Trader’s Diary

Comment from James
Time: September 22, 2009, 11:33 am

OH BOY! I cant wait. It was my birthday (21st) yesterday. This is just what I wanted. Thank you.

Comment from josh_w
Time: September 22, 2009, 11:35 am

I’m so excited. This will surely make for a really good few months. Thank you Nathan!

Comment from Chris
Time: September 22, 2009, 12:10 pm

Can’t wait. I’ve been re-listening to the old books in preparation for this one. Thank you!

Comment from Gabriel
Time: September 22, 2009, 12:16 pm

Wohoo! By the description, it sounds like a rocky ride in a fast packet. Looking forward to it!

Comment from Mike
Time: September 22, 2009, 12:43 pm

Thank you for keeping us up to date. Looking forward to some more solar clipper magic.

Comment from Kenn Mack
Time: September 22, 2009, 1:59 pm

This is great news! I stumbled upon the set of stories this summer when I got my daughter’s old iPod. Helped me through my total knee operation and recovery, now I’ll be able to get my Golden Age fix. Thank you Nate for such wonderful tales!

Comment from Dan Absalonson
Time: September 22, 2009, 3:02 pm

Thanks for the update Nathan, I’ve been listening back through from Quarter Share on to get ready for Captain’s Share. I forgot how much I truly loved the characters in your books. It’s been a really fun journey listening through them again from the start up to Double Share. I can’t wait for Captain’s Share!

Comment from James
Time: September 22, 2009, 5:03 pm

So, how long does it usually take for an episode to get through QC?

Comment from Rachel
Time: September 22, 2009, 8:04 pm

Thank God! I’m not sure how much longer I can wait! Thank you for creating such a wonderful world.

Comment from Megan Pawlak
Time: September 23, 2009, 5:30 am

Quarter, Full, and Double Share and South Coast are all in the Top Ten Overall on Podiobooks.com. I can’t wait to see what new things Ish pulls off. It sounds like this is going to be alternately hilarious and frustrating since he’s CAPTAIN now and there’s more at stake. I can’t imagine him as a scarey captain, but who KNOWS what other crazy officers will do to him!

Comment from Ignatz
Time: September 23, 2009, 5:48 am

Sound general quarters and make ready to cast off! This sounds like the beginning of yet another wonderful adventure. My hat is off to you, Mr. Lowell.

Comment from Phil Mandryk
Time: September 23, 2009, 6:49 pm

I’ve just finished all of the books again and Double Share for the first time. My wife realized I was somewhat melancholy and she asked my what was wrong. “My book ended,” I said. “Oh. Sorry to hear that,” she said. I don’t think anyone who has not listened to these books fully understands when one ends…
Anywho, what great news when I sign on and viola! Captain’s Share is in QC.
Any plans to do Owner’s Share, where Ish gets to own a piece of the deep dark? How about Lacking A Share, where Ish gets stranded on an orbital?
Just glad to hear it coming soon.
Thanks for all that you’ve done, Nate. I rank these books in my Top 10.

Comment from Digamma
Time: September 23, 2009, 11:26 pm

Yippe, Ish Is Back. Can’t wait and see what motley crew he gets for a crew. any familiar faces showing up? (wait don’t tell us) and to ad to Phil’s question about another one how about Ish goes and extened leave on the beach in “Sunny and Share.” or team up with pip and buys a container in “Share and Share a Lock”

Comment from Scott Nicol
Time: September 24, 2009, 7:54 am

Thanks Nate! I have a 10 hour road trip coming up on the 30th – I have hope!

Comment from Brian Hunt
Time: September 24, 2009, 6:45 pm

Very,very happy!

Comment from Abe
Time: September 24, 2009, 11:07 pm

Woohoo…. I’ve been waiting so long for this. Your podcast novels are the best.

Comment from PavementPilot
Time: September 24, 2009, 11:33 pm

I cant wait for this to come out. Interesting name for a ship! Is this an omen of the outcome?

