August did not go as planned. I don’t know why I thought it might. Naive optimism, no doubt. Medical issues (family members, not me for a change) pulled almost all the oxygen out of the room for large swatches of the month.
So where are we … ?
Status
The Wizard’s Cat
It’s still there. It stalled out and I’m afraid I know why. Stay tuned.
Ishmael
The manuscripts are all at Podium. School Days is up for pre-order on Audible. Look for Working Class soon.
A lot of people have been asking if this is the last of Ishmael. I don’t think so. It’s just another inflection point. Unlike the others, this one happens at a good place for all concerned.
But who knows when another shoe might drop.
What Am I Reading?
I’ve been catching up on past series for the last few weeks. The one I want to recommend this month is one I’ve mentioned before – Erik Schubach’s Elfed in New York series.
The story centers around Kia Renner, aspiring investigative journalist who discovers that the world is not exactly the way she believes. Adding insult to injury, her transmogrification happens on live TV and the changes leave her scrambling. She has to take her place in a world she’s only ever seen from a great distance and navigate a sometimes dangerous path – one she never expected and certainly never wanted.
I’m reading book 6 now, but you might grab a sample of book 1, Intern and see what you think about Kia and her sudden transition from humble Sapien to something altogether different.
Looking Ahead
I need this month to be SeNoWriMo – September Novel Writing Month. I spent last month pondering the Wizard’s Cat and why it feels so flat to me. Stepping away from it for a time has been good for the story – not so much for getting it written.
With any luck, I can get the family here stable again soon and begin to apply butt to chair and fingers to keys to get the fractious feline purring along.
Until next month, safe voyage.
Sending good wishes, Nathan, that there will be more oxygen in the room next month and less stress.
That was an almost perfect ending. There might be a loss of the rich relationships of the Senior ratings. ( How can Ish be without Bentley and Keen?). Ish and Zoya had years to develop a deep friendship even while denying the obvious.
It can only get better.
Also, the relationship with Beth deserves more exploration, rather than discarding these interesting characters.
Hire Kim as a Mate? Or Richard?
I’m thinking a larger tractor. This larger crew would give Paul Jacob’s a bigger place in this story.
I thought about Paul asking the Court to seal his record after 5 years, though he insists he apologize in person to the man he stabbed.
Many possibilities.
How about Cartwright as Captain 15 years from now, with Jacob’s as his Chief Engineer?
We can’t be done with Ishmael. He still has half a dozen or so whelkies looking for their owners.
Lotsa good wishes !!!
Love your work and super appreciate these updates! I got the Wizard’s Butler and the Tanith series thru audible, then bought physical copies for my mom. She loved it all too and then passed them on to her coworkers, both of whom also became fans 🙂 Can’t wait to dive into some more of your series. Wishing you and your family well!!
So very glad to hear that we are not done with Ishmael.
Loved The Wizards Butler. When can we expect more?
Soon as I can figure out the Wizard’s Cat
Is it an evil cat? I like dogs. Cats are evil. Don’t let it drive those (both thumbs up) cars. Evil Egyptian mummified cat that resents being offed so some ancient can phone in a prayer request to his god.
All the best to you and your family. It sure changes as the years go by.
I just found and finished the School Days trilogy, I was entertained, immersed, and impressed. Thank you! I bought the digital editions, and am happy to have paid the price.
Rich
Hope, Idaho
Sending good vibes your way, Mr. Lowell. Not sure there’s anything any of us can do except support your work. Just finished the Seeker’s Tale series and now I’m off to the Smuggler’s Tales. Hoping for good health for you. Safe voyage Captain.
We’ve been waiting for the audiobooks for some time (we will buy them all, my preciousssss!) Any progress on getting at least School Days out into the world? I know it was in the pipeline somewhere…
As I posted, School Days is available for pre-order on Audible.