Four isn’t one of the magic numbers. Not like five or a number with a zero or two at the end. Yet anniversaries have power of their own and when an anniversary falls at the cusp of the calendar, they gain even more.
On January 12, 2007, I set sail in the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper. So much has happened since then that I’m not sure I can grasp it all. It’s like remodeling your kitchen. It seems like a long slog, one messy bit after another, until you get to a stopping point and look back and smile. So, please pardon the brag, but I want you all to know how much you’ve done for me.
The Trader’s Tales are not exactly done, not precisely at the end. I’ve finished writing them, and I’ll have the podcast finished in a few more days. The first podcast anniversary is a few weeks off yet, and the whole idea of “done” has taken on new meaning with publication. Looking forward to moving all the books into text formats means we’re still a couple of years away from finishing with the Trader’s Tales.
When I look back, I can see the beginning. It’s not that far — particularly compared to so many others who have struggled for a decade or more. The journey that started out with a few kindred spirits and followed a roughly blazed trail has expanded to include hundreds — if not thousands — of like-minded voyageurs exploring a new terrain of publication. The path I followed to get here seems pretty clear in hindsight.
Like milestones along the road, the numbers keep adding up.
8 novels.
128 episodes of my own work in audio.
2 novels in print with all the rest in the pipeline.
15,000+ fans around the world.
2,000,000+ downloads – over a million in the last year alone.
4 Parsec Award Finalists
1 Parsec Award Winner
And that doesn’t include the work I’ve been privileged to produce, like Michael J. Sullivan’s The Crown Conspiracy. Or the works I’ve loaned my voice to — like J. Daniel Sawyer’s Down From Ten or Abbie Hilton’s Guild of the Cowry Catchers. Or the stories I’ve read for Tony C. Smith and the StarShipSofa.
In the last year, Quarter Share and Half Share both made it to text publication and have done so well that my initial idea that maybe I’d sell 500 copies to the fans seems hopelessly naive. In the few days that Half Share has been available on Kindle, I’ve already sold many more than that. Combined sales from December alone between all formats and both titles staggered me – and at this point, the numbers are still estimates because some venues are slow to report.
And that’s just the recap — The Story So Far.
Looking forward the path is still more thicket than trail and the direction is far from clear. I suspect there are a few changes in direction, a few rivers to cross, a mountain or two to climb. I firmly believe there will be more surprising vistas, new opportunities and rewards. At an age when most people are thinking about how they’re going to retire, I’ve started worrying that I’m going to run out of time before I run out of stories.
For all this and more, I am humbled and grateful for the support of all of you. The hundreds who read my blog every day. The thousands who listen — sometimes again and again. The people who ask for the next book, or the next episode minutes after the last is released. The commenters, the lurkers, the listeners, the readers and even those who bash the heck out of the stories because they’re so incensed–I’m grateful to you all.
Thank you.
Nate, all of your stories have given me many hours of enjoyment and I cannot thank you enough. When I first discovered your work back in 2007 I had no idea where this was all going but it’s been a heckuva ride. My hardcover copy of QS is prominently displayed on my bookshelf and I look forward to adding to the collection as the other hardcovers are released.
You a true talent. Thank you for all the hard work in the writing, editing, recording — and most of all, thank you for sharing these stories with us.
Congrats on the 4 year anniversary, Nate. I can’t wait to see what happens during the next 4 years.
Great to see Chess as first comment, because he was the one who led me to you, Nate! I’m mostly a lurker, but I keep my eyes open for anything with your name on it. I loved the new podcast/listening experience–QS was the first one I tried! You come across great in that media and I do hope there will be more. But don’t neglect the written format either, because you have a quality that can be read again and again. I read a lot, Nate, and you are up there with the best I’ve read–both in quality of writing ability and story telling. I’m thrilled that it goes well for you. Word does get around, it seems.
Wow, I’m the third commenter, but the first two have really said it all. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I found Nate (THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Pip for suggesting that I give him a listen at a time when I was running out of audio!) When I first stepped aboard the Lois, Nate was just about to start recording Double Share. I quickly stowed my gear in my locker and went to work. I caught up with him about halfway through DS, and was pleased to realize that I had found a home. I can’t wait to see where this latest trip is going to take us, and I’m already beginning to feel the sadness that comes from knowing the ride is almost over.
Like probably everyone else here, I have my print copy of QS (signed, and yes, I squeed when I opened it). It’s a bit battered from being read (and loaned out) a few too many times, but I look forward to getting all of the others. One thing that I would sell my soul for is a nice, classy, leather-bound book entitled “Trader’s Tales from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper” containing all of the stories I have grown to love. Any chance we can all gang up on Ridan and Robin to make this happen? Am I the only one who wants one of these?
