym so thank you again for sharing your work
bob Says:
August 15th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Nate, I just saw an episode of Star Trek: Voyager that opened with an image of a ship that fits my own imagination of what the Lois looks like. The difference was that what would be cargo containers attached to Lois are apparently crew quarters on the ship on the Voyager episode. The episode is called “The Disease”, if you’re able to find it and take a look. Pretty cool.
Nate Lowell Says:
August 16th, 2007 at 6:41 am
The final epi of Full Share will be a double. I’ve had to add a lot to make the transition to Double Share flow correctly which is why this is taking so long. Ironically, I think the re-write is taking almost as long as the original book.

Double Share is MONTHS away. When Full Share is over, it’s gonna be a long dry spell.
Nate Lowell Says:
August 17th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Some of you may have been following the discussion over on the Trader’s Diary site about the issues facing people using mono devices to listen. Thanks to some very patient reader feedback, I *think* I’ve got that solved.

I’m waiting for some *test listener* feedback on the technique and if it’s good, I’ll put up 15 … Those subscribed to the Email Notices ( see the Trader’s Diary site at http://durandus.org/golden for info) might get a cookie. Never know.
Jack Townsend Says:
August 17th, 2007 at 8:31 am
“When Full Share is over, it’s gonna be a long dry spell.”

~whimper~
bob Says:
August 17th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I agree with Jack. I am usually subscribed to 2 or 3 Podiobooks at any given time… But I can’t think of any series I enjoy as much as Nate’s.
Geordon Says:
August 17th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
It might be a long dry spell in the Deep Dark, but I look forward to the day that we will be able to rejoin Ishmael Horatio Wong .

At least I’ll have a chance to catch up on my “other” listening! I wonder if that bum, Sigler, will come out with something to tide me over….
Grumpymann Says:
August 20th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I have to say that this is one of my favs! I admit that I’m a podcast junkie. I listen to about 40 titles. (I have a lot of time in the car and @ work!). Most titles I put in an MP3 player and listen to away from the computer. These… I can’t wait that long. Of them all I MUST say that Quarter Share, Half Share and Full Share are some of the best stories and more importantly storytelling ever.

Writing is so much different than storytelling I see it as a lost art that was and is in dire need of revisiting and reviving. I’m glad it has made a come back and Nathan is a wonderful spokesman for it.

Long ago I gave up on the “Super” Hero in stories. It seemed that the Every Man was missing. Where was the me in the stories. No mention was made how the “Man” became “Super Man” well in this series we get to see how it is done. 1 day at a time. 1 right choice at a time. Made over years with countless missteps along the way.

Some I have talked to call the arc “Trite” and over used. Orphan goes out to sea and makes good.

But the siren call of the “deep dark” feels different to me than that of the sea. Maybe it’s in Nate’s voice, that I feel the lonleyness. Maybe it’s in the words he chooses that convey the sense of belonging Ish feels on the Lois. But the hero seems more like me more like everyman every teenager scrambling to find his way in the big bad world. Maybe it’s in the others around him that point the way with genital encouragement not rules and directions that remind me of… well me.

So my thanks to Nate for hours of enjoyment.
Jack Townsend Says:
August 21st, 2007 at 9:18 am
Just listened to Episode #15.

Damn, Nate…you have this down, don’t you?

You have carved out a good and solid set of fans. Glad to be counted among them.
sueper Says:
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:37 am
Thanks Nate it was just lovely.
I really appreciate the way you tell the story, no put on “I’m a narrator” type attitude or any hint of trying to sound proffeshnial lol.
I feel like I’ve been sat in a comfy chair in a quiet bar listening to Ish telling me about his day.
I’m sad now that the waiting starts in ernest but I know it will be worth waiting for when the next book happens.
I shall just have to haunt podiobooks on the lookout as all I ever had from the mailing list was a confirmation mail.
Any hint of a publishing deal? I do hope someone out there has the sense to take these books up and publish them, it would be such a shame if we cant buy a dead tree version.
Tho I don’t advocate killing trees, makes me sound like a murderer.

Sue
Enzo Says:
August 23rd, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Hay Nate,
I agree with everyone above these stories have been a saving grace from the usual blathering I get from other forms of entertainment media. I have to ask though, The ship “The Siegler” was it named after a fellow writer? I know that was few episodes ago, but hay… what can I say.

Keep up the great work, but please don’t take too long either. lol…. I’m drooling for more over here.
Elizabeth Says:
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Thank you for #15! Very smooth time jumps and transition. Is this the last of Full Share or are you still planning #16 to be the end?

I know Double Share is months away. I do understand, though, and am very grateful for the actual speed of your writing and recording. Might it be possible to target a month or date for the next book to start? Maybe it could be a Christmas present, New Year’s new book, or a Valentine’s delight. I want to make sure I don’t miss it but hate the disappointment of constantly checking Podiobooks.
Nate Lowell Says:
August 24th, 2007 at 9:21 am
16 will be the end of Lois, but not the end of the Trader’s Tales.

No word yet from any publisher, but I’m still hoping.

Subscribe to my email updates at http://durandus.com/golden and I’ll email the group when Double Share gets close. Who knows, you might even get a preview before it ever sees Podiobooks

Now I have to get back to Ep 16.
Geordon VanTassle Says:
August 27th, 2007 at 5:27 am
Looking forward to the wrap-up on the Lois!

Nate, what’s the chance that we’ll hear from the crew of the Lois in the future? I’d hate to lose touch with Bril, Bev, Diane, Mr. Von Ickles, Cookie, Sarah and, of course, Capt. Giggone. Meet-ups at station-fall, “letters from home”, that sort of thing… Could make for some fun interludes.

Any estimate on when when you expect to be dropping Ep 16?
Nate Lowell Says:
August 28th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
If I can get out from under my “real life” commitments for 2 or 3 hours, I’ll have the final text edits. Then it’s a matter of the recording.
Glitch-Chaos Says:
August 28th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
So I guess the question is, are there any doctors listening that could write a note excusing Nate from “Real Life” for a couple days
Geordon VanTassle Says:
August 28th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Thanks for the estimate, Nate. I appreciate it.

A smart friend/mentor of mine has a saying: “Real Life Comes First”

words to live by!
Dana Says:
August 31st, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I’m starting to have withdrawals! *banishes real life to the corn fields*
bob Says:
September 4th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Send it to me. I’ll record & submit it for you and then you won’t have to.
sueper Says:
September 5th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Finger nails gone, will be up to my elbows soon lol.
Thomas in Korea Says:
September 6th, 2007 at 6:50 am
We’re Jonesing hard over here in Korea! Not as far gone as ‘sueper’ though! lol
Nate Lowell Says:
September 6th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
It’s the re-write that’s taking the time.

And please accept my apologies for the delay.
Joan Says:
September 13th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Hi Nathan,

I hope things are going well with you. I’m anxious to have the last episode of “Full Share” but I’m also kind of glad I have to wait for it as it prolongs the pleasure. It’s always that way at the end of a great story, you want to get there to know what happened, yet you want to savour it as long as possible. Of course, knowing the next book is a long ways off intensifies both pleasure and pain!

Emma (12) and I have started at the beginning with “Quarter Share” again (at least 3rd time). Usually, Emma listens/watches again and again to a story/movie and it drives me NUTS! Not this time, and that’s a credit to you, even knowing what comes next, it’s still fun to be in the moment with Ish and the gang!

