About the Golden Age
The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper grew from my long time fascination with space opera. From Lois McMaster Bujold to Iain Banks, from David Weber’s Honor-verse, to Piers Anthony’s “Bio of a Space Tyrant” series to Heinlein and Bradbury, and all the rest. I (mis)spent much of my youth lost in the galaxies both far, far away and closer to home.
One of the things that always bugged me about these stories was the larger-than-life hero. Every stinking one of them is some rich, powerful, or otherwise advantaged individual and, almost inevitably, it’s their money, position, or power that either saves them, or dooms them to follow whatever path the story takes. That’s all well and good. The powerful hero — even the “lost prince” Luke Skywalker type — is an enduring archetype. It’s great escapist fun to put yourself into the shoes of the great and powerful, but I’ve always wanted a hero that was more like me. Kinda slow, self-doubting, and, above all, fallible in ways that are closer to “toilet paper stuck to my shoe” than “unable to coordinate galactic take-overs with star-crossed romance.”
So, for once, the hero isn’t the Captain of the ship. He’s not even an officer. He’s a broke, uneducated, orphan from a backwater planet at the edge of no-where. He’s not a “hidden prince” and he wasn’t adopted. He’s just an average Joe trying to make it in the universe when his mother is killed in a mindless accident and he’s suddenly left to his own devices.
Please don’t get too hung up on the physics. I know there’s a lot of “then magic happens” in terms of the Solar Clipper’s technology. Humor me. The story isn’t about the string theory behind the gravity keel or the precise application of blue-green algae in the air scrubbers. It’s about the people who spend months at a time sailing between the stars, not on a warship doing heroic battle with enemies foreign and fearsome, but on a freighter just trying to make a living.
So, think of this as a kind of Billy Budd meets the Vorkosigans and gets a job on one of their ships. I hope you’ll find it an interesting voyage.
Nathan Lowell
February, 2007
Comments
Comment from matthew
Time: April 25, 2007, 2:58 pm
it sounds good. but it sorta sounds out of balances like when one of your ears are plug. not sure if its your new mic or not but your half share sounds good.
Comment from Elizabeth
Time: May 12, 2007, 8:54 pm
Loved Quarter Share and am delighted there is a sequel. Only wish that the Half Share episodes were all up as well as the next few books. There are more books coming, right?
Keep up the excellent writing!
Comment from Sarah
Time: May 19, 2007, 12:17 am
The picture labeled “The Author as a Young Dog” appears to be link-broken. 
Comment from Nate
Time: May 19, 2007, 5:38 am
Thanks,Sarah. Fixed it.
Comment from Jay
Time: May 21, 2007, 6:41 pm
I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful stories. Quarter Share and Half Share are 2 of the best books I beleive I have ever listened to. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the next story.Is there a rough time on when the next story will be out? So that I have something to look forward to. Thanks again.
Comment from Nate
Time: May 21, 2007, 6:47 pm
Should be coming out in mid June. The text is ready. The audio isn’t.
Comment from Don
Time: May 27, 2007, 1:56 am
Just finished Quarter Share. Great Story! Do you have any of these books in print?
Comment from Nate
Time: May 27, 2007, 5:03 am
Still haven’t gotten that call back from TOR.
Comment from Don
Time: May 28, 2007, 10:26 am
Scott Sigler was using a small publisher,before he got his book deal. I have a copy of his book by this publisher it is put together well. http://WWW.dragonmoonpress.com Maybe you can get a small run in print?? Any how love the story’s, keep them coming.
Comment from John Bell
Time: June 5, 2007, 7:38 am
Thanks. Thanks very much. Just finished Quarter Share and really enjoyed it!
All my reading and podcast listening is related to my job (computer geek stuff), so it’s usually reference books and tech-show podcasts etc. However, just recently I had an urge to listen to something different so I downloaded a copy of Alice In Wonderland Anyway, I really enjoyed that, so thought I would try something else, I came across Podiobooks and purely at random decided to try something from SF, then from that category I randomly chose Quarter Share - I think I got lucky!
It was really nice to listen to a simple(I don’t mean that in a derogatory sense) story involving normal, decent folk written and read in a very light, easy, accessible style. In a funny way it also kind of made me want to play Elite again! (BBC Micro version of course… arf!)
So I’m now starting Half Share and really looking forward to the evolving story!
Anyway, well done Nathan and thanks again.
Cheers
John.
