Captains Share
Special treat: I’m pushing out Captains Share by Nathan Lowell a day early. Tomorrow is a busy day, and I don’t to keep you crazy Nowellian fans waiting!
A Trader’s Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper
A shuffling of cabins puts Ishmael Horatio Wang in command of the worst ship in the fleet. He learns that being Captain doesn’t make you infallible and that life in the Captain’s Cabin is filled with new kinds of challenge as he tries to keep the ship moving, the crew out of trouble, and turn a profit to earn his Captain’s Share. In a ship where the officers outnumber the crew, how can he manage to keep everybody happy? Welcome to the SC Agamemnon.
Right now, there are five files released. While you may be tempted to mainline with the default feed, keep this in mind: Nate has a nasty habit of loading up multiple episodes at once. That could cause you to have to go play with your podcatcher each day to make sure you haven’t missed any.
But there’s a civilized method: get a custom feed. You can choose how often you get files. Once a day, if you like. That keeps you from having to go mess with your podcatcher. You just get new episodes of Nate’s book delivered to you. Enjoy!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
All the Nathan Lowell books are great and worth reading. They have been getting better and better. It was a great surprise to find this up on the site tonight… you just made my day. Perfect timing too: I literally just finished Dragon Ore.
Thanks Nathan for writing this!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Just finished the first chapter. This meets and exceeds the quality of the others in the series. Great job Nathan! Thank you for such a great series of stories.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
It’s HERE!!! Yay!
September 30th, 2009 at 3:24 am
Thanks for all the kind words already. It’s only been a few hours and already there’s comments!
There’ll be 22 episodes and a couple of them will be a bit longer than average… pushing 40-45 minutes. It’s just the way the chapters broke and I chose to make them longer by putting more chapters together.
The book itself is 147k words which makes it the longest or my works to date.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:47 am
I stayed at work late just so I could catch the launch of Captains Share and have an excuse to listen to the first few chapters. They are great! It still amazes me how well Mr Lowell develops the story. Each book from the Solar Clipper series has it’s own story and I think has the ability to last the test of time. Great job, I’m looking forward to the rest of the book. I hope this won’t be the last in the series, It would also be interesting to see how well the voices in my head treat a printed book.
Thank you Nathan! Good luck and I hope this project pays off for you more than just collecting addicted fans.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Like an old friend coming back. Always a pleasure.
September 30th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I’m really looking forward to listening to this. You’re a GREAT story teller. I heard of your books for awhile and finally got around to listening to them. Once I listened to one, I instantly subscribed to listen to each of them and I loved it.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing more.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:16 am
For reasons that will momentarily become clear, I would like to say that I’ve considered, off and on, authoring a novel.
When listening to or reading books they generally fall into two categories. There are those which lead me to think that if the author is capable of it, then I most certainly am. On the other hand are those rare works which inspire me by demonstrating the potential that storytelling has to offer. The Golden Age series falls into the latter category, and I wish to express my gratitude to the author for both the inspiration and the entertainment.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:54 am
I am stunned and awed that Captain’s Share has started. Your writing and story-telling are gems. I hope to have these stories one day in a bound leather hardcover in my den.
Bravo!
September 30th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Thank you, all. You’ve waited a whole year for a new book from me and I’m sorry it’s taken so long. This is the next to last Share book. Owner’s Share is in the works for early 2010 and I’ve got a new project getting set up for NaNoWriMo in November so there’ll be a new book in December (assuming I get it written!)
Thank you, all, for the kind words and support.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I haven’t started listening yet but I am very excited. For anyone here that is just checking this book out, do yourself a favor and listen to all Nathan’s books. They are excellent.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I really like what I’m hearing so far, and it’s so good to be on another adventure with Ishmael Wang! I’m looking forward to meeting more of the crew of the SC Agamemnon.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
How wonderful to dwell again in the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper! Another rousing tale of Ishmael’s fearless, truth-telling and evil-thwarting brilliance to enjoy. Five episodes delighted me through garden tasks this morning and I cried out sadly when the last one completed. Thank you, Nathan.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
It makes me sad that Ishmael has aged past me in this continuation… It means there is less of his life to tell, and that he might be a harder man, less spry and mischievous than he used to be. That said, I am very glad to finally be listening to this story. Nathan, you will be rich when you find a publisher.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Wow!!! Awesome stuff Nathan. You have done it again.
I can not wait for episode 6.
The story has me hooked again… Well Done Nathan.
I think we are all prepared to buy all your books when they are published, just tell us where and when and I am buying a the set…
October 1st, 2009 at 5:18 am
Hi
Welcome back.
I enjoyed your previous offerings and even left them on my hard disk to hear them again.
Looking forward to the new book!!!!!!
Chaim
October 1st, 2009 at 5:40 am
I’m so excited!
But now I have a really interesting problem… listen now, get part way through, and then have to live in suspense until the next part is ready, or wait till the whole thing is in and listen then.
I listened to the last one in pretty much one sitting… so I either have to wait now or wait later… argh!
That being said, when these finally hit print, could you also release a version suitable for kids? I really want to read these to my daughter when she gets a little older (10 months now), but except for the first book the racy parts wouldn’t go over very well… which is sad because I think these have some of the same qualities of the Little House and other classic books.
All that aside, thank you for your great work!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:24 am
Fantastic again Nathan!!! The wait was difficult, but well worth it.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:27 am
Thank you Nathan!
I told myself I would wait until you’d released all episodes before I started to listen… well. Flesh and ears and weakness got the better of me. So here I am, without my fix. And it is just as bad as not having my Scott Sigler. Man. I hate that.
So listen up people. There’s this Donate button on http://podiobooks.com/title/captains-share/
I used it already. $9.99 felt good to me. If we all use it, we may make him go even faster
October 1st, 2009 at 8:55 am
I’ve just finished the first to parts. All I can say is WOW. As always very well written and read. I’m running home on lunch to download the next part!
October 1st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Damn you Mr Nathan Lowell, I’ve just finished the first Five episodes and I’m already enthralled.
Yet again you’re giving us an excellent science fiction story, no aliens, no Zap Pow Zang, just good solid story telling.
I’m going to have to reload the first Four books to my mp3 player and listen to them all, yet again, while hoping some more chapters have been released before I finish them.
This is some of the best science fiction it has been my pleasure to listen to or read.
October 1st, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Once more I hate you Nathan!!!! I have to wait for more to come out, and they better come quick!!! If not I will get on the first fast packet and find you. Once I find you I will make you read them to me in person (over a pot of coffee).
Really I am in aw of your work. How you create a simple story and make one love the people in the story. I wish I read these when I was young, as Ish would have made a great role model. As soon as my kids are old enough they will be listing to the great work by Nathan Lowell.
Wes
October 1st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I am so glad to have Owner’s Share released. I have loved all the “Shares”.
But Ishmael is too old. 18 when Mom died, 20 on the way to the academy, 24 when graduated and on the wat to the Billy, known Freddie for 10 years does not =38 years old.
I know I am being critical but these things tend to bother me…
Great story line, I am enjoying the new story in spite of addition errors…
October 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Yeah! I am thrilled the Captain’s Share is out. Nathan, you are the only Podiobook author I can stand to listen to as each and every episode comes out. The story always leaves me wanted to hear more, so I always come back. Yet the episodes do not end with painful, gimickly cliffhangers. Thank you!
