And the living is … well … not exactly easy, but at least better.
I got to go to BaltiCon this year. It was a fiasco, but I got to get away for a few days. I won’t be able to go next year — the other daughter should be graduating from high school then — but the following year is likely.
In the meantime I’m struggling hard to get out of the hole that depression has tossed me into. It’s one of the deeper pits but I’ve got a good support structure and a plan for crawling back into the light.
It will just take some time and effort on my part … and patience on yours.
Sorry about that.
Nathan – I hope this comment helps with the depression. I got hooked on your podcasts a few years ago, and fell in love with Ishmael. So far I’ve listened to the entire series three times (my commute sucks what can I say?) and I’m sitting here contemplating buying all your books, and arguing about paper versus electronic.
Your stories entranced me, and lifted me up, without death, or monsters or truly horrible things happening to their characters. You let me get excited about making coffee, and look forward to what they would sell at the next port. I’ve been a reader all my life, and I read everything. And Ishmael stands in my memories now with Tarzan, Vanyel, and Honor. The friends I go to, when the world has become too much.
I wish you words on the page, joy in your heart, and knowledge that though the odds are you will never meet me, just the thought of your stories makes me smile.
As someone who suffers from depression I can completely understand. It’s tough to get out of that hole when you’re in it. Glad to hear that you have a good support structure. That is key to getting it better. I sincerely hope things go better for you and look forward to the new books when they’re finished! :)
I’m sorry to hear that it’s been such a tough Spring. I hope you’re feeling better soon, and can get to things that feed your creative side and sense of fun.
Sorry to hear about the depression you have been in. I know depression is one of the toughest things to work through and that many don’t know how to speak up or ask for support. So I congratulate you on having a support group. Always focus on the good things, the fun stuff. Don’t fret over the bad stuff too long. I love your books and look forward to your news ones when you are ready to put words to paper. Keep your head up and keep yourself connected with your support group all the time.
Hello from Stacie A. :D
Take it easy, get some sun.
And perhaps build some space stations/ships in http://www.spaceengineersgame.com
I’m sure we’d love to walk through some trading ships. :)
Depression is a real bear. I know how that feels, believe me. I realize you feel like you are in a hole and your task sometimes seems insurmountable, but always remember: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
If all else fails, just keep swimming.
Hello. I was deployed to the Mideast when I first read your books. It was a rough time and I was going through some heavy personal issues on top of the rigors of deployment. I truly believe reading your books helped me find my inner zen (or happy place) and keep working. I have since downloaded all of your podcasts and have listened to them every single time I’ve take a road trip. there are certain sections I can almost lip sync to. your words create profound images and scenes in my head. It’s nice to drive to. Also, the music you pair with the podcasts is amazing. Not many people know Great Big Sea. keep following the plan. What would Ishmael do?
I’ve dealt with depression for too many years.
I look forward to more Solar Clipper stories. Perhaps one where Ishmael actually finds happiness, instead of having it torn away from him. Somehow, I can’t see him retiring and eating bon-bons for the rest of his life.
Hi Nathan . I’ve listened to the trader tales many times and this beautifull story, the way you tell it and your calming voice has helped me get through many a day when I’ve found it so difficult to come to work. I drive trucks in the UK for a living. I’m only sorry that I and the rest of your fans can not help you! GET WELL SOON. Richard
Hi,
Hope you will feel better soon.
Just wanted to say how much joy you’r books brought me. I remember listening to them during College and then again when I was abroad in Scotland. Somehow they always cheer me up. And make me feel optimistic like it’s never to late to achive something even if life gets tough.
I read a lot of SF authors: Heinlein, Weber, McMaster, Lee & Miller of Liaden series and many, many more. And I just have to say that you are among my favorite authors. Just wishe I could share them with my friends sadly most of them does not know english that well. Well maybe someday will get translation in my country :).
Apologies for any grammer mistakes, haven’t writen in english in quite some time.
Chin up, it’s summer so being in the sun helps. And always you can read something great, sometimes you just have to look for it and then you can find jewels like Trader’s Tale :).
Be well.
“-We’re still flying. It’s enough.”
ps. gonna come back in few days. And i hope we hear you’re doing better. :)
Been there. It’s no fun.
Reading Patrick O’Brian and your books help me find my way back.
Thank you for that.
Nathan, I hope you are receiving the right help and support to combat your depression. I have been listening to your podcasts for a long time. The whole package you produce is perfect. The Tales of the Solar Clipper have me hooked, they are just wonderful, and it is all topped off with your voice, it is atmospheric and soothing all at the one time, as I said, just a perfect match. Take care and best wishes to you and yours
John
Hi, Nate.
Maybe you remember my name from the fan forums, although it’s been a long, long time since I was there.
I just finished listening to the Trader’s Tales again, and I thought I’d check how you’re doing these days. It pains me to find that a man like you, whose words have done so much to lift me out of the hole, must now be a victim of that hole himself.
I wish I could say something brilliant here, if not to simply obliterate your depression (if only it could be that easy), then at least to crack its outer shell a little bit. Alas, I lack Ishmael Wang’s eloquence and wit, and by extension, yours. I hope it still helps, even just a tiny bit, when I say “thank you, sir.” You will never know how much of a difference your words have really made to me, more than once now. I have never had the ability to adequately explain that to you, and I fear I never will. But you have made a difference. That may not mean much to you, coming from a stranger like me, but it’s something. At least, I hope so.
Keep clawing your way up. I know it isn’t easy. I know that in the darkest of times, you have a hard time believing it is even possible, let alone worth it. But I also know that if you ever did give up the climb, you would be affecting many, many more people than just yourself and your immediate loved ones. I’m halfway around the world from you, and I am rooting for you, sir. Not much else I can do, even though I’d like to.
I hope you’ll post here again soon. Even if it’s just to tell us that you’re still around. Still trying.
All the best to you, Mr. Lowell.
Hard to believe that a writer of such unrelenting positives can be in a pit of depression.