Finally

Posted on by Nathan

I’m late posting because I took some family time and wanted to make sure I had something to give you before reporting in.

Status

The Wizard’s Cat
I have an ebook cover, a completed (and cleaned) manuscript. I’ll be working on formatting next so I can get the paperback cover over the next couple of days. This book will be available by Christmas, barring Fate.

Everything Else
Nothing new. I’m just trying to focus on getting the cat out the door. There will be more. Just it may take a while.

What Am I Reading?

I’m back at the Wandering Inn (book 17). I’m a glutton for punishment, it seems. Almost all of my reading in the last month has been playing catch-up with series already in progress including Level One Bookshop, The Lightning War, From Chef To Crafter To Conqueror, and Hidden Class: Handyman. Perhaps I’m just looking for comfort reads but so many of the series I’ve enjoyed before had new volumes.

Speaking of, an author I’ve read a lot of in the past, Michael Chatfield, has started a new series. LitRPG with a dash of system apocalypse. I read Book 1: Restarting the Apocalypse and dove head first into book 2 only to come a cropper when I realized book 3 wasn’t out. Just as well. I had a lot of other works to catch up on.

Lots of familiar tropes. Some fun main characters that reminded me a lot of Ishmael and Pip. Just with more violence and bloodshed. I liked the supporting cast members, too. If that wasn’t enough, it has a side-trope I’ve loved ever since Twain’s Connecticut Yankee.

But, as always, don’t take my word for it. If you’re up for a little over-the-top baddie bashing, you should probably check out a sample of Restarting the Apocalypse.

About the Newsletter
I publish a newsletter every month on the 15th. You don’t need to subscribe to get the mid-month update. You can find them archived on my newsletter’s public page at Kit.

Looking Forward

The manuscript has been sent to Podium for audio. I’ve got Alex Rito signed up and waiting for the cover measurements for the full paperback cover. That should happen this week. I realize it’s already Tuesday and I’m running behind. I also realize that I’ve not formatted a paperback in years so I’ll probably have to relearn LyX to make it work. Still. Hope springs eternal.

I got my 40 miles in last month. Fourth one in a row. I’ve missed one day so far this month, but it’s only the second. If I can pry myself out of the chair today and tomorrow, I’ll be back on track. Recognizing how much better I feel now compared to June and July because of the changes in my habit should carry me.

Fingers crossed that I didn’t just jinx it.

As for outstanding issues with Tanyth Fairport and audio, I still need to get with Dan and get the audio for Zypheria’s Call squared away before I can get it released again. That’s on me.

The collaboration with EJ on the sequel to Salt is still percolating through our collected unconscious. Between the two of us, there are too many projects on the table.

And that’s all over and above the expected (and unexpected) amounts of holiday frufraw to come before the New Year graces us.

It’s a lot and I have a greatly diminished capacity to deal with it. For that, I apologize. I do feel like I’m getting better.

So, happy holidays. Until the New Year, safe voyage.

38 thoughts on “Finally”

      1. Thank you for the Cat! It was a delightful read and worth the wait. Well done, sir! Best wishes, Happy Holidays, and prayers for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
        ‍⬛️

    2. It had been quite a while since I read “The Wizard’s Butler” and I was glad that I re-read it before reading “The Wizard’s Cat”. I had forgotten some of the details from the first book that tied the stories together.

  2. on my “i cant count that high, rereading of SC arcs” as soon as thats done will reread (for the 4th time) butler, in prep for cat.

  5. ‘The Wizard’s Butler’ was the first book of yours that I read… sometime in April 2025 I think. I quickly worked my way through all of Ishmael and Tanyth and have read every book at least 3 or 4 times in 8 months. Thank you for recommending other authors… they do help to fill in the days till the Cat comes home. But I find your writing so much more satisfying than the others. I would rather reread Lowell.
    Please don’t feel the weight of your loyal fans pressing you to keep in being brilliant. Rather, I hope you are happy to know that we care about what you create and look forward to it.
    We all hope the Cat will arrive for Christmas, but if it doesn’t happen, enjoy a break regardless. 6 hours after you release Cat the clamour will start for the next book!

  6. Dear Nathan, I want you to know how much pleasure the Trader Novels have given me. Thank you.
    I started with the Wizard’s Butler and I’m looking forward to rereading in preparation for the Cat. But you’ve won my heart with the absolute sci-fi of the Golden Age.
    I started reading sci-fi when I was about 12 & could buy 2nd hand imported A5 magazines of short stories (1968 ish). You’ve given me back that passion.

    It’s good to hear that you are coaching yourself back into great health. You inspire me to move this reluctant body.
    Wishing you a wonderful festive season
    Kay

  7. Nathan – I listened to your solar clipper books years ago and liked them so much I downloaded a wallpaper for my phone and computer. I’ve had the green and gold stylized FF logo as the wallpaper on my phone for probably the better part of the last 10 years, transferring it faithfully with each new device. My kids and others have asked about it, making it a great talking point for you wonderful series. However I was hoping to find an updated version, not different, just higher resolution. I don’t suppose you’d know where I could look?