Comment from Harry
Time: September 25, 2009, 4:13 am

How many words per day did you average this time? Did you keep to your normal binge-writing at 5K words a day?
I hope your time away from writing was not too hard and I am very happy to see you have pulled yourself back on the horse to get a what I know will be a wonderful piece of fiction. I can’t wait to connect names and other information to other works, artists and people all over the podiosphere.

Comment from Josh
Time: September 25, 2009, 8:31 am

It’s on the upcomming release schedule at Podiobooks! Wednesday Sept. 30th! I can’t wait!

Comment from quandmeme
Time: September 25, 2009, 3:33 pm

Just saw it on the release schedule for the 30th and headed over here to cheer. I mistimed my relisten of the whole _Share_ series. Finished Double this afternoon at lunch.

No SC Agamemnon on the side bar, so you’re not offering any spoilers yet, I see.

Comment from Peter
Time: September 25, 2009, 4:02 pm

I just noticed that the title of the books is in reverse alphabetical order. C,D,F,H,Q. Can’t wait to be able to start listening to the next installment of the story.

Comment from Richard Verde
Time: September 26, 2009, 5:21 am

Outstanding!! Thanks Nate.

Comment from Michael
Time: September 26, 2009, 7:11 pm

I can’t wait! It seemed sureal up until this point, but now with an actual release date, I’m so excited! Thank you Mr. Lowell, for everything!

Comment from Marty
Time: September 26, 2009, 8:29 pm

Thankyouthankyouthankyou! Now the only question is whether to wait until you’re done with all the episodes, or snag ‘em as soon as I can….

Comment from Kelsey S.
Time: September 27, 2009, 2:45 pm

Go Nathan Lowell! I can’t wait for it to come out!

Comment from Carla F
Time: September 27, 2009, 3:10 pm

I can’t wait. I have been listening to all of the others getting ready for CS. WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See Dr. L….you have made a difference!!!

Comment from Prest
Time: September 28, 2009, 12:13 am

Ohhhh yeeeesssss, I can’t wait:)

Comment from Mildred
Time: September 28, 2009, 3:16 pm

WOOT!!! *happy dance* Finally!

Comment from Hade
Time: September 29, 2009, 1:12 am

Echo all of the above. I’m looking forward to this so much that I wish you (and podiobooks.com) were in my time zone, because that would actually accelerate the release of this thing by about six hours. How pathetically addicted can one be?

Comment from Will Shattuck
Time: September 29, 2009, 5:56 pm

I previewed the MP3 from the mailing list. I’m only halfway through the episode and am already feeling comfortable in the “Share” universe. It’s good to come home again. :):)

Comment from Quonundrum
Time: September 29, 2009, 9:37 pm

The arrival of a new book in the Golden Age series is cause for celebration. Here’s to Nathan, the captain & crew of the CS Agamemnon! Fair skies & a following [solar] wind!

Comment from Michael
Time: September 29, 2009, 9:58 pm

You even released it a day early! I’m so EXCITED! Once again Mr. Lowell, you astound me with your work. I know you’ve mentioned this before, but any news on a printed copy of the Share series? I, for one, cannot wait to get my favorite books in hard print.

Comment from Mikerok
Time: September 29, 2009, 11:38 pm

Very nice home from work on lunch and i have Captain’s Share to take back with me.

Comment from PavementPilot
Time: September 29, 2009, 11:50 pm

Its on Podiobooks now! WOOHOO

Comment from R Mingus
Time: September 30, 2009, 1:24 am

I give you joy of your latest book, sir, joy indeed.

Comment from James Keeling – SynapticJam
Time: September 30, 2009, 6:24 am

I can’t tell you how happy I am to see Captain’s Share drop. I could use a pick me up right about now and I think this will do nicely. Many happy returns. Only 31 days left until NaNoWriMo!

Comment from Ignatz
Time: September 30, 2009, 10:25 am

I have just finished listening to the first five episodes of Captain’s Share and feel that it is really a very fine work. The story is most satisfying so far and I’m looking forward to see how the plot unfolds in future episodes. Thank you, Mr. Lowell.