Thanks so much for the ride Nathan. I do have to say that I commonly think back to an interview I listened to when you said you hoped to sell 500 books. I laughed out loud when I heard that (and it wasn’t because I thought you were setting your sights too high). I’m glad you were proven wrong. Here’s to the next four years.
Congrats, sahr. It’s been a pleasure to listen to your books and to interact with you in various ways and places. You’re a gentleman, a great writer, and an inspiration to many. I look forward to many more years of enjoying your works in all of their formats.
Thak you for all the hard work and a great series of books.
.
.
.Now get back in that recording booth :)
Bash the stories? Wow, people need to work out some issues.
Hold on… Ricks leaves the ship? Whaaaaat?!??!?!
/NEEEERRD RAAAAGE!!!!
Thank you, so much, for your work. I’ve enjoyed every minute.
Mr. Lowell, congratulations on reaching this mile stone on this, your exciting journey into the world of publishing. Your gentle, but inspired imagination and the sound of your sterling narration have accompanied me through countless hours of pleasure. I wish you only the very best that a bright future might possibly bring.
Nate,
I had been wondering for a while about your sales numbers. I remember the days before Ridan stepped up, when you were still asking ‘how many copies do I need to sell to break even on text publication?’, instead of ‘how many copies will we have to print to fulfill demand?’
Even then, I thought you were asking the wrong question. I’m glad I was right.
Congratulations! I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Ish. Best wishes as you continue on your adventures!
Congratulation! I’m very glad Christiana pointed me your way.
All I can say is:
A thousand thanks, Sar!
Has it only been four years? I always thought I’d come along late in the game, if only during the production of HS. So much in so short a time. Congrats and thank you.
Well you might think i will thank you now or what?well guess again…THANK YOU AMAZON FOR LEADING ME TO FIND NATE’s books and stories (and podibooks of course).I am very happy that i did find it because its some very good books indeed Nate.Congratulations by the way Nate and i hope you will continue for a very long time.I do know that when hearing your name i will pay more closely attention for sure.You hit my top 10 list of good writers (Just had to say that even if you dont care lol ) now all you can do is to climb on it :D
In the lulls between the release of each Owner’s Share episode on Podiobooks I’ve gone back to listen to Captain’s Share again. I never grow tired of your books. Today at lunch I parked at the park and listened to Episode 17. You cost me some gas running the engine to keep warm but it was worth it! LOL! Many moments were stolen here and there while I read and listened to all of your books. All well worth the time. Thank you for the gift of your writing. I so look forward to your next book(s)! Again, thank you!
I’ve only recently turned twenty, and I found the Share Series about three years ago. I felt an instant connection and friendship with Ish and Pip. The first three Shares (along with all the others) have been a constant boon to me. Ish’s attitudes and perspectives on life often mirror my own, and I am highly thankful to have gotten the opportunity to come along for the ride thus far.
Safe Voyage Sar; we’ll always be here for the trips you’re still to make.
Thank you.
Wonderfully optimistic and inspiring post. I haven’t read any of your work, but that is about to change. Thanks for sharing your “anniversary” with us.
Thanks for everything and i wish you lots of luck and i hope to be ordering your books when i can, hopefully soon i neeeeeeed them on my shelf along with my other favorite authors. i cant wait to read or listen to other works of yours i managed to listen to all your books in audio in a matter of a couple weeks. They are really the only thing that can get me through work and still have hair at the end of the day. So again thank you for all that you have done and that you still want to do more…
PS: you should have blue prints and sketches made of your ships i am dying to see i was in the marines and had some opportunity to be abored naval ships so that is what my minds eye sees. you prolly hear this alot but i love to draw almost went to art institute for animation but if you ever do a fan art thing or want some free drawings done e-mail me.
Your work takes me back to the first days I read Sci-Fi. Your’s is the first audio book I have listened to.
It is so nice to revisit the feels of old and learn of a new media that I like.
I am very happy that this endeavor has been a success. With so many Sci-Fi greats passing on, nice to see a worthy story teller filling their watch.
=
The others have already said thanks, and I can only repeat it. The one thing that I believe shows best how far you have come is that I only learned about your through Amazon’s recommendation. And once you have made it onto the radar of that behemoth, the deep dark doesn’t seem so lonesome and empty anymore. My Kindle is awaiting the rest of the tales, and my iPhone will be repeating the podcasts for many years to come!
thanks for the hours of great listening; the days and months in anticipation of the next episode or next book; and most of all for the proof that you can make a great life and decent living doing what you love…I’ll miss Ishmael and his world… Looking forward to whatever you do next…
Nate:
Thanks for:
Your voice which helps me get sleep when nothing else works.
