Happy Birthday, Ishmael Wang!
Three years ago this month — on January 12, 2007 — I sat down at my keyboard and started to write a novel. At the time, I had no idea if I could. I’d started often enough before in my life and never finished. I didn’t really know if I would finish that one, but I had a goal — Podiobooks.com.
In January, 2007, this podcasting thing was only a couple of years old. Most people had never heard of it, and the idea of a serialized audiobook — the podcast novel — was even more unknown. I found Podiobooks in 2006 and started listening to Earthcore, 7th Son: Descent, and Brave Men Run. I think I went through the whole catalog in a few weeks, and when I finished Nina Kimberly the Merciless, I knew I had to try it. These people were having just way too much fun and I wanted to have fun, too. When I sat down to write the book that you all know as Quarter Share, the goal was to finish the story, record it, and publish it on Podiobooks.
Ten days later, I had my first draft. By the end of January I started recording. Yes, I recorded it in a very poor format on a $20 headset mic in the front seat of my car. Evo helped me get it into the correct form and in February 18th, 2007, the first six episodes of Quarter Share went into the stream.
Since that time, you’ve been with me through 5 ‘Share books, a Shaman’s Tale, and, now, a full on fantasy novel with Ravenwood. You’ve pestered me for the next release, you’ve badgered me about paper copies, you’ve written to publishers on my behalf to get them to print my books. You’ve donated, and rated, and reviewed, and followed me on twitter. There’s a discussion group in a knitter’s community for me. (Hi, Ravelry!) You’ve humbled me with your support and with your enthusiastic embrace of my work.
Normally, I keep a pretty low profile, but this month marks more than one milestone, and I’d like to share them with you.
3 years.
7 Books.
800,000 words.
1,000,000 downloads.
and one book contract.
Earlier this month I signed with Ridan Publishing to produce Quarter Share in a trade paper edition that will be available soon – at least by the time BaltiCon rolls around at the end of May.
Thank you, all, for your inspiration, your reviews, your comments, and your heartfelt support of the stories over the last three years.
Happy birthday, Ishmael! And many happy returns.
Comments
Comment from David Sobkowiak
Time: January 7, 2010, 2:44 pm
That is fantastic news! Happy Birthday, and many more!
Comment from kmsqrd
Time: January 7, 2010, 2:57 pm
Yea! I can get the book in paperback soon! Congrats!
Comment from Keith Hughes
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:04 pm
I cannot wait for this to come out in print! Any chance they will do the others too? Congratulations, Nathan! You are an inspiration to us all.
Comment from Brad P. fom NJ
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:13 pm
Awesome… Where do I preorder my copies?
Comment from Nate
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:15 pm
Keith: We’re planning on the whole series.
Brad: There’s a link on the title page at Ridan where you can be notified when the book is available for preorder.
Comment from Dan Dan The Art Man
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:21 pm
This is so great!!! I can’t wait to buy Quarter Share and read it, I’ve listened to it 3 times via podiobook, it will be so fun to get a hard copy and then see it on my bookshelf. Congrats Nate!
Comment from Chess Griffin
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:26 pm
Congratulations, Nathan! That is so awesome! I look forward to purchasing Quarter Share when it’s published by Ridan.
You deserve all the success — thank you for your hard work and the amazing stories.
Comment from Chess Griffin
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:30 pm
BTW, cool new artwork for the QS cover! 
Comment from Angus Mears
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:33 pm
Congratulations Nathan. Will we get to see copies here in the UK?
Comment from Garl Grigsby
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:36 pm
FINALLY I can give you the money you so deserve. I’ve already emailed the publisher requesting to be notified when this is available for order. I’ll have to send a few copies with @gutshot to have them signed at Balticon.
Comment from Michell Plested
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:37 pm
FANTASTIC News, Nathan! Congratulations. I’ll pick my copy up at Balticon later this year.
Comment from Nate
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:38 pm
I’m not sure what Amazon UK will do, but I’m pretty sure Ridan will ship them anywhere you’re willing to pay the freight on.
Comment from Nate
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:38 pm
I may have to buy new pens. My hand has a cramp just thinking about all the autographin’ I’m gonna be doing.