I do hope you that having to finish and being pressured has not put a bad taste in your mouth about authoring future stories or about your ardent fans. We’re a selfish bunch and hopefully enough of us give you cookies (compliments) as well as slaps (whiny messages about waiting) to keep things balanced. That’s what success gives you.

I also wanted to mention that you might consider recording other people’s books as well. You are a terrific narrator. Maybe a little sideline business?

Take care and don’t wear you fingertips to stubs.

Joan
sueper Says:
September 14th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Great idea Joan had about you narrating for other people, there are a few books I’m sure I would have liked but had to give up because I couldn’t get on with the narration. I get the feeling that Real Life would prevent you from doing this though. What we need is a Nate clone to go and do your day job while you pander to us selfish bunch.
I hope things are going as well as can be expected as they say, and don’t worry about us nagging you its only in fun.
Xsue
Nate Lowell Says:
September 15th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Ok, I can tell you that the last episode contains FOUR chapters, not just two, and at about 14k words, it’ll run something over an hour when it’s finally recorded and edited. Technically, I should make it two epis, but that would throw all the counts off, so I’m gonna do them all at once.

Thank you for your patience. Your long wait is *almost* over.
gail Says:
September 15th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Looks like good news! I’ve been wondering if the story is over.
Nate Says:
September 15th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
No. But it’s all your fault! If you fans hadn’t been pushing me to get on with Double Share, i’d have recorded FS and published it and it wouldn’t have been right.

I think you’re gonna like this. Early feedback is very positive.
Jason Says:
September 15th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Nate,

Please take your time and produce the story that you want to tell. It sounds like you’ve been doing that so far, and we all agree that the results have been fantastic! I know I speak for all of us when I say that we’re very glad our encouragement has caused you to redouble your efforts on Double Share. Even so, we can afford to wait for you to give us your best, as you always have.

Fellow fans, I encourage all of you to donate to Nate’s excellent work if you haven’t done so already.

Regards,

Jason
bob Says:
September 15th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
As long as we’re being open and honest here, what are looking at? Another week? A big surprise on Sunday? Either of those?
Joan Says:
September 15th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Four chapters! It’ll be a Full Share Finale Party! I’ll bake cookies!

Nate, I’m glad things are humming along. Can’t wait (yet I can). Oh, argh!!

Joan
Tracy Caraker Says:
September 16th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Hey Nate!
Full Share has been so absolutely fascinating. I can’t wait for the last few chapters! I’ve usually been listening to horror type stories, but your stories are so AWESOME! Keep up the good work and I’ll be SO patient waiting for the sequels. I’m absolutely certain they’ll be worth the wait. Take Care!

Tracy
Joan Says:
September 16th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Nate, I’m hoping you will accept this as a compliment: I emailed Baen to suggest they check out your book. I am only one reader, but you never know who gets it and maybe s/he’s in a good mood that morning and will read my little email. I was impulsive and now think I have maybe oversteps my bounds as a fan of your books (I love them but don’t want to be “fanatical”). If I have, I’m sorry, it was done in the spirit of enthusiasm. I bcc’d podiobooks feedback in lieu of you, hoping they will forward it to you for your reference.

Joan
Nate Says:
September 17th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Thanks, Joan. They did forward it to me!

Thank you for your kind words. Lemme know if they write back

I have a feeling that if I’d made the final cut in the Parsec awards, I’d have been in a better position, but that’s just speculation.

Hard to believe I once thought “oh, if I get 200 listeners .. that’ll be soooo cool.”

If 200 is cool, then I’m *frozen* right now.
Michael Says:
September 18th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
You should’ve made that cut. Thanks again so much for the wonderful story Nate. I await anxiously for the conclusions, but please take your time. I’m sure that if you’re satisfied with this wonderful story, the rest of us will be too! Thanks so much for the hours of entertainment – and jogging .
sueper Says:
September 20th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Now I’m going to have a problem… I soooo want to hear the last episode but don’t want to finish the book. Do I listen as soon as I get it or save it like a precious object just knowing its there.
Nobilis Says:
September 20th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Shouldn’t this book be marked “complete” now? I’m still seeing it “Waiting for new episodes”…
bob Says:
September 20th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
? I don’t see #16 anywhere… What’s this talk about a last episode? I’m signed up for the mailing list and everything…
matthew Says:
September 21st, 2007 at 10:48 am
no it should not be marked compete yet

ch 16 is being done over so that it will go in to double share when it comes out

nat is working on it so relax
Nate Lowell Says:
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:14 am
OK. Wow. Bad Bad Week.

I have the text for Episode 16 done. When I went to record it, the pre-amp wasn’t working. I’ve replaced my pre-amp this morning, but now my BLUE 8-Ball mic is being unreliable. I don’t know why but it’s throwing a lot of static and crackly noise — which I *think* means the capacitor is shot.

My choices at this point are order a new 8-Ball and wait for it to be delivered. Go to the local music store and get a replacement (not 8-Ball) mic. Use a dynamc mic i have here to record the episode even tho it won’t be the same quality.
Glitch-Chaos Says:
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Nate, Just do what you feel you need to. If you want the sound quality to be good wait for the 8-ball. heck at this point I’ll buy it for you if you give me a shipping address Or I could just donate the amount. Just do us a favor make sure the order is Next Day Air, were a bunch of spacers who’ve been in port way too long.

Hope Next week make up for the last one.
gail Says:
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Sorry to hear about your bad week, hope the next is better for sure! Should we invoke Saint Vidicon or Lois on your behalf? lol
Jason Says:
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Do you hear that, fellow fans of the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper?!? Nate needs a new mic! Put your money where your mouth is, and donate to his link. If we can’t even come up with enough to buy him a new microphone, we don’t deserve to hear episode 16, much less anything that came before or may be still to come.

As for myself, I’m going to throw another $10 in the pot — I wish it could be more.

Jason
Jeff Says:
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:54 am
Nate;

Leaving Ish, the Lois M. and everybody else stranded because of a gorked microphone is a nearly criminal act of fate.

Please accept the donation and let me know if you need more.

Carry on (please, oh please)!

J
Christine Miller Says:
September 24th, 2007 at 4:18 am
Yep, I’m throwing in my $10 and encouraging all fans to do the same…. hey we have gotten hours of entertainment so far so its only Fair.

Be quick Nate !!!

Love your work.
b Says:
September 25th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Please understand. This rant is not necessarily directed at Nathan Lowell. It’s here due to the “only fair” comment above.

Forgive me. A donation is “only fair”? The idea of podiobooks.com is that it’s free. Even so, I’d gladly pay $10 *per month* to have fresh content delivered from these wonderful writers on a consistent basis.

But forget the $10/moth offer… I would have PAID to get Nate a new mic and new pre-amp and whatever else he needed if he would have accepted it. I don’t care how much it is. That is how important finishing Full Share is to me. Hell, forget the quality issues… Phone it in to my answering machine! Just tell me the end!

Look – I know these people have jobs. And lives. However, they should not promise to deliver a new episode every week (“on Tuesday”, for example) if they’re not going to deliver. Again, this is not necessarily directed toward Nate.

How can they ever be taken seriously as writers when that promise becomes worthless only 3 episodes into the story? Is the objective to become a professional writer/presenter and do this for a living? I don’t know. If it is, then they need to maintain the schedule they promise. But if the talent and those that actually present the material via this website can’t do it consistently — for whatever reason, then just say so. Tell us that you’re unreliable. Don’t get us hooked on something great and then disappear. And don’t let your website vanish — for whatever reason — so we can’t even find out what’s going on. It really is like Sigler says: the writers are pushers and we’re the junkies. And there’s nothing we can do about it.