Comment from Bob
Time: June 23, 2007, 4:14 am
Just finished Quarter Share. Great story about good people. Loved the section about Ishmael tackling the coffee urns. Looking forward to the next chapters about Ishmael and his shipmates
Comment from Michael 0′Connell
Time: July 8, 2007, 5:16 pm
Nathan
I just wanted to add my vote of thanks to the many others. I have a fairly menial job which allows me several hours a day to listen to my mp3 player. I devoured both Quartershare & Halfshare in about a week.
I really enjoyed the richness of the story & characters. I was particularly impressed by the fact that you didn’t rely on massive amounts of violence, constant life or death situations, or larger than life characters to build the story. Both books were simply good honest stories about immensely likeable people with a real sense of comraderie. Keep up the great work!!
Comment from Mark Wagner
Time: July 16, 2007, 2:35 am
Mr. Lowell,
I came across Quarter Share in May 2007, and almost skipped over it without checking it out. Fortunately, I saw one of the comments comparing it to early Robert A. Heinlein, who was one of my favorite authors many years ago as a young boy in rural Illinois. As a skinny-as-a-rail, bespeckled son of a “poor” pastor, I loved to escape into a world where the qualities that made a hero were curiosity, hard work, and looking out for others. Now, listening to Quarter Share, Half Share, and finally, Full Share, I am reminded that I still love to visit such worlds. Thank you for creating another one that I can visit from time to time.
Comment from Christian, Sweden
Time: August 20, 2007, 3:28 am
I really loved Quarter & Half Share. Pity that Full Share isn’t done yet My lot in life is to wait, I guess
Comment from Jonathan
Time: September 11, 2007, 4:41 pm
Hey Nathan… Excellent job, I love the entire series! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next drop of Full Share. Er, it’s been a while. :-S
I’m not complaining, but you have fans eagerly awaiting. Keep up the excellent work, thanks again!
Comment from W.David.M
Time: September 17, 2007, 1:24 pm
Mr. Lowell…I’m about 75% through Quarter Share. I love it and can’t wait to move on to Half Share and Full Share. I hope you have plans for more tales from your wonderful universe!
Comment from Dan
Time: September 17, 2007, 10:59 pm
Thank you for your stories. I’ve been listening to podcast books for over two years now, and your stories are the most compelling I’ve come across. Ish as the everyman hero is brilliant.
Comment from Tony C
Time: October 4, 2007, 1:35 pm
Great story telling period. It’s simplicity draws you in. The oration is professional, on par or better than big time pro orators. I read a book a week if Mr. Lowell did more of this kind of work that would change. Thanks
Comment from CJ
Time: October 8, 2007, 10:24 pm
Outstanding trilogy! Really brought back emotions from joining the Navy when I was 18. Great characters that you can really get attached to.
Excellent work.
CJ
Comment from Jadi Morok
Time: November 8, 2007, 6:17 pm
Hey Nathan,
I really am liking your work. I am nearly finished with Quartershare, and am eager to move on to the other two. I affirm with the other comments that I hope you will continue writing stories of this style. As soon as I started listening, I definitely noticed “Heinlein-esque” stylings. It reminds me of “Time for the Stars” and “Tunnel in the Sky.”
Keep up the good work.
Comment from Nigel Simpson
Time: November 21, 2007, 12:19 pm
It was a lucky day for me when I decided to find out whether audiobooks existed for my IPod. I then found Podiobooks and as a Science Fiction fan naturally gravitated to this category. And I found Quarter Share.
It is very good. So is Half Share. I have started Full Share and am already wondering when you will get around to Double Share.
Thanks for a great story and great characters. I have now bookmarked the Trader’s Diary and will be checking it every week.
Comment from Bill
Time: December 18, 2007, 2:53 pm
I love the Gloden Age of the Solar Clipper. This is what I’d classify as blue-colar sci-fi. Nothing heroic just people and what they do for a living.
Comment from Niomi
Time: December 20, 2007, 7:46 pm
I just started your quarter share audio book, and I’ve really been enjoying it. In addition to having an entertaining story, it is read very well. I’m pleased to see there is a sequel, I’m looking forward to working through the series.
Comment from Nate
Time: December 21, 2007, 9:59 pm
The comments just keep on coming! Thank you all for your kind words!
I’m so wrapped up in producing new content it’s easy for me to forget that there are new people finding Quarter Share every day … But my subscriptions still go up by a few every single day. It’s so gratifying.
Thank you all and don’t forget to rate the books at podiobooks.com
Comment from Karen
Time: January 8, 2008, 9:29 am
I am loving these novels I can’t get enough, I listen to them on my commute and at night, and I’m totally enthralled. I love the characters the descriptions and well just about everything. I think I spent most of Quarter Share reliving playing the old trading games when they first came out for the PC’s moving from port to port trying to make a profit. Superb work thank you.