Thanks, Garl.
Comment from Lance
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:47 pm
This is spectacular, Mr. Lowell. Many, many congratulations. And we can haz autographs!
Comment from Amy
Time: January 7, 2010, 3:47 pm
Congrats! And Happy Birthday Ishmael!
Comment from GlitchChaos
Time: January 7, 2010, 4:57 pm
Congrat’s on the book deal!!! I can’t wait to have a copy in my hands!
Comment from matthew
Time: January 7, 2010, 5:03 pm
love the cover art
Comment from Nate
Time: January 7, 2010, 5:10 pm
I squee’d myself when I saw it, too.
Comment from James
Time: January 7, 2010, 5:13 pm
This is the best news I have heard all week. I cannot wait until these are released. Also, since I have seen him pop into this comment thread I want to thank @Chess Griffin for introducing me to these books.
Comment from Michael Spence
Time: January 7, 2010, 5:46 pm
Excellent! Way to go, Nathan! (And thanks to Scott Sigler for introducing me to Quarter Share.
Comment from libbilu
Time: January 7, 2010, 6:11 pm
Congrats, Nathan from your fans at Ravelry! We are so proud for you.
Comment from Rachel
Time: January 7, 2010, 6:22 pm
Brilliant news. Huge congratulations. I can’t wait to have your fabulous novel in print.
Comment from Anita Lewis
Time: January 7, 2010, 6:28 pm
Congratulations on those stats, the new book, and the upcoming publication in print! 1 million downloads must feel great! I realize there are several episodes per book, but still, that is a lot of downloads! I looked at Ridan and am glad to see they will publish in ebook as well. I’m looking forward to reading Quarter Share in print (and hoping for the rest as well.) Like James, I came to know your work through Chess Griffin.
Comment from Joe Cottonwood
Time: January 7, 2010, 7:08 pm
Awesome, Nathan. Good on ya! And congrats on the Founder’s Choice Award, which you didn’t even mention, you bashful fellow.
Comment from Jsn_chrch
Time: January 7, 2010, 7:12 pm
Congrats Nathan! Absolutly loved the share books and look forward to owning my copy of Quater Share. Happy birthday Ish!
Comment from Ari B.
Time: January 7, 2010, 9:29 pm
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.
Comment from Jean-Francois
Time: January 7, 2010, 9:33 pm
Congratulations, Mr Lowel. I look forward to have a complete Nathan Lowel section in my book collection.
Comment from Joe
Time: January 7, 2010, 9:59 pm
:O)
Wlee done!!!!
Please send ordering info. It is the least I can do for all the joy your work has given me.
Joe
Comment from yosarian
Time: January 7, 2010, 10:02 pm
Outstanding, Nate, and long overdue! Congratulations on reaching “the next step”! I look forward to purchasing “Quarter Share” in print form in the near future. If I drive up to your neck of the woods and bring a nice bottle of single malt and some cigars, do you think I could get you to sign a copy for me? All the best, as always, and safe travels! – Mike
Comment from R Mingus
Time: January 7, 2010, 11:15 pm
This is wonderful!! Congratulations.
How extensive was the rewrite/editing, if any? Will they sell a full length audio version? If so will you rerecord?
And I see Ravenwood is next in the queue. Excellent.
Comment from Darren Kelk
Time: January 8, 2010, 12:07 am
Fantastic, I can’t wait to buy it.
Darren
Comment from Ignatz
Time: January 8, 2010, 3:14 am
Heartfelt congratulations, Mr. Lowell. This is tangible recognition of your very fine work.
Comment from Nate
Time: January 8, 2010, 5:23 am
R: So far the edits are really minor. In many cases they are only issues of formating and style for consistency. The deal is *only* for print so, no, Ridan will not be putting out a full length audio. I have been considering a re-recording on my own, tho. The original sounds so rough to me, that I’d like to re-do it just because I think I could make it sound better. The other obstacle to selling a full length book version is the music. It’s licensed non-commercial so I can’t, legitimately, sell an audiobook that uses it. I need permission (and James Curran hasn’t responded to emails) or new music.
And thank you all for your kind words!