Headed to sign up at audible.com,
b

P.S. I apologize for offending everyone. These are my feelings and I feel compelled to make them known.
WDavid Says:
September 25th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I’ve just ponied up $30 ($10 per book) for some of the most enjoyable listening time I’ve had in years! Nate…do whatever you need to do but please give me more of Ish and Pip and The Lois. I sure hope that Full Share is not the end…I want to hear all about the academy years and the adventures of Ish and Pip as they climb the officer rungs.
Evo Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 7:47 am
b –

Did any author promise you a new episode each week? I mean, you did know that the work was “in progress” before you signed up, right?

You should also understand that your association between how quickly a write can record and produce a podcast episode bears little resemblance to the dedication required to write a book. These people — for the most part — aren’t worthless nor are they unreliable. You have the right to feel that way, but we (‘cuz I won’t be the last) have the right to point out that those words are a bit harsh and seriously are in need of retraction.

My suggestion? Don’t subscribe to *any* in progress books. We have quite a few on this site. Our search option allows you to show only completed books.

I leave with this: the *expectation* is that authors should deliver a new episode each week. That’s not a promise, and it’s not a contract. Before signing up for a book, you can see the dates when prior episodes were made available. And while that may give you a good indication of their historical frequency, it’s not sure-fire prediction of future behavior. Things happen. We deal. All of us.

Evo
Elizabeth Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 10:01 am
b,

While I can understand your frustration, I cannot agree with your stance.

First, you posted your rant, though a fairly polite one, on a specific blog of one writer rather than in a general location. Yet you claim it’s not directed at him? Nate has an incredible track record for how fast he has created and posted his work. This is the first time there’s been a glitch. Actually, I don’t recall Nate ever saying when we should expected a episode. Perhaps he’s commented on a goal, but that’s not an obligation.

Second, ALL the Podiobook authors have agreed to write and record their work for FREE. How long that takes can vary; it’s not their regular job. Personally, I really dread waiting for the next episode. I’m currently not listening to 7th Son Book 3, Earth and Jack Palms II, all by authors I love, because the books are still in progress. Even though 7th Son is completely written, I won’t start it until it’s completely posted. Unfortunately, there is such a flow in Nate’s trilogy, that I can’t stand to not listen to an available chapter. Fortunately, he doesn’t use cliffhangers very often, so it’s not too painful.

Third, yes I do think it’s “fair” to send money the writers and PodioBooks. They’ve provided me with HOURS of entertainment delivered right to my computer. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to decide for myself how valuable a book is. Some I don’t pay; others I give the suggested amount; a few I double or triple. At times when money is low, I can still listen and pay when possible. It’s up to each of us to decide if we want to recognize and reward the writers’ efforts.

Have fun at the pay-first sites. Me, I’m quite happy at Podiobooks and am willing to sit on my hands while things get sorted out for Nate and Ish.

Elizabeth
b Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Thanks to Elizabeth and Evo for responding.

This is obviously a sore issue with PB.com. I’m sorry I said anything. I should have just disappeared and remained unhappy. But most importantly, I am sorry to Nathan Lowell for not finding a “general” area to do this. It was the “only fair” comment that caused me to respond. While it is fair to donate, it is not “only fair”. Maybe I read too much into that comment but there is a difference.

I’m sorry, Evo. There will be no retraction of anything I said. I was not rude nor unscrupulous. I called nobody worthless. I called the promise of delivery worthless. Yes, I believe somebody (with an in-progress book) promised s/he would deliver EVERY WEEK and I think it was Tuesday. What I would like to retract is my rating for that author’s story…

Have a good week.
Nate Lowell Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Wow. I’ve been in post-production on the last epi of Full Share for the last couple of days so I missed this whole rant.

I don’t know which book B is ranting against, but I feel the pain.

In my own defense, we are on week 14 (unless I’ve mis-counted since June 25) and I’m uploading episode 16 (the final one!) on the other machine as I write this. My obligation — if you can call it that — of an episode a week has been fulfilled. Yes, I think it has been over a month since the last posting but by posting 2 and 3 episodes at a time, I’ve been ahead of the curve for most of the time and I’ll finish this one a week early. Mea culpa for taking so long to re-write and record the new ending, but I *could* have strung it out one episode at a time… I didn’t because I wanted to get everybody the content as soon as it was ready.

I’m sorry that B is so dissatisfied and I hope that s/he finds whatever it is s/he seeks. I don’t see where any kind of apology or retraction or anything is necessary — at least not directed to me. That’s how s/he feels and I am not about to say those feelings aren’t valid. As much as I appreciate the encouragement to donate, I hope nobody feels pressured into donating. I’m not like public tv or anything.

For those who’ve hung around and stuck it out, the last epi is a double (it’s over an hour) and I hope you’ll find that the wait was worthwhile.

I just added it up.

16 episodes
420+ minutes

As for Double Share? It’ll be a long time. 2008 at least because I’ll want to have the majority of the next three in the can before I start recording again. Oh, and I – um – need to get a manuscript ready. Just in case
Joan Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
That’s so good to hear! Emma and I are planning a little “Full Share” Final Episode party! Streamers, popcorn, party hats!!! (OK, no streamers, but we’re gonna party!).

It’s been such a great ride, Nate. Thanks so much for taking us along and we’ll start looking for Double Share in the New Year. I really, really hope you have some movement on the paper publishing path!

Please keep the news email notification going for those of us who signed up, to keep us up to date on Ish and the gang. You don’t want to lose touch with your readers (listeners), (or) do you? Ha ha!

Take care
Joan
Nate Lowell Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
We’ll be having a “Wrap Party” in SL and I have a chatroom on the Golden Age website we can use for get togethers if anybody’s interested.
Evo Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I’m personally posting the new episode. Live in 15 minutes.

E.
gail Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
got it! whoohoo! (thanks)
Elizabeth Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
When and where will the SL “wrap party” be? Or is it over already?

Just downloaded #16, and I can’t wait to listen! Thank you!!
Joan Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Nate, I love the way you ended things for “Full Share”! Boo hoo! You’re breaking my heart, I just want to keep on going!

I’m so glad that Ish and **** got together (no spoiler here) and that **** and **** are continuing on with Ish and Pip. How can you think life at the academy will be too boring to write about??!??

**** Everywhere that Ish goes, things happen! ****

I want to hear more about travel on a private ship, and how things progress with Ish’ love life, will he keep with… or do they go separate ways and remain friends (I think so!). I want to hear how Ish carries the weight of academy life and study and maybe he’ll meet some challenges there, no to mention all the cool places he can go during school breaks.

Anyway, I sound like a kid (Daddy, can we have more ice cream? Please? Please?). A great job and well worth the wait. Thanks , it’s been such fun. I really haven’t enjoyed a story so much in a long time! You can definately sit back and feel satisfied with your work.

Big Joan
bob Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 3:48 am
Thanks, Mr, Nathan! Don’t worry about other’s complaints. I just love hearing your stuff. And yes you have been good to us with multiple postings many times. I haven’t listened to 16 yet but I will right now. Feel kind of sad but happy at the same time.

Looking forward to new stuff from you whenever it comes out.

