I’ve been meaning to put up a new post for weeks. A fan’s email this morning pushed me into the “omg, this is embarassing” mode so here’s a status report.
Cape Grace is still the next work in progress. I really want to fill that slot in before I go to Captain’s Share. My ideas on Cape Grace are working in my mind, and I really hope I can pry myself out of “Day Job” for a few weeks here sometime soon.
The “Day Job” — as some of you may know from reading the comments on the last thread — is in survival mode. It depends on earmark money and grants for continued support. If you’ve seen any of the financial news lately, you’ll understand why things are so desperate. The Feds are pulling the plug on all earmarks, grant agencies are only writing grants to the largest and most prestigious institutions, and foundations are suffering from the economic meltdown. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for a small, specialized organization that’s working to help teachers for kids who are blind, deaf, or have significant support needs. It’s not all bad news. We have several initiatives underway that are potentially game changing, but they’re requiring a lot of work on my part to make sure that — if the “Day Job” folds, it won’t be because we didn’t do everything humanly possible to try to make a difference. I won’t bore you with the details, but we’ve developed new tools to teach science which are on the cutting edge at the intersection of instructional design and technology. You can probably imagine how much effort is going into these. On the upside, if I lose my job, I’ll have more time to write. On the downside, I’ll lose my job.
My teaching load has been doubled since last fall. I used to teach only one course a semester, and now I’m doing two. This semester is a “new teach” – which means I need to do a lot of work to get the course established and I made the mistake of not doing enough ahead of time. It’s sucking up a lot of the time that would normally go to writing.
So, the bottom line is that I’m still here. I’m still planning to write more. I miss the production process, the writing and reading maybe even more than you all miss getting new content.
Thanks for being out there, and thanks for all the support you’ve shown me.
Glad to hear you’re still out there. When an interesting writer goes off the radar, most of us assume life has in some way happened. We wait with baited breath for the next set of stuff, but with more understanding than impatience. You’ve got a life to lead as well as a story to tell.
Good luck,
All the best
Arvo
You do what you need to do. The stories will come eventually.
Good to see a new blog post :)
Life comes first, then the books,
really looking forward to the new one :)
The more life you live, the better your stories will be. But we miss ya.
Thanks for the update! Although all of us are eagerly waiting for new stories, I think all of us understand that your work is a very demanding one, especially under the current situations. Hope it still leaves you enough time for some creative thinking on the subjects of your choice…
Best wishes for the new year, btw.
Goodness, I’m really sorry. That is stressful.
On the upside, I just got my brother listening to your books, and he finds them delightful. :)
I’m deeply touched and gratified by your support. Thanks for understanding.
I take some satisfaction in knowing that we’re between books and not between chapters while I’m fighting with RL. At least you’re not cliffhangered and dangling
:)
Is there anything that we can do to help? Contact a congressman and say, “save this project.”? Visit a web site? I don’t know your numbers, but your books are good enough that I assume that there are enough of us that we might make someone take notice.
The problem is that — politically — earmarks are anathema. Too many people with too many projects that too many politicians can’t really justify. There’s good reason to think that when you’re in the lifeboat, some hard choices have to be made and maybe, in this case, the problems of a small number of kids who happen to be blind and deaf aren’t really a national priority.
A few more weeks and things *should* start leveling out.
Despite the fact that I really don’t have much to say beyond that which has already been said by those before me, I wanted to chime in and let you know that I, too, am eagerly awaiting whatever you throw at us next, but like the others here, I fully understand that sometimes, life just has to take precedence.
I work as a telemarketer. My job isn’t even remotely dependent on government funding, and for me personally, it’s little more than a source of income that allows me to keep going to school – I am still a student first. But as the economic situation worsens (just about every major bank in this country has gone bankrupt or been bought out by the government at this point), it becomes understandably harder to sell people services they don’t really want or need. And even though some part of me passionately hates this job (in the end, I make my living by annoying people into doing something they wouldn’t have done if I’d left them alone), another part of me has kicked into higher gear. When the financial results of the company whose products I sell inevitably start to tank, and people who depend on this job to feed their families become the victim of their efforts to cut expenses, at least I’ll know I’ve done everything I could to prevent it. As insignificant as I am, in the scheme of things, I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror if I didn’t.
My point being: if I had a job like yours – a job in which I could actually make a meaningful contribution to something I was genuinely passionate about – then hell, yeah, I would fight for it with all I had in me, the rest of the world, and my sleep, and my personal life be damned. So if that’s what you’re doing right now, more power to you! My thoughts are with you. And when things calm down – hopefully not because they have to let you go – I’ll be as jubilant as you are for being able to return to your writing.