I am so psyched by Ish’s optimism as he starts this new adventure. Considering the circumstances, this promises to be quite a wonderful ride!
To Diana: I checked the log date of Double Share’s last episode; there are about 13 years between the books, which is about right. (Didn’t check the months, just the years.) I think the casual reference to knowing Freddie 10 year was just a casual, rough estimate. Since most people can’t say exactly how long they’ve know long-time friends without stopping to think and calculate, a specific number of years would have sounded odd. Granted, I have noticed a couple minor errors, probably because I’ve relistened to the eariler books too many times to count. However, I’d MUCH have the book released NOW (and have Nathan’s desk cleared for NaNoWriMo) than to wait longer for perfect proofread.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:04 pm
My goodness! All these great comments already?! I’m touched and a little surprised. Thank you all for diving in and giving the first few a listen.
Diana, yes, that line was SUPPOSED to be “over ten stanyers” .. the correct number is – to be accurate — 13. I’d fire the editor but I need me to do the next book.
Thanks, Elizabeth. You’re probably more up on the precise details than I am. I keep finding little oddities where I claim Brain Cloud because it’s been three years since I started this voyage myself and I’m having trouble remembering.
This is going to be a very different book. It was the hardest for me to write of any of them. I suspect Owner’s Share will be harder still, but at least that will be the last one in the arc and we can think about some of the other stories that need to be told in this universe.
I’ve said it before up there, but there will be 22 episodes. I’ve recorded and edited number 6 already and I’m expecting to get thru 10 before next Wednesday. Sorry, I haven’t been able to do more than that this week but I had other projects that needed addressing.
My goal is to get the whole thing done and up by October 15th. That’ll give me 2 weeks to get my head around a NaNoWriMo project
October 1st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
What can I say. I’m already hooked.
I pulled into the driveway after work this evening thinking “Oh man, I’ve listened to all 5 episodes already… what am I going to listen to in the morning?!?!?”.
Then, I come here and BAM… here’s episode 6 waiting for me.
Thanks Nathan for all the books. They are truly my favorite audiobooks and I can’t wait to listen to the next episode of Captain’s Share on my morning commute!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Is there an accounts screen that shows which books I’ve paid for with how many times I’ve downloaded? Think I’m running light on one of the “Shares” books. Can’t remember which one.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Dear Nathan,
Once again, thank you for a new book being released. As someone else expressed above, it is like encountering an old friend again after a long time.
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
YES! i am so glad this series isn’t over yet. i really enjoy your Stories and all of your books.
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 am
I have no comment except to say that I squealed “Yaaaay!!!!!!” when I saw that Captains Share was up.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:06 am
Sigh… and episode 6 fades from the iPod… need more story…
Again Nate great work and I can’t wait to hear the rest and see what else you come up with.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:30 am
What a relief to find that Nathan’s voice acting career really didn’t interfere with this production!
Nate, it is so good to hear your voice again on my iPod!
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:34 am
Oh, almost forgot, great story. Ish has aged very gracefully from one book to the next.
I wish I had heard these scenes with the new crew before I had teenagers – educational stuff.
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:29 am
Plans for all 22 episodes October 15th? Nathan, you are so good to us! Thank you!
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:06 am
If there was just Quarter Share and nothing else, it would be amazing. Thanks to Mr. Lowell for that and so much more.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
So far I like this book the best. I like the notion that everyone is redeemable. I also agree that its all about the leadership.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Nathan-
Question on how best to ensure you can make a living doing this:
Would you make more $$ from a $10.00 ‘donation’ via podiobooks.com vs. selling a $25.00 hardcover from Amazon.com?
I would much rather see the max amount go directly to you, no matter what.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Just want to say a simple thank you. I was looking forward to and am totally enjoying this new addition.
October 5th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Just downloaded episode number nine of “Captain’s Share” and listened to it four times through. This is really fine work, Mr. Lowell. Thank you.
October 5th, 2009 at 5:34 am
Thanks to all for the great comments on a work still in production!
It’s very gratifying to have this much encouragement!
Jason, I think I make more from Podiobooks donations, which isn’t to say I wouldn’t like to sell hard covers on Amazon, too. At the moment, I’m making a strategic decision to focus on getting the work out to all y’all ahead of everything else, including promotion and wider publication. When the time comes, I’ll be calling in all the markers from all the folks I’ve been working with over the last couple of stanyers but I hope to be selling a boxed set in addition to the individual volumes.
October 5th, 2009 at 5:39 am
Jason:
The maximum is much better here. 75% goes to the author. That’s not going to happen anywhere else, not in the short term anyway.
And without Podiobooks I for one might not even have discovered Nathan. Running a site like this (I don’t see ads) isn’t free. I really don’t mind that Evo gets a few percent for his Quality Assurance work and monthly costs. I’m quite certain almost every penny goes back into making this a better experience for all of us. And if he buys his team a beer or two… perfect.
Donating $9.99 here certainly feels a whole lot better than paying the same to audible, where I know the original author only gets a fraction – and I’m stupid enough to do that every month.
Now as to where Nathan will become most famous… That would be an amazon Sales rank between #1 and #100 for a couple of weeks
October 5th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Boxed set?!?! And I though waiting for the next episode here was hard!
I am very much looking forward to seeing all your work in print.
I know I should have done this long ago but… Thank you very much for the stories that you have shared with us. I have been a listner to your works for quite a while now and I have to say there are few stories that I have enjoyed to this extent. For some reason they just strike a cord with me and I enjoy listening to them over and over.
Thanks again for all that you have given. I look forward to what you will come up with next.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Genius! All the books are absolutely wonderful and I’ve enjoyed them many, many times, but Captain’s Share is so far the best. Ish’s solutions are (as I said before) genius, so often an author tells us a character’s actions, magic happens, and the problem is solved. But in CS Ish’s solutions are as creative as they are subtle, and one can see, intuitively, how they will work to achieve a greater goal without being overtly told. Oh, and it is laugh out loud funny. I can feel the anticipation of the trading fun to come.
Did Ish and Bev really stay chaste on the Bad Penny all the way to Port Newmar?
October 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I think I am now officially qualified to empathize fully with one of Skinner’s famous rats.
I find myself almost obsessively checking this website for updates to Captain’s Share. As all those familiar with Skinner’s work will know, part of that can be explained by Nathan’s somewhat erratic but rapid-fire release schedule. If you planned on doing it this way because you knew it would get your fans hooked more quickly, I think it’s working, Nate
.
But a bigger part of it is the fact that this story – like its four predecessors – is filled to the brim with Ishmael Wang Magic (TM).
For those of you wanting to try this at home, please follow these three quick and easy steps:
1. Download all of the ‘Share’ stories.
2. Witness how simply living your life with the firm belief that there’s some good to be found in every situation (and every human being) can literally change the world you live in.
3. Profit.
Couple the underlying positive message in these books with unfailing humor, delightfully crafted language, and a nuanced reading by the author, and you’ve got a – what’s it called, quadrilogy? – of instant classics.
/me goes to click the PayPal button for this book.
