Yes.
Now that we got that over with, yes, it’s the end of the Shares. It’s probably not the end of Ishmael Wang. I’ve had a couple of emails about not ending the series and I want to assure you that this series *must* end. It’s the last of the share levels. I can’t write another Share book.
What I can do is start another series. I can fill in the places where there are gaps. I have a whole universe of other stories to tell, some of which will have Ishmael Wang in them, I’m pretty sure.
I’d like to ask you to wait until you see what the ending of this series actually is before getting too upset.
After it’s over, you’ll have plenty of time to be peeved with me. :)
Now, fresh comment thread available. 26 should be up in the morning. Some of you will be cheering when it’s over.
And, I agree Delbert. The problem is that someone took a disagreement with them and made it personal. When presented with dissenting opinion from a highly regarded and successful author he started calling that author a hack. Hack or not, I enjoy his works immensely.
What I find even more telling is that he’s giving a dissertation on the importance of not killing characters, and presenting his credentials as attempting to make his opinion bona fide, when he hasn’t had a work of fiction published. Personally I prefer to read works from authors who have no sacred cows. Who are willing to try anything to see if it fits into a story.
@Jamming – I’m sorry I compared you to Sarah Palin. That was rude of me. As was your repeatedly calling Gaiman a hack for no reason other than you personally don’t like him or his works for whatever reason. You have no grounds to insult others for disagreeing with you, and you have no reason to insult Gaiman here. On the other hand, I’m not afraid to use my real name here in connection with what I say. I have no curtains to hide behind. At this point I shall consider anything additional you have to say as angry drivel, and ignore you.
I wish you the best of luck in your publishing career, and I hope that someday you reach Gaiman’s hack status of success. May your life bring you happiness, comfort, and fulfillment. Just not from me.
P.S. if you could let us know the name you’ve published yourself under I’d appreciate it so that I can ensure I do not support your writing career.
I loved the book. I hope there will be more books with Ishmael Wang, but please no prequels or gap filling. Lets go forward not backward.
Looking over theese coments i can only say one thing; Congratulations Nate, your Art moves pepole.
Even the ones that dont agree with the way you ended the series shows clear emotional ties to your words and world. in a way i dont think anyone could give you higher praise then that.
For all the hours i worked in the dark with a silly half smile on my lips due to the Share series in my ears… Thank you Nate
@Nate. The following will be relevant ONLY IF you decide to edit before publishing …
I saw your note about so few reader comments being useful. Once I mentally screened the extremes, I found some recurring themes. The problem is that much was expressed as if blind men were describing an elephant.
In OS, I see major themes as being Ish’s mental state at the end of the story, the journey from Article 37 on, and some unfinished threads. The last three stories also bring forth questions re Ish’s ability to maintain relationships (and not just those with love interests).
Some suggestions seem to be attempts to identify or resolve questions. If Ish hasn’t made any long-term connections, then he’s alone and left only with his money. If he’s consistently cut himself off from the past, it makes less sense that he would return to a place from his past. If he hasn’t thought that he may not be living the life he wants, then he’s being pushed out of his company or is subject to the whims of circumstance. And so on.
To me, clarity in Ish’s mental state at the end is key. It’s the difference between a reader seeing Ish’s next step as being one of centering and redefining himself vs. one of recovering from grief and being in the same emotional place as he was after his mother died – i.e., progress vs. stagnation or regression.
I think you have a clear idea of what Ish’s mental state is. The question becomes why many fans got it while many others did not. My personal opinion is that the final chapter should stay as it is, and that the journey to the end could be edited. I think the first place I’d look is at what Ish actually self-reports. External actions and other characters can reinforce an emotional state, but don’t define it. A breaking of brittleness indicates a change in state, but doesn’t really tell us what the new state is. His questions or thoughts re his current life as an owner (or potential alternatives) could help clarify that his next step is one that he actively chooses.
BTW – I agree that you can’t address any fans who wanted a “happily ever after†ending w/o compromising the plot line or the ability to write new Ish stories. If you choose, you can handle some unfinished threads with material similar to what you posted in the fan forum.
This will probably be my last post. I’ve already spent way too time much listening and thinking about this in the past week. Good luck. Good writing.