I wish you all the best.
Hade
Yeah, what they said –^
The quality you produce is well worth the wait!
Lets hope the people looking at the earmarks on education realize they aren’t really earmarks, but rather more like corrections to the previous administrations oversights? I seem to recall certain words from a certain inauguration speech which rather specifically mentioned ‘science’ and ‘education’, almost, but not quite in the the same breath.
Anyhoo.
Good to know you’re still alive. Look forward Cape Grace, whenever that happens.
Do what you need to do – we’ll still be here.
Hang on Nate! I can relate to your potential fate – I joined the ranks of the unemployed last April. I’ve since achieved under-employed status, which is doing well in Michigan! Your loyal fans will hope for your success and wait for your works.
Hey Nate – Thanks for the update. I understand your dilemma. However, your books are full of the good guy doing the right thing, and making hard choices. I guess you wouldn’t be able to write about it if you didn’t know about it. Meanwhile, I’ve listened to the books 3 times through now, and am working on the 4th (or 5th?) time, and am enjoying them all over again. I can wait a little longer, and as you said, you didn’t leave us in the middle of a cliff hanger. Thank Goodness. I hope RL gets easier, soon – for all of us.
Is there any way we can help?
Just be patient and know I’ll be back!
N
If you find yourself having withdrawal symptoms, Todd, just go back to the existing books. That’s what I do (I’m certainly not the only one here!), and I can tell you that these stories are just as good (if not better) the second time around. I recently got stuck in the hospital with basically just my iPod to keep me company, and I listened to all the “Share” stories back to back in the space of about two days (and sleepless nights). I can now officially testify to the fact that this guy called Nathan Lowell has the pretty amazing talent of being able to make people smile even while they find themselves in some less-than-uplifting circumstances. Thanks for that, Nate!
While I’m at it, I feel somewhat obliged to tell you that Double Share has grown on me since I first listened to it (and complained about it!) right after it came out. I’m not entirely sure why, but it all makes more sense to me now. Even Fredi becoming the Captain doesn’t seem to come out of nowhere anymore, which can probably be explained by the fact that I knew what to expect this time, and so I listened more carefully for the subtle clues you do in fact drop about that particular evolution. I still think it wouldn’t have hurt to make the transition from “bird with broken wings” to “instant clipper Captain” somewhat more visible, but I concede that it would have been very difficult to do that, and still have Ish be the narrator of the story.
The other problem I had with Double Share is that it seems hard to believe any owner would leave a captain like Leon Rosset in charge long enough for him to inflict serious damage on the ship, and especially the crew entrusted to him. But judging from what a real-world long-distance sailor once told me, your story lies within the realm of the possible even on present-day naval vessels, so who am I to argue? The only thing I’m left to wonder is why – after years of carefully side-stepping the few legal boundaries that could have tripped him up – he suddenly went and did something stupid like outright refusing to do his job when the ship required him to. You already told us once that it was pretty much Burnside’s job to keep the Captain’s actions within the boundaries of the strictly legal, so I understand how it could have happened, with Burnside out of the picture. What I don’t really understand is how Leon Rosset became the person that he is today. He must once have had some measure of drive and ambition, and he’s probably not unintelligent – otherwise, why bother becoming a CPJCT-certified clipper Captain? So how is it that he’s now content writing trashy romance novels on a ship that isn’t really his in any meaningful sense of the word? Sure, that’s a question that falls largely outside the scope of Double Share, but still … It’s something that fascinates me to some extent.
Aside from those things, though, I was struck by how funny Double Share is, despite the somewhat dire circumstances it describes. Of all the things that I like about the “Share” series, it’s really the humor that keeps me coming back to it. I had somehow missed that humor in Double Share the first time around, but now that I’ve listened to all the episodes in sequence, I think Double Share might just be the funniest of the lot.
In other words, I just want you to know that if I didn’t like Double Share very much at first, the blame for that seems to be largely on me.
Thanks, Hade.
One of the things I’ve really tried to do is get better with each book I write. So far I’m pleased with the progression. As Ishmael grows, so do I in terms of my craft (I think). I’ve always been peeved by stories that telegraph too much and I tried to keep the clues in, but have the magician’s sleight of hand to have people looking in another direction when the clues come out so they don’t tell so much.
The downside is that occasionally you’ll blind side the audience, but I like to think I reward careful listening.