Comment from Dan Absalonson
Time: September 30, 2009, 2:00 pm

It’s been so exciting to go through the first 4 books up to Captain’s Share, the timing worked out perfect for me, and I’ll be finishing South Coast as I wait for new Captain’s Share episodes. I love it! Thanks Nathan, you’re an inspiration, I can’t wait to see where the story goes! It’s good to be back with Ishmael.

Comment from Scott H
Time: October 1, 2009, 12:59 am

Thank you…for the 5th time, I await every episode!

Comment from Holly
Time: October 1, 2009, 9:30 am

Thanks!

(and, unsolicited suggestion, I made my donation through Podiobooks. Figure this is buying a book, it just comes in installments. Thanks again for such a worth while “read.”)

Comment from Meason
Time: October 1, 2009, 8:28 pm

Just listened to the first 5 eps!!!
You are an AWESOME artist!
Thanks you from the depths of my ears for yet another beautiful story.

Comment from nightowl
Time: October 1, 2009, 8:29 pm

not until I found the golden age series was I addicted to podcast. Sure I had caught a couple, and they were good but not to the point that I would start the story again right after completing it. But now I have to face a podcast crisis of your making. I have always been able to resist starting a podcast until it was complete. But you sir have created such wonderful character and such a rich world that I couldn’t wait. So much so that i devoured all 5 episodes in one sitting. I hope more show up real soon or I will have the first 5 memorized. Thank you for these wonderful stories, and all the hard work you have put into your work.

Comment from B-squared
Time: October 2, 2009, 9:08 am

I’ve already completed listening to episode 6. Great job Nate, I’m a true fan.

Comment from Ignatz
Time: October 3, 2009, 10:16 am

Mr. Lowell, I’ve been through all six episodes at least three times already and the story just gets better with each listening. Thank you.

Comment from Joe C
Time: October 5, 2009, 4:51 pm

Nate – Can’t wait for the new episodes to be posted. Thank you again.

Everyone make sure you rate all Nate’s books on podiobooks, itunes and anywhere else you can rate them.

Comment from Doug
Time: October 6, 2009, 7:02 pm

Nate, I love your books and I love the music you sprinkle them with, but I have one request: would you please consider lowering the volume of the music? To my 46 year old ears the music is much too loud in contrast to your speaking voice. I don’t have a hard time hearing you over the music, but my ears literally hurt if I try to endure the music in order to hear what you have to say.

Of course, I listen using headphones, which might be part of the problem, but my circumstances don’t allow me to listen another way.

Would you at least listen to your podcasts using headphones/earphones to decide for yourself if the mix is too askew?

Thanks!

Comment from Nate
Time: October 6, 2009, 7:26 pm

Hm. I mix with my machine cranked up to 11 and listen in studio headphones. The music track ducks about 80%, maybe more, when I’m speaking, because I’m *really* aware of it when the music is too loud.

It might be because my 56 year old ears are older and less sensitive … does anybody else hear the mp3s mixed too hot on earbuds or headphones?

I just looked at the final .mp3 and listened to it on my studio headphones cranked all the way up. My VOICE hurts my ears at that level, but the music disappears under my speech.

Any suggestions?

Doug? Are you listening to Captain’s Share? Or is it an earlier work?

Comment from R Mingus
Time: October 6, 2009, 7:41 pm

I’ve never had problems with the volume on earbuds or headphones, but in some of the earlier works the music was blaring over normal speakers. I haven’t found this to be the case for Captain’s Share.

Comment from jayseye
Time: October 6, 2009, 9:26 pm

When cranking up an iPod loud enough to fight high-noise situations, like using a pressure washer or sanding machine, most any content ends up hurting. The voice-to-music balance in all the books sounds fine to me when listening under normal ambient noise. It might give a better mix to pot down the music by a tiny notch or two, but only if several other fans request it. Thanks for the books!

Comment from Scott H
Time: October 6, 2009, 9:26 pm

Nate, One of the reasons I like your work so much is your attention to production details…I have never had to rip my earbuds out or turn down the stereo trying to make the noise stop while listening to any of the Share series (or South Coast for that matter!) This is a very common problem (I drive for a living and listen to quite a few different Podcasts and Podiobooks) and is very annoying, so I thank you for letting me enjoy the story without fear of outside influences.