@Annie: I think you made a good job of explaining better what I couldn’t, I agree with this – it was just hard for me to put into words. I did enjoy the book and the ending of the series immensely, I just have a feeling like I’m missing something, and I think some clarity in Ish’s mental state would have helped. After reading Nate’s comments and those of other listeners, I think I feel more clear, but I think I would have preferred picking that up in the listening myself. (perhaps I just wasn’t as attentive as I needed to be.. I’m not a guy who picks up subtle things – just ask my fiancée) :-)
Thanks again, Nate! Love the work, and look forward to your next story in this universe or the next!!
You know guys and gals, nowhere does it say Ish actually sells Iris or abandons his company. It is hinted, true. Especially with the discussion with Miss Maloney, however, he could just have easily not burned his bridges behind him and hired a Captain to run it for him and taken himself off to heal alone for awhile. After that conversation, he thought about it and all that is stated is that he decided what he wanted to do. Nate left it open for a few surprises. It will be fun to meet Ishmael Horatio Wong later, won’t it?
Nate explained on the other forum that DST gave him 20 million per share of his company. So for 100 mill. they got Iris, Icarus and the buisness goodwill. Ish walks with that 100 mill plus what ever he received from the auction. Not bad for a years work eh? Especially since he started the company without spending a dime of his own money!
He he. Don’t know why, but I turned the dissenting opinion into a limerick. Feel free to tell me how silly and pointless it is, I’ll still be giggling:
Given that Gaimen’s a hack,
I’d like to give Owner’s Share back.
It’s worth every penny,
I didn’t spend any,
My ego just won’t stay on track.
I LOVE the series, and I love Owner’s Share. I have been waiting eagerly each day for the next chapter. Thank you for creating this marvelous universe and for the character of Ishamel Wong. Having said all that, Article 37 has ruined my day. I am so depressed now that I will be worthless at work. I assume you have a way to bring us all up and onward.
@Adam What other forum? I have checked the ones I know about, durandus (these) , podiobooks. Am I missing something? I have not seen this written out anywhere. Give me a hint, please.
[Nate Note: Please don’t post the link on this forum. I’ll email Memline with the information.]
ya, sorry. forgot which forum I was on and started running my lips…
I would like to know if anyone one else feels the whole article 37 was (to borrow from half share) some weird bonding experience for us the listeners? I actually feel kinship to the people who commented here in a way that is surprising to me. I would love to meet everyone somewhere for an evening of talk about the Share Series like some odd class reunion. Kind of a weird feeling since I have only few sentences from each person.
This has caused me to be strangely introspective. Anyone else feel similarly?
Alex – I agree. I spent all day thinking about Article 37 and how it could apply to my own life. Long day.
What about Frank Wang? Will Ish and his dad ever have a father son relationship?
@tom – it’s possible.
Thanks for a great story Nate. I’ve had to chew on the structure of the story quite a bit, as I think the character development rides side-by-side with the plot and not one leading the other (Ian Flemming always Article 37’d things in the first 3 chapters for example). I’ll let you know how I feel about the ending when I know.
As for reactions, “This isn’t a happiness factory.” comes to mind….
I definitely feel like this became a Volume 1 ending though. What happens next will be up to Ish.
Nate i do understand that you cant remember every book you sign.I was very happy to listening to your books and i want to spread the news….atleast to my older brother that turns 40 in a few months.Thinking about ordering OS for him and having you sign the book will make his day dont you agree?i know he will like it since we pretty much have same taste in reading…well almost anyway.Should get my copy in a few days or so i think and i am really looking forward to that.
Nate – I have to say I admire you even more as I read the very calm and earnest responses you make to people on the forum. I agree with may of those who feel they are left empty at the end. I am sure that ISH has reasons and plans, but they are not clear. None the less, these stories continue to be a wonderful series, and I hope that ISH will come back (after Ms. Fairport has her next adventure). AS to where Ish goes, I would like to see Ish spend a year or so on St. Cloud and maybe get some direction from a certain Shaman there (either knowing or with out knowing the connection to Sarah). Thank you for your writing, it is wonderful.
Wow…here I went to look up the article # (for some reason I can’t retain “article 37 in my mind when I need to use it) and I see how moved some folks were with the end of OWNER’S SHARE! I now understand @BrandG’s tweet about “@Nlowell is not your bitch!”.
