In June of 2008, you fans of the Golden Age asked for a forum where you could discuss the books, the universe, and everything. You can find that back on the old server.
NOTE: This site is largely defunct. I keep it for the reference materials in the sidebar. If you want to stay up to date, check with http://nathanlowell.com.
Quarter share was the first book I read on my computer using Kindle for PC while at work offshore, leading to purchasing a kindle as soon as I got back home.
After I found out that I could continue the story by downloading from Podiobooks.com I even was Introduced to listening to soundbooks, now I digest every new chapter as soon as you release them and have spend many hours and nights out in the deep dark.
Thank you for being a great writer, narrator and inspiration through your characters.
@Nate Listening to your interview on Tea and Chat you may enjoy rooibos tea from South Africa if you have not tried it
I’ve tried Roobios, BigMac, and it’s quite nice.
I still like my Golden Monkey best … which reminds me. I need to place an order :)
I’m sending you this while I sip on some great coffee from my ‘Brand Spanking New’ Quarter Share cup. Is there going to be a “Half Share’ cup? Please light a fire under your publisher to get ‘Full Share’ out in e-book format.
Two a year for an indie (or even mainstream) publisher IS having a fire under them. The other publishers I talked to wouldn’t commit to even a second book. A couple mumbled about one every other year if I met sales quotas. It’s tedious for you who are here in the beginning but there will be decades of readers who come along after these are published who will be glad we took our time and put out a quality product for you all.
Nate,
THANK YOU….
I found your first 2 books on Kindle and purchased them for some light reading, LOL ya right, now i find myself hooked. (This is as bad as when I discovered the “Dragon Riders of Pern†series by Anne McCaffrey.) I also found out about Podiobooks thru your Amazon authors page and I have listened to all of the Solar Clipper books and am grateful that you have taken the time to add the next chapters to your homepage. I was beginning to get anxious since I could not get Podiobooks to open. So again thank you for opening up a new world for me and I look forward to the other spinoffs from your series.
The solar clipper series has been my favorite story out of many many stories from podiobooks.com and books on tape and cd that I have listened to in the last 10 years or so. I like the story lines and greatly appreciate the characters. I especially like a hero who is like the old fashioned heroes in that he isn’t mostly a dirtbag with a little bit of good to him. This character is quite the opposite in fact. He is a real good guy. Someone we can really cheer for. He finds clever ways to deal with difficult situations and difficult people using his brain and creativity. It is so refreshing to find a good guy now days. However I have to say the latest twist in the story makes me think of nominating you for dirtbag. Dirty tricks. I was not expecting what happened, but I look forward to seeing where you are going with this. I am eagerly looking forward to what you will do with Ishmael in future series when this series ends.
Just listened to the latest chapter you uploaded to Podiobooks. Im gutted! Just when I thought things were going nicely for Ishmael you do a dirty trick like that! You just made a fully grown man shed a tear of sadness. How can things get better from this?
A crushing blow to the brightest of hopes. I will claim your Article 37, but do so with great reluctance. My own heart strings were maliciously and cruelly plucked, severed, and left to dangle in the hot winds of despair. I join my voice with that of Adrian and cry, “What joy can come of this tragedy?”
On a brief aside, I must admit to a certain eagerness to continue to enjoy your writings and further explorations of this universe you have created. Perhaps a tale of one of the E&D teams? And perhaps you can explain the connection I sense between the Welky seller and Sara Krugue? I have this feeling that they were connected somehow, but I may have been reading something into your narrative that wasn’t really there. Especially after hearing your story of the South Coast Shaman. Just curious.
Your books are some of the best SF reading I’ve enjoyed in years. I got Quarter Share (Kindle Edition) and absolutely devoured it. The characters are so well developed you almost recognize them as people you know from your neighborhood or from work. The entire universe you’ve created has a high level of believability to it you can’t help but be in the moment. Half Share was even better. I really enjoyed how you built the tension between Brill, Bev, Diane and Ish. Watching Ish come into his own during the visit to Henri Roubaille’s shop was really a treat. Thanks Nate. I can’t wait for Full Share, and all the rest, to be available for Kindle. Keep up the good work.
So whats next? I realize that Mr. Lowell has said that “I have a whole universe of other stories to tell”; well my question is whats next? Many of us have grown to love the Shares series over the past years and quite honestly its not just the stories themselves for me, while that has been an amazing ride that I have listened to a number of times from start, now, to finish, but the writing itself has caught my attention as well. I would be so bold as to like it to the writing of CS Forester and I would very much like to read more. I’d be lying if I said that I’ve read all of Mr. Lowells’ writing but i intend to remedy that shortly and am curious what his plans are for the future. So I pose this Mr. Lowell… What next?