Your humor during the darkest year so far.
Your talent, commitment, & dedication to stories that inspire me.
Your family who support your dreams which in turn touch the lives of your fans.
I look forward to the journey for as long as it last!
Nate:
Four is sort of an anniversary for me as well. Four months ago I bought my first kindle and stumbled on this crazy little book called quarter share. I have been immersed in your universe ever since. I have read, re-read, listened, and re-listened throughout that time. I teach HS physics, and I plan to include the book on my required reading list next year (anyone care to donate a class set of 25 *said slightly in jest*). There is some great physics to discuss, but more importantly, there are fantastic values. So many of our youth today have expectations of brilliant careers, without the expectations of the work required to get there. Ish becomes a fine example that you usually work up from the bottom, and that you can take pride in that, and the work that you do. Congrats on success in a field that is so tough to break into, luck to your future writing endeavors, and thanks for a whirlwind tour of the Western Annex.
Thanks for helping bring my wife and I closer together! She’s not much of a sci-fi fan, and there’s usually very little overlap in the books we read or listen to. Fortunately, she was willing to humor me on a long car trip, and has become enthralled your work (as have I)! We both wish you great success moving forward, financially and otherwise!
Congratulations! It seems like Ish isn’t the only one who can accomplish a seeming impossible number of task in freakishly short time frames.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
I’m thinking Podiobooks.com is getting Ish-dotted a bit lately!
My problem is I am spoiled. I read voraciously. I have a Kindle, it is very useful. Love libraries. I have never been too enamored of audio books, no matter the format. Then, I discovered the solar clippers. Sigh. I so enjoyed them that I went through them like s— through the proverbial goose. So, says I, there is a new medium for me, which, with my eyes, is a wonderful thing. Well, I have tried, I really have, but most of the readers annoy the heck out of me and the books are sophomoric and, well, I have to keep looking. I know the good ones are out there, but most just grate on me. Back to reading and putting my own voices to the work.
I am 71 and have read SF all my life. My great uncle showed it to me. I have met Heinline & Asmov & Clark. I have read the great, the good, and the awful. Nathan Lowell makes them all look  & sound like beginners . He is the best. In SF. He is the equal of O’Brien in Historical. Let us hope & pray he has a long & productive life.
 Jimmie D. Flanagan
PS, that sounds whining, but I just want to emphasize how much I enjoy Nate and Ishmael and Nate’s voice. I am trying to be complimentary. Hope it works. memline
On the subject of anniversaries, my birthday is Sunday. I’ll be 23. If you continue posting one episode a day, we’ll get episode 22 Sunday, but I was wondering if you could give us episode 23 too, for my birthday present. It has an amusing symmetry. Pretty please?
I’ll do what I can, but trying to record with the fam at home is rough.
Wow! Thanks, Jimmie. Those are names to conjure with to me. I’m flattered!
@memline – try Shadowmagic by John Lenahan or Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis …
@jamey – that doesn’t seem possible, but I suppose.
Quick question.. I started reading Quarter Share at Smashwords and I really enjoy it. I notice you mentioned that Half Share is available for the Kindle… Are there plans to make it available at Smashwords or through any ebookstores that support Adobe Digital Editions?
@MarylandBill: It’ll be available at Smashwords as soon as we can get the files up over there.
We’re having a bit of time conflict at the moment and focusing on the main marketplace. Amazon — Kindle in particular — accounts for about 90% of the sales of QS. (I may be exaggerating but not by much.) The goal is to make it available *everywhere* but since Ridan has limited time just now, they’re focusing where it’ll reach the widest audience.
Time pressures at Ridan *should* ease in the next week or two and we’re cautiously optimistic that some of these other markets will get addressed.
@MarylandBill: You can also order the ebook directly from Ridan and they will email it to you in a few days.
@Nate and John M,
Thanks. I don’t mind waiting, as long as I know it will be available :). I can understand about how… shall we say dominant the Kindle version is, just don’t forget those of us who use Sony’s, Nook’s, etc. :).
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the hard work you have put in to this series. I came across quartes share last week. I have been reading at every available moment since then an am now about to start on Owner’s share. These books have a real “unputdownability” factor.
Awsome.
Gotta say I don’t understand the direction you’re taking with the engineer. He was wonderful and knowledgeble 10 chapters ago, now you’re not sure he’s even an engineer. I don’t think that’s something Ish would have not checked on. I’m guessing you want him off the ship. Maybe to make room for a certain engineer from the Agememnon, but changing his character from gruff but lovable to drunk and lazy doesn’t fit with someone entrusted to protect someone. Someone had to have done a check on this guy.