And here I felt bad commenting about the use of the term “Sherpa” early in the novel. Ouch, Nate! I feel for you for the negativity you have to deal with from some of the series’ elements.
I, for one, loved every minute, for good or bad. It’s your story, and with a few minor adjustments along the way, think it’s fine the way it is.
Just wanted to let u know. I NEVER listen to a podcast more then once. I think im on my 6th tme. If it has to end, write something else. I love all your stories!
I loved the series, and in my opinion your writing has gotten better and better. I wouldn’t change anything story related, even if I could. Especially, as far as Article 37 is concerned.
I’m very much looking forward to the next journey through the stars.
Thank you Sar, you have made the past few years a very memorable experience. For the bottom of my heart thank you for your talent and desire to share with us.
I was telling my 14 year old daughter about the share stories, while coming home from school, because she wanted to know what I was listening intently to. She said it would be interesting to know how Earth relates to transportation of goods and if anyone ever goes there from Ishmael’s life or the relationship that Earth has to the interstellar travelers in these stories, even if living on a world. Is there any interest in the original planets? A brief mention was made, but the distance is so far away, that she would be interested in something that relates to closer to home and space travel.
I thought it was an interesting perspective, since it seemed that these stories are in a particular quadrant far, far away.
I enjoy the stories tremendously. Please keep them coming, as it would be interesting to see where your imagination would take us.
I’ve actually been thinking about a Core Worlds series. I’m not sure where I’d go with those, but it would make an interesting foil to the “frontier” that’s the Western Annex.
You can’t be done yet you still have to write Corporate Share where he takes over the Corparation and runs it for Article 37
Um. No, that’s a different kind of share. It actually falls under “owner’s share” on the sequence and I’m not likely to go there again.
We’re pretty much done with “Share.”
Nate,
I am not one to post on boards — but today I must. Thank you. As a man who is about Ish’s age, the last year of my life has been one of reflection. Where am I? Where am I going. About a year and a half ago my son left home to move across the country to go to graduate school. After 21 years of trying to be a good father, and building my life around the forces you comment on at the end of the last episode — I found myself adrift. The familiar, though on one hand comforting, had at the same time become cloying. Listening to your story has been one of my greatest joys. I shared it with my son who listened to it during long nights in lab (he is a Chemistry major) We both enjoyed the adventures.
What is wonderful about what you created is the sheer normalcy of it. We like to believe if you work hard, learn new things, are honest, and are aware of the feelings of those around you, you will be treated fairly. Sometimes that is true, sometimes not. But it is the only honorable way to live. Life is not full of grand everyday battles, explosions, and intrigue. But rather it is the hundreds of times a day we make the little decisions, take the risks, make the sacrifices, accept the consequences, the time with our friends, the making and shearing of that wonderful meal. Life is full of the people we know, and the people we allow to know ourselves.
Sure tragedies happen, but unlike in most fiction, for most of us they happen only a few times in a life-time. Not that fact makes them any easier.
What I have learned from your thoughtful stories is this; coming of age is not only for the young. We can all fly at anytime, and often the only thing holding us back is ourselves.
IVE READ ALL 6 CIIPPER BOOKS AND YES I WOU LIKE MORE ISH.
I write this to tell you my reasons for wanting the story to continue forever is one of selfishness. I have spent many a duty on nightshift with one ear for you and one for the radio waiting for the call. Your story has been exciting and believable. I salute you sar and wish you many more
Thank you Nate. I really enjoyed the series. It is so rare to find a series so engaging that I just can’t put down. As a fellow story crafter I can honestly say it was masterful. I probably would not have killed off Greta, but then I’m a sucker for happy endings.
Just finished the last book. A little bummed it had to come to an end. I too don’t agree with Artivle 37 but over all it was one of the best series of books I have had the privilege to read/listen to. I loom forward to your next series. Well done Sar.
I have to admit that I was upset after listening to the end of Owner’s Share sar. I love Ish. He’s a good, hard working and honest man and I want him to be happy. I devoured this series and I feel privileged to have been able to tag along with Ish on his adventures.
