September Sigh

Posted on by Nathan

The recuperation continues very slowly. I’m still not able to eat normally, but I’ve stabilized my weight loss. Now I just need to rebuild my stamina.

Status

I’m picking away at the first new Ishmael book. It’s going slowly because I have zero focus, but I’m using more and more brain on it. I think it’ll be worth it.

Wizard’s Cat is still on hiatus. Even if I had it done, Tom Tylerson is working on a long term project and wouldn’t be available to narrate until mid 2023 at the earliest.

What Am I Reading?

I’m still burning through books – 174 so far this year, 41 in August. Lots of series. A ton of litRPG stuff. I’m reading some more Michael G. Manning now but I’m going to recommend Honor Raconteur’s Case Files of Henri Davenforth series this month. I finished the last book a week ago but I keep thinking about it.

Basically a portal fantasy where the main character portals into a steampunky/fantasy not-Earth world and uses her FBI training to help the local magical examiner solve a series of cases. The characters are first rate. Fascinating world-building. Intriguing mysteries.

But – as always – don’t take my word for it. Grab a sample of book 1, Magic and the Shinigami Detective and see for yourself.

Looking Ahead

For the first time since mid-June, I don’t have back to back doctor appointments. Even after treatment stopped, I’ve been receiving IV fluids three times a week to help flush out my system. It’s nothing strenuous. It just means I’ve been hitting the infusion center for 90 minutes three times a week since the end of July. Add in the various other doctors, dietitians, and therapists, there haven’t been many days where I could just sit. That’s finally ended.

This month I should be able to nap, read, and write (I hope) without having to worry about what doctor do I need to see that day. I’m looking forward to some quiet, healing time.

Thank you all for you kind words and well-wishes. It means a lot.

Until next month, safe voyage.

22 thoughts on “September Sigh”

  1. It sounds like you’re turning the corner. I know it’s been a long hard slog, and I expect there will be times when it feels like you’re going backwards again, but we’re here pulling for you.

  2. Glad to hear your good news. We are of the same age, so I know that making progress in the right direction can be more key than how fast one is recovering. Hoping that with time the recovery comes quicker. In the meantime, I’ll wait (somewhat) patiently for the coming volumes.
    I agree completely with you on Honor Raconteur. As it turned out, I read the first Case File novel just after finishing the Wizard’s Butler and consider you and Honor the two best ‘new’ authors I’ve discovered since using the Kindle app. Looking forward to many more books from both of you.
    Best wishes for a steady recovery and better days ahead.

  4. Cap’n-
    Sounds like each day still is a abit of an uphill battle, but so many of us who have found delight in your work are out here cheering and/or praying for you. And speaking of delight, having started with the Ishamel Wang novels, I have gone back and am listening to the podcasts versions. It’s not only been fun to hear the small differences here and there, but it’s a delight to hear them read them so well, with your use of subltle accents and shifts in tone to keep characters distinct. Not all authors can do that for their own works. It’s also been fun hearing how I’ve been getting the pronunciation of some names correct- and maybe a handful not so correct. I wish you a speedy recovery, and pray that you reach that full healing where mind, body and spirit all feel whole again- or as damn close to it as possible.

  5. Oh Nathan, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I just found your site after devouring Ishmaels stories (for the 5th time, I think) though this time I have been reading them in hospital for my own chemotherapy treatment. I am now home, suffering the inability to eat much, taste much… so I can say honestly I know what you are going through! I will also be some months recuperating, but my prognosis is also good. May I recommend searching for Professor Thomas Seyfried of Boston, he has some fascinating lectures on YouTube that have helped me enormously with my own treatment and left my doctors quite excited by my recovery and treatment performance to date. I will gladly chat to you about this, if you are interested, I leave it to you. Best wishes in your recovery!!