Comment from Hawkehunt
Time: October 6, 2009, 9:39 pm

I find the music is a hair louder than the voice, but my larger concern is that the base volume level seems to be somewhat lower than it should be – I have to make iTunes crank the track volume adjustment right up to listen to it in the car, where for most things I don’t bother tweaking it.

I’m still loving the story, though. My whole family are waiting anxiously for each episode.

Comment from Ignatz
Time: October 7, 2009, 12:14 am

I went back and listened to the music tracks from every ‘share’ book as well as ‘South Coast’. Although the overall music levels might be slightly high (and that is only one man’s opinion) they are certainly no louder than musical tracks from other audio books to which I have listened. It strikes me that it is perhaps the nature of that particular recording (“The Mason’s Apron”) which might be the real problem for ‘Doug’. To my ears the acoustic qualities of the instrument in the recording are slightly ‘rough’ and grating, and the environment in which it was recorded, devoid of any other backing instrumentals and/or sound, seems to augment the sharp and high peaks of sound energy from the violin. The high notes from the fiddle are thus strongly in evidence to the ear… perhaps painfully to some …a question of aural contrast.

Comment from Ignatz
Time: October 7, 2009, 2:29 am

One final note: I loaded one of the “Captain’s Share” files into an audio editing program and took a look at the volume levels and then compared them to audio works by other podcasters (Sigler, Rossi, Bennett, Cottenwood and others). The actual feel and quality of your recording is very good, but Hawkehunt’s observation regarding volume is not without merit. The overall audio wave levels strike me as being on the low side. You could very easily boost the end result in your files and let the listener decide to which volume to set his/her personal audio device. (Sorry if I am droning on.)

Comment from Nate
Time: October 7, 2009, 3:56 am

Thanks, Ignatz. I agree with you on all points, especially the final level. My files *are* a bit shorter in amplitude than some others. It has to do with the processing that I do on the final files and that I’ve chosen not to use a limiter on this book. The peak recording level is normalized at -3db but I don’t press the peaks down so the whole file gets adjusted make room for the highest peak without “filling” in under it.

Something I’ll need to think about.

Comment from Doug
Time: October 7, 2009, 4:31 am

Nate, I was listening to Captain’s Share (and enjoying it immensely) when I was prompted to make my previous comment. I’ve listened to all of the other Share podcasts too. I’ve always listened while driving, thus my need for earphones (not the ear canal variety, however). The problem might be with my ears, which is why I mentioned my age…that’s something *I* will need to think about. (groan)

Thanks.

Comment from Diane
Time: October 7, 2009, 7:50 am

My experience with the sound is that it isn’t the volume so much as the pitch… Nathan’s voice is a wonderful pitch. Very easy to listen to. Then the music has those higher pitches… which is what hurts my ears, especially with earphones. In each of the Share books, I’ve always turned DOWN the volume of the music for comfort’s sake. Yeah… 40+ year old ears are very annoying!

Comment from Ignatz
Time: October 7, 2009, 9:11 am

I just listened to episode 11. The story just gets better.

Also, I note that the musical selection has been oh-so-slightly (but deftly) softened. Good work, Mr. Lowell.

Comment from Doug
Time: October 7, 2009, 11:08 am

I haven’t listened to episode 11 yet, but I have high hopes. I’d like to point out one section that illustrates my point about the sound mix: Chapter 7, minute 43:42, when the outro music kicks in. I can barely hear Nate’s final sentence, “It seemed to make more sense to me as I headed to the galley to begin cooking lunch.” It almost seems like the dialog is fading out as he continues to speak.

Comment from Larksilver
Time: October 7, 2009, 2:08 pm

Let me add my excitement at the prospect of a new Trader’s Tale. When I saw the book was being released, I threw a little one-girl woohoo! party. Then when I checked the feed and saw ELEVEN episodes, I did it again! Startled the cat, sorry Sniff, but it was worth the rude look he gave me!