October 6th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Wonderful surprise to log in and see Captains Share in progress, I killed 9 Episodes in a two day drive… and looking for more. Thank You Mr. Lowell for a great escape. I would recommend any work by Mr. Lowell to anyone. Great story teller/great reader.
-Dan
October 6th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Did I read correctly – Owner’s share… (biting nails) 2010 not to far away..
October 7th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Can’t tell you how happy I was to see Captain’s Share in the feeds! I discovered Mr. Lowell late in the series (Double Share was well underway), one episode of Quarter Share and I was hooked. Went through the entire “Share” series during my commute (2hrs daily), first time I ever felt that I wouldn’t mind it being a bit longer… I highly recommend this series (and don’t forget “South Coast”) and Mr. Lowell for his stories and reading. Thanks for so many enjoyable hours!!
October 8th, 2009 at 12:49 am
I love your stuff it is like “literary crack” I find my self checking constantly, continually and repeatedly to see if any new chapters become available. I can find nothing to complain about until tonight. Chapter 12 has chapter 13′s description(I am sure you will fix that ).Other than that you have made me very happy to hear the tales of Ishmael Wang & the Shamans . I thank you very much Sir.
October 8th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Thanks for all the wonderful comments, everybody. I can’t tell you how gratifying it is.
And thank you, Dagroth, for the information about the description. I’m getting a little punchy and had two episodes in production at the same time. I just grabbed the wrong episode tag when I posted to podiobooks last night. I’ve corrected it and we’ll get that repaired.
October 8th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Not many books make me want to treat others with more compassion and patience. Thank you, Nathan.
October 8th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I am enjoying the latest book in the Share series as much, if not more than any of the other books by Nathan Lowell. I cant wait until the next episode(s) are released. I always look forward to any book that Nathan writes, reads, or participates in. Great job.
October 8th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I had no idea a new book had come out in the Solar Clipper stories.
What a nice surprise!
Nathan your books are always such a wonderful argument against the assertion that something is only interesting if bad things are happening or bad people are winning.
I really appreciate your writing and naration. Keep up the good work!
October 8th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
WOW!!!! Another enjoyable ride into the deep dark. I just don’t understand How I can enjoy a story where Nothing Happens(By that I mean Action.) But Enjoy it I do. I love how Ish Handles things very hands off. He has Thinga man to fish thing going on. and let’s the person he’s helping make their own decision.
As for the crew they are a great match for his style of command.
I can’t wait to see where this leads to.
Is Ish’s tale going to print\Digital Ala kindle? (If so When) It would make a great purchase.
October 9th, 2009 at 2:11 am
Thanks i’m hooked again. Great atmosphere. I would like to be a greasemonkey on this ship. Again, thank you Nathan.
October 9th, 2009 at 5:01 am
You folks post faster than I can read!
Thanks to all of you for the encouragement!
@Digamma – yes, eventually. When? No idea.
October 9th, 2009 at 6:18 am
I think a lot of what I wanted to say has been said in the previous posts. Awesome new adventure. Thank you very much for allowing us once more into the Universe of Ishmael Wang and friends. Fair skies and cool breezes.
October 9th, 2009 at 11:12 am
A cliffhanger?! Damn you Lowell!!! (actually, thanks so very much, this thrill ride is worth every moment)
October 10th, 2009 at 8:32 am
What an incredible ride these books have been!
I’ve wanted to articulate the core of what makes these books draw me in. A great deal of that was summed up in Barry Bounous’s comment, “Not many books make me want to treat others with more compassion and patience. Thank you, Nathan.” They challenge me to never take the easy way out, not as in a fairy tale, but in a real way.
Thank you, Nathan
October 11th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
when i found captain’s share on podiobooks, i immediately subscribed and downloaded all available episodes. ’nuff said.
October 11th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I think the think I like best about these stories is that they’re not about war, or huge conflicts – they’re about personality clashes, and natural problems, and the fight to learn.
Oh, and that the vast majority of people are decent people, not jerks hiding behind civilized masks.
It’s kind of like the difference between Battlestar Galactica, and Galactica in Name Only.
Though I can’t wait to get confirmed for the durandus.com forums – I have a nit or two to pick that needs to go behind a spoiler tag.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:27 am
I am not one to give praise lightly. I am a realist at heart and an engineer by trade and training. With that said.
These books make me a better person.
October 12th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Jamey – Please email me (wndrwolf@gmail.com) I believe I may have done you a disservice.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Alas another share is closing. Ish is up to his old tricks. His story has become immortal. One thing I saw it coming a mile away (episode 18). I have one more guess but I’ll wait to see if it’s true.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
This is the only audio book I can listen to repeatedly and still enjoy it as much as the first listen.
October 14th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
No, write more, write often, but even while listening to Ish’s adventures, I know that the story is going to end!
October 14th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
A friend at work and I have talked about nothing else since the day the first episode came out. This is a wonderful series, and I’ll be sad to see the end. There are few stories I can listen to more than once or twice, but the SC series stay easily accessible at all times.
I’m in for the boxed set, too. I’m on the mailing list – just let us know when and where!
Wait. 22 episodes!? No!!!! That means this one is nearly over. Please get to work on Owner’s Share ASAP!
Really, though – Nathan, thanks so much for giving us these stories. I hope you keep writing for a very long time – I’ll listen to every story you care to record.
October 14th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Thank you, one and all, for the great encouragement in your comments. It means a lot to me that you care enough about the stories to come and leave me these wonderful notes.
22 is in the queue. Owner’s Share is on the docket for next year.
Fingers crossed for earlier in the year, rather than later
October 14th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
The latest installment of the tales of Ishmael Wang does not disappointment. However I think ANOTHER 10 chapters or so are needed to complete this book.
I could go on listening forever.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Wonderful books. Absolutely wonderful. Your narration is NOT narration at all; It is story-telling at it’s best. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
October 15th, 2009 at 7:02 am
No! It can’t end. I need more! More, more, more!
Hi, my name is Jesse, and I just might be an addict.
Amazing work, as always, Nathan. Please don’t ever stop writing.
October 15th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Ishmael Wang for world leader!
His openminded positive outlook on life is just what we all need. Than you Nathan…
As a Captain (Road Pilot), I spend hundreds of hours in the deepdark of America’s Highways and, Thanks to you I have the “Share” series to listen to and be inspired by.
My background includes, nautical histories, so I appreciate the nautical connotations added to the books very much.
I also enjoyed the South Coast book, and look forward to anything you publish.
Thanks Again Nathan!!
PS; horse475 comes from driving a Kenworth with 475 horsepower.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Nathan, thank you so much for such a great story, once again. I listened to the four books leading up to this one before starting it, it was an awesome journey. I can’t wait for the next one! If you all haven’t listened to Nathan’s previous books, start Ishmael’s journey in Quarter Share and make your way back to Captain’s Share! It’s a grand old time, and one I’m sure I’ll make again when Owner’s Share comes out! Thanks for all the great fiction Nathan!!!
October 15th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Wow What a ride. Ish’s stories never cease to amaze. I only have one complaint. I just wanted the loose ends tied up. A couple of stories went unresolved. I can’t wait to see what Ish’s story leads too.(if there’s more.)
October 15th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Thank you, Horse and Jesse!
Dan: My pleasure … new works are coming.