Thanks again and best of luck to you in future releases.
The HellJack Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Just got done listening to Episode 16.

Well done, Nate. Thank you.
sueper Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
I listened to it.
I wasn’t strong enough to resist and save it for a rainy day lol.
All I can say is WOW was not expecting that.
Most books I listen to at best leave me feeling ” yea that was nice/interesting”
Some have made me want to ask for a few hours of my life back.
Your stories of Ish and the others leave me feeling all warm inside.
I feel very fortunate to have been in at the start of something special.
We are like a little club at the moment but I am sure the word will spread.
Thank you very much for the hard work and commitment you have put in and the enjoyment you have given us.
I will be haunting podiobooks as usual but will miss my little Ish fix until your ready to delight us again.
I did sign up to your mailing list on Durandus but have never heard anything after the first contact email so I guess I have a glitch but no worries I will keep popping in to check up on you :O)
Thanx Nate its been a blast
First star on the right Mr Lowell
and straight on till morning.
Glitch-Chaos Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Nate, Thanks for the great episode to wrap up Full Share

Evo, Thanks for posting it so fast!
Chris Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Really good story, I’ve enjoyed all the others as well. This one was by far the most exciting. It really had quite a bit of adventure in it.
David Says:
September 30th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Yup this is going to be a long dry spell. Hurry back with Double Share Nate.
Thomas in Korea Says:
September 30th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Thanks Nate! Wonderful conclusion. Like John above, I would also love to hear about Ish’s adventures at the academy at some time in the future. I know it’s not in the works, but it would be a great ‘flashback’ novel at some time in the future.

We kicked around some titles for you…

“Learning to Share” “Earning your Share” “Ish Goes to College”

Okay, maybe not that last one. It sounds too much like a fratboy comedy! lol

Thanks again and we are looking forward to your next book.

Cheers
Nate Lowell Says:
October 1st, 2007 at 6:48 am
The title — when/if it gets written — will likely be “Port Newmar” since there’s no “share” involved in the sense of “crew share”
Joan Says:
October 1st, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Ah, Nate, see – you WANT to write “Port Newmar”. It would be a shame to have a title with no book

(“Ish Goes to College” ROLTFL)

I hope you are basking in the glow of a job well done and your family and friends are properly fussing over you! Here I am at the blog page, unable to let go, ha ha. Just checking in on the feedback, it’s good, of course!

Joan
Nate Lowell Says:
October 8th, 2007 at 5:57 am
One more week for you to post questions for the “Afterword” recording session.

http://durandus.org/golden

Also we’ll be having a “meet the author” event soon — online, of course, so keep an eye on the Trader’s Diary blog for more information.
Phillip Says:
October 10th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Nathan,

I finally figured out how to add all three books to my catalog at LibraryThing.com. I see I’m not the only one as another listener has also done this.

I left what I think is a nice review of ‘Full Share’ when I added it to my catalog. Also, uploaded the cover images from podiobooks.com so I hope you don’t mind.

For those on the board, if you aren’t a member of LibraryThing.com join and add Nathan’s books using the Add Books tab -> add the book manually selection. Maybe we can generate some publisher interest that way.

-phil
Vess Says:
October 12th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
My understanding from book one was that Pip was not allowing himself to be noticed too much because he was a descendant of an ‘Indie-trader’ family, and corporate employees frown on that. Then in the third book, it turns out pretty much everyone – including most of the crew of a corporate ship like the Lois – is a part of an ‘Indie-trader’ family.
How do we put those two together? What am I missing? I spent the last third of Full Share racking my brain, but got nothing.
Nate Lowell Says:
October 13th, 2007 at 10:41 am
I’ll explain this again in the Afterword podcast, but the bottom line problem is that everybody is assuming that Pip is correct in his assumption that “everybody hates Indies.” This is fostered by only being able to see thru Ishmael’s eyes and from the example of his treatment on the Duchamp.

Pip is overly defensive. It’s that defensiveness that got him into trouble on the Duchamp, not his trading. He’s also wrong, but it’s what he believes when he tells it to Ishmael. In fact, Pip is wrong and comes to realize it in his time on the Lois, but as reader, you can’t see that because it’s in Pip’s head, not Ishmael’s and it never really comes up again. How many of us follow up on the misguided beliefs of our youth and track down the people later to say, “Oh, ya. Remember when I told you that? I was full of crap.”

Seldom happens.
TruckerRich Says:
October 19th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Wow, what a ride. I was on the edge of my seat through most of the store. Between LOL and getting teary eyed, wanting the store to continue and not wanting it to end. Wow, what else can I say. Glade to see there will be more. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…Can Wait.
Creakinator Says:
October 21st, 2007 at 11:11 am
Great series of books. I listened to the books while at work as my work is very repetitive. I have actually looked forward to work as I knew I could listen to this series. Great job of writing and narration.
Nate Says:
October 28th, 2007 at 4:59 am
Thanks to everybody who’s posted a comment! This feedback is very effective in getting me motivated to get on with the business of writing. November is just around the corner so perhaps National Novel Writing Month will see me back in the trenches …
Chris Says:
October 29th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
I just finished the 2nd listening of the series so far – since about the 15th. I’m going to try hard to hold off on the 3rd listening until after Port Newmar (nice title) is out – we’ll see if I can last that long. I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long, long time.
Michael Says:
November 10th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Keep it up Nate! I hate when you release an episode because I end up jogging all day so I can listen!
Brian Says:
November 10th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Nate I just finished Full Share and I have to say I am disappointed….disappointed that I have to wait for you to get the next one out that is. Wow I have become a podiobook addict and I have found your three books to be the best of the best. Keep it up this is some of the best fiction I have read or heard in a long time.
Nate Lowell Says:
November 11th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Aww. Thanks.

Watch for a new book from the Golden Age Universe in December after the National Novel Writing Month wraps.
Stacy Says:
November 11th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
WOO HOO!! I thought I would have to wait until 2008! I am so psyched. I have listened to the entire trilogy 5 times so far. I have listened to no other podiobook more than once. I will listen to the entire series again probably 1 or 2 times more right before the next one comes out.

I LOVE your work. Please never stop writing. I’d happily listen to a book about Ish’s first 5 years of life if you wrote it.
John Says:
November 13th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Nathan Lowell can tell a story! He takes the flavor of yesteryears seafaring days and applies them to stories of days to come. Well written and extremely well read! Nathan’s stories are enjoyable to listen to and his voice and reading are tops! I look forward to more stories from you.

John
sueper Says:
November 13th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
I’ve been kicking my heels moochin around n patiently waiting (well trying),
not expecting anything more until 08 and now I see that we could be getting a Christmas pressie. Wooo Hooo you should see the grin on my face.
I could eat a banana sideways.
I’m so happy, oh so happy * sings and dances away*
xxxsuexxx
osmia Says:
November 23rd, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Well I’m finally caught up to you Nate
I’ve enjoyed every minute of your stories. Your voice is astounding. The way you convey the character’s emotions is bang on. I can feel the emotion the character is feeling before the writing gets around to identifying it. The writing is superb. Everything flows so smoothly. You manage dialogues, descriptions, narratives with equal aplomb. And your characters are so alive. I don’t want to leave a single one behind. As Ish moves on, I’ll be wondering what’s happening to many of the others.

