First of the month which means I need to post an update. Last month was a busy one.
Health News:
I’m getting my diabetes under control. Liberal application of exercise and some dietary changes have made a huge difference in my numbers. I’m working on new recipes and meal plans that don’t penalize the family – or sap my will to live.
Book News:
To Fire Called has been a moderate success. Podium has the manuscript for audio production but I don’t have a date for release yet. Yes, I’ll publish a paper version. Probably not this month but soon-ish.
I have to convert Milk Run to paperback as well. I will get it onto Audible. Eventually.
Suicide Run got a great kick in the pants early but has stalled for the moment while I’m distracted by everything else. I really want to finish the first draft this month – which is one reason I’m unlikely to get the paperback of Fire ready.
I have the South Coast proof copy on my side table. It’s marked up and just needs to be updated. I’ll probably take a couple of days and deal with that soon, just to get it off my plate.
Travel News:
I had a great time at BaltiCon. The travel was relatively painless. The Con itself was fun. Dave Robison’s new game – Manifest – turned into my favorite activity. If you like tabletop games, keep an eye open for it. I met a lot of new people and touched base with some old friends.
I wish I’d been at Balticon. I really miss my adopted family. And Manifest sounds like a lot of fun!
I became a plant-based eater last fall, so I could better control my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I lost 50 pounds as a side benefit. Without any physical activity. There are a lot of very tasty recipes out there that would not put a strain on yours or your family’s sanity.
http://veganlovlie.com/
http://simpleveganblog.com/
I recommend the book “How not to Die”
Don’t take the title literally, but it has been positive in my health life
Hi Nathan,
I loved the new novel, it was another calming and classical feeling read. Only problem, it was too short. Also, I wanted to let you know that I don’t want you to feel rushed writing, from me as a fan. Take your time writing and enjoy yourself. We can wait for you. (I am really excited for the next novel).
Another thing, do the franks finest potatoes from over east actually exist, and if so is there a recipe?
Cheers,
Sid.
Glad you’re attacking your diabetes! Thanks to my ten years of keto dieting I’m the first member of my family to pass 40 without prediabetes signals. Diet makes a huge difference for sure!
I enjoy your stories, and encourage you to keep em coming. It is refreshing to read well thought out and well written stories with characters that actual human level challenges. I have long been tired of “impending catastrophe that the hero must forestall” plots. Not many can write as you do. Thank you for hours of enjoyment.
6’7″ – 500lbs (197cm – 225kg) age 42
Right there with you on diabetes, I only found out at the beginning of the year. I’m type 2, but my reading when I found out was 21, now it averages to 5.9. All I can say is moderation, for the things that I love to eat. Which is a pain in the behind, but it is better then dying, it is all about WIL power. I’m working on the exercise, bit by bit, just adding stuff through the day. Like just recently I have added walking up a flight of stairs at work in the mornings.
Sugar and sugary things are evil, apparently.
Anyway congrats on getting another Seekers sales out, I am waiting for the audio book to come out before I by it.
Hello Nathan,
I wanted to let you know how much I love your books, I love books with great character development that draw me in and take me along for the ride all your books do this I finished milk run yesterday and just finished the second seekers tale book a little while ago fantastic work. oh I wanted to cheer you on with the diabetes fight I don’t have that problem but my kidneys failed 13 years ago and I’ve been on dialysis since then the diet sucked but if you try you can figure out what you need to keep you sane and healthy probably 80% of the people I sit beside are diabetic that I’ve seen learn to cook and act different you can do it.
p.s. keep up the great work on you books oh yeah and longer would not be bad but hey that’s me being greedy for your work
Loved In Ashes Born. Can’t wait for To Fire Called in audible . I only do audiobook so I’m impatiently waiting. You Are the only author I can listen to over and over without it becoming bored. While I miss your voice Jeffrey Kafer is excellent. I will continue to buy everything you write.
good luck with the numbers. just one food tip…slow cook veggies. tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus all work at 275 for about 20-25 minutes. olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, herbage of choice…or seasoning blends. that and my morning smoothies…2 parts strawberries, 1 part other berries (rasp, black, blue, combo), nonfat Greek yogurt, almond milk, a bit of cinnamon or five spice or pumpkin pie spice, a packet of fake sugar…mmmm.
it is a pain, adjusting the eating habits, but the improvement in how I felt overall has been worth it…
Nate,
Here’s an unsolicited recommendation for a smart app phone to help you monitor your diabetic diet.
I’ve been using it for several years and it makes life a lot easier monitoring carbs, calories, etc.
MyNetDiary “D” (for diabetics) for iOS and Android.
http://www.mynetdiary.com/diabetes-tracker-for-iPhone.html
It will accept your personal recipes and scan bar codes on packaged foods. If you decide to try it, send me an email and I’ll give you some user tips.
I was so thrilled to get To Fire Called! I recommend your series (Seeker Tales, Solar Clipper, Tanith Fairport, etc) tp everyone I know). I have been reading Michael Anderle lately, and one of his characters is “Nathan Lowell”, any relation? Ha.
Sorry to hear about your physical challenges, but happy to know you are meeting them with success. Keep working at it, we want you around (and writing) for a long time.
Nathan,
Likewise from other comments, the new Seeker’s series is great, and it’s awesome to hear you’re working on the diabetes. I am on the same Heath kick, and with a new lifestyle protocol and meds things are starting to settle out for me too. Looking forward to the next book, as always!
David