Unfortunately, I’ve got nothing new that’s significant. We’ve heard through the grapevine that my editor is seriously ill which is why she’s disappeared from the face of the earth. I’ve tried contacting her husband and partner in the business to see what the story might be, but so far no response. Apparently the condition is so dire that it’s keeping him away as well.
We’ve gotten to the point where I’ll be examining this relationship very closely. It’s based on the idea that we can do better together than I can do by myself, and I’ve maintained the position that we can. I know a lot of you believe that I’m foolish to maintain in the face of what you see as disrespect. I don’t really care about that. What I care about is producing quality products at reasonable prices for a strongly dedicated audience.
I’m getting to the point where that is in doubt. While I hate to add to any bad situation that they are in right now, the lack of information makes it extremely difficult to make informed decisions.
For those of you wondering how long this will go on. I’ve got two more weeks in March where I can’t do anything because I’ve got other commitments that need to be addressed. April will see some action and you have my word that something will happen in the next 45 days.
Oh, and happy Ides of March.
UPDATE: As I was writing this, Ridan was in the process of getting in touch with me. I’ve had email and more information about the hold ups. Robin will be up on various forums to make some public announcements and I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll have new content soon.
Sorry for the news about your editor. I’d been wondering why her blog was so silent. Best wishes to both of you, and my condolences for the decisions you’re facing.
And yes, I’m waiting for the rest of the Quarter Share books as patiently as a rabid dog.
I can appreciate the challenges your publisher is presenting. The posting on Ridan’s website yesterday that Chuck: Murder Most Fowl as been released as an e-pub was an encouraging sign that perhaps the log jam was breaking up and Double Share would be in the pipeline shortly. Now I guess it back to waiting.
Whatever decision you eventual reach is the right one. Your podcasts have given me endless hours of enjoyment and your books have a special place on the bookshelf. I thank you for that, and I’m looking forward to whatever providence provides.
As I said a while back under “Production Scheduleâ€, the problem with Ridan (Get well soon, Robin) reminds me of why I swore off B&Bs: a lack of staffing depth. When both hosts came down with the flu, the nearest breakfast was 17 miles back up a dirt road.
I’ll buy the rest of Shares and Zypheria’s Call whenever/however they’re released, but please consider a gentle opinion that the last chapters of Ravenwood needed a (better?) editor.
Capt. I empathize with your doubts. I have listened to all the podcasts and read the ebooks at least 3 times each. I can/will wait until you decide and do what is best for Nathan Lowell and his family. Self published or Ridan or XYZ Company, does not matter. I will sail with Ish and the crew.
Thanks, everybody.
TGreen? What’s the issue with the end of Ravenwood? I’ve not heard this one before.
IMHO, there were two issues.
1) Even if you intended the reader to share Frank’s jolt, Tanyth’s decision needed more foreshadowing. As is, it was abrupt enough to take me out of the story.
2) It seemed you were pushed during the last chapters and ended up describing the story rather than telling it.
Your (and other readers) mileage may vary :)
Hmm. Thanks!
1. That’s interesting feedback and the first I’ve heard that one.
2. Also interesting. I need to look at that on the basis of what the story actually is. I certainly wasn’t rushed, and didn’t feel the need to “push” it. The story was over when Tanyth was rescued. After that was all denuement.
Thanks for this. Very helpful insights.
I heard something similar about the end of Full Share. Might be a pattern I need to look at.
Yay for new content!
Take care of yourself Nate. We’ll be here when things fall into place. Maintaining your quality of life and writing standards are what’s most important.
You mentioned some time ago about wanting to take writing classes—have you found time to do that?
Nate, I’m not going anywhere. Look forward to getting my hands on the rest of the share books and would like to had the rest in hard back at some point. Take care of yourself. I’m sure things are going to work out well for you.
Whatever you decide, Captain, we’ll be right behind you!
Captain.
As everyone has said before me, whatever you decide, we’ll be right behind you.
We just want more Ish and the crew.
Just thinking could Scott Sigler and his Dark Overlord Media help? His GFL books are amazing quality and I would love to see how Half Share and the rest of The Golden Age of The Solar Clipper books look next to my hardback copy of Quarter Share.
Now for something completely different.
We have not long move to Australia and my wife has just found some part-time work. We came up with a way the company could save money, I suggested she told her boss to which she said “if it would work someone would have tried it by now” I said “Have you learnt nothing from Ishmael?”
I can’t wait for the Solar Clipper books to get out. Tried listening to them but that’s just not my style. The voices in my head are just much better then yours :-).