It’ll be either Cape Grace (the sequel to South Coast and prequel to Half Share) or the Ravenwood sequel. I’m not sure right now. The Cape Grace people have been waiting for three years, so I feel rather obligated there.
Looks like the golden age of the solar clipper is coming closer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W51fKMqIen8&feature=related
Actual sails in space !
Now they have to find a way to fold space.
I have loved these books ever since I listened to the first one. I thought Owner’s Share was wonderful until [ Article 37 ]. It’s still fantastic even though you made me cry. Is there some reason Ishmael can’t be allowed to be happy or have a family? Is he going to end up at Port Newmar?
I look forward to the next book whoever the protagonist is and whereever it is set. Thank you.
Thanks, Sue.
Yes, there IS a reason. The Happy is The End. I didn’t think we were done with Ishmael Stories yet, even tho we’ve run out of Shares. I *almost* wrote the ending story here and then moved on to a new set of characters. Something changed my mind about half way through. I hope it was the right decision.
oh, I know it was the right decision. Look at the number of people involved with Ish. None of us are even close to being finished with him. You can’t leave the poor man dangling like that, moving on to the winds of fate. I want to see where he decides to go after Port Newmar, and what he ultimately decides to do with his life. I am sure I am not alone, I mean really sure. The comments are still coming in from us folks. We are a nosy bunch who really like good books.
Hi there. Just wanted to say I finally got round to it and, even though I know it thanks to you and podiobooks, I bought Quarter Share from Amazon this morning. for my Kindle. So, here’s my question: Would you prefer us to buy Kindle versions or Printed Versions, in relation to your dividends? If you get more from the printed versions, I’ll buy the books instead.
Oh, and yes, when I read it, your voice comes into my head. Odd that. The same kind of thing happened when I sat down and read Scott Sigler’s “Ancestor”
Haven’t finished listening to “Owner’s Share” yet so I am avoiding the forum for a while.
We’ve priced the books so they net me about the same regardless of which one you buy. The difference in prices is really more about the overhead of that particular sales channel than anything. I prefer kindle purchase because that is my biggest channel and each sale that helps keep my sales rank up and the books visible on the lists. For people who want hard copy, the Ridan site offers the best deal in terms of lowest price (and I can even autograph it) but I get about the same amount for those as for kindle copies.
@Nate. Interesting on how the versions are priced. I just assumed buying from Ridan was more money to them or you. Thanks for the info.
Quarter Share FYI:
#2 on Amazon’s paperback Space Opera List, behind only Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy!
#33 on Amazon’s Science Fiction List
Awesome! (I looked this up after Nate’s comment on I Should be Writing podcast.)
Quartershare was recommended to me as an audiobook; its what I listen to on the way to/from work. I was hooked! I’ve finished the entire series and was highly satisfied – and quite willing to see Ishmael Wong set off to a new career (I’m on my third).
I’m not entirely sure what draws me to your style of writing but I’m impressed by our coincidental concept of what life on a space trader might be, how officers and crew would interact and the accuracy (even if transposed to a time and situation we haven’t yet experienced) does reflects human values that are consistently true.
I had guessed that you had been in the Coast Guard or Navy (I find the former is true). From a retired Coastie, I say “well done”.
Regarding South Coast – did I miss something or was the underlying motive for the huge quota increase ever divulged? I’m not big on mystical content but love “evil banker” mysteries.
Actually it wasn’t revealed, Dave.
I need to go back and look at my notes and see if I need to make something up :)
I thought it was revealed when Jimmie talked to his father who talked about the new contract with Umbria or Margery or one of the other planets (which one I can’t remember at this time) to feed the crews working on the upgrades. They needed more food, both fish and veggies, etc, to fulfill the contract. Seemed logical to me. Besides, dad was ordering Jimmie to go out and figure out new ways of doing things in order to get the job done. He also pointed out that the agriculture folks were doing this, as pointed out by Jimmie’s former wife. Doesn’t that suffice, or am I making this up myself? It could be, but that was the inference I got from that conversation in the podiocast.
Oh, yes.. that’s right!
See? You write a book and then don’t read it for three years and just *forget*.
Thanks, Memline. :D
Loved every book you’ve done. You make my rides to where ever I’m going so much better. Can’t wait for the next one. Thanks so much!
I think I heard about the Solar clipper stories on a Firefly podcast, but can’t be sure. What I am sure of is this: I have listened to all of the Shares novels at least twice (except Owner’s Share) and have started on them again. I have listend to South Coast and Ravenwood as well. I have enjoyed not just the writing (excellent I think) but the delivery of it in the audio. You have an amazing way of reading your stories that sounds more like the storytelling which might have been done in the days of the water and wind clippers.