  6. I first found Ismael on Podiobooks ~ 2009 or so and they became my “goto” listening through the next couple of years of a really sucky job. They were good listening while traveling by ship for a number of years. We will completely skip over 2016-2017, thank you very much, to just say that chemo is not fun nor is multiple rounds of tests, scans, and appointments.
    Chemo brain lasts a while. Personal experience (plus my husband’s chemo/rad/bone marrow times two) says that chemo brain will occasionally come back to bite even years later. Radiation fatigue lasts even longer. Rest is important. Having goals, a vocation that you love, and family support are even more important in recovery.
    All the best and appreciating your monthly updates. And the reading recommendations…

  7. I am pleased as punch that you are getting better. Hope that continues. But I have a curiosity itch thatmaybe you can help me scratch. I have just finishe rereading the Shaman’s tales series and am wondering what became of Srah Krugg after she joine the Lois Mckendrick. I found out what happened to Lois in In Ashes Reborn but Pip didn’t have a file on Sarah. Anyway, I am just wondering what your thoughts are on that. Any way thanks for listening and you have my sincerest wishes for your continuing recovery
    Bob

  8. Dear Nathan,
    I am so very sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. I’m grateful that it’s treatable and you have access and support!
    I am grateful to have found you in Kindle shortly after the Pandemic began. I had just retired when I came upon Tanyth Fairport. Being a woman of a certain age, I was delighted to travel with her on her journey.
    Then I moved on to The Wizard’s Butler. Oh my, what a delightful read! I have been yearning for The Wizard’s Cat, but understand the delay. Someone in these comments mentioned that the Wizard felt magic, and I agree! I honestly can’t remember looking forward to a series book this much since I read the first Harry Potter book with my daughter when she was in the third grade! She’s 31 now .
    I have traveled with Ishmael a few times, but that’s not my cup tea. Thank you for sharing Rachael Neumeir! I love Tuyo,
    I hope your treatments work and you feel better soon. Sending love, light, and healing energy your way.

  9. Glad things are moving along in your treatment. I hope things improve for you soon.
    For Litrpg I would reccomend The Ripple System by Kyle Kirrin (book 1 is shadeslinger) and He who fights with monsters by Shirtaloon.

  10. Wishing you well as you recuperate, Mr. Lowell.
    I recommended the Ishmael books to my husband recently; he’s now happily reading Captain’s Share. Thank you for your entertaining books!

  12. I am so glad you have read and enjoyed Honor’s books!! Her Deepwoods series and Kingmaker series are also very good. Actually, all of her books are delightful. Lol
    Wishing you a speedy recovery!

    1. Hello Nathan, I have to say that I am smitten with The Wizard’s Butler. Just finished listening for the third time. Tom Tylerson is delightful. I’ve also started Quarter Share and that series. I got into space opera in May and have had great fun with that this summer. One you might like is Fuzzy Nation on Audible. I took care of my Mom in her recovery and am so glad you are on the other side of that ordeal. It feels like forever getting back to be yourself but you will. You have lots of loyal readers who care and support you. I am one of them now as well. Sending love, light and peace.

  14. Hi Mr. Lowell,
    I’ve only just discovered your work after having purchased “The Wizards Butler” on Audible. I absolutely loved it and I’m listening to it for the second time. I was looking for the next book and came across this blog, thus finding out about your current illness. Wishing you the very best of health. I’m glad to hear that you have a good prognosis and I hope that all the treatment ends soon leaving you healthy and cancer free.

    I’m researching your other books, order, etc, to try your other series. I look forward to them all!

    I see that you’re an avid reader and having not read through this entire blog, if you haven’t read Anthony Ryan’s series, all of them really, I highly recommend them. Health and happiness to you!

  15. I’m sure you are as tired of being tired as I was going through chemo and radiation but it does get better. That you can comprehend a mystery is great!
    I was so happy the first time I read a mystery after treatment and figured out who the murderer was before the book ended that I yelled and scared the cat.

    Thanks for telling us about Honor Raconteur. I’m delighted that there are five books that meld two of my favorite genres.

  16. I saw a post in a audiobook group about The Wizards Butler, someone loving it! I am thinking of you and praying you are feeling better soon.
    Janice in Texas

  17. I absolutely LOVED the Wizard’s Butler and I really hope that seeing it listed as “Book 1” means there is another to come. I will try the one about Honor Raconteur while I’m waiting for more of the Wizard’s Butler. I’m so glad that you are getting better and that you are on the other side of the treatments hill, or the rack as my mother called it.

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