Comment from Jason Pitre
Time: January 8, 2010, 6:27 am
I am not surprised, simply relieved that you are finally going to be recognized in a tangible (and financially rewarding) fashion. I look forward to buying pretty much every book your publish, in triplicate to permit gifting and loaning.
Comment from osmia
Time: January 8, 2010, 7:20 am
Way to go Nathan! Congratulations! It’s going to be so cool seeing your books nestled in my bookshelves! I still want to make a Group for the Co-Ed Crochet Team on Ravelry. Then we could do a crochet-a-long on the shawl
Comment from Victoria
Time: January 8, 2010, 8:20 am
Yay, hooray !!
I am so happy ! For you, for me, for everyone ! Excellent news 
V.
Comment from arvo
Time: January 8, 2010, 9:04 am
Brilliant news for a brilliant, if modest writer. Your stripped back style is a joy to read and we look forward to each and every podio-books release. And obviously we’ll be sat in the queue for a copy of Quarter share when it rolls off the press (if they’ll send them to us foreign types across the pond!)
Hard work that’s paid off, thats a great story too. Well done.
Comment from joshua tryon
Time: January 8, 2010, 9:17 am
This is great news. I can’t wait to pick up a few copies. Now those friends of mine that won’t listen to audiobooks and say they can’t look at a computer screen that long can finally enjoy your works also.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISHMAEL
Comment from Susan Parker
Time: January 8, 2010, 10:08 am
Hey all,
I thought I would chime in here. I’m an intern working with Ridan and will be helping to bring his books to print/ebook. It’s great to see so much enthusiasm. I’m a big fan too so was very excited that Nathan put the trust of his books in Ridan.
For those that can’t get to Balticon…Ridan always offers signed copies. We basically ship boxes to the author and a big case of padded envelopes . When you buy a book from our site you can specify:
a) No signature – in which case Ridan will process order
b) Author Signature Only
c) Author Signature and Dedication
For b & c we…well I 
generate a mailing label and email it to the author. They sign, use the label (and provided envelopes) and off they go.
We will of course be doing a kindle version and Sony e-reader book version. We’ve done a whole bunch of other formats in the past: mobi, epub, pdf, .html, etc . But since doing so, we’ve found bootlegged copies of our other author’s works on the torrent downloads. On one hand it is “exposure”, on the other hand it provides no compensation to the author or Ridan. So…whether we produce versions in those formats will be a discussion between Nathan and my boss. I’ll keep you posted.
For those who who want to be notified. Go to: http://www.ridanpublishing.com/quarter_share.html and click on “notify me” button – this will send us an email and when the book is ready for pre-order we’ll send you a link.
And last but not least. We absolutely want to do the whole series and everything else Nathan writes We are hoping he’s pleased with our treatment of Quarter Share and make the others available once he has a chance to do minor clean-up that he is doing before submitting “final copies”.
Comment from Susan Parker
Time: January 8, 2010, 10:13 am
Grrr..Forgot one thing…As to “overseas” We use a number of outlets but one of the easiest for those not familiar is http://www.bookdepository.com. This site ships books anywhere in the world for free…and offers discounted pricing. For instance, Avempartha (a book by another Ridan author) lists for $12.99 and is sold for 28% off at Book Depository for $9.99 – The only problem is books through that venue are, of course, not signed or dedicated. If you live overseas and want signed copies we accomodate that but it does require about $12 in shipping – so buy multiple copies or buy several Ridan titles at once to make the shipping “hit” more reasonable
Susan.
Comment from Phillip Nunemacher
Time: January 8, 2010, 11:13 am
I’ve got my notification request in also. I foresee both a “dead tree” and eBook version are in my future for each of the books. Congrats.
Comment from Chris Rose
Time: January 8, 2010, 11:33 am
Congratulations Nathan, stunning news and even better the books are to be released as trade paperbacks (look far better on the bookshelves). Do you have any idea on the release schedule as I would like to know how long it is going to take me to collect them all…
Once again congratulations..