Your abilities in the area of vocal delivery delight me as much as the stories. I can’t imagine one without the other at this point.
Who has two thumbs and is a huge fan??? THIS GIRL!
I do not mean to be a wet blanket, but I was sincerely disturbed by Mr. Nathan Lowell’s lack of any Muslims in his “future.” I’ve listened to all the books, and while engaging indeed, Mr. Lowell seems to specifically block out Islam here. But I guess like most Americans, Mr. Lowell wishes for a bigoted future.
@A. Noor – I do not mean to be a wet blanket, but I was sincerely disturbed by Mr. Nathan Lowell’s lack of any religions in his ‘future.’ I’ve listened to all the books, and while engaging indeed, Mr. Lowell seems to specifically block out all religions. But I guess like most writer, Mr. Lowell wishes for a good story and unbigoted readers.
I do not mean to be a wet blanket, but I was sincerely disturbed by Mr. Nathan Lowell’s lack of any Scientologists in his “future.†I’ve listened to all the books, and while engaging indeed, Mr. Lowell seems to specifically block out Tom Cruise here. But I guess like most Americans, Mr. Lowell wishes for a Xenu-driven future.
I do not mean to be a wet blanket, but I was sincerely disturbed by Mr. Nathan Lowell’s lack of any Norse gods in his “future.†I’ve listened to all the books, and while engaging indeed, Mr. Lowell seems to specifically block out Vikings here. But I guess like most Americans, Mr. Lowell wishes for a un-pilliaged future.
I do not mean to be a wet blanket, but I was sincerely disturbed by Mr. Nathan Lowell’s lack of any Jehova’s Witnesses in his “future.†I’ve listened to all the books, and while engaging indeed, Mr. Lowell seems to specifically block out Jehova’s Witnesses here. But I guess like most Americans, Mr. Lowell wishes for a watch-tower free future with sleep on Saturday mornings.
I do not mean to be a wet blanket, but I was sincerely disturbed by Mr. Nathan Lowell’s lack of any aliens in his “future.†I’ve listened to all the books, and while engaging indeed, Mr. Lowell seems to specifically block out aliens here. But I guess like most humans, Mr. Lowell wishes for a Solar centered future.
Respectfully, A. Noor, I’d like to say that I don’t recall *any* references to a specific religion at all. You’re right that there weren’t any muslims (at least not as far as we could tell), but I don’t recall there being any mention of christians, or jews, or buddhists, or scientologists for that matter, either. I wouldn’t call that ‘bigoted’. At worst, I guess you could call it an oversight, as it’s unlikely that religion will magically stop mattering to people in the future. But I don’t think you can accuse Nathan of even that much. Spirituality plays a big part in *all* the books. It’s just not the kind of spirituality most of us are familiar with.
Ok, crew, picking on A. Noor is officially ended here.
Mr. Noor, I’d have been much more open to your criticism had it included a real email address and were worded less like a troll post with judgmental language and ad hominem critique.
I do not use any of the established religions in any of my works. It’s largely because, not being a practitioner of any of the established religions, I don’t feel like I understand enough about their precepts and teachings to do them justice or to treat them with the proper respect.
For whatever comfort it affords you, I frequently get these critiques from Christians who believe that I should be showing more respect for their particular brand of spiritualism than I do, so don’t feel like I’m singling out Islam for particular exclusion.
Hi, I’m just wondering how long it takes for admin approval in the fan forum?
I signed up a few weeks ago, and want to get involved, but want to make sure that I didn’t miss a step in the registration process. Thanks for the great universe!
Yes, Andy.
If you look on the General Forum Topic there’s a thread about how to get approved and also a bolded message on the general form header with the instructions.
Your username as been approved.
Started listening to the Quarter Share 2 weeks ago today. This morning I finished Double Share…. You write to darn good.
As a long time old school reader of scifi, I started this series from hardcopy. Once I ran through the two published novels, I could only satisfy my new addiction by listening to the podcasts. This was a great introduction to this media format.
I was impressed with the insight Mr. Lowell has into the human condition. The way in which character and plot development have been intertwined throughout the series was very creative. It takes someone with a rich life experience and keen intellect to kraft characters and story lines this engaging, and Mr. Lowell clearly was up to the task. Well done Sar!
After listening to most of the series twice, I bought the first two books (I would rather read than listen) then couldn’t stop, and listened to the rest of the series again. I think this is a series I will collect in it’s entirety, and re-read many times. I look forward to every thing Nathan has written, and will write. Thanks for all your efforts, they are truly appreciated.