Now I’m with the rest of your fans, anxiously awaiting more.
Daz Says:
November 23rd, 2007 at 8:54 pm
All I have to say is wow. I usually pull the podcast novels I listen to from the highest rated list on podiobooks. I was avoiding Quarter Share because A) I knew there were three of them and I wasn’t sure which one was first, B) I thought the cover picture was lame, and C) I don’t usually like space stories.

Now, I’m kicking myself for not finding it sooner! The characters are appealing and realistic, the world is convincing, and the slight changes in voice for each character makes listening to it really fun.

Sometimes when I’m listening to it, I feel like nothing ever happens in the story. However, after I think that I realize that that is all right. Somehow, the writing makes up for the lack of fast paced action.

Bravo!

Seriously.
Jim Says:
November 28th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I am going to summarise my opinions for the whole ‘Share’ series here. They are nothing short of spectacular. This is the first time I have been so thoroughly engaged in any audio book, or been riveted to a story of any medium in some time. It was so compelling, so engaging so full, complete and wholesome, I felt like I was being wrapped up not just in a tale, but the whole world, ethos and society this book described so vividly. My only surprise is that it has not been nominated for a parsec award. I am not necessarily drawing comparisons to the other nominees as each story must stand alone, but if ever there was a piece of art deserving the acclamation, I think this is it. For me these works are a masterpiece of Sci-fi literature. This author has mastered the art of conveying ideas, situations and feelings so effectively, the pleasure of experiencing his work is addictive. My bow to you Mr Nathan Lowell is a very low bow indeed. Excellent!
Nate Lowell Says:
November 28th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Thanks, Jim.

Quarter Share was nominated last year, but never made the final cut, so .. no Parsec Nominee badge …

THIS year, I’ll have three eligible works, Half Share, Full Share, and South Coast Shaman will be within the presentation time frame. Who knows what’ll happen.

NL
Larry H Says:
November 30th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I’ve been in need of an alternative to reading with the eyes so I started looking for things available that I could use over the week around Thanksgiving during which I planned to visit Seattle and San Diego and so would have hours in the air. I downloaded your books without preview as I ran out of time so my first exposure was in the air on my way to Seattle via Kansas City. I was quickly hooked and found myself looking forward to the next air plane.

Thank you for the good work. I’m now on my way back to PODIOBOOKS to send money. Your work is definately worth paying for.

Laryr
Nate Lowell Says:
November 30th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Thanks, Larry.

I appreciate the support, and I’m really excited about the new book which should be coming out here on Podiobooks in the next couple weeks, if I can find some music I like.
Nate Lowell Says:
December 1st, 2007 at 6:49 am
FYI: I was playing around in SL and thinking about making myself a Federated Freight T-shirt in world. Before you know it, things got a little out of hand.

Coffee mug anyone?
Stacy Says:
December 1st, 2007 at 11:54 am
I can’t wait to hear South Coast Shaman. I have to admit there is a little part of me that would have loved to get Port Newmar, but the more I think about it, South Coast Shaman could answer some lingering questions that I have in my mind about the mysterious disappearing Welkie salesman.

The news of South Coast Shaman has caused me to start listening to the entire series again for the 6th time. What amazes me is that I learn something new each time I listen.

I’m off to write my letter to Santa requesting Federated Freight Ship Tees and Boxers for Christmas!
Nate Lowell Says:
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:23 am
Well, NaNoWriMo needed a *fresh* start on November 1, so none of the books in process would work. It’s good tho because I managed to complete South Coast (97k words) in the month and we’re in production now. And .. I’m back in the “writing mood” — albeit buried in all the RL work I didn’t get to in November.

If anybody wants to listen to a preview of Episode 1 … it’s on

http://durandus.com/golden/

I’m expecting to have the first five episodes up here on Podiobooks by then end of the week .. there will be 21 in all .. for a total of around 8 hrs of audio goodness.
harry Says:
December 13th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
hi.
i just found out that south coast is also a “tale from the golden age of the solar clipper” but how does it relate to the share series? how do those stories fit in with each other? does south coast include sarah’s past?

also, i’m waiting for double share. any ETA on that one?
Nate Lowell Says:
December 13th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
South Coast is the book I wrote during NaNoWriMo. It started out as Sarah’s back story. Unfortunately I started too far back. There WILL be a sequel that ties South Coast to Half Share.

As for Double Share, sometime in 2008. I’m getting back into the writing habit thanks to NaNoWriMo so I’m cautiously optimistic. I’m shooting for 6 books in 2008, but reality may interfere.
harry Says:
December 14th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
hi.

what’s this “NaNoWriMo” you keep referring to?

ok, i’ll check out south coast.

double share in 2008? well, 2008 is about to start, so i’ll keep my eyes peeled…

and yeah, reality has a way of interfering. believe me, i know.
Nate Lowell Says:
December 14th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
NaNoWriMo — National Novel Writing Month. It’s in November. The objective is to write a novel of at least 50,000 words in a month. Given the time line for Quarter Share and Half Share, I figured that would be a snap. South Coast is a longer work than any of the previous ones because when the 50,000 words were up, the story was only about half over.

See http://www.nanowrimo.org/ for more information on NaNoWriMo.

The good news is that I’m back in the swing of writing again. The bad news is, all my day-job stuff has suffered and I’ll need to get that back on track.
Stacy Says:
December 20th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I’m wearing my new Engineering Crew Tee right now!
Steven S Says:
December 25th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Great trilogy! I would like to hear more about Ishmael’s adventures. So please do another!
Thanks for the fun books
Nate Lowell Says:
December 25th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Glad you like it, Steven.

Double Share is on the calendar to be written in January and published in February .. we’ll see how well I follow thru.
Nate Lowell Says:
December 26th, 2007 at 10:12 am
In the meantime, there’s always South Coast to tide you over until the new project gets uploaded
Abe Says:
December 26th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
This book is awesome. I was really sadd thinking that this was the end, but then I saw that Double Share will be coming out in January. I can’t wait. This is the best audiobook I have listened to. I’ m listening to South Coast which is very good as well. But I’m still waiting for double Share. This book has helped me get through dreadful boring days at work. I also see that it has helped other listeners as well. Keep up the GREAT work!!!!
Nate Lowell Says:
December 26th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Actually.. my plan is to WRITE it in January (or rather *finish* it) and publish it in February.

But there should be a new book for you to listen to in January. I’m reading an H.Beam Piper novella as part of another project.
Troll84 Says:
January 7th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I drive for a living, and I found that audiobooks help me stay awake on long trips. To date I’ve only found a few that I really liked…..until I was looking for sonething new and found quarter share, I was hooked and blew through all three books.

I can’t wait for Double shar and am gonna start on south coast tommorow to get me through.

I LOVE these books!
Nathan Says:
January 7th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Thanks Troll!

I’m glad I was able to lighten the road a bit for you.
Boden Says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
My comments are about all three books in the series, which I’ve just completed.

Firstly I’d like to thank the author for writing and producing these audio books and making them available to the public at no charge. People like you are superstars in my book.

Second, I want to say that the author is a very talented writer and his narration is absolutely perfect. He has a great ability to develop characters and does a great job filling in small but important details that make the story easy to relate to.

While I was listening to Quarter Share, I had great hope for this series. I loved the detailed descriptions of life in space, making coffee, and trading. Sure, nothing much happened in the book. There was absolutely no drama. But I figured that it was just a character introduction for the series.