Thanks for continuing to bring these delightful tales to us. I have enjoyed all of the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper novels, and have utmost confidence that this one will be no exception. And just when I have a 10-hour drive to make by myself…

Comment from Scott Nicol
Time: October 7, 2009, 2:24 pm

Just made the (every other month) 10 hour drive from Michigan to New Jersey for my contract job – I remember doing fluid exchanges for myself and the vehicle and paying an outrageous $10 toll on I-80, but other than that I was happily following Ishmael around – thanks Nate!

Comment from PavementPilot
Time: October 7, 2009, 11:37 pm

On a few episodes for the past series, yes the music does overpower slightly, but with younger ears, it doesnt bother me so much.

Comment from Hawkehunt
Time: October 8, 2009, 1:04 am

Nate, I was just checking podiobooks.com for another update, and noticed that the summary of Chapter 12 doesn’t match the content. Based on the chapter listing at the end, I’d guess that Chapter 13′s summary was put there instead.

Comment from Nate
Time: October 8, 2009, 5:32 am

Yea. Punchy last night with 2 episodes in production at the same time.

I’ve submitted the correction.

Comment from Hawkehunt
Time: October 8, 2009, 3:49 pm

FYI:
After seeing the summary, I’m even more impatient than usual for the chapter 13

Comment from Lance
Time: October 9, 2009, 1:01 am

More than a week and I feel guilty that I haven’t dropped by before now. I’m loving the new story, Nate, and suffer vast disappointment at the end of each episode that I have to wait for the nxt. Music between chapter breaks gives me an instant of worry it’s over already. Eagerly awaiting episode 13 right now.

Thanks again for sharing.

Comment from Joe Ego
Time: October 9, 2009, 5:57 pm

Through episode 14 today and I have two comments. 1) I’m pretty sure Ishmael had a little more “action” on spaceships than he remembers. There was definitely the cougar at the beginning of Double Share and I believe something was implied to have occurred on the Bad Penny.

2) Damn you, Lowell, and your release schedule!!! I need my ep.15 fix nooooow!

Comment from Nate
Time: October 9, 2009, 6:02 pm

1. Yea. He’s conveniently blocking those recollections while talking to his wife. If you think that’s odd, you’ve probably never been married.

2. 15 and 16 are in the hopper, waiting for QC review from Podiobooks. Should be available soon.

Comment from Doug
Time: October 9, 2009, 8:16 pm

Nate, will his father be showing up in Captain’s Share? (here’s hoping!)

Comment from Howard
Time: October 9, 2009, 8:40 pm

Loving the new book! I had just finished up Double Share, again, and was wondering what you were up to. The only thing that has bothered me is the 1 person engineering department on the Agamemnon. I’m sure the chief can handle everything when it goes well, but when things go bad it would be nice to know the chief could catch a few hours sleep if needed.

Joe – I could see him forgetting the one-night stand in Double Share, but the time with Bev on the Bad Penny I think would stick with him.

Comment from Ignatz
Time: October 10, 2009, 2:19 am

Mr. Lowell, I am SO-O-O liking how CS is developing. Will just have to listen to 13 & 14 a few more times through while waiting for 15 & 16.

Comment from Nate
Time: October 10, 2009, 5:35 am

@Doug: Yes, but Ishmael won’t recognize him.

Comment from Doug
Time: October 10, 2009, 7:08 am

Nate, thank you for that. One last question: Will you make sure that *we* recognize him? (grin)

Comment from Nate
Time: October 10, 2009, 8:32 am

You wont until he does.

First person POV, ya know..

Comment from Suzzie
Time: October 10, 2009, 9:42 am

Hey Nathan!
I’ve really been enjoying the book. I listened to each of your others several times, and was excited to hear the next installment. I remember reading something like this somewhere… do you plan on writing ‘Owner’s Share’? I can’t remember!

Comment from Nate
Time: October 10, 2009, 9:53 am

Yes. Owner’s Share will be the next/last book of the Share saga

Comment from Scott
Time: October 10, 2009, 10:42 pm

Nate,
If the insurance paid for transit plus the cost
of the containers, that adds up to Evan right?
JJ’s payment of full price, who gets what?