When I read that the problems were from your editor I looked into ways to do it yourself and not sure if you know but Amazon has a program that allows you to publish ebooks yourself. Why pay someone to do it when you can do it easily and your way. It worked for George Lucas.
its good to have an update even one that says nothings happening..lol. Hope your editor gets better soon.
Great work on “All You Can Do Is Breath”! Good story too.
Thanks! :)
I don’t know what you’re all so worried about. Ridan’s webpage clearly states that they’re still on track to get Double Share out by Xmas 2011.
http://ridanpublishing.com/other_share.html
> Robin will be up on various forums to make some public announcements
It’s been a week. Did I miss them somewhere?
This is my first time to address a comment your way, and I just wanted to commend you for your willingness to keep your fans updated. Many authors wouldn’t bother.
As much as I’m jonesing for the next trader e-installment, I can’t imagine the frustration and concern you must be going through with your publisher. I hope things work out, one way or the other, and that you’re able to move forward and put all of this in the past.
Thanks for a wonderful series.
Capt. I just wanted to say again how much I enjoy your books. I listen to all of the Solar Clipper podcasts (and the others) and then line them up again. As I travel, its great to listen to a familiar voice before bed and clear my mind for a half an hour or so and sail into the comfort of the deep dark. Thank you!
Glad the see the update, Captain, and to hear your thoughts. I guess I’m part of the chorus on here: love your work (i keep re-reading and re-listening); will be ready to buy when you say you’re ready, and I hope the whole mess has not been too much of a distraction for you.
Write on!
Please make sure nothing happens on April 1st. The entire web is useless that day and I wouldn’t trust anything I read anyway.
Unless it’s about zombies. Then you’ll never find me anyway. I’m taking the Bill Murray route.
Sorry to hear about Robin’s illness continuing, but I’m glad you’ve heard from them and wish you all the best on your remaining releases (whether through Ridan or wherever)!
Captain, sorry for pushing you. I’ve just re-read Quarter, Half, and Full. I might not have gotten the message the first time, but I did the second. Ish would do the thing that was the best for all, for the ship, for his friends. So in that vein, the best for you, your publisher, and for your fans. So whatever will do the best for all. What makes the books so great is that they are so inspiring. I guess calling for switching publishers, and etc. was kind of counter to the heart of the books. I just hope you will be as well treated by your publisher as Ish was treated by Lois. Your faith in them is parallel with what Ish would do. I hope it works out for you in the end. I am so looking forward to reading Double, and the other books. I am also looking forward to anything in the Golden Age universe.
Wonderful and warm writing! I’ve been checking back once a week since 2011 waiting for Double Share. I’ll continue to do so. I know that editing is important, but my friends (who I actually got started reading the “Share” series to begin with) seem to have enjoyed the audio-books (they got tired of waiting.) I much prefer to read as opposed to listen and I hope that opportunity comes soon.
God Bless,
chris
I couldn’t wait any longer so I listened to the last three books on podiobooks. They were great and you did a wonderful job narrating them. I will still buy the ebooks when they become available.
Altruism versus pragmatism. If your publisher does not have the resources to fulfill their contractual obligations they have misrepresented. This is dishonest and actionable. Cut your losses and cut them loose.
You should reach out to Hugh Howey, author of the Molly Fyde and Wool series, among other books. He’s entirely self-published and has been pretty open with his fan-base about the process and the way publishers are now trying to woo him.
Perhaps his first-hand experience will prove useful to you?
Definitely looking forward to the next few books when they eventually “set sail.”
You need to consult Kristine Kathryn Rusch abt publishing options and future contract considerations. She and hunney Dean Smith wite extensively on the buisness side of writing/publishing. Go read what is on their websites if you have not yet done so. Not just food, but steak for thought. They would be good people to talk things through with, while considering options and plans. Remember, life is what happens instead of the plans we make, but if we did not make plans, nothing h
appens, we just stay stuck where we are. Ish has things to do and places to be: time to move forward.
@Phil, trust me. Altruism has nothing to do with the decision.
@Aaron, I’ve turned down one of the biggest publishers in the world already. I’m pretty familiar with the woo-ing process. I’m already publishing my own work so, figuring out how it all works isn’t one of the problems.
@LeAnn,
I spent last week with Dean and Kris. I’ve been reading both of their blogs for years.
We differ on some things and agree completely on others. :)
A very few proof issues, but such a fabulous yarm… so I as so many wait impatiently for Double, CVaptains, and Owners… Ish et al… passing them along to my boys
For your amusement regarding the “45 days”:
1st Law of Project Mgt.
• The first ½ of any project takes 90% of avail time.
• The second ½ takes the other 90%.
Keep pluggin’, we’ll keep waitin’ :)