I was very disappointed in Half Share. Here were all the characters who I was relating to very well, and they did nothing but play grab-ass in chapter after chapter. I enjoy sexuality in fiction as much as the next person, but this was just over the top. Not explicit, just constant sexual reference which became annoying very quickly. Everyone, especially Ish (excluding Pip), seemed very out of character…which is strange because he *is* a character.

What disappointed me most about Half Share is that again, nothing really happened. Every obstacle was easily overcome. Every exchange polite with some good natured ribbing tossed in. Every officer playing the “you’re in trouble now, and your punishment is………..ICE CREAM!” game. I found myself not really caring what happened. Every trade would work out. Every test would be passed with flying colors. Every possible argument would be sidestepped. Everybody loves our hero, except some guy in a bar that the hero didn’t even know about. Abused women would be cured by a few kind words. The future is pretty sweet, but boring.

Despite my disappointment, I continued with the series and listened to Full Share. I really, really wanted to like the characters and thus wanted to know what happened to them.

But again, a whole lot of nothing. There was one potentially suspenseful episode that simply didn’t contain much suspense. And it was just side plot! Another interesting side plot was right out of Scooby Doo. It seems that the whole primary plot of this long series is “how will Ish approach his future?”, to which the answer is, “I dunno, go to college or something.” Again, every character is overly polite and nice, or learns to be in short order. It’s as if the entire state of Wisconsin blasted off into outer space. Everybody chuckling all over the place. And the constant sexual bombardment, my goodness. These dopes are a sexual harassment lawyer’s wet dream! If you were to reverse the sexes in this story it would be considered appalling.

Every challenge overcome with ease. Everything handed to our hero on a plate. Sure he studies and works hard, but he is a uniquely intelligent and hard working person to begin with. And why is it that these two kids are able to come up with all these brilliant schemes that are so patently obvious? They’re making money hand over fist with ease. Buy low, sell high, rinse, repeat. That just doesn’t jive with times or the situation.

These are great characters, expertly written, but they need something to DO other than wondering what to do. A story needs a conflict, somebody up against a hard problem, some means to some sort of emotional release. These books are all setup with no reward. A long description of a smart kid who gets everything right and is constantly rewarded — this is not the stuff that makes a riveting story.

A final complaint in my rantish ramble here is that there was too much repeat of information. Sure this can help the reader, but in this case it was more like a soap opera. Somebody will say something to Ish, and then we’ll hear is repeat what that somebody said to somebody else, and then again to somebody else…I found myself fast forwarding at times.

That said, I will probably listen to Double Share if it comes out. But please, what really ruined the story for me most of all was the almost constant chuckling at corny sexual jokes and people blushing and getting “the vapors” all over the place. I didn’t count, but I feel as though there must have been from six to several dozen per episode!
Nathan Says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Wow!

Excellent critique. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment so comprehensively.

On the Trader’s Diary blog there’s a post with the After Word File — an audio response to many of your criticisms.

The chief observation I’d make is that being a first person point of view, you only get to see what the lead character sees. The universe exists only through his eyes. Not *everything* he thought was right. Not every reason he gave was the right one.

Much of the repetition was not, actually, repetition, altho many of the stories were retold with different emphasis. I did this better later than earlier … but that was always the goal. I didn’t always succeed.
Nate Lowell Says:
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:55 am
Thanks for posting the 200th comment!
ivlyke Says:
February 5th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
i have been done with thsi book for a month now and i cant get enough of it. thank you for awsome story. cant wait for double share.
Nate Lowell Says:
February 8th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Thanks IV. It’s getting to the point where my head is going to explode so it better get done!
PuddyRat Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Again, another completely enjoyable book, thoroughly entertaining. I can’t begin to tell you how refreshing it is to listen to a story without profanities and vulgarities (my gods and garters doesn’t exactly count).

I’m looking forward to listening to South Coast (it’s already in my queue) and its sequel, not to mention the upcoming “share” books. Please, take your time writing (though not necessarily recording) future volumes. I want to have as fully developed a story as possible. I’ve listened to authors that have rushed through their stories and the writing has suffered. I don’t want to see that happen to Ish’s story.

I think you are a talented author and I’m willing to wait for more of your work. Listening to your stories helps me to look forward to, and getting through, my work day.
martyndarkly Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Top class once more Mr Lowell!

I had 3 writing deadlines to hit this week, alongside helping with the kids, getting some sleep and a bit of food. Still I managed somehow to listen to the whole story over 3 days -it’s like some sort of drug!

There should be a warning on your books “These novels can seriously eat your time and have you tearing your hair out when you realise that you’ve finished them all!”

I really enjoyed hearing how Ish and co got on, and found a few tears in the corner of my eyes as the conclusion drew near. You’ve created a great set of characters here Nathan, and made us care about them – both signs of great writers.

Can’t wait for my next Golden Age fix, and until then I’ll be enjoying South Coast. Thanks for all your hard work, and roll on the time when we can buy the books themselves.

Cheers!
Nate Lowell Says:
February 14th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Thanks, PuddyRat & Martyn.

I love hearing that people are listening and enjoying my little stories.
Plain_jim Says:
February 17th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I had just finished the books when I read Boden’s comment above, and it took me a couple of weeks to discover why it bothered me so. I thoroughly enjoyed these stories (I hate the podcast thing; I usually wait to listen to a book until it’s complete & I can choose when I want to listen to any of its parts), but I think I understand them differently from other commenters.
First of all, the protagonist’s name, Ishmael Horatio Wang, is a (fairly heavy-handed) reference to _Moby Dick_ and the Hornblower novels. I don’t get the _Moby Dick_ reference other than the fact that these are on-ship stories (where, for example, is the character that corresponds to either Ahab or the whale?), but the reference to Hornblower is on the money, both in terms of the character’s development and in the large amount of ship’s detail provided in the stories. (If you haven’t read any of ‘em, go do – check out C. S. Forrester.)
But more to the point, although these stories are disguised as science fiction (because they refer to future technology and hypothetical worlds), I think they are really Horatio Alger stories – stories where a young protagonist, through a combination of hard work, chance acquaintances, raw ability, and dumb luck, makes a financial success of himself (and, in the case of the Alger stories, usually marries well). It’s a form of literature that was very popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, (when our views of success and possibility were different from our current ones), but which has fallen out of favor. These stories appeal to me, perhaps because I am a fifty-something collection of anachronisms, and I hope others will give them a read as well.
My only other complaint is that “young Ishmael” is so marvellously self-possessed for a lad of eighteen and nineteen years. When I was that age, I was a mass of pimples, hormones, and insecurities. But he goes into a bar, not looking to satisfy his baser interests, but to meet interesting people? And he is so frequently successful? Let me simply say… that was not my experience.
Nate Lowell Says:
February 17th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Thanks. Jim. A cogent evaluation.

The Moby Dick reference is to the search – a life long quest – and starts out with the first line which is the same as Melville’s. In Ahab’s case it was a whale. In Ishmael’s, it’s his life.

The self possession *is* a puzzlement, isn’t it? I’m not going to “spoiler” the answer to this for later readers, but there *is* a reason and it *is* in the books. It may not be a believable reason, but it’s there.

I will re-iterate what I’ve commented on before, tho, and point out that as a first person point of view, we can only see what Ishmael sees. His voice is what happens in his mind, but his eyes report reality. There are discrepancies between what he sees and how he interprets the world.

‘M jes’ sayin’.

Thanks again for the great comment and for sticking thru.