Thanks, Ron.
As long as people keep likin’ ’em, I’ll keep turning them out.
I bought Quarter Share and Half Share. They arrived just in time for me to take them to New York…where I promptly left Quarter Share at a family member’s home. Half Share traveled to Tennessee with me last week. Thank goodness I managed to bring it home too. :) I’m rather glad I’ve listened to everything at least twice.
Like many others I have become hooked after reading the Quarter Share and Half Share books on Kindle. I immediately went looking for Full Share and was disappointed (to say the least) it was not there. I’m debating ordering the hardbacks but would prefer to stick with the Kindle.
Where can I find out when the next books will be available for the Kindle please ?
Thanks
Hugh
The books aren’t available in any text format yet, Hugh.
If you subscribe to the mailing list, or watch this page in your feedreader, or follow me on twitter — I’ll make an announcement when the next book comes up. Full Share should be up this month. I was hoping for this week, but that’s obviously not happening… :/
Nate, after finding Quarter Share highly rated on Amazon I bought it in Kindle format, followed less than a “Standay” later by Half Share. I was hooked on your Solar Clipper universe and stories! I have since listened to the rest of the Share series on podiobooks, and will GLADLY buy them in Kindle format when available. Although I enjoy audiobooks in some circumstances (e.g. long drives), I much prefer ebooks on my iPad.
I’m sure there are still some who prefer dead tree books, but I would think that you could publish in ebook-only format much more quickly and easily (with no cover art, typesetting, layouts, etc. to deal with – not to mention retailer returns). I greatly enjoy browsing through the Kindle-only offerings on Amazon, many (most?) of which are author-published works, and I have found some real gems there.
Whether ebook only, or print/ebook combo, I wish you the best in your publishing pursuits. I look forward to stanyers of stories to come!
I just wanted to tell you that I have greatly enjoyed your works. I just finished my 3rd trip through the first five, and am working on my 2nd trip through Owner’s. I have even made a couple of ringtones from the music you use when I should have been studying.
I want to have more Ish stories. What happens next? I would also like to know what happens to his friends from the Lois and if they ever get back together.
Again, thank you for such a great body of work, and for providing it free. I intend to purchase the books when I can.
I just finished listening to all 6 books. I can’t wait to get into the Shaman Tales, although I am wondering what happens to Ish & all the friends he’s met from the Lois.
I listen to the books while I work and have caught myself stopped staring at the monitor as if it was a tv watching the action take place. These books are the type that I wish the Sci-Fi channel would make into movies. This is what I think Sci-Fi is.
Thanks for reading and writing these great stories! I have told my friends about these great stories! Take Care
I read a story some time ago by David Drake about an officer of a starliner. Of course he’s a combat fiction writer, so it dipped into some hand to hand over a hijacking attempt. But frankly I like the part about the everyday life of the starliner better. I’ve really enjoyed the Solar Clipper tales. If we don’t hear more about Ishmael, maybe we should hear something about the other commercial entities like starliners. There must be some because I don’t see passengers travelling on the freighters.
Or maybe Ishmael’s ship might encounter aliens for the first time and find himself with a first contact opportunity?
I read FS again and remembered a thought I had the first time I heard it on the podcast. Since Ish and Pip developed the cargo program (and later the astrogation thingy) on his personal laptop, couldn’t they later arrange to legally get money for their program, at least enough to send them to the academy without the strings attached. I know that in some corps, probably Fed. Freight being one of them, the rights would automatically belong to FF. Still, I would have thought at least the cargo program could belong to the developers. The astrogation stuff was done on company time so I can see it would be “iffy.” Oh well, just overthinking everything again. I enjoy it.
Introduced to The Golden Age books by coming across them at Ridan website, I bought QUARTER SHARE in print, then HALF (which you inscribed, thank you!) and FULL. Not wanting to wait for the next book in print (though I expect to buy it in the fullness of it’s release date) I went to the podbook for DOUBLE SHARE. Upon listening to the beginning of it, I was surprised, almost shocked.
(SPOILER for those who have not listened to DOUBLE SHARE!!!)
Why? Because it begins after graduation for the Academy, that’s why. So what happened to the Academy years? They seem really important to this coming-of-age saga you are telling, more so than some of the relationship stuff you included in #2 and #3 to be frank. Why did you skip that four year period?
(END SPOILER)
Because after Bedtime for Bonzo and Back to School — not to mention Young Miles – I couldnt think of a take on the Academy that was fresh, different, or important.
Ishmael Goes to College — titled Port Newmar — MAY show up in the future, but given that there are no “Shares” associated with school, adding it to the sequence was a non-starter.