Comment from Mike McFarland
Time: January 8, 2010, 2:49 pm
Congrats! Am so glad for you (and all of us who love all of your stories). I hope this deal will help you continue to write new stores and not distract you too much rehashing the old ones. Do like the new cover that you & Ridan Publishing have chosen for Quarter Share – does a good job of showing the deep-dark while keeping with your general cover style of book name and author. Can’t wait to get my copy. PS. Ravenwood is great. I was afraid that I would miss Ish too much, but your wise and kind style of story telling continues to impress.
Comment from Nate
Time: January 8, 2010, 3:09 pm
Chris:
We’re doing one at a time. The folks at Ridan are working with me and we’re going to see if we can get them all going “soon.” If you look at their line up you’ll see they have several books coming that will be in the works as well. ASAP is as much as I can tell you. And one book at a time. As we get each one prepared and ready, it’ll be released.
But not before
Comment from Linda
Time: January 8, 2010, 3:42 pm
Oh, my gosh! You’ll have to publish the Balticon information so we can all go and get our own autographed editions!! Dibs on first in line!
Comment from scott pond
Time: January 8, 2010, 5:55 pm
“And to think I knew you when…”
Fantastic news Nate… sorry for the late congratulations… been out of touch with the digital world for a few days. You’ve done such fantastic work on all three of your outlets (Traders Tales, Shaman’s Tales, and the new Ravenwood)… it’s about time that you can see even more reward and recognition for your amazing works. I can honestly say that I cannot wait and will be ordering a couple copies as soon as they are available!
Others have said it, but I have to say it as well: please let us know of your plans for BaltiCon and any other similar event that you will be at once they re available. I may actually have to attend my first Con just to get a copy or two signed: then they can go on my library shelf in a place of honor right next to my other signed books.
You do us all proud, sir, and congratulations!
Comment from James
Time: January 9, 2010, 8:34 am
I really hope that Riden makes an epub version available. That format has really good support on FBreader which I use to read books on my phone and on my handheld gaming device (GP2X). I know that there was a Riden rep here saying that they were having some problems with piracy, but to be blunt, using a proprietary DRMed format will not really help. That fact of the matter is that if there is a pirate that really wants to put an ebook on a torrent site all they need to do is run a utility to strip off the DRM. Even if there is not an ebook available a really determined pirate will just OCR the hard copy. The only thing that DRMed formats accomplish is to prevent legitimate customers like me from putting the book on devices that do not support Amazon’s or Sony’s formats, like my GP2X. I technically could run one of those programs that strips off the DRM and then just convert the file, but that is actually illegal in the US (thanks to the anti-circumvention clause in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act), which is were I live. Let me just say that I am not only planning to get the ebook version but also multiple copies of the hard copy. I prefer reading the actual book, but the ebook is useful when you don’t have a hard copy with you or if you want to quickly find a particular passage.
Comment from Nate
Time: January 9, 2010, 10:49 am
We’re going with Smashwords for now. The first three books will be available in whatever formats they provide. That’s as far as we’ve gotten to even thinking about yet, so we’ll undoubtedly re-visit this in a couple of months.
I’m with you on the DRM issue. I didn’t allow the audiobooks to be put onto Audible for that very reason. Well, that and I’d have to remix them with new music because of the licensing on the James Curran pieces. The perception is that when the ebooks hit bittorrent that sales suffer. Dunno. One step at a time for me.
Comment from Guy Wade
Time: January 9, 2010, 1:45 pm
Nathan that’s awesome news…and about time! Congratulations!
Comment from Chris
Time: January 9, 2010, 3:12 pm
Congratulations, Nathan! I’m so pleased for you. I’ve loved all your books since I first found them and am eagerly awaiting updates to Ravenwood.
By the way, I’m very proud to share a birthday with Ishmael Wang; a nice coincidence.
Comment from Kelsey S.
Time: January 9, 2010, 7:48 pm
I am SO buying your book when it comes out! I listened to the Share series as I ran and it’s still one of my favorites! Now my friends can get in on this amazingness too (since they’re not podiobookers). Thanks for being awesome!
Comment from R Mingus
Time: January 9, 2010, 9:29 pm
Yes, I have to agree that one the best things about this, personally, is that I will finally be able to share the joy of your stories with all of the people who I know will love them as much as I do, but refuse to listen to audiobooks. The only question is, how many to buy?