Digamma: You can’t have all the loose ends tied up. Not all of them are Ishmael’s ends, for one thing. Ishmael can’t tie them off.
And his won’t be tied up until he’s dead.
I can kill him in the next book, tho, if you like.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Nathan,
You have outdone yourself once again. I am very sad to see this chapter of Ishmael’s story come to a close, only because it was such a great one. Thank you for sharing your amazing stories with us, and for putting so much effort into the reading and podcast production. I can’t believe how you get these books recorded and available for download so quickly!
This has been a wonderful ride. Enjoy the holidays and I look forward to Owner’s Share in 2010 as well as any other stories from this fanstastic universe that you are able to share in the future. THANK YOU!
October 15th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Fingers crossed!
Great story, Nathan, and I enjoyed the music, too.
Well done.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:48 am
No death for Ish (unless it’s heroic or natural causes.). You introduced a new interesting character and left her there. I just wanted to see how it turned out with her. And as for Ish I just wanted his love life to work out for once.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Captain for less than one year and he has less than he had at the end of Quarter Share. No personal relationships or friends, only a crew and a means to make money. I enjoyed the story but I feel empty.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Nathan Lowell has done it again. A wonderful, kind-hearted vision of the future with Ishmael Wang at the helm. The trouble is, Nate, now we have to wait for the next one. You devote all that time to writing and recording the story, and we devour it in a matter of hours. A bit like Thanksgiving dinner…and I am grateful. Well done.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Thanks, Gail.
Diga: Yes, but …
Russell: So does he.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I do have to chime in with all the others and say please, Nathan, find a publisher so we can buy the boxed set in print. And…when will there be a movie? Please?
October 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Just so you’ll all know .. we have a full spoiler filled discussion going over on the fan forums at http://solarclipper.com — you DO need to register in order to post there (sorry, spambots) but you can spoiler all you want over there.
It’d be considerate of them what’s following this trail, tho, if we kinda tried to keep the spoilerific parts limited to there?
Thanks.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Jennifer: Thanksgiving. Very appropriate – I started July 27th. It’s taken me almost 3 months to write, edit, record, edit, and post. All y’all whip thru them in a matter of hours.
Just like Thanksgiving dinner, I’m gratified by your enjoyment, however brief it may have been.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Another perfect podcast. I hope you do a Q&A episode for it.
October 16th, 2009 at 2:16 am
Thanks you Nathan for this and Share series. You are an exceptional writer and a great story teller.
To any one who has not sampled the share series please download them all create a single play list then press play. You will not be ebolden, hopeful and joyfull and finally sad when you get the end.
Again thank you Nate. Look forward to the next story.
October 16th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Thanks Nathan!
This is the most compelling seriese I have listened to. Thanks for the ride Nathan and as per earlier comments heres to the next book. Its clear just how much work you put into them and as you say we then consume them as fast as we can go. “My complements to the Author!”
Also thanks for releasing the episodes so quickly.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Just thought I’d drop you a line Nathan to let you know how truly inspiring your work is to me. I have listened to many stories from podiobooks.com and commercial releases and I have to say, Scott Sigler had me hooked with his books and turned me into a junkie, but you my friend, you have dethroned Sigler as my favorite and most recommended author. You have converted me into a Lowellist
I was late getting aboard the Solar Clipper joyride and downloaded a couple episodes of Quarter Share because I heard you narrated the entire thing without using a kazillion voices. As an author this intriqued me. It was somewhere during the first couple of episodes that I paused listening long enough to download every episode of Quarter Share, Half Share, Full Share and Double Share. What a story!
Your writing and sound quality is excellent. Your narration is superb – it sounds like an old friend telling you their story rather than listening to fiction. You have certainly raised the bar and set a new standard.
Waiting for Captain’s Share was torture, but each release proved to be worth the wait, just as I expected. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU Nathan, for sharing this fantastic Trader’s Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper.
~Kenn
October 16th, 2009 at 10:15 am
*blush*
October 16th, 2009 at 11:01 am
nathan, you know you’ve overdosed on the trader’s tales when…
… you use words from the books in real life (like you did in your post dated 5th october)
If and when the series comes out as printed books, is there any chance to use the same cover photos? would be cool.
Oh, BTW, what’s the word on the shaman’s tales? will there be more books? when? how many?
October 16th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Cover photos: It’s possible. They’re public domain so would be eligible. Depends on who/how … too early to say.
I have one more Shaman’s Tale on the list — Cape Grace — which should fit in between South Coast and Half Share. Beyond that, I’m trying VERY hard not to commit to any future projects until I can finish what I’ve got on the table. With three more novels, plus a Sekrit Projekt that is STILL not done, I’m up to my armpits in sludge cakes.
October 16th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
You know, I do have a complaint. I was perfectly happy with listening to mediocre books for a long time. Then, I found your novels, and now I can’t even listen to mediocre books I was in the middle of, much less start new ones. It’s all your fault, Nathan. Shame on you!
October 16th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I guess I can’t complain about that complaint.
Thank you, everybody, for your kind words and the iTunes reviews and ratings that have put Captain’s Share on the top of the New and Notable in Arts > Literature there.
It’s always gratifying to see the Podiobook titles up there!
October 17th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Hi
I’ve just finished reading the last episode (again thank you) and wanted to make a more detailed assessment.
For me there are two sorts of good books, the first I read and enjoy, the second which makes me part of a world and leave me with withdrawal symptoms at the end. Your book belongs to the second category.
Now to more details: In this book, you attacked a number of real problems. Your use of Jane Austen at the beginning warned us that Ishmael’s marriage was in trouble. The only question was how it would end and that was a surprise. I enjoy Ishmael’s development and am pleased that he is a lot less omniscient in this book. I look at his fixation with food and coffee. There is a certain pomposity in his conduct and I am sure that often his crew enjoy a good laugh at his expense. I would suggest breaks from the first person narrative so that we can see him as his crew sees him. I am also curious to know if he will live happily ever after at the end of Owner’s share which I hope will bring us back to the world of the small freighters which we encountered in the early books – Chaim
October 17th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
There is and I have such fun making him just slightly pompous.
It would be interesting to break the POV, but not possible in this set. Might be intersting to write a book from, say, Chief Gerheart’s point of view… must consider that.
Thanks Chaim.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
For those of you using Shelfari, I have created a book entry for Captain’s Share:
http://www.shelfari.com/books/12768889/Captains-Share
So add it to your shelf if you’re reading it!
-jason
October 18th, 2009 at 4:38 am
Nathan,
Thanks again!
October 18th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Thanks again, Nathan, for a wonderful ride into the Deep Dark with Ish! Ish has been a great aid in modelling compassion and wisdom for my 14 year old without me sounding like “a mom”. Ish may stumble along the way but he’s a solid character striving to do what’s best for everyone. We need more heros like him. As always, my daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed your newest book, and re-listen to past adventures often. The stories are terrific and your narration is spot on. I sure hope you realize as much return on your efforts as we have received in listening. Take care.
October 19th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
As always, I loved the story, the fascinating look of a life on a boat in the middle of pressing nothingness. The narration quality was excellent, and I enjoyed the story, up until the end. I found the ending to be rather abrupt… it did not seem to wrap up anything. Anyway, I hope to see more from the Golden Age, I really enjoy the characters and the stories, thanks for a good listen
October 19th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Thanks for all the lovely comments!