Scott

Comment from Nate
Time: October 11, 2009, 2:03 am

I feel like I should put a *SPOILER ALERT* banner up here, but …

Insurance paid operating expenses.

JP paid the freight bill as if he were the originator.

That means the ship shows a fat profit so the crew will get shares.

The company lawyers will probably insist that the insurance payment be returned in order to keep premiums down.

Comment from Ignatz
Time: October 12, 2009, 4:26 am

Have had the pleasure of chapters 15 – 18 and am so very pleased with the little nuances and plot twists of the story so far. The business with (and significance of) the stray bit of footware was a clever bit. Good work.

Comment from Josh
Time: October 12, 2009, 11:45 am

I think we’ve asking the wrong questions. Maybe the question shouldn’t be “will Ish recognize his Dad”, instead it should be “will Ish’s Dad recognize him?”
Similar questions, but the devil’s in the details, especially when it comes to Nate’s writing.

Comment from redwolf
Time: October 12, 2009, 2:22 pm

Does everyone know that there are threaded discussions at the Traders Tales’ forum?
durandus.org/fans
(In addition to coherent organization, it also helps keep the spoilers out of the general consumption feed.)

Comment from R Mingus
Time: October 12, 2009, 5:36 pm

Yes, but you have to first be accepted to the forums to post there. Personally, a request I put in months ago and have not gotten a acceptance or refusal reply. Maybe its just me, but if not it leaves little choice but to make posts here on occasion.

Comment from Nate
Time: October 12, 2009, 7:31 pm

You may have gotten swept up in the spammer patrol. If you didn’t email me with your details, it probably just fell into the bit bucket.

I’ve emailed you at the address on this comment. Let’s see if we can get you into the forums

Comment from Feasgar
Time: October 13, 2009, 5:57 am

Although I have been eagerly awaiting Captains share I am only now listening to it but have gone through the first ten episodes in the last two days and loving it! I know there is only eight of a crew but can you put up a ships roster like for the Lois and Tinker? Any sketches of the ship layout would also be great!

Love love love these books!

Comment from R Mingus
Time: October 13, 2009, 6:24 am

Got it, Thank You.
And on another note. . .I like the music. The Mason’s Apron is fits the story perfectly. I find myself singing or whistling it softly whenever I think about Captains Share (which is a lot), or is it that I think of CS whenever the song intrudes into my mind, hmm.

Comment from pratalife
Time: October 13, 2009, 8:53 am

Hi Nate, just wanted to chime in and add my (applause) (rapture) (enjoyment) (pleasure) in the latest installment – Captain’s share. Chapter 18 and spooling…

You have a great story-telling style (“always include the details” and “focus on the people” – together, these are a magic mix). I’m not the kind to get out my slide rule and challenge you on the viability of grav keels, but as a reader I also find your science compelling and believable (nice)! But above all, I think the stories you are telling are of the kind that address real day-to-day issues we can all relate to, and do so in such an optimistic, illustrative and exploratory way … I truly believe that in time you’ll be honoured as one of the great story-tellers (of any genre)!

But don’t let my faint praise give you cause for self-indulgence! You’ve created an incredibly rich universe/alternate-future that just begs to be populated by many, many more stories;-) So keep it up, there’s lots to do!

Comment from Joe C
Time: October 14, 2009, 7:50 am

Nate – Couple of questions I was curious about. I started to relisten to Double Share in-between Captain Share postings. I’m hooked again :O)

1 – Is Jen Ish’s wife the same as teh bartender in Double Share?
2 – What happen to the Ish’s Welkie?

Thanks,
Joe

Comment from Nate
Time: October 14, 2009, 8:33 am

1. yes
2. it’s in his pocket.

Comment from Nigel
Time: October 14, 2009, 8:45 am

Woo hoo!!!!!!! I just stopped by Podiobooks and discovered that Captain’s Share is out! And I’m so lucky, there are already 21 episodes!!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!

hmm….I guess that makes me a fan.

This is great! Thanks, Nate! What great news! I am looking forward to experiencing this.