I *did* write it to be funny. The interplay with the crew and the self-deprecating nature that Ishmael exhibits helps to promote that gentle humor, I think. The “imprint” on the glass in the bridge was one of the funniest things. I keep trying to imagine HOW that must have come about.
You mean … you don’t know these things? You don’t know how the imprint got there, or, say, if the BDSM parties were ever anything other than a rumor to scare junior crew? How do you come up with details like that if you don’t even know how (or if) they happened?
Hade,
Author != Character. Nate knows that Ish knows how to pull navigation data directly into the computer system, but Nate probably couldn’t do it himself. Similarly, I’d say that Nate, as author, knows that members of the crew are twisted and creative enough to instigate some HIGHLY improbable events (such as whatever caused the imprint). But he’s not personally twisted enough to know exactly how they got it done!
Thanks for posting the update. I just finished South Coast (after listening to the rest of your books). Know that when you do have more books out, my hubby and I will be here to listen!!!
Hi Nathan,
Just saw your latest comment. I can feel your pain with the new course. I too teach college science and work as a research scientist. Would be interested in your new teaching tools once they are established. As I always say, the students are our first priority. We can wait, although with great anticipation, for the next book!
I just read your post. I miss new content, but I am glad to know that you are still around and planning on writing. I wait with abated breath. Good luck with the day job and the economy. BTW, when I saw you were a participant in Nanowrimo, that motivated me to see what I could do. I started late, Nov 11th, but got 50,644. It’s mostly tripe, but it is a start. (Look for me in podio books this summer,,,,)
I’ve listened to Double Share at LEAST 10 times now. How did I miss the hint that he WRITES the romance novels? Is it one of those things where there isn’t a hint and readers can just make their mind up on their own? (look up at the long passage by hade) I have to say I thought the writer must be one of the hinted women on the four planets.
Speaking of teaching….I’m glad you still have a job, and I’m rooting that some of the stimulous programs help…I was relistening to the entire series AGAIN (I listen to nothing but audio books at my very monotonous job). They often make me think over my own life, and some parts art STILL hard to listen to as they’re too close to home. As I was drifting through a day, it hit me that this series would be very good as an assignment for college students. It deals with loss, friendship, love, sex, and situations outside of one’s control but that effect one profoundly, among other things. I think regardless what you might think of the last half of Half Share, many people can relate to most of the turmoil in the series.
Just like with Scott Sigler and all the Life he’s been dealing with, I’m certainly not going anywhere. I’ll wait until I’m old and grey if I have to! (And I’m 24 so that’s a long time from now).
Megan – the hint is the name. Don’t have it on tip of my tongue, but author’s name is a close corruption “feminized” of captain’s name.
The stuff is all there, Megan. Note the captain’s name and the name of the author of the books that Ishmael finds while cleaning out the captain’s cabin. Many of the loose ends are tied up in that chapter.
Hope things are going alright. Very much anticipate your next release… not sure what it is you do, but your stories are ludicrously addictive. :p
Hey SKIP!
OK it’s April already! Where is it? :)
Nate, Just listened to the whole share series again. It’s even better the second time. Whats going on with the next book in the series?
I just listened to the whole ‘share’ series again, just like several people above. I continue to adore it and am thinking of a third go around right on the heels of this second one. I really like the humor of the series and have to stop myself from making snerking noises while listening in public. I usually loathe first person narratives so the fact that I truly enjoy yours is a testament to your writing and reading. I am eagerly anticipating Cape Grace but I absolutely cannot wait until Captain’s Share, however long that may be. I totally support education and would much rather you have a job and less time to write than no job and much more time to write. I’ll wait as long as it takes!
Sorry about the long wait, crew.
Between hardware failures, job demands, and family stuff here writing has been — well, not so much on the back burner as much as in the fridge waiting for a burner to open up.
Sorry about that. I feel the need to write perhaps more than you all have the need to listen, but it’s just not happening right now.
I for one will wait.
I have lost count on how many times I have listened to the series. It seems that every time I listen, I pick up more of the little content.
Let us know when you start writing again, so I can check the website a little more often for updates.
Thanks,
Matt
sorry to hear a bout the hardware failures I know what that
can feel like. hope you back things up
Mr. Lowell,
Your books have truly been a pleasure to listen to. I started the series last year when Full and Double Share were still being produced, and I have since listened to them several times. In fact, I have to make myself wait between listenings so that I do not run out of material again! Like everyone, I am waiting in anticipation of Cape Grace. However, I absolutely understand the problem of the many things you are juggling. Your first job, and especially your family must be first. I simply wanted to offer my heartfelt thanks and admiration for your work, as well as my support for your current situation.