Andrew, I’ve heard several people say they think the ending is abrupt, but I have this rule .. When the story is over, the book should end. The story of Ishmael earning his Captain’s Share was over. The book ended. Yes, we had a change in crew near the end of the book, but crews change all the time. Don’t read too much into that. That person joining — and the circumstances surrounding it — actually filled in a plot line, just not the one you mighta thought
If you wanna get into the specifics of which plot lines we closed out and which we left open, we have a full spoiler filled forum over there where we can discuss it in detail. I look forward to seeing you over there.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Hows it going Nathan? I’m a freshman college student at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa Idaho. I’ve been listening to the Share series since my junior year of high school. I have to say you write your endings so very well, every time, every darn time I finish one of your books I almost scream at my computer because there isn’t anymore there. Your character development is near perfect with in the first one to two chapter it’s as if I know these people. One thing you could take into consideration is the stories of the other three friends that split up at the graduation from the academy. I just want to know what happened to them. I love your endings so much. This last year was like being on detox from your books, I almost started to listen from the beginning. I can’t wait for Owner to come out. One of the best things for me is that when I just need to stop working on assignments and relax I love starting up an episode and just listening. Just to tell you I have to rate you up with Piers Anthony, R. A. Salvatore, and… oh I don’t know… well I have to say you are one of the GREATS of literature. I feel as if I’m rambling, sorry if you are bored of me. I just have so many things running through my head at this point. Oh and by the way I just finished Captains Share. I started it I think the middle of last week. Tomorrow is a sad day, there’s no more episode to listen to.
Well hopefully Owner goes well and is out soon. I can already feel the withdrawal symptoms kicking in, but I think I’ll get by. Have a good voyage Nathan.
~Kevin
October 19th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
P.S. Keep on the lookout for pirates.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
“That person joining — and the circumstances surrounding it — actually filled in a plot line, just not the one you mighta thought”
The Agamemnon finally got their cat?
October 20th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Hehehehe.
I wondered if anybody would twig on that.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:39 am
A excellent story, well told. I found the need to return to the beginning of the story to savor his “meteoric rise” again. Daydreaming, I see a wonderful life for Ish and his family in the next book. Thanks for this peek into one of the most peaceful possible futures for humanity which I have experienced in Sci Fi.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:39 am
Three cheers for Nathan – just finished Captains Share, another fine installment in the life of Ishmael.
Nathan – If at any time you’re considering getting out of The Solar Clipper story business, you’d better have a good reason for it or I may refuse to accept your resignation.
I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to the next entry – whenever it does arrive.
-jason
PS And to all you other readers out there, please, please, please make a payment to help encourage and ensure Nathan’s continued excellent work.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I was also a bit annoyed over the the ending, probably because I wanted it to go on.
However your right to stop it where you did Nathan, the story of Ishmale getting his first command and how he faces it was over.
My concern is where you’ll take it from here, the jump of 10 years between Double share and Captains share felt a bit abrupt, the sudden shift from a boot 3rd to an exellent 1st mate with a wife, made me feel like I had missed a book in between.
I don’t think I could survive another jump like that i the next one is Owners share.
May I be so bold as to sugest a new story, instead of from Ishmale’s view tell the tale of a new crew member entering the ship under command of Captain Ishmale Wang.
It would be great to see Ishmale from the other side, so to speak.
Must admit I’m really in love with this Golden age you’ve created.
Any more stories even one not involving Ishmale, like South Coast, would be more than welcome.
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:26 am
Wait… Captain’s Share ended? But there’s new crew… they just fired up the hot tub… he’s got to stick it to the owner…
I think I’m an addict. The withdrawals are going to hurt.
Thanks Nathan for yet another wonderful story!
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Brilliant. Thank You.
October 25th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Brilliant, as usual. Love the whole writing style you have. Space opera where the drama rests on well crafted character and at every turn too. When something crops up that might be sinister, it usually turns out how normal life does but in space.
They feel like people we all know now. I think that’s why people are upset at it coming to and end.
Great stuff.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:30 am
So good!
October 26th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Another excellent novel!! The characters are so well developed, you feel like you know them. I can’t see what Nathan comes up with next!
October 27th, 2009 at 3:14 am
Hi Nathan
You are a sick man! I really checked a dozend times if there is a 23 episode but there never was… until I heard the 22 again there you said “it’s the last one…” i couldn’t belive it, because the lot lose ends. You deliberate try to get us the hardest withdrawal possible? Thats mean.
Thanks a lot!
p.s. My english is bad but my french is worse.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:51 am
Yes, I’m sorry, but Captain’s Share has ended.
I kinda wanted it to go on myself, but unfortunately, just like non-fiction, there are a lot of loose ends hanging around all the time. Life isn’t neat and neither is this one.
Besides, one of the ongoing complaints is that “things always go his way!” So in this book, things don’t always go his way. It’s kind of a downer of and ending but you know I needed to do at least one of those and I’m pretty sure you didn’t want it to be on the last book in the series, did you?
You all humble me with your kind comments and I’m looking forward to whatever the next book turns out to be. Thanks.
October 30th, 2009 at 3:53 am
I’m only half way through but I’m loving it. It’s weird how much excitement you can bring from apparently mundane things. I don’t know how much podcasting you did before Quartershare but the first episode of Quartershare was as well produced as the last episode I listened of Captain’s Share. Talk about quality and consistency!
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Nathan I really want to thank you for all of your books. Once again with Captain’s Share you did not disappoint. I can only imagine the hard work and sacrifice it takes to not only write but produce and publish these books with the quality you consistently do. I love and devour all of your books, but i have a special love for the “Share” books. Ishmael is awesome character and I think he serves as a model for how doing the right thing does pay off in the end. I do hope you reconsider ending the series with Owners Share. I have such a love for the characters and the world you have created, and I think there are a lot more tales to tell for sure. I understand the J. K. Rowling premise and its probably sound to “leave em wanting more” I will certainly read and support anything you write, you have earned that, But I am one fan who will miss Ishmael Wong a whole lot more than Harry Potter or any other literary character, when you do finally put him to bed. I would really like to see a new cast of character’s adventures in the worlds you have created aboard the I. H. Wong How about it Nathan?
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
The plan is to end the Share series with Owners, but I have not ruled out several other options including but not limited to going back to do the “Ishmael Goes To College” story (altho I can’t imagine I’d have anything new to add to this), some stories set in the “Officer Years,” or even some stories about what the old codgers get up to after Owner’s Share.
Then there are all the Pip stories that people are begging for …
And the stories following up with Sarah Krugg …
And the story of the original Lois McKendrick for whom the ship was named …
And the Explorer’s Tales …
And the Smuggler’s Tales …
And the …. oh wait.
No, we’re NOT thinking about those right now. It’s NaNoWriMo and I’ve got other books that have to get DONE before these can make it out of the “hmmm” stage.
Sorry. I’ve been two years (almost 3) with these hanging over my head and I *really* need to move them along.
November 4th, 2009 at 7:28 am
I’m just into the 6th Episode and this is another great tale, Nate. I love your reading and the musical addition.