Try South Coast. It’s a bit different altho set in the same universe.
torerling Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I really don’t know what to say, it was about a week ago I figured I could as well try to finish my first audiobook, and now I’ve finished three in a week, I just couldn’t stop it.
For my liking the pacing is just what it should be, with persons that thinks things that I would think too.
I love the story and the characters, and I really look forward to the next one, it feels kind of empty not having them there with me going to the university in the morning, struggling over wether to start doing some more japanese homework or listen to another episode.
The story of ish really grabbed me, and didn’t let me go before no more where left and I loved every second of it. I just can’t thank you enough nathan ;D thanks for the books so far, and keep up the great work
Nate Lowell Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I’m glad you liked them, Torerling. I have to confess a bit of trepidation when you posted that you’d never finished an audiobook before.

Pleases me inordinately that you got thru three of mine
michael D. Says:
February 27th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I have so far listened to thsi audio book 4 times now. great story adn great plot. I just cant get enough of it!
Woody Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Listened to all three books. It’s nice to see a nice story, of a nice guy on a nice ship, with nice people, who only want to do nice things to each other. It was a nice change from murder and mayhem. Could have used a little more drama, but nicely done overall. Reminds me of a Robert Heinlein story I read many moons ago.
Nate Lowell Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
The next book won’t be as “nice” …
David Says:
April 8th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I know how to set up a little more drama and difficulty for Double Share…how about naming Ishmael’s new ship the Edmund F?
Nate Lowell Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
And have it sink in Lake Superior?

Hm. Interesting idea.

I think you’re gonna like where this one goes.
Chazlo Portello Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Thanks for the First three books. I downloaded and listened to them all in one week. (home sick with the flu.) I can’t wait for the next three books. I am hooked!

As an ex-submarine sailor, I can relate to the shipboard life that you describe. Except that on the submarine there were no hot women, and people really weren’t very nice at all, and it smelled funny all the time, and we were always having to clean the ship (no maid service), and we had drills just about every day. Other than that, it was alot like shipboard life on the Lois. Thanks again for some great Sci fi.
Nathan Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Yea .. the ship smell in a surface ship is different. They all have a unique odor tho and I’ll be spending some time talking about that in Double Share.

And there werent any women on my ships either. And most people were really crappy, too. But I didn’t wanna write it TOO real. Life underway was generally boring when it wasn’t terrifying.

Thanks for the kind words. I’m hearing from a LOT of sailors
Sueper Says:
May 27th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Hi Nate
Just a note to let you know I’m still here and my son has offered to operate my ipod for me as I have no fingers left
:O)
Sue
Nathan Says:
May 27th, 2008 at 11:51 am
i’m sorry. it’s coming. I promise.
Ceroth Says:
May 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I just finished listening to all three podnovels almost back to back. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed them. I really came to like these people and your descriptions of them made them real for me. I was getting teary eyed at the end when Ishmael was getting ready to leave the ship. I was going to ask when the next set of novels about Ish, Pip, Bril and Bev were going to be coming out but it seems that there might be a new story soon. Am I reading that right? If it is, I’m really excited and can’t wait for them. You, Sir, are one hell of a story teller. Keep up the good work. Take care.
Nathan Says:
May 31st, 2008 at 6:05 am
Yup. I’m working on Double Share right now. 6 chapters and about 15,000 words into it. I’m hoping to have it done by the end of June.

And while you wait, check out South Coast to learn more about the world of the South Coast shaman and get some backstory on a name which might be familiar.

I’m glad you like it and I’m looking forward with as much anticipation as everybody else, I think. It’s been a while since I put up a new project and I’m REALLY anxious to get on with it.
Tom Heydt-Benjamin Says:
June 27th, 2008 at 5:08 am
I have enjoyed this book tremendously.

There is something about this series that leaves me feeling happy for the whole day when I listen on my morning commute.

When I get home from work I find myself volounteering to do the dishes just so that I get a little more listening time while engaged in manual labor.

My only problem has been pacing myself, I wanted to listen to them back to back, but forced myself to listen to other books in between so that I would have more from this series to look forward to.

A technical complaint: The audio glitch between the podiobooks.com intro and the beginning of the intro music can be quite painful. I commute on a motorcycle, so I have to have my iPod turned up quite loud. Can anything be done to smooth the transition? I think this is probably a podiobooks.com problem, and not unique to this title.
Nathan Says:
June 27th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Thanks, Tom. Glad you’re enjoying it. There’s plenty more where this came from.

“audio glitch”?

what? like some kinda pop or click between the plugged in stuff and the actual file?
The Bee Lady Says:
July 4th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Hi Nathan,

I’m not sure what to say. If you knew me, you’d know how odd it is for me to be at a loss of words. Maybe it’s because I didn’t get much sleep last night. I started FS at about 7:00 last night and finished about 4:00 this morning. (If you do the math, I have to explain that I listened to some a bit earlier.) I just read a majority of the comments, and, although I appreciate how well you take criticism, I’m sad that there is even one person who doesn’t appreciate your talent, or effort. I agree with the majority of people who are (patiently?) waiting for DS and the other 40 books still brewing in your brain.

I absorbed Heinlein SciFi in high school/college, and while I recognize the similarities, you do *not* have the chauvinistic bent that Mr. Heinlein had. Thank goodness. You do, however, have a firm grip on that different universe where bad things happen for a reason, the good guys are justly rewarded for their behavior, and the “regular guy” is doing things we all wish we had a chance at.

Yeah, yeah, there’s a little gratuitous ass-grabbing, but it’s funny. And Sarah’s response to life on the ship makes it plain that it really is a different way of living. I related to her as well as to Ish, maybe more so. I’m not as adaptable or lucky as Ish, I hope I’m not as stubborn as Pip. And I would probably be up in the bunk, crocheting, if I were Sarah, too. Too bad I’m not a shaman.

I know this is a bit long, especially so far after the release of FS, and so close to DS (oh goody, another excuse to avoid the TV!) Sorry. Apparently I got over being speechless… I just felt the need to address the comments that I so sincerely disagree with. There seems to be an over-abundance of people who want everything right now, free, and it had better be perfect and just what they expected. I’m getting tired of them.

I have enjoyed the interesting assortment of names, personalities, and events in this story. It has been a wonderful distraction from my own Real Life, and I’m looking forward to South Coast. That will keep my fingernails safe until DS.

I’m so pleased with the way you ended FS. You didn’t really close the door, but you sure opened a dozen more! Thanks. Whatever your RL is, I hope it will accommodate all the stories you can think up.

PS. The “audio glitch” is a short, sharp patch of white noise between the intro guy and where _your_ audio actually begins. “The following is a Podiobooks presentation.” crrrk! (intro music begins). It is quite obvious in #16 of FS, but I noticed it on several episodes. Ah! Memory sets in. It sounds like a needle skipping across a record. You know, vinyl. In the Dark Ages.
Nathan Says:
July 4th, 2008 at 9:36 am
hm .. lemme follow up. I’m not sure I can do anything with it.
danb Says:
August 7th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
best book so far… but 6 episodes into DS, I think it’s soon to be unseated.

I really liked the addition of significant conflict in FS and it looks like DS is taking that to the next level… can’t wait.
Anyanwu Says:
September 19th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
So Nathan, there are three things I want after listening to your books: Cookie’s cookbook, a recommendation to a good tailor, and a mirror so you can tell me how beautiful I look. I’ll settle for just the cookbook
Nathan Says:
September 19th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I’m working on a recipe for Spiced Beefalo. I’ll let ya know when it’s ready
leslie parker Says:
September 29th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Just like to say WOW! Science fiction as it should be. I’ve just finished Full Share having listened to Quarter share and Half Share. Loved all three. Good stories which are excelently read. Looking forward to Double Share with baited breath.
Nathan Says:
September 29th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Thanks, Leslie.