  8. Merry Christmas and I hope you have good holidays, including the entire New Year! Congrats on the Wizard’s cat. Over the last two years I’ve moved to a Kobo e-reader, but I do still have a kindle so I’ll be able to read about the cat. I thought I’d keep using both readers, but once I moved to Kobo, I’ve pretty much stayed there. This year, I purchased KU for one month. I guess I’ll be doing that again next year when enough favorite authors have books out! Glad you’re feeling better and making such good progress.

  9. I got the book. It is a fantastic early Christmas present. I laughed out loud when I found why the house burnt down .

  11. Saw the post, just bought the book on Kindle. I love tabbies- I’ve owned many over the years. It was a nice early Christmas present.

  14. Is the Wizard’s Cat available as a paperback? I want to give it to a friend, but she doesn’t read e-books. Thanks!

  15. Dear Mr Lowell,
    I’m a devoted reader.
    Your books make me happy.
    I had a “lumpectomy” a couple years ago. (Technically a partial mastectomy) and a couple of knee replacements.
    And I lost a couple of teeth…
    This summer I finally had enough energy to go back to Pilates twice a week and I’m pleased to say that I’m getting my muscles back.
    Unfortunately, not the teeth.
    It gets harder doesn’t it?
    You’re humming along and then one day… Oops.
    You’re struggling.
    Anyway, best wishes and thank you for all the joy.
    I’ve listened to everything, over and over, but Ishmael is my BFF.
    From mariner to educator… Will story teller be next?

  16. The Wizards cat was fantastic!!! You put a lot of work in this book and it shows. Very well done. Can’t wait for the next. Though an idea of The Wizards Death (though maybe named Legacy) i could see the old wizard dieing and both magical and non magical vultures come for the house and family. So many options to go with.

  17. Amazon suggested it to me, and I didn’t realize it was out. It made my day, maybe even my year! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!
    I’m also awaiting the audio so I can read along.

  18. I like hard copy books, will your hard copy be available soon? Have you decided on a price and what online distributor you will use?

  19. Liked the book, a lot. Normal people doing normal things, except when they weren’t. The Cat was fun.

  21. Will there be an audio version?? And will it be Tom Taylorson? I thought he did a great job on the first book. I have the Audible versions of all your books and they are among the few that I return to often for a re-read. Thank you very much!

  22. I loved the cat. I think you’ve also hinted to the next Wizard’s book. I think I see what Ms Griffin can do with Shackleford house that would be right up her ally.

    Looking forward to the next Wizard’s book (also, don’t forget Ishmael).

  23. Congratulations! I quite enjoyed The Wizard’s Cat, and look forward to the next book. Is it too soon to have a working title? And kudos to your cover artist — that is one handsome cat.

    Best wishes for the holidays.

  25. Any ETA on the Audible edition. We love listening to your books at bedtime.

    Thanks for finishing Wizard’s Cat

    A fun read in dark times

    Stay well

  26. I am conserving The Cat to be read on Christmas Day as my own treat. That and doing exploration in the Deep Dark on Elite: Dangerous. Thank you for the early present!

  27. Just finished “The Butler’s Cat” and loved it just as much, if not More than “The Wizard’s Butler”. Am especially excited about the new characters introduced and the return if Delia and Barbara. As a 72 year old I totally appreciate that you have presented your older characters more as “young people inhabiting older bodies”, a perspective often missed in our current ‘youth focused’ culture. In my opinion a truly great author paints a world that the reader can move into and live and this series totally does that for me. “Living” in this world challenges, intrigues, fascinates and inspires me. Please tell me there are more to come and I will re-read both of these many times, I’m sure, while I wait…

  28. Will there be an audio version as well?
    I re read the first book and am starting The Wizards Cat now. ❤️

  30. I just read The Wizard’s Cat and then went back to pick up The Wizard’s Butler. Wow! Now I am waiting breathlessly for book 3! Thanks for your writing.

  31. I, too, am looking forward to the audio version of The Wizard’s Cat. The Wizard’s Butler was fantastic but left many questions unanswered.

  32. Thoroughly enjoyed the Wizard’s Cat! Looking forward to the next book in the series. Hope you have a great year!

  33. Dear Dr. Lowell,
    I must thank you for the gift of The “Wizard’s Cat”! It was well worth waiting for (and the best Christmas gift that I’ve received in a really long time)!
    I hope this means that your health is improving and you’re getting back on your feet.
    I did try reading the “The Solar Clipper” series, but it didn’t call to me the way “The Wizard’s Butler” and Tanyth Fairport’s Adventures had.
    Again, thank you.
    Sincerely,
    Stacy Harman Holloway (she/her/Mrs.)

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