Good luck with the other writing. I hope I’ll be able to find them, too.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Thanks, Anita.
I think you’ll be able to find them ok.
They’re not exactly hidden.
November 5th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Thanks, Nathan. This series is the most enjoyable and engaging in a long time. Please consider my donation to be a blatantly selfish attempt to bribe you for more of Ishmael’s adventures.
South Coast and (possibly) Sarah Krugg’s tale are icing on the cake.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Mr Lowell,
Since I have no self control, I was unable to ration the new episodes of Captain’s Share far enough apart with the sad condition that I am now caught up.
Consequently I started the series from the beginning again, and will likely finish (again) today. I was amazed to find that the stories shine if anything more brightly upon re-reading.
November 6th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Thanks everybody.
Sorry about the lack of new content Crypto. I put out a new book as often as I can, but alas, it takes me 100x longer to make one than it does for all y’all to listen.
Hope you dont get too bored before the next one comes out.
NL
November 7th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I just got through listening about the fight in the bar. It’s eerily similar to Scotty and the crew’s fight with the Klingons in “The Trouble With Tribbles” and Kirk’s interrogation of them afterwards.
Is that intentional, or am I just drawing a comparison where there is none? Love all the books in the series by the way, great job!
November 7th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
It wasn’t intentional.
I’d actually forgotten that scene until my first readers pointed it out and I decided to leave it because I needed it to set up the scene that followed.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:18 am
I have been a fan of Nathan Lowell’s work ever since Quarter Share came out, and I have been meaning since that time to leave a review. So here it is.
Captain’s Share was a return to the quintessential elements that make this such a great series. Ishmael Wang, a new captain, must take a troubled ship with a dodgy crew and make them his own. With mixture of compassion, keen observation, and proper expectations, the crew and therefore the ship begin to be what they are intended to be.
Ishmael doesn’t do this by browbeating or lecturing, but mainly by example. Over the course of the series he has been placed in difficult situations, and dealt with difficult people, simply by being who he is. He’s not a moralist, he’s just a guy who accepts people as they are and then shows them, by how he treats them, how they can do better.
This continues to be my favorite all-time series on Podiobooks, and I listen to a lot of stuff here. Well done, Mr. Lowell, and I look forward to your next work.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I’m honored and humbled by having great fans.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I loved this set of books. I can’t wait for Owner’s Share to come out in the spring.
Nathan please don’t make us wait too long… PLEASE!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I’m planning on having Owner’s Share drop in May 2010.
There will be other news from the Golden Age between now and then.
NL
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Picked up Captain’s Share from the ITunes web site. Really enjoyed the book and I am now a Podiobooks member.
Looking forward to listening to the earlier books in the serries!
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Welcome aboard!
There’s a lot here to listen to and I hope you take the time to explore more of the offerings.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:29 am
I have listened to all the Golden Age books and think they are excellant. There is something about the style and tone of the stories that just keep drawing the listener in. Whenever I finish one episode I and alway desparate to hear the next as there is always something I want to find out about.
This is my only complaint as I seem to get through all the books far to quickly, so Nathan needs to up his output, if he produced something like 10 books per year that would be perfect, I would never run out then
Thanks Nathan I look forward to your next work.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:52 am
I think 10 books a year might be a bit more than I could accomplish, altho I think I’d like to try.
Thanks, all, for the kind words of encouragement. Watch for the new book to drop later this month. It’ll be something different but I hope you’ll all find it entertaining.
Owner’s Share is scheduled for Late Spring 2010, too, so there’s something to look forward to.
December 19th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
This is just an excellent series. The production quality is first rate and the stories really grab you. I have now listened to the entire series twice and am hooked. I only wish that the series didn’t jump so far between the last two books, because I would have enjoyed watching Ishmael attend college and rise to first mate.
I hope that we get some closure on the new shipmate (stacy) before we jump again…
Once again,
Excellent Excellent Excellent
December 19th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Thanks, Alex.
The nature of the universe is that you don’t get to go from third mate to captain in one book. It was the same problem with “Ishmael Goes to College” .. it took 4 stanyers and it didn’t fit the story arc.
Stacy is an interesting question. I’m not sure where she comes in yet, but she’ll tell me when it’s time.
January 6th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Thanks Nate, another great story! Looking forward to hearing what happens next…
January 19th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
I greatly enjoyed the story. Captains Share is the first story of the series I have found, so I will go back to the beginning and try to catch up.
I’m glad there will be more installments.
Keep up the good work, Nathan.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:48 am
My wife and I share listening to audio books each day while carpooling and eating lunch. She recently discovered “Captains Share”, and we’ve arrived at Jet now. I want to pass along my delight with the experience — I haven’t enjoyed an audio book this much since we last listened to Boujold’s Vor series two years ago.
January 26th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Thanks for letting me know!
February 10th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I wanted to wait until I listen to ALL the books… I truly loved them. They get me through the day at work and make my day less boring… you have an awesome voice when reading and I love the sex scenes (simple but effective). I loved being a part of this story from beginning to end… u r amazing! Thank u :O)
February 10th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Thanks so much! It’s great hearing that you liked them and I’m pleased to have helped you get thru the day.
Stay tuned. There’s more coming!
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Nathan, I have finished all the share books, Sun Coast, & Ravenwood twice now. The only complaint I have is that I cannot get into any other books now. Your style, story, voice, narration quality, enunciation, and the flow are so top rate that all the other books seem lacking. I love the POV and how you make it all work to keep me enthrolled in the story. I don’t think you need to change a thing about how each book is done. The way you have written and ended the tales leaves alot of potential for spinoffs or the readers imagination. I know you are extemely capable in creating a new look to the continuation of the Golden Age. I have read the comments of others and see alot of ideas you can use. Being a Trekki (dating myself) I love the idea of the solar sails from my favorite Deep Space Nine episode. Also how you stuck in some names from other PodioBooks I have listened to brought some memories and a few laughs to me. By the way I did like Ravenwood very much as well as all your books. Looking ahead to more travels with Owners Share and life in the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper. I hope you got my donation (my first) as I want you to continue. Also am proud to find out your from my home state. There is some real talent in Colorado. Thanks your books are most excellent.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Thanks, AngelEyes.
I’m looking forward to getting into Owner’s Share myself. It’s going to be a hoot, I think.
February 28th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Leadership lessons from Ishmael Wang! Not only is Captain’s Share another great book in a fantastic series, but I find myself being inspired and influenced on the leadership and problem solving front as I have gone through this series. Thanks Nathan, whatever you are doing keep it up. You have created one of my all time favorite characters.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Thanks, Keith.
You can bet I’ll keep at it. Probably three books beyond where I shoulda stopped
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Nathan I was hooked within 5 minutes of quarter share and after a break from the wired world was delighted to see captains share was completed! Thanks very much and keep up the excellent work.
March 8th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
all i can say is WOW
i listened to this book first and not until i had finished it did i learn of the other books
after listening to them all within 2-3 weeks i now need more from the life of Ishmael Wang
or maybe even some side stories, just do not let this great universe die off
please
March 8th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Did you find South Coast? That’s a side story
Also, Ravenwood is the beginning of my new series. You might like that, too.
March 15th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Nathan, I have listened to the full set of share stories 3 times now and have to ask the question. How many more books can we hope to see in this series? Will Owners Share be the final saga?