Many thanks and best of luck,
Michael S.
Keep up the good work. I just started on your series, and it strikes home in more ways than I can say. For one, I am a former member of the Coast Guard. I got out a couple months ago and I’m now trying to make a life for myself as a civilian, much like Ishmael. It’s rough with the economy, but I’m getting through it. Thanks for a good read, er, listen ;).
TOM
I miss you, Nate! I’m glad to know you plan to return to writing stories!
When you say it’s a good thing you weren’t compelled to stop in the middle of a story and leave us fans cliff-hangered, I respond with a skeptical, “Ha!”
Sigler and Hutch have taught me that when the fans are cliff-hangered, the author laughs a wicked laugh and hopes to hear his name cursed throughout the pod-o-sphere!
(Of course, Ishmael would exempt you from this if I hadn’t heard you doing a voice for J. Daniel Sawyer in Predestination.)
I just wanted to wish you good look with your writing or what you can cram in of it :) And I think that I am going to re-listen the other books just to shorten the wait :) keep up the good work nate in all parts of your life :
Tor Erling
I am going through the whole series for my third time, and even at that, sections still bring a tear to my eye. Very good writing, very interesting and immersive story.
My only complaint/bad reaction has to do with Sarah Kruge. If I am understanding the timelines correctly, Sarah is to be the daughter, or at most the grand-daughter of Otto. From the social placement the Shaman has within the community, and from the overall characterizations within the Southcoast story, I cannot imagine anyone in that group of known characters to have allowed something like what is implied to ever happen to Sarah.
I like the idea that there is a link to the Shaman, and the Welkies, all the way back to Quartershare. But, this one plot point is very grating and difficult for me to reconcile.
I suspect (and hope) that Cape Grace will provide me with an explanation on how this could ever be.
Thanks, Tor.
Mike, you’re correct. Sarah Krugg is Otto’s daughter and the key element in Cape Grace is reconciling what we know about Otto and what Sarah said. How *is* it possible that the youth we met in South Coast could grow to become the man we see through Sarah’s eyes in Half Share?
Dun, dun, DAAAAH.
Stay tuned for the next exciting installment!
I can’t wait to enjoy Captain’s Share!
I can’t wait to enjoy Cape Grace!
Whatever you choose to write and share with us, it will be WELL worth the wait. Best of luck with the funding, and with keeping your paycheck. /crossing fingers, toes, and eyes/
Take care!
Hi Nathan,
Keep up the good work – fighting for your ‘Day Job’ as you put it. What you are doing is worthwhile. Your fans will still be here when things work out to give you more time to write again. All the best.
Jeff
P.S. The latest entry on my blog is about ‘Quarter Share’ specifically and your other books generally. The post is titled ‘You Can’t Judge A Book By It’s Blurb.’
Thanks, Jeff. Google alerts showed me the entry even before I got to the notice of this comment.
I left you a comment over at your site, too.
Nate,
We all miss listening to your new stuff, but Jeffery is right, we’ll be here when the day job calms down. In the meantime, I’m making my day job more interesting by listening to the entire story again. I’ve lost track, but I think this is either the 7th or 8th time.
Josh
Everyone seem to be right except! There are many very good if not as good stories out there I am having a great deal of trouble trying to hear them with out checking to see if Nate has any more online. WWIWD
Best wishes Nate
Tony
Thanks for the updates on the solarclipper and durandus sites including the coming soon Ravenwood. The anticipation kills me but the joy of each delivery makes it all worth while. What happened to Cape Grace? It seems to have dropped off the radar 10 months ago and is not on the durandus site but still has its own book link on the solarclipper site but is not shown on the durandus site.
Cape Grace is still on my list of “books to write.”
I couldn’t do it in NaNoWriMo because I needed a new project and Cape Grace was my failed project from last year.
I should put it on a schedule tho .. Maybe Summer 2010 :)
My wife is soooo looking forward to Cape Grace. I think you have another serious convert.
Hi Nate, I am a recent discover/new fan of your terrific series. I got here in time for Owners Share to come along as I finished all the others. And now I guess I understand that Cape Grace is a project in developement. I am wondering when it is likely to be released or what your progress is with this title? Meanwhile thanks for the hours of enjoyment you have so far provided. John
Cape Grace is probably going to be the next book I do and, as such, I’m shooting for a May release. I’ve got to get Full Share ready for print, finish up a couple of other audio projects, and then I’ll be able to put Cape Grace in.