Nigel

Comment from Bruce
Time: October 14, 2009, 2:51 pm

Anybody who hasn’t figured out who Ish’s dad is hasn’t been paying attention to the clues. But Nate, you’re really being a tease about this in the episodes!

Comment from Russ
Time: October 14, 2009, 3:48 pm

Thank you and Happy Birthday Dr. Lowell! Tell me that there is more!

Comment from Nate
Time: October 14, 2009, 5:13 pm

Thanks. There’s more.

Comment from Peter Rudd
Time: October 15, 2009, 4:43 am

@Bruce Ok, that was realy frustrating when you said it cause I haven’t figured it out yet. I now have an idea but I’m not sure if it fits.

Comment from chuck_
Time: October 15, 2009, 8:58 am

@Peter I’m with you. I have always had my suspicions, and have what I think is a plausible theory but it’s all just speculation.

Comment from Bruce
Time: October 15, 2009, 9:00 am

Peter – hmm, how to help, without making it too easy? Here’s a thought – start listening to all the share books from Quarter share forward, and write down EVERYTHING you hear about Ish’s father. Then see if the clues you have available don’t narrow the field a bit.
I’m deliberately being a bit roundabout, but I can think of many worse fates than listening to everything again!

Comment from Russ
Time: October 15, 2009, 2:34 pm

As I sit here with a “cup ah”. I haven’t figured out who Ish’s father is either. And I’ve listen to them all at least twice. So as we wait all wait for the next “Share” to come out. I think I brew a pot of Dark roast, soak in the hot tub, and listen to them all once again.
Dr. Lowell, Thank you. Now turn two!

Comment from Peter Rudd
Time: October 16, 2009, 3:12 am

Bruce – Thats probably the best way but then again i would have to find time to listen to them all over again. Since once I start I have trouble stopping, and now that there are 5 books out I could listen for several days straight if I didnt have school to go to.

Comment from Megan Pawlak
Time: October 16, 2009, 5:22 am

O.O have we MET him? Now that everyone’s dropping hits we should know, I think I have 2 suspicions. But >.> there’s actual CLUES? I remember in Double Share he does a search, but…….I don’t remember anything damning. Grrr! Now I HAVE to relisten to them! And not JUST because they are good and exciting.

Comment from Ignatz
Time: October 16, 2009, 11:33 am

Mr. Lowell: After twenty-two episodes my opinion is that “Captain’s Share” been the very finest continuation in the series. The extra attention to character development coupled with the intrigues of the plot have made for a most enjoyable ‘read’ (I really mean ‘listen’, but you get the idea). That there are a number of issues and characters left hanging at the end of the book is only slightly disappointing as I strongly suspect you already have a good idea of the resolutions to these to be offered up in the next book in the series. Of course, this leaves me with a literary monkey on my back. Both the monkey and I will be waiting impatiently for “Owner’s Share”. Thank you.

Comment from Nate
Time: October 16, 2009, 1:12 pm

Thanks, Ig.

It’s always been my goal to make each book better than the previous. I’m trying to write the series that gets better as it goes along and avoids the pitfalls of formulaic construction and forces me to develop as a writer along the way. So far, I’m happy with the progress, and it’s gratifying to find people agree with me.

Comment from Rob
Time: October 16, 2009, 1:53 pm

Wait, Ig. your comment led me to believe that 22 is the last episode. that can’t be right can it. Surely there are a handful more episodes coming right….. right?

Comment from Nate
Time: October 16, 2009, 3:28 pm

Nope. 22 is the end.

Comment from Rob
Time: October 16, 2009, 3:53 pm

Wow, I love these stories and have listened to all many many times. And I think this one seemed the least “closed” of all of them. However I also thought it was the best (maybe other than quarter share) So I guess it’s just selfish greed that I can’t believe that I have to wait(what will seem like eternity) for the next one. Well done though Nate. Any idea of when maybe possibly that I might find out how it wraps up (no rush, I mean unless you wanted to)? Love love love the work your doing Nate. Without a doubt the best podiobook author I’ve listened to. THANK YOU

Comment from Nate
Time: October 16, 2009, 4:01 pm

See the What Next? post. It has my current plans on it.