Or is there a Fleet Owners Share coming down the pike also? Maybe Galaxy President Ishmael Wong?
March 16th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Owner’s Share is the end of the Share cycle. There should be many more stories told in this universe.
Some of them might be about Ishmael.
March 19th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
And yet another excellent story from Nathan Lowell! I always hate coming up on the end of one of your stories. A well crafted tale, enjoyable characters and a pleasure to listen too.
I THOUGHT I had listened to all of the ‘Share’ stories . . . did I forget about Ishmael getting married or was it just worked into “Captain’s Share”?
Looking forward to more from Mr. Lowell!
jT
P.S. Sometime back I had written that I thought the stories were a little ‘racy’ for my, then, 13 year old son. He’s 16 now and has enjoyed several. Have to tell him there are more.
March 20th, 2010 at 4:25 am
It happened while you were away.
The nature of this series is that it’s about his progress through the ranks and what he learns along the way. It’s not a biography as much as a travelogue. As such, there are things that happen to him, and things that he does which do not get portrayed directly in the stories. There is a long time between becoming an officer (Double Share) and becoming a Captain. As a result, there’s a hole where a lot happened to him off-stage that he doesn’t tell you about.
March 23rd, 2010 at 6:47 am
Hi Nathan,
I recently finished listening to your book Captain’s Share. I really enjoyed it. Like all great books, it left me wanting more at the end. I am eagerly anticipating Owner’s Share and I thank you for your dedication to create these wonderful diversions.
Sincerely,
Patrick
March 23rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
I’m looking forward to writing it. I can hardly wait to find out what happens myself.
March 26th, 2010 at 11:08 am
That makes sense. In retrospect, the time frame makes sense to obtain the experience necessary to make this step in advancement. I just saw getting married as a noteworthy event in young Ishmael’s life, and wondered what else I’d missed! Room for another book in that ‘hole’ . . .
As Patrick mentioned, your books are so enjoyable, that I find myself making opportunities to listen. Then, knowing there isn’t anything else RIGHT NOW, I hate to get to the end.
Will these make it to hard copy publishing sometime?
Cheers!
John
April 8th, 2010 at 8:56 am
I only came across Podiobooks a few months ago, Captains Share was my third book (first taste of the Share series).
I am hooked… My 2 hour, M25 jaunts to work are much better now and I am afraid I have exhausted the Share series within a few weeks! Although looking forward to going through the again in the correct sequence.
I now tell eveyone I can about Podiobooks and this cool auther I have found (ok, I was late to the picnic but I am trying to make up the time
Really looking forward to Owners Share (and the fill in books for Third Mate to Captain?)
Thank you Mr Lowell,
Keep up the excellent writing,
Stu
April 29th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Hey,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Captain’s Share. I’m well over 30 and believe it or not, this was the first full-length audiobook I have actually finished!
Now I have started with “Quarter Share” and plan to catch up on the whole series.
Great work, consider me a fan
April 29th, 2010 at 1:36 am
Thanks, Ike! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I look forward to hearing how you like the rest of the books.
April 30th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Hay everybody, I found where Mr. Lowell has been hiding.
May 1st, 2010 at 9:31 am
where?
May 2nd, 2010 at 3:49 am
I have devoured the entire set and have one thing to say:-
Please Mr Lowell write faster.
May 9th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
I left a token of my appreciation a few months ago, but couldn’t at the time, adequately articulate how I’ve felt about your series (beyond my first rather flip comment on quarter share, which didn’t do your first book nearly the justice that it deserved).
Quite frankly, I still can’t really say all that’s in my heart to say – so I’ll try to sum it up this way: I should pay you a therapist’s fee. I’ve listened to your series 4 (or is it 5?) times already – and I still enjoy listening to it.
I’ll bet that many here would love to live in this universe (on Ish’s ship, of course). I enjoyed South Coast (even though I don’t like water… funny how you did that) – and Ravenwood was also (as I’ve come to expect) outstanding. Sir, I hope you live a thousand years, and write every one. The galaxy will love you for it.
This April/May will be the first time first time I’ve heard your series since my own mother died in 2009. It has been very helpful.
Thank you.
Best Regards
May 9th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
I’m so pleased you’ve found comfort in my works. There are more on the horizon.
May 12th, 2010 at 1:21 am
I’ve just finished Captain’s Share and I’ve loved it! Just like I’ve loved every one of Nathan’s Podiobooks so far. Nathan you’re a great writer. As always when I get to the end of one of Ishmael’s adventures I’m hanging out for the for the next.
Please tell me we haven’t heard the last of Ishmael Wong. He’s the man
May 12th, 2010 at 6:42 am
There’s at least one more story in the Share series – Owner’s Share should be out this Spr–um .. Summer, yeah, summer.
May 31st, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Of all the space opera I’ve read or heard about I have to say this has by far been the most rewarding story I’ve ever had the pleasure of following. The personal level that you bring to Mr. Ishmael’s story has kept me hooked from his tragic beginning all the way to his lucrative present. Thank you Nathan and I hope to listen to Owners Share as soon as the first chapter comes out!
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:13 am
This was an amazing book. Everyone should read Nathan Lowell’s bookd, even those who don’t think they like space operas. I’m looking forward to the next book!
June 3rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Thanks to all of you for prodding me onward.
I now have a production calendar posted over on Trader’s Diary with the production dates of the upcoming audio and paper releases of the books.
Since I’m losing my DayJob at the end of June, that should free up the time I need to actually make good on that calendar so it should work out for the best.
June 19th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Thank you Mr. Lowell! It’s nice to have an author who’s engaged with his fans. I hope to see the first few chapters soon!
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:04 am
I especially love the last few lines of this book. They are so evocative, it touches me every time (I’ve listened to this series more than once!). And our copy of “Quarter Share” has arrived! It was meant for my daughter, Emma’s, birthday in July but I couldn’t stand the wait! She was as excited as I when she saw the cover. Once again, thanks so much, Nathan, for your excellent novels. I’m thrilled for your success so far and hope it continues! We have a spot on our shelves for the whole series, so keep ‘em coming please. Best, Joan
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Thanks, Joan. Half Share is in the pipeline for paper publication in October and I’m getting Owner’s Share ready for an August delivery right now.
It’s very exciting and thanks for letting me know that your book arrived
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Mr. Lowell, I have enjoyed listening to your books on the journeys of Ishmael Wang. I wouldn’t be surprise if they were turned into a animated or live show. I am pretty sure they would be a hit specially if titled “The adventures of Ishmael Horatio Wang”.
Can’t wait to enjoy Owner’s Share in august. Thanks for providing a world for my mind to wonder and enjoy.
June 24th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Thank you for letting me know that you’ve enjoyed the ride so far.
I’m looking forward to reading Owner’s Share myself. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun
July 1st, 2010 at 5:38 am
Isn’t it August yet?
July 1st, 2010 at 6:16 am
Almost. I’m just looking for an open docking bay.
And see The Trader’s Diary for some exciting and scary news.
I think you’ll like it.
July 13th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Nathan, just finished Captains Share after listening to all the other podiobooks in the series. Just want to thank you for writing such a wonderful series. I listened to this when I was going through a really difficult time in my life recently and it got me through it. I just immersed myself in that universe and let my problems slip away. Thanks much!