After my initial emotional reaction to Article 37 wore off some, I have been able to look at the circumstances and the story more objectively. I know when I am reading a good book when the book evokes emotion. There were many times when I got strange looks walking downtown or while riding on the train when I giggled, gaped or laughed out loud. Ish went on a journey through these 6 tales. He started with being unsure what to do with his life with the death of his mother. He was left with few choices. The same thing occurs with Ish in Owner’s Share. Circumstances take a turn and he has a few options, but not many that will allow him to do what he wants and stay in the Deep Dark. Ish is pushed around by circumstance, which happens to many of us. When Article 37 occurs, Ish finds himself at a turning point similar to his realization after boarding Lois: He WANTS to make choices about his life. The end of Owner’s Share takes Ish full circle. The story is credible, real and touching.
Regarding the criticism that Ish didn’t go through the grieving process….. We all experience grief in different ways and at different speeds. The end of a marriage is the death of a relationship and is viable for the grieving process. Some people do skip some of the steps in grieving, or skate through them so that they aren’t really noticeable to an outside observer.
I enjoyed this window into the life of a decent and honorable man even in the face of stress, loss and fortune. I can’t wait to see what direction Ish takes next.
Wow.
I was going to post here that Nate is officially on my doo-doo list because of what he did with Article 37, but reading the previous posts, especially Jamming’s, I see I might come off as a stalker. So I won’t.
It’s fine for a reader to be upset with the direction a work of fiction takes. But it’s the reader’s responsibility to keep things in context. It’s just fiction. It’s not real life. You get fun and joy out of a book, so you shouldn’t be surprised to get pain and displeasure out of it as well. That’s what it’s there for! If fiction wasn’t reaction-provoking then it wouldn’t be worth reading.
If you don’t like what an author is doing, find a new author. But don’t give the author grief about it. IT’S JUST A BOOK. Get a grip, people. PERSPECTIVE. It’s important.
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated the trader’s tale series, it always gave me something good to listen too after a long day of work. I eagerly await your next novel, whatever it may be.
3 weeks.. all six books….. My brain is tired. In any event – I look forward to any possible books that include Brel and Bev —
I Loved Owner’s Share however the ending was depressing. I do look forward to more trader tails especially those with Ish. I think the gap between full share and double share would be great to read about. I dont know what kind of Ish stories you can put between Double and Captains since he was on the same ship, but im willing to give any trader tail a read.
Thank you so much for these books, and your narrative voice (both in the writing sense and in the audible sense). I have listened to the series twice in 2 months, and thoroughly enjoy the day to day ordinary-ness experienced in an interesting life. This is my first time reading this forum, and I apologize in advance if this has already been explored and chewed over.
As a hospice doctor and regular human being, I experience grieving at many stages and vantage points. I have to say, the 3 (and implied 4th – initial loss of father) major loss periods strike me as very authentic and genuine. Although Ish is a very thoughtful and introspective guy, he is still a guy, and tends towards instrumental grieving (“doing something”) and maybe some delayed grieving. There tends to be less talking, sobbing, and group discussion than with many women. (understanding that everyone’s experience is valid and unique to them.) Also, grief is experienced and expressed differently at different ages. For kids/teens/early adults, the more concrete facts and what it means to their life circumstances prevail. In adults, there is often more questioning, rehashing, and ruminating on what could have been done or said or not said. And I felt the last few chapters of Owner’s Share captures some of the PTSD and numbness that the heart and mind often go through in violent and unexpected deaths. Not saying goodbye is a common theme, even when it was never reasonable. It often seems unfair that time keeps on passing when someone you love is dead, and so many people spend at least some time just going thru the motions of a life.
The few lines about having someone to care for and care about in this last book, and how important it is in being truly human struck an inner bell for me. And it having to be both part of duty and responsibility, and outside of duty. Thanks. (still meditating on this one).
I have enjoyed this ordinary hero’s tale of growth through different life stages, not just the usual adolescent to adult trilogy (think LLoyd Alexandar’s Taran), but beyond. At the cusp of 40, I believe there is much yet to experience and do. It is good to find a series that supports my belief in the future.
Thanks, Shelly. Lots of what Ishmael goes thru there is drawn from my own life when my father died in 2005.
I think there’s a lot of place for him to go…and a mission for him to pursue. I’m really looking forward to getting back to this universe next year.
Enjoy Ishmael’s stories so much, hope that one day there will more of him. Thank you
There will be more Ishmael Wang :)