Comment from Jim
Time: October 16, 2009, 10:46 pm

Thanks for another great story and for turning so many Boston rush-hour commutes into something to look forward to!

Few storytellers create intense affection for their characters the way you do for Ish and even the most wayward of his crew. Fewer still create characters compelling enough to provide inspiration long after the last page is turned. Yours is truly a rare gift. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

Comment from Nigel
Time: October 17, 2009, 2:37 am

Wonderful!

I knew it would have to end.

But, how wonderful.

Something unspoken in the Texture, the Pacing, and the Humanness, makes these somehow very healing tales. You take risks, Nate. And you go off the beaten path.

The fact that the stories seem so natural when read by you suggests that these stories are a real expression of something about you. That is an encouraging thought, since it means if you just keep on being yourself and writing there ought to be many more great things in store.

Finally, is your preferred method of receiving money via Podiobooks? Are there other options as well?

Thank you very much.

Comment from Nate
Time: October 17, 2009, 4:50 am

Thank you, Jim and Nigel

Yes, Nigel. By accepting donations through Podiobooks, I’m doing my part to keep the Podiobooks service going. As an author I’d be unable to reach the audience I do without them so the small cut they take is well worth the service they provide. And thanks in advance.

A side note to all readers, all donations are gratefully accepted, but if you can’t donate cash — and many people cannot, especially now — please consider leaving a rating or review at either Podiobooks.com or iTunes Music Store. Those ratings and reviews really do help. Thanks!

Comment from Joe Ego
Time: October 19, 2009, 12:42 pm

Thoroughly enjoyed Captain’s Share. I can’t help but feel a bit cliff-hanger’d, but it is a very sweet ride.

Comment from Howard
Time: October 26, 2009, 11:45 pm

I have to agree with others – this one left me feeling like there should be more. Maybe I was just enjoying the story too much and WANT more.

One bit of errata that I am sure was already pointed out: I thought a quarter share birth got 20 kilos, not 10. Thenagain in Double Share Ish had to get his ship suits added to his mass allotment but in the earlier books they were included with the birth. Oh the joys of relistening to the whole series on a a recent car trip.

Comment from Lesley
Time: December 7, 2009, 3:02 pm

Just discovered “Captain’s Share”. What a fantastic listen. On Chapter 19 and just discovered from this site there are previous podiobooks out there. Joy. I’m 60 on Christmas Day and these podcasts make me feel 16 again. Wakened up my imagination. I’m an English woman who has retired to Spain and doing a lot of travelling round this country. Will be introducing my husband to these stories on our next road trip tomorrow. Thank you Nathan for a wonderful story.

Comment from Digamma
Time: January 6, 2010, 9:02 am

Congratulations on winning PodioBook’s Founding Choice Award for Captain’s Share. It sure deserved it.

Comment from Nate
Time: January 6, 2010, 9:18 am

Thanks.

And new books in the running again this year woohoo!

Comment from Adam Patrick
Time: February 16, 2010, 5:38 pm

Thank you so much i love these so darn much i have them all and listen to them every day:-D have been saving captain share for after my heart transplant for the recovery:-) I can’t wait thank you for writing these:-)

Comment from Evandro
Time: March 3, 2010, 4:20 pm

Is it possible to obtain this book in pdf? I´m studing English and it would be good for me obtain it.
Thanks.

Comment from Nate
Time: March 3, 2010, 4:54 pm

Not at this time, Evandro.

When we catch up with the rest of the series, there will be an ebook version.

Comment from Brock Peterson
Time: March 4, 2010, 6:43 pm

I’ve just finished listening to the ‘Share books. The only thing I can say is…WOW. Excellent, Excellent work. I’m an avid scifi/fantasy reader and have been listening to podcast novels and short stories for the past year. Nate, you are a storyteller of the first water; from the stories themselves to your reading of them. I could not stop listening!

Comment from PavementPilot
Time: May 29, 2010, 7:05 pm

I think I have found Ishmael’s father in the series. I believe Franklin P. Wong is Frankie at the Over Easy! Am I correct Nathan?