July 13th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Thanks, so much. I’m glad you liked it.
Owner’s Share will be out soon and in the meantime, don’t forget South Coast and Ravenwood
(sorry. have to plug the books! it’s a rule)
July 25th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
This whole series is amazing. Once I started listening, I couldn’t stop myself. I am not exaggerating when I say that I think this is a “classic series” and is one of the best – right up here with Lord of the Rings, Narnina, etc.
Great job Nathan!
August 1st, 2010 at 8:28 am
Senor,
I am so happy to have found this book after waiting such a long time. I just finished it and loved it!!!!! I was so dissappointed to be done and began looking for something else by Nathan Lowell ….then I ran across Ravenwood. I am downloading now. Thanks so much! Keep writing!!!!!
August 10th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Captivating, interesting, page turning or Mp3 loading and well done. I’m not one for audio books but I can now see the benefit. Looking forward to more.
August 27th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I have to say that I’m experiencing Nathan Lowell withdrawal. I have just finished all 5 of the Golden Clipper series after thoroughly enjoying South Coast and by far this writer is the most gifted story writer and teller that I have had the great pleasure of hearing. His tales are filled with wonderful personality and all of his characters have been drawn with the masterful strokes that make them so human and real. His reading, though, truly brings them to life.
Thank you so much for your work. I will be looking forward to more of the same and waiting with much anticipation for future works from Mr. Lowell.
August 28th, 2010 at 2:53 am
Awww. Thanks, Dee.
Don’t forget Ravenwood and, in case you missed it, I do the voice work for Michael Sullivan’s Crown Conspiracy.
Owner’s Share is coming. The first draft just topped 170k words so it’s being a bit long winded. I’ll have to try to streamline that a bit for final draft, but I’ll have a lot to work with
August 28th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Nathan,
This has been a wonderful ride. My wife and I enjoyed the entire series over the past could of weeks.
Thanks from us for a wonderful series. We will be downloading Ravenwood and await Owners Share.
Keep up the great work.
We miss Ish.
Chuck and Marilyn.
August 29th, 2010 at 3:43 am
Thanks! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the books and I’m looking forward to getting Owner’s Share out there very soon.
August 29th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Hi Nathan,
Thank you for the Share stories. My husband and I have listened to them over and over again.
I have trouble reading paperback books now and I am thankful that you have made these audio books. I am looking forward to the other books that you will write.
Your stories are very good and when you read them to us, you make the stories come to life.
My God richly bless you!
Sandy
August 30th, 2010 at 3:28 am
There’ll be one more book before the Share series is over, Sandy. Welcome aboard.
October 31st, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Nathan, you have the touch for making characters real and believable.
I really enjoyed traveling with Ish as he grew and matured through the books. Thank you again.
John
October 31st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Thank you, John.
There’s one more in the series and I think you’ll like it, too
November 21st, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I enjoyed the series very much! Thanks for all your efforts!
cant wait for owners share. when is it coming out?
November 24th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Nathan, it has been a pleasure!! Your stories and the way you read them are like a comfortable chair and I ease into each one and just float off into space or time!!
November 24th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
with any luck at all, you’ll have a new one to listen to soon
December 17th, 2010 at 2:27 am
Just relistening to the series – looking forward to the new one coming!
January 8th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
I’m relistening to CS as I listen to OS (Thanks Nate!)
I was a bit disappointed that Ish didn’t have a more meaningful goodbye with Mel. Until Freddi came out of her shell in DS, Mel was Ish’s main leadership role model. Just sayin’.
January 25th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Nathan,
My mom favorite passion before she went to bed at night was to read. Sadly, macular degeneration has slowly, by degrees, taken away that pastime. I came up with the idea to put audiobooks on an MP3 player so she could listen to them before she went to sleep. Needless to say, she doesn’t really like my selection of podcasts – or the quality of free podcasts do not measure up to the level of quality that she is accustomed to in a story. I did the best I could – until I stumbled across your stories.
Nathan, your books are the only podcasts she has thus far truly enjoyed. She looks forward to every story you tell – and although it takes me several days to upload each book I have done it so she could have something good to listen to in her final years.
Thank you sir.
–Jimmy
jamesd5251@gmail.com
June 19th, 2011 at 11:13 am
Nathan,
I have been on an amazing journey these past few months both you and Ishmael Wang. It started when Amazon let me know (in it’s scarily accurate way) of the Kindle version of the Traders Tales. I downloaded and read QS, HS and FS with great joy and glee – it had been a long time since I had something even close to the amazing and joyful periods of my childhood reading and absorbing Heinlein and his ilk.
When I finished FS and realized that there were no Kindle versions of of DS, CS or OS to download I was literally depressed. A bit of poking around brought me to the lovely discovery of their existence in Podcast form. Some download time and here I am – having just finished OS and grateful for the long ride through the Deep Dark.
You are a wonderful writer, Nathan and I have spend many enjoyable hours listening to your voice on the many long plane trips that are an essential part of my work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will be looking and listening to the larger body of your work soon.
Peace,
Debrah
June 20th, 2011 at 3:01 am
Thanks, Debrah.
I’m so pleased that you’ve enjoyed the stories and I’m looking forward to making more available soon.
September 13th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying the adventures of Ishmael. A friend of mine suggested these podiobooks for my daily commute, and it didn’t take long before I was invested in Ishmael’s character, rooting for his success. I have also enjoyed listening……you don’t embellish ridiculously, you have a soothing tone that is enjoyable to listen to. These are great books. I’m looking forward (with some element of sadness) to finishing up Ishmael’s tales, and checking out the Shaman series. Keep up the good work!
September 14th, 2011 at 4:18 am
Thanks, Heather.
The stories have been a blast to roll out and I’m looking forward to many more … including more stories about Ishmael Wang, even if they’re not part of the Trader’s Tales series.
December 8th, 2011 at 7:17 am
Captains Share was the first of your books I listened to, and remains my favorite out of the whole series. I’m hearing it for the third time, and its still just as entertaining as it ever was, even when I had no clue about the previous books.
It is well written and well read, and I thought you did a good job of hinting at past experiences so new readers wouldn’t be lost, as well as not over explaining them for readers who already knew.
Wonderful series, and I’ll always be looking forward to more from you.
January 17th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
I usually don’t leave feedback of any kind, but I felt compelled to respond to such great work.
After much thought over this book, I find that I must both commend your skill in storytelling and comdemn your fatalism for the love life of Ishmael Wang. It has been a while since I found myself concerned for a fictional character.
Ambivalence aside, I appreciate the passion for good food and drink. The attention to Tai Chi and exercise made a welcome counter-balance to the confined spaces of a ship crossing the great expanse of the “deep dark”. The down-to-Earth approach throughout the story definitely had a calming effect on the perils of life in the real world. Thank you very much for sharing this tale. I hope to hear more of his adventures in the future.
February 6th, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Hi all,
Love the books! I am a fan of the amine created by Studio Ghibli and always imagined that the romantic old world feel of the Traders Tale books would lend themselves so well to a Ghibli production. In my head I just can’t shake that imagery. Anyone else get what I’m saying?
Cheers