F.Riley – yeah. Curious, ain’t it? Doesn’t add up very well, does it. Very sloppy of me. You’d think I’d know better. :)
@F Riley – Not sure what you’re thinking. There’s been several questionable things all along about Chief Bailey. I’m sure Ish checked his basic record – that he was in fact an engineer, but Ish is also aware that such credentials can be faked – at least temporarily. Absent proof, he was willing to take the record’s word for it. But having seen him in action, Ish is starting to question. Yes, this does leave an opening for a new engineer, after all. And who knows? Perhaps things will be resolved, with Ms. Malone getting control of DST much sooner than we expect.
Regarding Gramps, that grin in Nate’s comment makes me think he is going somewhere plotwise with Gramps and we will be surprised. So far let’s look at what we know about him. He seemed eager to fix the broken console, was upset at the neglected maintenance but was surprised when Capt. Wong wanted the repeater in the galley. So my read on him from that is maybe he likes things to work but is not much into innovation? Perhaps since he is focus on Ms. Maloni’s security maybe he as a ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ approach to equipment. Ms. Maloni’s comments make me think that maybe he hasn’t kept current on technology updates so maybe he only feels comfortable getting the ship into working condition but might not really be into Ishmael fiddling with things. Ish fiddling with things generally leads to him filing something useful (I am still waiting for mushrooms in engineering that was a great idea) Gramps might see that as a waste of time. If he is slow to do the things Ishmael has assigned to him what is he doing all day?
Love the story so far. I did not expect to like Ms. Maloni but I am so glad she is a complex character not a spoiled brat. Am glad we got to see Jimmy Chin again, I liked him from before.
i think that in fact he is an engineer judging by the fact that he did do all the maintenance and calibration i mean you can fake paper work but actual engineering that is something hard to fake i was in maintenance in the marine corp and you are either certified and do the work or not, but i also think that his role as engineer is fake maybe not the credentials but his story. you know that chief gearhart is going to be back i mean you cant drop a love story like that and i might be wrong but it feels like frank might be able to help with ish’s money problems…
Nate,
I am really enjoying reading all your recorded work. Unlike lots of other book podcasts I’ve listened to, your *voice* works really well and the stories themselves are, as others have already said, absolutely top-grade examples of the Space Opera sub-genre. I also recently bought EPUB versions of Quarter Share and Half Share from Ridan and am re-reading those stories on my netbook (using FBReader).
Thanks you very much for making these great stories freely available to all of us.
I wish you all the best with your writing in the future and will definitely be there with all the others here following your progress.
I want to say thank you for the stories. I have listened to them all the way through twice and I just started Owners Share. I purchased Quarter Share and Half Share and will get the whole collection as they come out. I have recommended them to friends as excellent books.
I think my favorite thing about your stories is that they are full of optimism. It seems to me that all your main characters are just folks trying to do better. These days, thats a good thing to reflect on. I come away from them feeling better about things
I imagine that the stories with Ish are probably coming to an end of an arc, and thats sad, but understandable. Please don’t forget about Ravenwood or South Coast. I know South Coast fits in the same setting as The Share books, but Ravenwood was thoroughly enjoyable as well, and I’d love to read (listen?) to more in that setting as well.
I know these stories are a labor of love for you, I’m thankful that you are able to share them with us. Keep at it, Nate, I’ll do everything I can do to spread the word.
Once again, thanks so much for what you do.
Thanks, Jason. I’m looking forward to new projects so it’s not exactly the end, but I *do* wanna wrap up those other loose ends, too :)
Congratulations. I only discovered your novels a week ago. I purchased 1/4 share on Kindle and about half way through that first book I was back at the Kindle store with the intent of purchasing the whole series. imagine my dismay when I found only one more book in print. I finished both in two days. I shall be buying the hardbound editions. Keep up the good work and tell your wife thank you for indulging your insanity. And get that bookshelf up.
I finished reading Quarter Share last night. I downloaded Half Share this morning and have read a few chapters. I just have to say “Thank You!” from a new fan. Ish’s story is very enjoyable and I know I’ll be re-reading each book. (I found Quarter Share on a “recommendation” from Amazon/Kindle.)
Congratulations Nate! I will say thank you for all you doing, I have enjoyed all the books on podcast form, and quarter share in text form and will for damn sure being buying all the text formats for all the books. Oh and I also look forward to reading more about Ravenwood and SouthCoast. I expect to be following you for many year to come.:-D
Here’s to the next four and the four after that…. (raises a Cup of “Coffee to Die For.”)
:)