If you like these, don’t overlook South Coast. : )
__Jim_ Says:
September 30th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Nate, another donation has been placed…

Thanks Mon, it’s truly a blessing to be able to enjoy such fine entertainment.

Jim
Tom Says:
December 18th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I am blown away by the whole series and was stunned by the close of Full Share. Thank you for a wonderful escape from reality for a “tic”. A well deserved donation is on the way. Happy Holidays.
Nathan Says:
December 18th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Thanks, Tom.

There’s more out there — Double Share and South Coast — and even more on the way as soon as I beat my day job into submission again!
Robin Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I have just finished all 4 of the Share Books and found that I simply had to listen to them all, they are engaging. The author has a certain way of relating human interactions that often had me smiling or laughing out loud while on my daily walks listening to the stories. Keep up the good work, I am just about to start South Coast.
Nathan Says:
January 10th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Thanks, Robin!

Lemme know how you like South Coast
Lauretta6 Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I loved the whole series. Are you going to write some more?
I want more. Will he get his own ship? Does he see the people on the Lois again? Does he train at the academy? etc…..
Nathan Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Yes, I am.

Double Share is out. So is South Coast

There’s TWO of your questions answered.
magali Says:
April 15th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Waou !
I had listened to Quarter Share and Half Share and loved them but I wish there was more than an excellent rating for Full Share!
I laughed out loud (while running, not an easy task), cheered and nearly cried during the last episode.
Thanks Nathan for the great story and your characters are just like friends to me now, I just wish I could meet up with them at Jump
Dan Dziubanski Says:
June 11th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Great. All I can say, I started book one… knowing your voice sounded familiar (From South Coast). Your audio and narration quality is top notch. Volume is great, but who cares about all that when you have a great story to tell. Thank You for your content.
Nathan Says:
June 12th, 2009 at 3:24 am
Thanks!

There’s still more in the works for our intrepid adventurer.
Dariclone Says:
February 16th, 2010 at 7:40 am
I loved this installment. I’m so glad that Ishmael and Bev finally got together. I can’t wait for the next book.
Nathan Says:
February 16th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I hope you don’t find the next book too disappointing.

No spoilers here, but if you go look at the blurb, you’ll see that things change pretty drastically going forward.
enzo Says:
May 17th, 2010 at 11:27 am
I loved this book the best so far. Full share was completely enjoyable the entire way through.
but i HATE books like this take get you so wrapped up in the characters and thier lives that it effects your real life moods when things don’t happen the way we want them to!
that’s actually a compliment to the author for having the skill to pull us into their world. 5 stars nate. ***audio warning – if you are listening to full share and can’t hear the author quite right, do not bang you mp3 player, phone, etc off of hard objects… it’s not you, it’s the files. (wish someone had told me that)
————————————–>
my biggest issue (spoiler, turn back here) … why didn’t ish even get a big ol’ kiss from brill. it seemed to me they had the most sexual tension through this whole thing and yet had absolutely NO closure. she just tagged around like a puppy with he and bev at the end. and was practically ignored and fell off the face of the earth after that. i’m on captain’s share now, and a part of me keeps hoping we see her again. those two really had a powerful connection that did not get it’s full due. perhaps some fan-fiction is needed
Walt Says:
May 19th, 2010 at 7:28 am
I totally agree about Brill — I kept expecting some acknowledgement of what seemed to be strong attraction, but nothing came of it… Nathan also left us with the feeling that she has a whole story of her own which gave her character a little more depth/mystery.

The whole series has been fun to listen to, but I was getting a little weary of the everything-works-out-for-Ish pattern. Double Share and Captain’s Share have been very redeeming in that regard. More uncertainty and suspense makes for great listening.

Thank you Mr. Lowell!
Nathan Says:
May 19th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Thanks for all the kind words.

It’s a balancing act on the stories. There’s a certain number of fans who really don’t like the way the stories changed after Ishmael goes to the Academy, but I think they reflect a growing understanding – a development in his character as he ages and sees things differently.
Justin Says:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
I burned through the entire series in less than a week, thank you for taking the time to post these as well as your other audio books, you have a great talent for voice acting.
David Says:
September 20th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
I’m in the middle now, and am wondering… Why did the ship have all that CaOH but no way to use it? It seems useless to have without some kind of equipment to use it in.
Nathan Says:
September 21st, 2010 at 2:58 am
Hm. They got it from *somewhere* …. I need to go back and find it now because I can’t remember myself
David Says:
September 21st, 2010 at 4:55 pm
It’s not the *where*, it’s the *why*. Obviously the CaOH is extremely useful if/when the scrubbers go down, but …

New topic: when Ish and Wendy are … busy … he says something like “three *hours* later”. Should be “stans”.

Also, there are a few “sirs” mixed in with the “sars”, not sure if that was intentional.

Loving the “logs” investigation. Being a software engineer I really can appreciate the efforts in reconstructing what happened. (Don’t tell me what happens, I’m not done yet!)
Nathan Says:
September 23rd, 2010 at 3:21 am
Yeah, there was a rationale for it’s being on the ship.But I just can’t remember what it was.

You’re right that should have been “stans” …altho the term is slang for “standard hour” so i’ll hold up the fig leaf

There’s probably more sirs … some places (like when dealing with civilians) it’s intentional, some places it’s just bad enounciation, and some –hard to believe–I screwed it up.

Glad you’re enjoying it.
sarah Says:
October 14th, 2010 at 9:00 am
I really love these books!! I was reluctant for awhile, I thought, what do I care about space sailors? But, turns out I care…..a lot!!! I got completely sucked into quarter share and I’ve been hungrily listening to the rest.

Thanks for reading to me, sir!
leon Says:
February 11th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Nathan, I don’t understand….why didn’t all crew not required for the emergency fixes just go hang out in the ships boat and use the scrubbers in there to slow the rise of co2 in the main ship untill the scrubber start scrubbing again? just a thought.

Love the work you are doin,
Nathan Says:
February 11th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Excess author head-space.

That makes SO much more sense and I didn’t think of it until I was halfway thru Double Share.

I suspect we’ll address that in the print version.
David Says:
March 30th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Don’t forget the boat only holds a dozen people or so. And their emergency shipsuits only holds an hour of air. They said it would take 10 hours to get the scrubbers back up to speed.
MatWeller Says:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:15 am
As with the others in this series, this was brilliant. You really understand what makes good sci-fi drama.
Nathan Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 6:53 am
Thanks, Mat.

Podiobooker
News from the Staff of Podiobooks.com

Full Share

255 Responses to “Full Share”

Leave a Reply

Search the Blog

Return to

Blog RSS feed

3 Ways to Contribute

Categories

Archives

Pages

Categories

Archive

Site Links

June 2007
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« May				Jul »
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30

Podiobooker News from the Staff of Podiobooks.com

Full Share

255 Responses to “Full Share”

Leave a Reply

Search the Blog

Return to

Blog RSS feed

3 Ways to Contribute

Categories

Archives

Pages

Categories

Archive

Site Links

Podiobooker
News from the Staff of Podiobooks.com