Comment from Dave
Time: January 16, 2008, 6:44 pm
I’ve just finished listening to ‘Quarter Share’ on my PSP, loved it! Now I’ve got to drag and drop ‘Half’ and ‘Full Share’ across. A wonderful way of spending weekend nightshifts, listening to your books! Thank You
Comment from Jeremy
Time: February 14, 2008, 8:57 am
Have just finished a marathon session listening to Quarter, Half then Full Share. A delightful series of books, wonderfully written and with a nice sense of humour (I even found myself laughing out loud a few times, getting myself some odd looks while walking around town).
Nathan thank you
Comment from Stephen Jacob
Time: February 26, 2008, 2:43 am
You know, it just occurred to me, these stories are in some ways a bit like Firefly. Well, without the crime and stuff. But bear with me. In terms of the fact that they’re “just plain folks” who are “just trying to make a living”, and Ishmael Wong is just this guy, y’know (oops, unintentional Douglas Adams reference).
Anyhow, I think it’s the everyman thing that appeals. Well, everyman, except he’s really frickin’ bright and great at tests.
Comment from Paul Pearson
Time: March 16, 2008, 3:09 am
I’ve just started listening to Quarter Share and I can’t get enough of it. Its such a compelling story, and such an interesting main character. As someone who’s just starting a new, more independent phase of their life, I can really empathise with Ishmael and I’m fascinated by his “adventures”. And the way you make what seems like such an ordinary life (at least, compared to other space operas) and make it so interesting, so compelling, so fascinating, its brilliant (note to self: think of more words that mean “really good”). I’m loving this first book to bits, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Comment from Mary Beckett
Time: April 2, 2008, 6:24 pm
I have been listening to your books for the last few weeks and have recommended them and the Podiobooks website to everyone I know ever since. While I can appreciate that some people may like more “actors” and sound affects, I prefer the experience of the podcast to simply float into my mind and let me fill in the blanks. I’m sure that is why I have almost stopped watching Tv since I have discovered audio books — they allow me to continue with what I am doing while I listen and are much more liberating to the imagination. I’m looking forward to the next books. I’m hoping that the comparison to Heinlein extends to the number of stories you have in store for us!
Comment from Gero
Time: April 24, 2008, 2:24 pm
Dear Nathan.
After listening to all audiobooks I could find related to the memorable days of the solar clippers (Sometimes I kind of wish those times would return or that I at least could return to them…), I must say that I was deeply moved by the stories.
I made the inexcusable mistake of finding full share BEFORE half share and quarter share so that I kind of stepped backwards in time. Nonetheless, I hereby confirm that every book is in itself a very complete work of art.
What virtually sucked me into the stories is the values you express in them:
work hard, grow with your duties, try to become as good at what you do as possible, keep an open mind, be open to people as well as opportunities and TRUST LOIS.
Of course, there is this very laid back portrayal of the “simple life” and an astonishing appreciation for routine woven in the relationships and interaction that, although a little foreign to me at present, I find very reassuring for my own aims. It is like going outdoors for the first time after being sick all weekend. All your senses are stimulated to the max because of the intense contrast to what you´ve experienced in the immediate past.
Likewise, it´s been really intense hearing of a concept of life in such great contrast to the world we live in and still find characters believably portraied enjoying the ride and being happy.
So, long story short, thank you!
Comment from SquidDNA
Time: May 26, 2008, 11:36 pm
Two episodes in I was completely hooked and I couldn’t say why. It wasn’t until halfway through Quartershare where Pip and Ishmael are getting down to serious scheming that I realized why it was so riveting, and that’s why I take issue with the statement that the hero of the novel is an average Joe. The hero of the novel is obviously a future starship captain and this is the story of his origin! During the beginning of the story it’s possible to make the statement that he’s an average Joe, but as one listens, it’s apparent that he’s incomparably brilliant.
Full share ended very sweetly, more conclusively than the previous novels I feel, and you handled Ishmael’s growth very well.
It struck me as odd that for a mixed-sex environment there was practically no mention of sex at all during Quartershare, I felt it was sort of weird given the age range of the characters. Of course, you more than made up for it in Half Share and Full Share.
One thing that I found confusing was your use of the word “san” as short for “sanitary” to mean “shower / head.” I kept hearing “sand” so until there were repeated references to showers and the water recycling system it didn’t click. I kept thinking that in order to save water or in order to avoid the hassle of an extensive water recycling system on board they were handling waste like cats, and bathing with fine grit! A creative solution anyway.