Comment from Mchael Seeley
Time: January 10, 2010, 12:04 am
Nate, the words “highly deserved” don’t give justice to this, I’m so excited! Congratulations! =)
Comment from Ed
Time: January 10, 2010, 3:59 pm
Quarter Share returned me to my youth and is in my top five novels I have ever read (will purchase in book form).
Comment from Ben
Time: January 11, 2010, 2:22 pm
Huge congrats on 3 fantastic years and your first publishing contract! I’m way to excited to get my hands on a copy.
Also, an even bigger thank you for the novels that you’ve written and read to us.
Comment from helen
Time: January 11, 2010, 5:06 pm
Congratulations!! Wow, your production rate is so very impressive and your novels are superb. You are an inspiration. Cheers.
Comment from V
Time: January 12, 2010, 6:37 am
Congratulations!
Regarding the bittorrent thing, you could try to use bittorrent for you rather than against you/Ridan; you already have a free version to distribute.
Comment from Mike Beavington
Time: January 14, 2010, 7:22 am
Congratulations Nathan (and Ismael). It’s nice to take stock once in a while and see how things have changed. Keep up the fantastic stories. Perhaps we’ll get to meet at some convention or other so I can shake your hand.
Your Canadian Contributor.
Comment from larksilver
Time: January 18, 2010, 11:27 am
I definitely will buy at least a couple of copies of this one, Nate! I’ve been talking about your books to my fellow reader friends for a while now, but couldn’t get them to listen to the podcast version (fools, to miss out on that mellifluous voice!). I know that if I can put a book in their hands, they’ll be hooked, just as I was. Of course, one copy will have to live on my own little shelf.
Congratulations are definitely in order, for all that you’ve accomplished, and naturally for all that the future holds. Now I’m off to go download the next couple of chapters of Ravenwood! Ha!
Comment from Megan Pawlak
Time: January 19, 2010, 12:36 pm
I have been waiting and waiting for this day! I have SO many friends who would like the series but who are absolutely stubborn about trying to listen to an audiobook. “I like to feel the book in my hands” and all the common reasons. Now I’ll be able to lend/buy them a copy and hook them too!
Comment from joanandemma
Time: January 21, 2010, 12:03 am
Hi Nate! Congratulations!! I am so happy you are being published. Emma (teen) and I (Mom) have been with you and Ish (and everyone else in your universes – plural now – happy glee) from the beginning and have enjoyed every word! We made a heart committment to buy your books once in print and I can’t wait to hold those gems in hand! (The audio is great but there’s something about a book in print – new book smell, ownership of the copy ) Hopefully all your fans will get over to Riden to pre-order, too! Best of luck and well-deserved success, and of course, we’re looking forward to more novels from you in the future. – Joan
Pingback from Episode 48 – It’s only a week late : Wander Radio
Time: February 6, 2010, 8:52 am
[...] hits print! It has been 3 years since the debut of Ishmael Horatio Wong. The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series is finally coming to print with Ridan Publishing which according to the author’s website will [...]
Pingback from Thank you, Nathan Lowell « Cranking Plot
Time: February 8, 2010, 1:29 pm
[...] last month, Nathan announced that Half Share has finally been picked up by a publisher. This news was a consummation devoutly to be wished, and all your fans–including yours [...]
Comment from Brian
Time: February 16, 2010, 11:06 am
Congrats Nathan!!! Couldn’t have happened to a better author.
A note to all the fans: Be sure to have your local libraries order a copy. Nothing better than the extra book sale and a chance to expose new readers to Nathan’s work.
Comment from The Spouzal Unit
Time: March 10, 2010, 2:46 pm
Congratulations, Beloved Spouzal Unit ™. As usual I’m a day or two late and several dollars short (because I’ve spent them all) but… Wait, are you going to count the outtakes?
(Oh and since it’s March now… Thank you for being the Beloved Spouzal Unit ™ for the past 25 years.)
Comment from Evelyn Wolke
Time: January 7, 2010, 2:39 pm
Congratulations! Can’t think of anyone more deserving of a book contract, Nathan! This is GREAT news, and we’ll be looking forward to seeing the book at BaltiCon!