Thanks for the great listen. You voice these characters very well. I eagerly await future installments!
Comment from randy
Time: July 25, 2008, 11:19 pm
loved ALL of the books just one thing. the last chapter of double share feel rushed what that about.
Comment from Digamma
Time: July 29, 2008, 10:00 pm
I have been enjoying the Stiry of Ishamel so far. I only had one comment the reading while good and easy to set used to sounds a little NPRish. Not a bad thing just a comment. I’m sure it gets more polished.
Comment from Peggy
Time: August 1, 2008, 7:01 am
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve just finished listening to the final segment of Double Share. These 5 podio books were the best written and read books I’ve listened to in a long time. In fact, I wanted to purchase a copy of them and didn’t know if they would ever be available in book form. I would love to share them with my nephews who enjoy a good space tale.
Comment from Nate
Time: August 1, 2008, 7:11 am
Thanks. They WILL be available. They’re just not available at the moment.
Comment from Alice
Time: August 6, 2008, 8:15 pm
Thanks for such enjoyable books. I loved them all — but, did I miss something? Was there a book that covered the academy years? I sure would like to know how everyone fared…
Comment from Nate
Time: August 6, 2008, 8:47 pm
Not yet.
If/when it comes out, it’ll be titled “Port Newmar.”
Comment from Digamma
Time: August 6, 2008, 9:43 pm
I have now finished the quadrilogy. I enjoyed Ish’s Journey and look forward to see what’s next. If these do go print will it be an omnibus type or will all be released sperately?
Comment from Nate
Time: August 7, 2008, 6:18 am
Almost assuredly as separate volumes. The first three books alone are 250,000 words … It’s unlikely that a publisher will be willing to put up an omnibus like that for an unknown author.
Comment from Josh
Time: August 24, 2008, 6:07 pm
Thank you for writing these stories. I hope that you don’t lose interest in writing the series. It’s just my personal opinion, but I think what makes the Golden Age series so compelling is the ability for so many people to relate to the characters. The themes are what you might expect from an office environment and perhaps a new intern just trying to develop himself and a career at the same time.There’s nothing like a new job to show what kind of man you are. And who wouldn’t want to hop into a solar clipper just once to sail the galaxy!
Great stories — Double Share maintains the quality we’ve come to expect from Mr Lowell. Thank you!!!!
Comment from Nate
Time: August 24, 2008, 6:14 pm
Thanks, Josh. Glad you like the books.
The next books are in the works and I’ve definitely not lost interest. Time is my enemy.
Comment from vince
Time: September 5, 2008, 12:10 pm
Ive listened to 4 for books in a week i was hooked and couldn’t stop listening. Hoping for some new work. Keep up the exellent work.
Comment from Nate
Time: September 5, 2008, 12:19 pm
There’s more coming …
Comment from Matthew Little
Time: September 7, 2008, 6:14 am
Just finished Quarter Share and wish to thank you for a very entertaining, smile provoking and occasional laugh out loud few hours. Best of all I can share this with the whole family. So thank you Mr. Lowell. …I have no doubt that the rest of your podiobooks will soon be in my player.
Comment from Nate
Time: September 7, 2008, 6:39 am
You’re welcome.
Might wanna preview Half Share before you turn it loose on little ones. There are some PG13 scenes in it that some people are calling NC17.
South Coast is good to go tho
Comment from Deja Thoris
Time: September 11, 2008, 5:50 pm
Nate, I’ve now been through all of Ishmael Horatio Hwang’s travails twice. As a long-time SF reader and recent voracious consumer of audiobooks, I assert that your work [both the writing of the stories and the reading of the podcasts] is top-shelf. In my opinion, you are well into the upper-tier of writers/podcasters [clearly among the best five] of the dozens of authors I have checked-out during the last six months, and I look forward to future stories/audiobooks with great anticipation. In addition to your excellence in storytelling and narration, you do so without the ego-laden self-promotion that seems to afflict quite a few other talented authors. Bravo, keep up the good work!
Comment from Jason Sells
Time: March 6, 2007, 8:59 pm
Mr. Lowell,
I love Quarter Share! Thanks for podcasting your novel. It reminds me of Heinlein titles that I grew up on such as “Have Spacesuit, Will Travel” and “Farmer in the Sky”, as well as Charles Sheffield’s more recent “Jupiter” series. Do you have any other works in print or audio format?
Jason Sells